How to Use the LILYGO T-QT Pro ESP32-S3 Development Board

Key Features Recap

• Microprocessor: ESP32-S3FN4R2 Xtensa LX7
• Wireless Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 5.0+BLE
• Programming Platforms: Compatible with Arduino IDE and MicroPython
• Memory: 4MB Flash and 2MB PSRAM
• Display: 0.85-inch GC9107 TFT IPS LCD (128x128 resolution)
• Battery Support: Battery charging and discharging functions
• Antenna Switching: Supports both onboard and external antenna options
• USB Interface: USB Type-C for easy connectivity

• Go to Tools > Board > Boards Manager, search for "ESP32", and click Install.

3. Select Your Board and Port:

• After installing, select the LILYGO T-QT Pro ESP32-S3 board: Tools > Board > ESP32 Dev Module
• Select the correct Port under Tools > Port.

4. Upload Code:

• Write or load your sketch in the Arduino IDE.
• Click the Upload button. After a few seconds, your code will be uploaded to the board.

Using the Display

1. Initialize the LCD in Arduino IDE:

• Install the Adafruit_GFX and Adafruit_ILI9341 libraries via Sketch > Include Library > Manage Libraries.
• Use the following code to display a simple text message on the screen:

#include 
#include 

// Define the pins for the LCD
#define TFT_CS     5
#define TFT_RST    22
#define TFT_DC     21

Adafruit_ILI9341 tft = Adafruit_ILI9341(TFT_CS, TFT_DC, TFT_RST);

void setup() {
  // Initialize the LCD
  tft.begin();
  tft.setRotation(3);  // Adjust orientation if necessary
  tft.fillScreen(ILI9341_BLACK);
  tft.setTextColor(ILI9341_WHITE);
  tft.setTextSize(1);
  tft.setCursor(10, 10);
  tft.println("Hello, T-QT Pro!");
}

void loop() {
  // Add more functionality here if needed
}

2. Adjust Screen Settings:

• Use the setRotation() method to change the display orientation.
• setTextColor(), setTextSize(), and setCursor() methods allow for easy text customization.

Wireless Communication (Wi-Fi & Bluetooth)

1. Wi-Fi Setup in Arduino IDE:

• Include the Wi-Fi library:

#include 

const char* ssid = "your_network";
const char* password = "your_password";

void setup() {
  Serial.begin(115200);
  WiFi.begin(ssid, password);
  while (WiFi.status() != WL_CONNECTED) {
    delay(1000);
    Serial.println("Connecting to WiFi...");
  }
  Serial.println("Connected to WiFi!");
}

void loop() {
  // Your Wi-Fi related code here
}

2. Bluetooth Setup (BLE):

• Use the built-in BluetoothSerial library to communicate over Bluetooth.

#include 

BluetoothSerial SerialBT;

void setup() {
  Serial.begin(115200);
  SerialBT.begin("ESP32_TQTPro");
  Serial.println("Bluetooth Device is Ready to Pair");
}

void loop() {
  if (SerialBT.available()) {
    Serial.write(SerialBT.read());
  }
}

Using Battery and Charging Functions

1. Battery Detection: The battery detection pin is connected to IO04. You can use this pin to monitor the battery status in your project.
2. Charging and Discharging: Use the battery charge and discharge capabilities for projects requiring mobility or standalone usage. This is particularly useful when working with Li-ion or Li-poly batteries.

External Connectivity

1. Antenna Switching: The LILYGO T-QT Pro ESP32-S3 allows for flexible antenna switching, enabling you to choose between an onboard or external antenna, depending on your signal requirements.
2. USB Type-C: The board features a USB Type-C interface for easy and convenient connectivity, simplifying power and data transfer.

What’s the Difference Between the LILYGO T-QT Pro Versions?

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. What is the difference between the ESP32-S3FN8 and ESP32-S3FN4R2 chips?

• The ESP32-S3FN8 is a more powerful chip with higher clock speed and larger flash memory compared to the ESP32-S3FN4R2. The S3FN8 also comes with PSRAM in some models, making it ideal for more demanding tasks.

2. How can I use Bluetooth with the LILYGO T-QT Pro ESP32-S3?

• The LILYGO T-QT Pro supports Bluetooth 5.0+BLE, which you can use by programming it with the BluetoothSerial library in Arduino IDE or utilizing BLE functionalities in MicroPython.

3. Can I use an external antenna with the LILYGO T-QT Pro ESP32-S3?

• Yes, the board supports antenna switching, allowing you to choose between an onboard antenna or an external one for better signal reception.

4. Is the LILYGO T-QT Pro ESP32-S3 compatible with MicroPython?

• Yes, the board is fully compatible with MicroPython, allowing you to program it using Python for embedded applications.

5. What is the size of the display on the LILYGO T-QT Pro ESP32-S3?

• The LILYGO T-QT Pro ESP32-S3 features a 0.85-inch GC9107 TFT IPS LCD with a 128x128 resolution, offering clear visuals for your embedded projects.