2.Hardware Connection

This chapter walks through the hardware assembly for the LAFVIN AIoT Starter Kit, including the ESP32-S3 main controller and the included modules.

Warning

Before starting assembly:

  • disconnect all power sources and do not wire the board while it is powered on

  • do not connect high-voltage external loads to the relay module until the board, firmware, and voice control path have already been tested successfully

Note

Use the included external power adapter only after the controller board and modules are connected. For first-time flashing, a USB Type-C data cable connected to your computer is usually enough.

GPIO Pin Assignment

The following table shows the main control pins used by each module:

GPIO Pin Assignment Table

Module Name

Function

GPIO Pin

RGB LED

Red, green, and blue channels

GPIO4 GPIO5 GPIO6

DHT11 Sensor

Data signal

GPIO11

SG90 Servo

PWM control

GPIO16

WS2812 LED Strip

Data signal

GPIO7

Fan Control

Switch control

GPIO10

2-Channel Relay Module

Control signals 1 and 2

GPIO8 GPIO9

Rain Sensor

Digital signal

GPIO15

Soil Sensor

Digital signal

GPIO17

Assembly Steps

Step 1: Install the main controller

  1. Insert the ESP32-S3 development board, audio board, and screen into the matching headers on the AI Chatbot IoT Shield.

  2. Make sure the pins are aligned correctly and are not bent.

  3. Insert the AI Chatbot IoT Shield into the breadboard.

Step 2: Connect the sensor modules

  1. Connect the DHT11 sensor according to the pin assignment table.

  2. Connect the rain sensor and soil sensor.

  3. Check that each connection is secure before powering the board.

../_images/dht11.jpg ../_images/rain_sensor.jpg ../_images/soil_sensor.jpg

Step 3: Connect the actuator modules

  1. Connect the RGB LED module.

  2. Install the servo and WS2812 LED strip.

  3. Connect the fan and relay modules.

../_images/rgb_led.jpg ../_images/fan.jpg ../_images/led_strip.jpg ../_images/relay.jpg ../_images/servo.jpg

Step 4: Connect power for the first time

  1. After the controller board and modules are installed, connect the included external power adapter.

  2. Connect the USB Type-C data cable to your computer if you are preparing to flash firmware next.

Pre-Flash Check

Use this checklist before continuing to software setup and firmware flashing:

  • ESP32-S3 development board installed correctly

  • Audio board and screen seated correctly

  • All Dupont wires connected securely

  • Signal wires connected according to the wiring table

  • USB Type-C data cable connected to the computer

  • No external high-voltage load connected to the relay module

Basic Power-On Check

  1. Connect USB power or the included external power adapter.

  2. Confirm that the development board powers on.

  3. If the board does not power on, disconnect it immediately and recheck the wiring and module alignment.

Tip

At this stage, verify only wiring and basic power. Perform voice, LED, and sensor function tests after firmware flashing, Wi-Fi setup, and backend binding are complete.

Next, continue with software setup and firmware flashing.