We have released a new firmware update! Bottlenose Hardware Hookup Guide
This guide covers the physical setup and connections for the Bottlenose WiFi Orca module.
Required Components
- 1 x Bottlenose WiFi Orca (ESP32-C6 board)
- 1 x USB-C cable for programming/power
- 1 x FREE-WILi device with Orca connector
Physical Connections
Connecting to FREE-WILi
This guide covers the physical setup and connections for the Bottlenose WiFi Orca module.
- Power down your FREE-WILi device before making connections
- Align the Orca connector on the Bottlenose module with the Orca port on your FREE-WILi device
- Gently press the modules together until the connectors are fully seated
- Verify alignment by checking that the boards are parallel and the connector is fully engaged
Connection Precautions- 1 x Bottlenose WiFi Orca (ESP32-C6 board)- 1 x Bottlenose WiFi Orca (ESP32-C6 board) Always power down both devices before connecting or disconnecting Orca modules to prevent damage to the electronics.
Power Supply Options
The Bottlenose WiFi Orca can be powered in two ways:
Option 1: Power via FREE-WILi (Recommended)
- Power is supplied through the Orca connector
- No additional power connections required
- Most convenient for portable applications
Option 2: USB-C Power + Programming
- Connect USB-C cable to Bottlenose's USB port
- Provides power and enables programming/debugging
- Required for firmware development and debugging.
- Can be used simultaneously with Orca connector power
Communication between ESP32-C6 and FREE-WILi
The Bottlenose WiFi Orca communicates with FREE-WILi through the Orca connector interface using UART communication.
UART Pinout
| ESP32-C6 Pin | FREE-WILi Pin | Function |
|---|---|---|
| ESP_5V | 5V OUT | Power Supply (5V) |
| GPIO16 | UART1_TX_Out | Transmit Data (FREE-WILi → ESP32) |
| GPIO17 | UART1_RX_IN | Receive Data (ESP32 → FREE-WILi) |
| GPIO4 | UART1_CTS_IN | Clear to Send (Hardware Flow Control) |
| GPIO5 | UART1_RTS_OUT | Request to Send (Hardware Flow Control) |
| GND | GND | Ground Reference |
Both device's UART is configured with the following parameters:
- 3 Mbps Baudrate - Optimized for WiFi command and data transfer
- CTS and RTS Controls Enabled - Hardware flow control for reliable transmission
- 8 Data Bits - Standard data frame sizeThe Bottlenose WiFi Orca can be powered by the 20-pin orca connector, the USB C connector does not supply power to the board.
- 1 Stop Bit - Standard frame termination
- No Parity - Error detection handled at higher protocol levels
GPIO and Expansion## MicroSD Card Installation
CTS (Clear to Send) and RTS (Request to Send) hardware flow control ensures reliable communication for network data, terminal bridging, and configuration commands between FREE-WILi and Bottlenose.
Communication between ESP32-P4-EYE and FREE-WILi
Qwiic Connector The FREE-WIL-EYE Orca module Adapter routes UART data and hardware handshake lines between ESP32-P4-EYE and FREE-WILi.
FREE-WILi will automatically set the required UART parameters if you enable Bottlenose Communication in the Orca Setup Setting. We will be going over that later.
The Bottlenose includes a Qwiic connector for easy I2C device connections: :::