# Quickstart - Developer\_Kit

Our Developer\_Kit's enable you build custom XRP Ledger and Xahau Network monitors, blending the Internet of Things with the Internet of Value. With hands-on tutorials, open-source code, and a breadboard full of possibilities, you’ll create devices that bring blockchain to life with lights, sounds, and real-time data.

<figure><img src="https://3326058433-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FYSjOqnJTe0DZqDoQNIrF%2Fuploads%2FN74PjYwX3KKru8C8F121%2FUntitled%20design(23).png?alt=media&#x26;token=477d88bf-78b8-43f3-8d20-1f17dccd60b4" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

This guide walks you through unboxing your Developer\_Kit, setting up your environment, and mastering basic to advanced skills. Whether you’re a newbie or a pro, our ESP32-XRPL repository [GitHub](https://github.com/LittleLedger/ESP32-XRPL) empowers you to innovate and contribute to the XRPL/Xahau ecosystems. Let’s spark creativity and make blockchain tangible!

**What’s in the Developer\_Kit?**

Your Developer\_Kit is packed with everything you need to build a custom XRPL/Xahau monitor and learn IoT programming. Unbox these components and get ready to create:

* ESP32 Microcontroller: The brain of your projects, powering IoT and blockchain integration.
* Tactile Button: Control your device with simple presses.
* 3-Color LED (RGB): Add vibrant visual feedback.
* Buzzer: Create audio alerts for blockchain events.
* Diodes & Resistors: Ensure safe and stable circuits.
* 0.96" LCD Screen (SSD1306): Display real-time XRPL/Xahau data.
* Breadboard & Jumper Wires: Build and experiment with ease.

No kit? No worries! Our open-source tutorials work with standard ESP32 hardware, so you can follow along and innovate.

***

**Set Up Your Environment**

<div data-full-width="false"><figure><img src="https://3326058433-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FYSjOqnJTe0DZqDoQNIrF%2Fuploads%2FKEH802PSczKl0tJXoLna%2FScreen%2BShot%2B2021-02-17%2Bat%2B18.00.37.png?alt=media&#x26;token=81f2d8ee-d7bb-4c8f-9f69-eba154e4476e" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

Let’s get your Developer\_Kit ready to roll! Follow these steps to set up your software and hardware environment.

Step 1: Install Arduino IDE

1. Download and install the Arduino IDE from [arduino.cc](https://www.arduino.cc/en/software).
2. Open the IDE and prepare to configure it for ESP32.

<figure><img src="https://3326058433-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FYSjOqnJTe0DZqDoQNIrF%2Fuploads%2FDAeEiFHTqftMnBvsLd4T%2F6.png?alt=media&#x26;token=fd0d17c9-ab7b-43f6-9e96-2938575d932c" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Step 2: Add ESP32 Board Support

1. Go to File > Preferences.
2. In Additional Board Manager URLs add <https://raw.githubusercontent.com/espressif/arduino-esp32/gh-pages/package_esp32_index.json>
3. Navigate to Tools > Board > Boards Manager, search for “ESP32,” and install the esp32 package by Espressif Systems.

<figure><img src="https://3326058433-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FYSjOqnJTe0DZqDoQNIrF%2Fuploads%2FXUlCqKrIYKOQ1vdp72bx%2F9.png?alt=media&#x26;token=fc02d877-5ba3-4184-8390-54733b8c1bdd" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Step 3: Install Required Libraries&#x20;

1. Go to Tools > Manage Libraries.
2. Install these libraries:
   * WebSockets (by Markus Sattler)
   * ArduinoJson (by Benoit Blanchon)
   * Adafruit\_GFX (by Adafruit)
   * Adafruit\_SSD1306 (by Adafruit)

<figure><img src="https://3326058433-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FYSjOqnJTe0DZqDoQNIrF%2Fuploads%2FOxvbNHQYKE5iYLm7QRhX%2FScreenshot%20from%202025-09-02%2014-13-56.png?alt=media&#x26;token=a75472a1-d106-4072-81b0-a2087ccf81c8" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Step 4: Install USB-to-Serial Drivers

Your ESP32 (NodeMCU-32S) needs a USB-to-serial driver to communicate with your computer. The driver depends on your OS and the ESP32’s chip (CP2102 or CH340/CH341).

* Windows:
  * Install the driver for your ESP32’s chip:
    * CP2102: [Silicon Labs CP2102 Driver](https://www.silabs.com/developers/usb-to-uart-bridge-vcp-drivers)
    * CH340/CH341: [WCH CH340 Driver](http://www.wch.cn/engine/downloads/CH341SER_EXE.html)
  * Check for a COM port in Arduino IDE under Tools > Port.
* macOS:
  * CP2102: Usually built-in (Catalina+); no driver needed.
  * CH340/CH341: Install from [here](https://github.com/adrianmihalko/ch340g-ch34g-ch34x-mac-os-x-driver).
  * Allow the driver in System Settings > Security & Privacy if prompted.
  * Look for /dev/cu.usbserial-\* in Tools > Port.
* Linux:

  * Most distributions support CP2102/CH340 natively.
  * Add your user to the dialout group

  ```
  sudo usermod -a -G dialout $USER    
  ```

  * Log out and back in.
  * Look for /dev/ttyUSB0 in Tools > Port.
  * If the port doesn’t appear, use dmesg to troubleshoot.

Pro Tip: Use a high-quality USB cable with data lines (not power-only) to avoid connection issues.

***

### Testing - Example 01. Blink

To test our setup we will connect an LED to our board and upload the blink example, the BUILTIN\_LED for our micro controller is GPIO 2 but this varies between esp32 models.

**Step 1:  Connect the LED**

Connect your NodeMCU-32S to a single LED as displayed above, this can be done as pictured or by making use of the breadboard supplied. The LED ( light emitting diode ) only works one way round, the longer leg is the positive, if nothing happens after upload try swapping the connections.&#x20;

<figure><img src="https://3326058433-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FYSjOqnJTe0DZqDoQNIrF%2Fuploads%2FpKSEqDVF8YFOY1ZFbDHT%2FScreenshot%20from%202025-09-02%2015-20-44.png?alt=media&#x26;token=b1116103-f57b-4cb0-87af-fd413d3e0e07" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

**Step 2: Assign Board NodeMCU-32S to your Port.**

Connect the ESP32 to your computer with a high-quality USB cable, open the Arduino IDE and select the "select other board and port" from the drop down next to the upload buttons (top left).&#x20;

A window will appear allowing you to type in NodeMCU-32S to assign the board to your port, If the ESP32 board is not appearing try a different USB cable and double check serial ports have been configured correctly.

<figure><img src="https://3326058433-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FYSjOqnJTe0DZqDoQNIrF%2Fuploads%2F6dIagfpCYViX0E5FltJ1%2FScreenshot%20from%202025-09-02%2014-13-22.png?alt=media&#x26;token=d5f750c4-f252-406c-8e17-6046a2368a03" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

**Step 3: Blink Example**

Arduino studio is packed with examples to help you get started with any project you can think of, you can review all that is available by Selecting File > Examples. As you install more library's examples appear to here with demonstrations of how to incorporate them into your projects, we are going to select 01.Basic > Blink.

This will open a new sketch with the following code

```cpp
// the setup function runs once when you press reset or power the board
void setup() {
  // initialize digital pin LED_BUILTIN as an output.
  pinMode(LED_BUILTIN, OUTPUT);
}

// the loop function runs over and over again forever
void loop() {
  digitalWrite(LED_BUILTIN, HIGH);  // turn the LED on (HIGH is the voltage level)
  delay(1000);                      // wait for a second
  digitalWrite(LED_BUILTIN, LOW);   // turn the LED off by making the voltage LOW
  delay(1000);                      // wait for a second
}
```

Select Upload in the Arduino IDE to program the ESP32

<figure><img src="https://3326058433-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FYSjOqnJTe0DZqDoQNIrF%2Fuploads%2Fb6TcomvbcHmbd0g0CG2R%2FScreenshot%20from%202025-09-02%2016-04-09.png?alt=media&#x26;token=af3320f0-9294-4234-a086-626ecebafd3d" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

When the upload is complete the LED connected to your ESP32 should be blinking, This confirms everything is setup correctly and you are ready to proceed to the next steps.