IDPL - 5: Integration of Actuators with NodeMCU

IDPL - 5: Integration of Actuators with NodeMCU (Servo Motor/Relay)

Objective

To interface and control a servo motor and a 5 V control relay independently using NodeMCU ESP8266.

Required Components

NodeMCU ESP8266
Servo motor
Single-channel 5 V relay module
External 5 V power supply
Jumper wires
Breadboard

Part A: Servo Motor Interfacing

Objective

To interface a servo motor with NodeMCU ESP8266 and control its angular position using a programmed control signal.

Required Components

NodeMCU ESP8266
Servo motor
External 5 V power supply
Jumper wires
Breadboard

Circuit Diagram

Servo Motor Pin Connections

Servo Motor Pin	Connection
Signal	NodeMCU D5 (GPIO14)
VCC	External 5 V supply
GND	Common GND

Important: The servo motor should preferably be powered from an external 5 V supply. The NodeMCU GND and external power-supply GND must be connected together to provide a common reference for the servo control signal.

Working Principle

A servo motor is an actuator that can rotate its shaft to a specified angular position.

The NodeMCU generates a PWM-based control signal on D5 (GPIO14). The servo interprets this signal and moves its shaft to the corresponding angular position.

In this experiment, the servo is programmed to move sequentially to:

0°
90°
180°
0°

The servo remains at each position for a specified time before moving to the next position.

Experiment Code for Servo Motor

// © 2026, Cognifront. Member of The IoT Kits Family.

// Experiment: Servo Motor Interfacing with NodeMCU
// Board: NodeMCU ESP8266

#include <Servo.h>

Servo myServo;

int servoPin = D5;   // GPIO14

void setup() {

  // Attach servo to D5
  myServo.attach(servoPin);

  // Set servo to initial position
  myServo.write(0);
}

void loop() {

  // Move servo to 0 degrees
  myServo.write(0);
  delay(1000);

  // Move servo to 90 degrees
  myServo.write(90);
  delay(1000);

  // Move servo to 180 degrees
  myServo.write(180);
  delay(1000);

  // Return servo to 0 degrees
  myServo.write(0);
  delay(1000);
}

Required Arduino Library

The program uses the Servo library.

For ESP8266 boards, install the ESP8266Servo library if the standard Servo library is not available or does not compile correctly with the selected NodeMCU board.

Testing the Servo

Connect the servo signal wire to D5 (GPIO14).
Connect the servo VCC to an appropriate external 5 V supply.
Connect the servo GND and NodeMCU GND together.
Upload the program to the NodeMCU.
Power the NodeMCU and servo.
Observe the servo movement.
The servo should move approximately to 0°, 90°, and 180° positions and then return to 0°.

Observation

The servo moves to approximately 0°.
The servo then moves to approximately 90°.
The servo then moves to approximately 180°.
The servo returns to approximately 0°.
The servo movement is controlled by the NodeMCU through D5 (GPIO14).

Result

The servo motor was successfully interfaced with NodeMCU ESP8266 and controlled to move to different angular positions.

Conclusion

This experiment demonstrates the interfacing and control of a servo motor using NodeMCU ESP8266. The NodeMCU generates the required control signal and the servo motor responds by moving to the programmed angular positions.

Part B: Relay Interfacing

Objective

To interface a single-channel 5 V relay module with NodeMCU ESP8266 and control the relay using a digital output signal.

Required Components

NodeMCU ESP8266
Single-channel 5 V relay module
External 5 V power supply
Jumper wires
Breadboard
Suitable electrical load, if required

Circuit Diagram

Relay Pin Connections

Relay Module Pin	Connection
IN	NodeMCU D1 (GPIO5)
VCC	5 V supply
GND	Common GND

Important: Connect the NodeMCU GND and the relay power-supply GND together when required by the relay module's control interface.

Working Principle

A relay is an electrically operated switch that allows a low-voltage control circuit to switch a separate electrical load.

The NodeMCU controls the relay module through D1 (GPIO5).

When the relay is activated, its internal contacts change state. The relay contacts can then be used to control a suitable external load within the relay's rated voltage and current limits.

In this experiment, the relay is programmed to:

Turn ON for 2 seconds.
Turn OFF for 2 seconds.
Repeat continuously.

Note: The relay module used in this experiment is assumed to be a 5 V relay module with a control input compatible with the NodeMCU interface. Verify the specific relay module before connecting it.

Experiment Code for Relay

// © 2026, Cognifront. Member of The IoT Kits Family.

// Experiment: Relay Interfacing with NodeMCU
// Board: NodeMCU ESP8266

int relayPin = D1;   // GPIO5

void setup() {

  // Set relay pin as output
  pinMode(relayPin, OUTPUT);

  // Keep relay OFF initially
  digitalWrite(relayPin, LOW);
}

void loop() {

  // Turn relay ON
  digitalWrite(relayPin, HIGH);
  delay(2000);

  // Turn relay OFF
  digitalWrite(relayPin, LOW);
  delay(2000);
}

Note: The above program assumes that the relay module is active HIGH. If the relay module is active LOW, interchange the `HIGH` and `LOW` values in the program.

Testing the Relay

Connect the relay IN pin to D1 (GPIO5).
Connect relay VCC to the appropriate 5 V supply.
Connect relay GND to common GND.
Upload the program to the NodeMCU.
Power the NodeMCU and relay module.
Observe the relay indicator LED and listen for the relay switching sound.
The relay should turn ON for approximately 2 seconds.
The relay should then turn OFF for approximately 2 seconds.
The process repeats continuously.

Observation

The relay is initially OFF.
The relay turns ON for approximately 2 seconds.
The relay turns OFF for approximately 2 seconds.
The relay continues switching between ON and OFF states.
The relay is controlled by the NodeMCU through D1 (GPIO5).

Result

The single-channel relay module was successfully interfaced with NodeMCU ESP8266 and controlled using a digital output signal.

Conclusion

This experiment demonstrates the interfacing and control of a relay module using NodeMCU ESP8266. The NodeMCU provides a low-voltage digital control signal, while the relay can be used to switch a suitable external electrical load within its specified ratings.

Safety Note: The NodeMCU and relay control connections are low-voltage circuits. If the relay is used to control a 230 V AC load, the mains/load side presents a serious electric-shock and fire hazard. Mains wiring must be performed only by a qualified person using appropriate electrical protection, insulation, enclosure, and safety procedures. Always disconnect mains power before modifying the load-side wiring.