Question 1

how do i get it working on osx

Accepted Answer

Since I had a bit of trouble figuring this out as most of the info I found is for Windows, here are the steps to get this working with the Arduino IDE on a Mac:

1. Download the Mac VCP drivers at https://www.silabs.com/products/development-tools/software/usb-to-uart-bridge-vcp-drivers
2. Install the drivers, and make sure you authorize any security prompts that appear while installing
3. (On recent macOS releases) Open System Preferences > Security & Privacy > General. You’ll see a message about the Silabs driver being blocked at the bottom. Click “Allow”
4. Download and install the Arduino IDE
5. Open Arduino Preferences and paste the URL below in Additional Board Manager URLs: http://arduino.esp8266.com/stable/package_esp8266com_index.json
6. Go to Tools > Board > Board Manager> Type “esp8266” and download the Community esp8266 and install
7. Set up your chip as:
Tools > Board > NodeMCU 1.0 (ESP-12E Module)
Tools > Flash Size > 4M (3M SPIFFS)
Tools > CPU Frequency > 80 Mhz
Tools > Upload Speed > 921600
Tools > Port > /dev/cu.SLAB_USBtoUART
(leave the rest as-is)
8. Open File > Examples > ESP8266 > Blink
9. Compile and Upload. After it's done uploading, the red led should start blinking in your board.

Question 2

How many output amps can this handle?

Accepted Answer

The AMS1117-3.3 chip (3.3v regulator) looks like it has a maximum load of 1.5A. So that minus whatever the ESP itself draws. To be on the safe side, I'd limit the current draw off the 3.3v supply to around 500mA.

Question 3

Is there a built-in micro sd card? (description says it does, but the two units i received don't seem to have a slot for inserting an sd card).

Accepted Answer

I think you might be reading the description wrong.  It does say "Built-in Micro-USB" and that is not the same as micro sd.  I have not seen a description stating it supports a micro sd.

Question 4

What firmware or program is already onboard? when i connect at 115200 baud it shows the nearby ssids, but i don't know how to send commands.

Accepted Answer

If you only see nearby SSIDs, it means that your board has the "WiFiScan.ino" load on the board.
You can see the source here - https://github.com/esp8266/Arduino/blob/master/libraries/ESP8266WiFi/examples/WiFiScan/WiFiScan.ino
"AT" commands won't do you any good since it is not loaded.

There are a couple of instruction you can read here - https://github.com/esp8266

ASIN	B010N1SPRK
Brand	HiLetgo
Built-In Media	2 ESP8266 NodeMCU CP2102 Development Boards
Compatible Devices	ESP8266
Connectivity Technology	USB, Wi-Fi
Customer Reviews	4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars (646)
Item Dimensions L x W x H	12.7L x 9.5W x 1.3H centimeters
Item Weight	41 g
Manufacturer	HiLetgo
Memory Storage Capacity	1000000 Bytes
Mfr Part Number	3-01-0268
Model Name	ESP-12E
Model Number	3-01-0268
Operating System	Arduino IDE, Mongoose IoT, Micropython
Processor Brand	Espressif
Processor Count	1
Processor Speed	8E+1 MHz
RAM Memory Installed	1 MB
RAM Memory Technology	DDR
Total Usb Ports	1
UPC	703681358704 777904206141
Wireless Compability	802.11b

HiLetgo 2pcs ESP8266 NodeMCU LUA CP2102 ESP-12E Internet WiFi Development Board Open Source Serial Wireless Module Works Great with Arduino IDE/Micropython (Pack of 2PCS)

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