When the NodeMCU came out some years ago there was a problem fitting it on a breadboard. The module was simply to wide to fit.
So I devellopped an aid which you can see in the picture above and which was described in the story you can read here:
http://lucstechblog.blogspot.com/2015/09/nodemcu-breadboard-aid.html
However time passes and the Wemos D1 came out which solved the problem cause it had the same functionality as the NodeMCU but fitted nicely on a breadboard.
Then the ESP32 came along and the problem started all over.
As you can see the module itself fits on a breadboard but there is no space for attaching leads.
The problem can be solved by building a similar aid as I did for the NodeMCU. However there rises a problem. At this moment there are several versions of the ESP32 devellop boards around. And they have different sizes.
Well stick to one brand/model/size then !!!
Hey I am Dutch and I buy that module which is cheapest at the time. So I never know which will be my next buy.
With an ESP2866 (NodeMCU) you can put half of the module on the breadboard and let the other half stick outside. Most pins we need are on one side anyway.
This is not easily done for the ESP32 because it has interesting pins on both sides.
Fitting the ESP32 on two breadboards next to eachother is not going to work either. As you can see the ESP32 devellopment board I am using now is just a few mm short.
So then I had this stupid Idea.
Look at the breadboard. In the middle there is a gap with no holes.
So just cut it in half. Use a saw like above.
No we have to halves.
As you can see the ESP fits neatly as we can move the two halves away from eachother.
This works and is great for attaching cables to the breadboard. However there is no easy way to add switches etc.
Then I had another ide which I think is the best.
From one side of the breadboard bend the power rail off and cut it loose.
Now the ESP will fit neatly on two breadboards and you have ample space to add all kinds of electronics for your project.
The prices of breadboards are so darn cheap that it is not a waste to use this trick. You can buy 5 of them for about 4.50 Euro/USD at our favorite chinese suppliers.
Till next time
happy breadboarding
Luc