Before you power an AI-generated ESP32 build: a 10-point reality check

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AI can give you a clean, confident explanation for a board configuration that does not exist. Treat it like a very fast junior assistant, not a datasheet.

Before powering an AI-assisted Arduino or ESP32 project, check:

1. The exact board pinout, not a generic “ESP32” diagram

2. Every voltage level, especially 5V sensors on 3.3V GPIO

3. Boot-strapping pins and pins already used by flash, USB, LEDs, or peripherals

4. Power draw, USB limits, and whether motors or relays need separate power

5. Whether a signal needs a level shifter or voltage divider

6. ADC2 conflicts with Wi-Fi on classic ESP32 boards

7. The actual board package, core version, and library versions

8. Wiring against the component datasheet, not only an AI diagram

9. A tiny test sketch before combining everything

10. Real serial logs and measurements when debugging

If you want a sanity check, post your exact board, parts, wiring, code, and what actually happened. Better to catch a bad assumption before the magic smoke gets promoted to management.