EPS8266 ESP-01 Blue led stays lit unless 3.3v logic divider is bypassed, works when reconnected I am having a very weird and frustrating issue with this ESP01. I am creating a shield on protoboard, and everything checks out as far as I can tell. I am using a 3.3v voltage divider (1k and 2.2k) from arduino TX to ESP RX.

When I connect the ESP straight to the arduino Mega 2560, it works fine. When I connect the ESP to my protoboard, the blue led stays lit. Now here's he weird part. 

I broke out the protoboard header with jumpers to the ESP, 3.3v to vcc and ch_pd, gnd to gnd in my header. Bypassing the logic voltage divider on my protoboard results in a working ESP8266.

While still powered up, I moved the Tx/Rx to the header, through the voltage divider, and it still works! But when I disconnect USB from the Arduino, then reconnect, the blue led stays lit, until I bypass the voltage divider, connect to the ESP, then connect back to the divider.

I am currently testing my code with a simple serial relay sketch, ESP on Serial3.
I have nothing else connected to ESP besides vcc, ch_pd, gnd, tx and Rx.
I am connecting to the arduino and ESP on 115200 baud. The ESP replies without garbage on 115200 when connected straight to Serial3 rx/tx

I thought insufficient power may have been an issue, using the mega's 3.3v for vcc, so I built a voltage regulator circuit converting a 9v battery to 3.3v (well 3.75, using an LM317T with R1=330ohm/R2=660ohm because it's what I had on hand) and there was no change in performance, besides the LEDs being slightly brighter. The ESP still functioned with RX/TX straight to the mega while connected to the 3.75v supply.

I know pics would help a lot, and I can post some later tonight after work. My wife, sensing my frustration, told me to set everything down and go to work so I wouldn't break anything, so I am asking around for possible fixes for when I get home. 

I appreciate any and all replies, and will provide any necessary clarification. 

Thanks,
Vl4d
A wiring diagram would help. 

Also, measure the 3.3v regulator's output, especially under load; 9v batteries are best in low-drain long-life applications like smoke detectors. Another supply, perhaps Arduino's 5v supply, might be a better source for the 3.3v regulator.