RPi +NodeMCU using Nodejs and MQTT (Mosquitto)

PiNeapple is the nickname for this project, where devices and objects such as light, heater, door, window, temperature, soil moisture, motion sensors can be controlled. This project is mostly addressed in the Waterfall methodology. Waterfall is a methodology that states the next Phase can only start if the previous one is completed and correct, therefore you cannot go back a step if the design phase has gone. Even tough during the implementation phase it was necessary to go back to the Design phase, due to external reason such as delivery of products, or my lack of deep understanding of some specific subject. The choice for following the waterfall methodology is because it is simple and for small projects.

In 2019, the popularity of the IoT (Internet of Things) has increased drastically, IoT will not only make our lives easier but also improve our lifestyle and skills. The technology to create your own IoT has become more and more accessible regarding disponibility and price. PiNeapple uses a Raspberry Pi, a fully functional computer and six NodeMCU (Node MicroController Unit) it is an open source software and hardware development environment that is built around a very inexpensive System-on-a-Chip (SoC) called the ESP8266. ESP8266 has a Wi-Fi microchip with full TCP/IP stack. Also this project includes another development board called Particle Photon.

All controls are executed and displayed through a webpage in a browser, it has a friendly user interface with bidirectional communication in real time over the web, using MQTT (Message Queue Telemetry Transport) protocol, which is a lightweight and simple messaging protocol, making it an ideal IoT.

The core of this project is the Raspberry Pi, a fully functional computer with low cost, very easy to set up. After powered, it needs only a monitor, a keyboard and a mouse. Due to this characteristics, it is the perfect asset to build a home automation system.

Many different hardwares and softwares are out there to give life to an IoT project, and they are not hard to implement, but if you are make a project which involves many users, many devices to be controlled or monitored, or you just want to leave space for possible future extension in your project, it is vital the software choice.

Troubleshooting was the main skill developed, and the internet was the principal source of information.

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