TSP #67 - Tutorial and Experiments with ESP8266 SoC, Arduino and Internet of Things (IoT)

In this episode Shahriar explores the functionality of the popular ESP8266 SoC chip. This IC incorporates a full ISM radio as well as the physical/MAC layer for 802.11b/g/n network communication. Furthermore it includes a uC core for code execution making it a low-cost candidate for Internet of Thing applications. This video uses a Sparkfun Thing evaluation board which also includes a LiPo batter charger, voltage regular, flash memory and all the I/O pins which are accessible to the user. The block diagram of the ESP8266 is reviewed as well as the schematic of the complete Sparkfun Thing board.

By using an Arduino library and the iOS application, a cell phone and the ESP8266 can simultaneously communicate with a server running the IoT application and transfer data between the application and the module. In this demo various components such as NeoPixel (WS2812), OneWire temperature sensor and battery monitoring functionality are implemented. The code is available from The Signal Path website.

The Signal Path

[hsbs]

Thank you! It's not often that someone will take the time to do a proper tutorial. These types of tutorials should be done by every manufacturer for each of their devices. I was on the fence about buying an ESP8266 Thing. Now that I know more about its capabilities, I've decided I want one. Thanks for all the great info!

[sykskysyk]

Very happy to see this type of content from you Shahriar. I love the fact that your channel features all sorts of video for all levels of skill and interest!

[koffibanan]

I definitely like these type of videos, I'm learning new things all the time. Thank you for your efforts and clear explanation. You certainly get your enthusiasm across! :)

[TKomoski]

Welcome back Shahriar, thought you were on holidays. Certainly these type of video's are important as well, lots of people out there are hobbyist. Great to see you back look forward to the next video, Cheers.

[daveblane]

You are a GENIUS, Shahriar! Thank you for these great videos!! Happy New Year!

[michaelyu]

Thanks so much for the video. I just got a Sparkfun ESP8266 Thing in Xmas. This video inspires me and make me understand what this Thing can do. Will try to add more sensors to automate my home.

[johnwoods]

Thanks for the new video, interesting and educational as always. I appreciate the time and effort you put into making your video tutorials.

[lpopuuw]

Cool, the ESP8266 is super cool and really easy to use!

[kissingfrogs]

Struggling to sync my clock to Shariar's high speed clock. As always great video. Always look forward to watching them.

[douglassudd]

Very interesting video. I would enjoy seeing more of this type of content!

[hotvibess]

This is awesome! Thanks for sharing!! I am going to try this as soon as I reach home.

[DJSolitone]

Amazing ! Your cat manages to get into the picture once more... In a very subliminal way ! What a genius...

[dthunghk]

Another great video. Thank very much. Look forwards to the your VNA repair/operation video.

[davecc]

Nice vid. Thanks for uploading.

It would be nice if you would zoom in to the section of the schematic you are discussing. On a phone it's *really* small.

[MetalPhreakAU]

PROG pin on the MCP73831/2 is for programming the maximum charge current. The voltage is set from the factory (you order different part numbers for different voltages). Used them on a few projects and they work well :)

[dwurmfeld]

Thank you for the tutorial, you have inspired me to give it a try.

[jacekpaw]

Very good video, but I'm a bit surprised. Before I start watching it, I fought that you will try to test/sniff the radio communication or perform some experiments with it. But don't understand me wrong, I enjoyed it very much and I would like to watch more vids like this.

[edwinhowardarmstrong]

Enjoy your videos very much. Sometime, could you briefly comment on where you get your test leads (for power supply hook-ups, etc.) Most test leads on the market are crap - I'd like to know where to get quality products. And how about introducing us to your cat.

[AmauryJacquot]

there's a bug in your code.
in LightStrip, the for loop should start at 0 and not 1.
if you look closely, the first neopixel of the strip keeps off when it shouldn't ;-)

[vanessa_annie_ikebudu]

Hey! This was great!
I have a few questions
1. Which hardware option did you select for you adafruit (blynk only has Arduino due, Arduino
2. What is the potential of blynk in terms of customisation. Is it possible to code it such that it is interactive in terms of giving out different sound instructions and adding new widgets to it?
Thank you :)