When attempting to achieve something else (wireless connection to a remote Arduino device) I came across the ESP8266 WiFi module.

 

Having bought a handful at <USD 3 a pop and set about learning how to make them do what I wanted (with zero help from the seller) I also discovered ThingSpeak. So now I'm plotting the output of my solar on a web enabled portal, no need to download from the SD card on the logger.

 

It's currently really (really, really) basic https://thingspeak.com/channels/991448

 

Now I have the learn about MATLAB.

 

Anyone else dabbling / playing? Want to share your project?

 

Worth a forum on TV?

 

Crossy

 

I have always followed your post with great interest, have gained knowledge, learned a few new technical terms and shared a few T-Shirt experiences, but now you are speaking a totally different language. 

6 minutes ago, Daffy D said:

I have always followed your post with great interest, have gained knowledge, learned a few new technical terms and shared a few T-Shirt experiences, but now you are speaking a totally different language. 

 

It's never too late to learn a new language ???? 

 

I honestly hadn't bargained on things going in the IoT direction when I set out to simply replace a long bit of serial cable snaking across the patio.

 

And a post discussing moderation has been banished to the ether.

 

History: I program in Windows since forever.

 

Maybe three years ago I started to play around with Arduinos (mostly the Nano and Mega Pro, the smallest and the most powerful at that time).

And I played with some Arduino modules.

The last thing I did with the Arduino was a CAN-Bus logger. That was the moment when I discovered that the Arduino is too slow to record all the CAN-Bus traffic in my (modern) bike to a SD-Card.

 

Then I heard about the ESP8266 which can be programmed with Arduino code or with native code.

 

And soon after that I discovered the ESP32 which is the bigger "brother" or the ESP8266 also including Bluetooth and CAN-Bus.

In theory Arduino code also works on that one but the native IDF-IDE has a lot more options.

So now I learn more and more about that thing. It takes time and it's fun.

And now I mostly don't use modules anymore but I buy the ICs and solder things together.

The last thing which I discovered is a super cheap PCB manufacturer.

And I bought a hot air reflow station to be able to work with SMD parts - it's easier than I thought.

All is a lot of fun. Obviously it cost money but less than going out all night.

I think all these things are too specialized for TV. But if you like post something or send me a PM.

 

Here are some links:

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000093185394.html

https://docs.espressif.com/projects/esp-idf/en/latest/

https://jlcpcb.com/

https://easyeda.com/

https://www.es.co.th/index.asp

 

This was my first try with hot air. The outer holes are 2.54 mm center to center...

2 hours ago, Crossy said:

It's never too late to learn a new language ???? 

Oh! I wish 

 

At my age have enough trouble keeping up with the things I already know  

Mornin Crossy, while not as yet dabbling in the ESP8266 I have seen a few articles on it at :

https://www.hackster.io