In this project, we’ll design a digital watch as an Internet-of-Thing (IoT) device. It will connect to an online API through a Wi-Fi network. Based on the user’s location, it will display the local date, time, and weather conditions. The watch is built using an ESP32 microcontroller and an SSD1306 OLED display. The Weather API…
How to combine a gateway and server when using LoRa
In this tutorial about LoRa technology, we’ll cover two methods for combining a gateway and server by sending data to a PHP script for storage in a database and redirecting data to an MQTT server. ChirpStack is a powerful LoRaWAN network server that offers versatile integration options for managing and visualizing data. Let’s delve into…
Part 1: Types of open-source LoRa gateways and servers
ChirpStack is an open-source LoRaWAN Network Server that provides a solution for managing and maintaining LoRaWAN networks. LoRaWAN is a low-power, wide-area networking protocol. This article offers a step-by-step guide to ChirpStack installation, allowing a stable Internet-of-Things (IoT) network foundation. To learn how to connect and set up the initial hardware, please refer to this article:…
How to build an IoT-based digital menu using the MIT Inventor App
Digitalization has significantly shifted us toward a paperless society, impacting both personal and professional lives. Take restaurants, for example, where many establishments now offer digital menus. Providing a digital option offers several advantages to restaurant owners, their customers, and the environment. It reduces paper waste, allowing for an interactive experience and real-time updates for the…
What are the programming essentials for LoRa nodes?
LoRa (long-range) technology ensures reliable long-range communication between a node and gateway, making it well-suited for a range of Internet-of-Things (IoT) applications. The purpose of building a LoRa node is to reduce costs while ensuring long-term, low-power use for devices. LoRa’s low power is affected by several features, covered below. Features Smart programming. The written…
The top MQTT brokers of 2022
MQTT protocol is a widely used machine-to-machine communication protocol and an OASIS standard messaging protocol for the Internet of Things (IoT). With a small footprint of less than 80 Kb, MQTT is simple and based on a publish-subscribe system. The key component is the MQTT broker. IoT devices communicating over this network are called MQTT…
How to make an Internet clock using ESP8266
The Internet of things (IoT) offers several interesting applications, including an Internet clock. This timekeeping device uses an Internet connection to synchronize the time with a time server. This ensures highly accurate timekeeping, aligning with online servers’ coordinated universal time (UTC). Most Internet clocks use NTP, a protocol designed to synchronize clocks over a network.…
What are the top weather APIs for the IoT?
The Internet of Things (IoT) is a network of billions of smart devices working with countless Internet-enabled digital services. One such service is weather forecast. Weather APIs integrate weather data with smart devices, websites, and online platforms. Several IoT applications use weather data, such as smart clocks, temperature control systems, as well as travel and…
How to design an IoT-based smart alarm
We might not always appreciate them, but that morning wake-up alarm is important for everyday life. It ensures we wake up in time for work, school, meetings, appointments, or other essential tasks. Alarms can also help us keep a regular sleep/wake schedule. In this project, we’ll use the Internet of Things (IoT) to set a…
How to make HTTP requests using Arduino for the IoT
One essential step in developing Internet of Things (IoT) applications is setting up communication between the IoT devices and a web server or services. IoT devices communicate with a web server, service, or an API through HTTP requests. An HTTP request is a message sent by a client to a server in the context of…
What is IFTTT and how does it work?
Automation has extended from industrial settings to homes and offices, with smart home devices and appliances becoming a part of our everyday lives. One challenge in the automation sector is creating flow and unity between the vast diversity of devices and applications. Automation has been further affected by various online services such as SaaS (Software…
Difference between LOS and NLOS in Wireless LoRa Technology
In today’s world of communication, Long Range (LoRa) technology has taken a significant role, providing strong, long-distance connections. LoRa’s way of sending signals and its impressive reach make it an ideal option for many direct and indirect network paths. This article explores how LoRa works in two situations: when devices can see each other (line-of-sight…
Microchip introduces low pin-count MCUs with I3C support
With the step-function increase in data collected and transmitted from cloud-connected edge nodes, Improved Inter Integrated Circuit (I3C) is rapidly becoming a more sustainable solution for interfacing sensors with a high data rate and will help expand capabilities in next-generation devices. Leading the way in I3C integration, Microchip Technology has released its PIC18-Q20 family of microcontrollers…
STMicroelectronics’ new software connects IoT devices to Microsoft Azure
STMicroelectronics, a global semiconductor provider serving customers across the spectrum of electronics applications, has released software that simplifies connecting IoT devices built using the latest high-performing STM32H5 microcontrollers (MCUs) to Microsoft Azure IoT Hub. ST’s STM32Cube expansion package, named X-CUBE-AZURE-H5, consists of a set of libraries and application examples for high-performance microcontrollers of the STM32H5 series,…
New STM32 software securely connects to AWS IoT devices
STMicroelectronics, a global semiconductor provider serving customers across the spectrum of electronics applications, has added new software to its STM32Cube development tools that simplify connecting high-performing Internet of Things (IoT) devices to the AWS cloud. ST has released the X-CUBE-AWS-H5 expansion package, which enables a seamless and secure connection to the AWS cloud. It contains a…
New microcontroller discovery kit accelerates building connected devices
STMicroelectronics has released a richly featured development board for creating diverse applications with STM32H5 microcontrollers (MCUs). The STM32H5 devices are ideal for high-performance processing and advanced security in a wide range of applications, including smart sensors, smart appliances, industrial controllers, networking equipment, personal electronics, and medical devices. The STM32H573I-DK Discovery kit enables developers to explore all the integrated features…
How LoRa can impact smart cities with parking sensors
In this article, we’ll configure a parking sensor using LoRa (long-range) devices. LoRa is a wireless communication technique derived from Chirp Spread Spectrum (CSS) technology. For this project, Arduino Nano is connected to an ultrasonic sensor, detecting parking occupancy based on distance measurements. When a vehicle enters or leaves a parking space, the ultrasonic sensor…
The top long-range Bluetooth modules of 2023
Bluetooth, which offers short-range wireless technology, is now standard on most smart devices, including wireless headphones, smart watches, remote controls, game controllers, and many more. Most of these devices are designed to operate with smartphones or computers. Audio streaming, file sharing, peripheral devices, the Internet of Things (IoT), and smart home devices are some common…
How LTE, LTE450, and VoLTE work with GSM modems
As of March 2023, there are 92 countries with active 5G, the 5th generation mobile network. Here’s a breakdown per country. The 5G network is accessible to about: 25.2% of the population in India 40% of the population in the U.S. 55% of the 40% of the population in the UK 60% of the population in…
What is Chirpstack?
ChirpStack is an open-source LoRaWAN Network Server that enables communication between LoRaWAN devices and applications. It has a complete set of components, including a Network Server, Gateway Bridge, and Application Server, that can be used to set up and manage a LoRaWAN network. LoRaWAN is a network layer protocol maintained by the LoRa Alliance to…