The idea of a smart home first took hold in 1975 when Pico Electronics introduced the X10 protocol and devices designed to control electronic appliances using power lines. However, computers were not yet advanced enough for automation or remote control. As technology evolved, so did automation. Microcontrollers played a critical role, but the early systems…
How to make a smart dustbin using Arduino?
Smart technology refers to devices and systems that use advanced computing, connectivity, and data analytics to enhance functionality and efficiency. Devices such as smartphones, watches, and appliances connect to the Internet and one another via the Internet of Things (IoT), allowing for real-time data exchange and remote control. One innovative application of this technology is…
What is MQTT Sparkplug?
Since its launch in 1999, MQTT (Message Queuing Telemetry Transport) has been a valuable standards-based messaging protocol for automation applications. Its lightweight, efficient “publish-subscribe” model makes it ideal for communication between and across various devices, systems, and services. MQTT has transformed applications in supply chain management, quality control, predictive maintenance, M2M communication, and industrial energy…
The top IoT projects for enhancing everyday life
The Internet of Things (IoT), a collective network of connected devices that communicate via the Internet, transforms how we live, work, and interact with objects in our environment. By integrating real-time connectivity and cloud computing into everyday devices, IoT enables real-time data collection and analysis, facilitating better decision-making and personalized experiences. For example, it can…
The top mobile app development tools for IoT and electronics
Electronics makers often build mobile apps to control electronic devices. These are typically WiFi or Bluetooth-connected devices controlled by a smartphone. Several software frameworks and tools support the development of native or cross-platform mobile apps for iOS and Android. Some popular frameworks include React Native, Flutter, Xamarin, Swiftic, Ionic, Apache Cordova, Jquery Mobile, and Native…
What are the top 4G modems available in India?
Are you building something that requires a GSM/GPRS modem or looking for a GSM modem for your next IoT project? GSM modems are widely used in several connected devices and applications. GSM is an acronym for Global Systems for Mobile, and GPRS refers to a General Packet Radio Service. A GSM module is a device…
What to expect from the IoT in 2023
The Internet of things (IoT), which includes the billions of devices now connected to the internet, has developed substantially over the past few years. IoT has become integral to several technologies and businesses. In fact, the number of active IoT devices has increased from 11.28 billion to 13.14 billion between 2021 and 2022. And the…
What are the top protocols for IoT projects?
The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to a network of interconnected devices that communicate to perform specific tasks or applications. These devices are extensive and include vehicles, appliances, sensors, software, or web services. Effective communication is crucial in any IoT application, allowing these devices to work seamlessly. In an IoT network, device-to-device communication is distinct.…
How to choose the ideal connectivity technology for an IoT project
Many communication technologies are currently available, making choosing one for an Internet-of-Things project potentially daunting. For example, several LP-WAN options exist, including Wi-Fi, Ethernet, LoRa, Zigbee, Bluetooth, and cellular technologies like NB-IoT, LTE-M, and 5G. Every connectivity solution has pros and cons, and there isn’t one ideal for all projects. Wi-Fi might seem like the…
How to set-up and build a project using Arduino IoT Cloud
Arduino IoT Cloud, also known as simply Arduino Cloud is a popular Internet-of-Things (IoT) platform for creating, deploying, and managing IoT projects. The platform was launched in 2019 as a Beta version similar to other platforms, such as Blynk. Since then, Arduino Cloud has undergone several upgrades, adding unique features. It’s best known for its…
How to design a heart-rate monitor using LoRa and Arduino
In this electronics project, we’ll design a healthcare solution over LoRa, using an Arduino Nano and a heart-rate sensor connected via the I2C bus. This device demonstrates the potential of the Internet-of-Things (IoT) in enhancing healthcare services and improving patient outcomes. The system measures a person’s heart rate in beats per minute (BPM) from a…
How to make an IoT-based analog clock using ESP32
In this project, we’ll design an analog display clock using ESP32. The clock is an Internet-of-Things (IoT) device that retrieves the local time from a Network Time Protocol (NPT) server and displays the time (as well as the date) like an analog clock. The display used to build this IoT clock is SSD1306. However,…
How to design an app-controlled irrigation system
In this project, we’ll design a mobile app-controlled watering system that drip irrigates a home garden or small farm. This system is developed on an ESP8266 microcontroller, which controls the water pump through a 3V relay or an electronic valve. The user can switch the water’s motor/electronic valve ON or OFF and even set a…
How to design an IoT-based digital watch using ESP32
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.…