Channel Title: Ralph S Bacon Channel Description: Arduino compatibles and other electronics for beginners! If you're getting started with the Arduino platform you'll be interested in my experiences as I investigate several 'building blocks' that can be attached to an Arduino module. I normally source these building blocks from the Far East (China, Malaysia) but sometimes from the UK. I'll also look at the very simple C++ code you'll need to get the Arduino's microcontroller (usually, but not always, an ATMEL MEGA328P) to 'do stuff' with the modules - much easier than you might think. Some simple electronics, analogue as well as digital, can go a long way in glueing components together so I'll explore these as they're needed for my projects. Any other interesting gadgets and gizmos that I might find along the way! <video> #262 ESP32 + NeoPixel + Wi-Fi + I2C + nRF24L01 disaster!😮What to do?🤷 Description: How many things can go wrong in a project? Too many! JLCPCB 1-8 Layer PCB at $2. PCBA from $0 (Free Setup, Free Stencil) Sign Up Here to Get $54 New User Coupons at - https://jlcpcb.com/?from=SKL Much, much more in my GitHub for this video: https://bit.ly/ESP32NeoPixelWithWiFiDisaster #### Long story short I modified my ESP32 NeoPixel project (yes, the three circular LED rings that tell me if I have left the storage container bin lids open) to connect to Wi-Fi to get the time. If it is overnight, blank the LED display to "save power". Simples. ESP32 + Neopixels works great, especially if you use a task per Neopixel strip. Oh, and you'd be wise to use a level-shifter with the NeoPixels because whilst they *may* work at 3v3 they are not guaranteed to do so. 5v is the preferred voltage which the ESP32 will most certainly not like. So a 10c (UK: 12p) 4-channel level shifter is being used. #### So what's the FIRST problem? NeoPixel task + Wi-Fi = ESP32 crash! Always happens on the neopixel "show()" command, but the message may vary as the ESP32 panics and reboots. Sometimes it complains about heap memory corruption, sometimes it's a pointer corruption (I don't use pointers in this sketch)... the list is varied and long and never shows the correct reason for the PANIC on Core 0 (sometimes Core 1). #### And the SECOND problem? Using an I2c device on an ESP32 which doesn't use the "default" I2C pins of 21 & 22 is trivial: just start the ```Wire.begin(SDA, CLK);``` with the pins you want to use. Great, works just fine. Except that the nRF24l01, which was running just fine before all these mods now refuses to work, because it is using those "default" I2C pins of 21 & 22 as standard GPIO pins. #### Did anything work? Well, if the Wi-Fi was started *first*, retrieved the time from an NTP server and then shut down, all was fine. Also, if the I2C is put into a task then the nRF24L01 seems to behave itself again (or perhaps, Wire [aka I2C] does). Watch the video to see more! ► List of all my videos (Special thanks to Michael Kurt Vogel for compiling this) http://bit.ly/YouTubeVideoList-RalphBacon ► If you like this video please give it a thumbs up, share it and if you're not already subscribed please consider doing so and joining me on my Arduinite (and other μControllers) journey My channel, GitHub and blog are here: \------------------------------------------------------------------ • https://www.youtube.com/RalphBacon • https://ralphbacon.blog • https://github.com/RalphBacon • https://buymeacoffee.com/ralphbacon \------------------------------------------------------------------ My ABOUT page with email address: https://www.youtube.com/c/RalphBacon/about </video> <video> #258 ESP32 Web Pages AND OTA updates - just3️⃣libraries! ESP8266 also! Description: Simple introduction to web-enabling your ESP32 (or ESP8266). ► PCBWay $5 for 10 pieces https://www.pcbway.com ► 1. Introduction Using the Arduino IDE 2.0.x available here https://bit.ly/Arduino2v0_IDE or Visual Studio Code (PlatformIO) Many more details including pictures, code and more: https://bit.ly/Web_Enabled_ESP32_With_OTA ► 2a. Installing the libraries (Arduino method) -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Go to the following GitHub site https://github.com/me-no-dev and download the following libraries: 1. ESPAsyncWebServer 2. AsyncTCP (if you are using ESP8266 download ESPsyncTCP instead) Go to the following GitHub site https://github.com/ayushsharma82/AsyncElegantOTA and download the following library: 1. AsyncElegantOTA (same library for ESP32 & ESP8266) They will download as ZIP files with the suffix "-master". Ignore all that! Just remember where you downloaded them to! Go to the Arduino IDE and click Sketch➡️Include Library➡️Add.ZIP library and click the downloaded library ZIP files. Done! ► 2b. Installing the libraries (PlatformIO method) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ensure your _platformio.ini_ file includes the "lib_deps" entry: lib_deps = me-no-dev/AsyncTCP@^1.1.1 me-no-dev/ESP Async WebServer@^1.2.3 ;https://github.com/me-no-dev/ESPAsyncWebServer.git ayushsharma82/AsyncElegantOTA@^2.2.7 ► 3. All code and more for both environments is in the GitHub: https://bit.ly/Web_Enabled_ESP32_With_OTA Easy: Just click the big green "CODE" button in the GitHub for this video and choose the ZIP file download to your PC. Then unzip and you have everything you might need! ► 4. ESP32 Tools settings (in the dropdown Tools menu in the Arduino IDE) Click here for essential reading: https://espressif-docs.readthedocs-hosted.com/projects/arduino-esp32/en/latest/guides/tools_menu.html ► List of all my videos (Special thanks to Michael Kurt Vogel for compiling this) http://bit.ly/YouTubeVideoList-RalphBacon ► If you like this video please give it a thumbs up, share it and if you're not already subscribed please consider doing so and joining me on my Arduinite (and other μControllers) journey My channel, GitHub and blog are here: ------------------------------------------------------------------ • https://www.youtube.com/RalphBacon • https://ralphbacon.blog • https://github.com/RalphBacon • https://buymeacoffee.com/ralphbacon ------------------------------------------------------------------ My ABOUT page with email address: https://www.youtube.com/c/RalphBacon/about </video> <video> #260 ESP32 Web Pages PART 2 - adding a sensor value on the page & more! Description: Adding a temperature sensor reading onto a web page, two methods. ► PCBWay $5 for 10 pieces https://www.pcbway.com Don't start with this video! PART 1 shows how to create a landing page on the ESP32 along with OTA (Over The Air, wireless) updates and can be found here https://youtu.be/6yiuImbqKYY with the code you need too! 😉 And whilst we're on the subject, Part 3 will be available soon which brings it all together and shows the full (and final, improved) ESP32 webpage. But that's for another time. Keep tuned (and subscribed). All the code and more in my GitHub: https://bit.ly/GitHub_for_Part2 Still here? OK, let's get some values on screen, whether that be an integer value or a string, both of which I use in my projects. There are, of course, many routes to Rome and I show two of them here. Quick and dirty? Or slick and maintainable? Your choice! We'll get a value onto the screen (from a pseudo-variable in our ESP32 code) and discuss two ways on how to do that. Finally we'll consider whether what we're doing, that is putting the HTML code into our C++ code is the best way of doing this - or is there another way we could explore (in part 3 perhaps)? Oops, spoiler alert! Too late! Software ► Rob Tillaart's simple DS18b20 library (for a single DS18b20 per μController pin) https://github.com/RobTillaart/DS18B20_RT ► Pi Hit Waterproof DS18b20 https://thepihut.com/products/waterproof-ds18b20-digital-temperature-sensor-extras ► 5 x DS18b20 eBay Seller umtmedia https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/265498296922 ► Pointers in C++ https://www.cpp.edu/~elab/ECE114/Pointers%20in%20C++.html ► StackOverflow clarification (by others) into pointers & references used in my code https://bit.ly/pointerToString HTML ► W3Schools HTML tutorials https://www.w3schools.com/tags/tag_button.asp ► Location of Arduino Partition descriptions (.csv files) C:\Users[Your Name]\AppData\Local\Arduino15\packages\esp32\hardware\esp32\2.0.5\tools\partitions NOTE: the ESP32 version (here: 2.0.5) name might be different. Just choose the highest number you have. Other Stuff ► List of all my videos (Special thanks to Michael Kurt Vogel for compiling this) http://bit.ly/YouTubeVideoList-RalphBacon ► If you like this video please give it a thumbs up, share it and if you're not already subscribed please consider doing so and joining me on my Arduinite (and other μControllers) journey My channel, GitHub and blog are here: ------------------------------------------------------------------ • https://www.youtube.com/RalphBacon • https://ralphbacon.blog • https://github.com/RalphBacon • https://buymeacoffee.com/ralphbacon ------------------------------------------------------------------ My ABOUT page with email address: https://www.youtube.com/c/RalphBacon/about </video> <video> #259 Desoldering Chips the Easy Way & Waterproofing💦Wire Joins Description: Two tips that have helped me when constructing Arduino projects. ► PCBWay $5 for 10 pieces https://www.pcbway.com So it's a more practical video this week as I share a couple of tips on how to desolder chips from PCBs without destroying either the chip, the PCB or neighbouring components. And how to join two low-voltage wires for (outdoor) use to make them strong and waterproof (mine's going into my goldfish pond!) As always, MUCH MORE INFORMATION in my GitHub for this video! https://bit.ly/GitHub_DesolderingAlloy_StickyHeatShrink ► HARDWARE MENTIONED IN THE VIDEO 4:1 ratio adhesive heat shrink box (Amazon) https://amzn.to/3RzHpdo Chipquik SMD1NL ChipQuik Surface Mount Removal Kit https://amzn.to/3jEvheD Isopropanol Alcohol IPA 99.99% - Pure Chem (White) 500ml https://amzn.to/3HC8Ej5 Louis Rossmann video (with Steve Burke from GamersNexus ) showing that you can never use too much flux when soldering PCBs, so funny https://bit.ly/LouisRossmann-NeverTooMuchFlux ► List of all my videos (Special thanks to Michael Kurt Vogel for compiling this) http://bit.ly/YouTubeVideoList-RalphBacon ► If you like this video please give it a thumbs up, share it and if you're not already subscribed please consider doing so and joining me on my Arduinite (and other μControllers) journey My channel, GitHub and blog are here: ------------------------------------------------------------------ • https://www.youtube.com/RalphBacon • https://ralphbacon.blog • https://github.com/RalphBacon • https://buymeacoffee.com/ralphbacon ------------------------------------------------------------------ My ABOUT page with email address: https://www.youtube.com/c/RalphBacon/about </video> <video> #269 TFT 3.5" Touch Screen & ESP32 built in - Elecrow review Description: A useful ESP32/TFT ILI9488 combo board from Elecrow. ► PCBWay $5 for 10 pieces https://www.pcbway.com Much more information (example sketches, TFT_eSPI info, GPIO assignments) in my GitHub here: https://github.com/RalphBacon/269-Elecrow-3.5-TFT-with-ESP32-built-in ### Intro Elecrow kindly asked me to review their combo ESP32/TFT screen board - rather similar to the one I used in my ESP32 Web Radio project a few years back (and which is still going strong!) https://www.elecrow.com/display/esp-hmi-display.html?idd=3 I chose the 3.5" touch screen because it seemed the "best fit" for hobbyists, although I was tempted by the huge 7" screen they have too! https://www.elecrow.com/esp32-display-3-5-inch-hmi-display-spi-tft-lcd-touch-screen.html?idd=3 At the time of writing (July 2023) it's on special offer. I recommend you also get the case, it's less than $2. ### Libraries Although Elecrow make a big splash on their website about using the open source LVGL (Light & Versatile Graphics Library), which I'm sure is great, I never got a chance to use it, as all the example sketches did not seem aimed at the ESP32 processor (example: the backlight control was attached to "pin 46" which the ESP32 doesn't even have). This will need more investigation. https://lvgl.io/ Thankfully they also supplied a number of sketches that used the TFT_eSPI library, with which I'm quite familiar as I used it in the aforementioned ESP32 Web Radio project. It supports a huge number of TFT screen drivers; you just have to be sure you have uncommented out the line for your particular screen. https://github.com/Bodmer/TFT_eSPI ### GPIO connections The Elecrow ESP32 board uses the following GPIO pins for their TFT screen (important for any libraries) in the TFT_eSPI "User_Setup.h" file: ``` #define ILI9488_DRIVER // Screen backlight control GPIO and what makes it turn on? #define TFT_BL 27 #define TFT_BACKLIGHT_ON HIGH // Super important GPIO pin allocation for SPI #define TFT_MISO 12 #define TFT_MOSI 13 #define TFT_SCLK 14 #define TFT_CS 15 #define TFT_DC 2 #define TFT_RST -1 #define TOUCH_CS 33 Also, as the SPI bus can run at various frequencies, they suggest to use these values: #define SPI_FREQUENCY 27000000 #define SPI_TOUCH_FREQUENCY 2500000 #define SPI_READ_FREQUENCY 16000000 ``` Once I'd got this information (it took a while) everything just fell into place and all was well. I've also corrected one of their sketches that uses the ESP32's inbuilt DAC (Digital to Analog Conversion) that can read an .mp3 file and send the resulting audio to one of the DAC pins (either 25 or 26, in this case pin 26). Just have a look at the folder and files attached in the GitHub to get yourself up and running in no time. https://github.com/RalphBacon/269-Elecrow-3.5-TFT-with-ESP32-built-in ### Things to be aware of I found that the automatic full reset of the ESP32 board after an upload did nothing. You have to press the reset button yourself again. You have to press RESET, then BOOT, then release RESET to allow a sketch upload. Once the sketch starts uploading you can release the BOOT button. ► List of all my videos (Special thanks to Michael Kurt Vogel for compiling this) http://bit.ly/YouTubeVideoList-RalphBacon ► Want to get an introductory discount from PCBWay? Follow this link: https://pcbway.com/g/SaH9tF ► If you like this video please give it a thumbs up, share it and if you're not already subscribed please consider doing so and joining me on my Arduinite (and other μControllers) journey My channel, GitHub and blog are here: ------------------------------------------------------------------ • https://www.youtube.com/RalphBacon • https://ralphbacon.blog • https://github.com/RalphBacon • https://buymeacoffee.com/ralphbacon ------------------------------------------------------------------ My ABOUT page with email address: https://www.youtube.com/c/RalphBacon/about </video> <video> #264 ESP32 World🕑Clock and Reminder🎗️Project (Assembly Stage) Description: Display the day, date and three different time zones, plus a web-based reminder system! PCBWay $5 for 10 pieces https://www.pcbway.com PCBWay - up to 60% off Flex/Rigid PCBs All code, links and much more in my GitHub: https://bit.ly/GitHub_For_Code_And_Details See also: https://github.com/RalphBacon/256-MAX7219-Ultimate-Display, where we initially discussed this project, the libraries, the power supply requirements and so on. Want to get a further PCB discount from PCBWay? Follow this link: https://pcbway.com/g/SaH9tF ### Intro So you need an excuse to play with a strip of LED dot matrix? How about a clock that tells you the day of the week, the rough time of day, the date as well as three time zones (can be any in the world)? Not only that, but the ability to display (up to) five messages - that I use as urgent reminders, setting them from within the house so I see them as soon as I walk into my workshop. It's a simple enough project but fun to make (and you don't actually need a full 0.9m length \[28 modules\] to make this work!). All code, links and much more in my GitHub: https://bit.ly/GitHub_For_Code_And_Details ### Hardware ► Cut to size acrylic (UK): https://bit.ly/PerspexSheetCutToSizeUK ► 8 x 8 Dot Matrix display module: AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DkyeQYD ► Full sized PIR module (with two adjustments), cheap: AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DBnJoCt ### Software Marco Colli's (MajicDesigns) MD_Paraola library to control the dot matrix display (zoned): https://github.com/MajicDesigns/MD_Parola ### Other Stuff ► List of all my videos (Special thanks to Michael Kurt Vogel for compiling this) http://bit.ly/YouTubeVideoList-RalphBacon All code, links and much more in my GitHub: https://bit.ly/GitHub_For_Code_And_Details ► If you like this video please give it a thumbs up, share it and if you're not already subscribed please consider doing so and joining me on my Arduinite (and other μControllers) journey My channel, GitHub and blog are here: ------------------------------------------------------------------ • https://www.youtube.com/RalphBacon • https://ralphbacon.blog • https://github.com/RalphBacon • https://buymeacoffee.com/ralphbacon ------------------------------------------------------------------ My ABOUT page with email address: https://www.youtube.com/c/RalphBacon/about </video> <video> #268 Soldering Flux from Jar to Syringe - with a Luer! 😁 Description: My soldering flux syringe has run out. Now what? ► PCBWay $5 for 10 pieces https://www.pcbway.com I use flux on my PCBs when soldering SMD components; except I ran out suddenly and didn't know of a clean way to transfer the flux in the jar to my syringe. Luckily, others have trod the path before me and I now have a near-perfect way of doing this. ### More information (including all links, photos etc in my GitHub, just click the link): https://github.com/RalphBacon/268-Flux-Transfer-From-Jar-to-Syringe ## PRODUCT INFORMATION ### Soldering flux paste, MG Chemicals 8341 No Clean Flux Paste, 50mL Jar ► https://amzn.to/3NXjbbZ ### Cleaning Brushes: Neish Tools Flux/Glue Brush 12mm Wide Bristle Head Pack of 12 ► https://amzn.to/43frkxM These are probably not horsehair after all, but work well enough. ### Syringe set (2ml syringes, 18G nozzles aka blunt needles, stop caps) ► https://amzn.to/44pqbom ### 5 Litres of IPA IsoPropyl Alcohol for flux removal from PCBs You can buy this in 1L bottles too but 5L is cheaper and will last ages. ► https://amzn.to/3JKNVeJ ## HOW TO information Video Link to @Signal Ditch that gave me the idea ► https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tBgkqsrXtRw ### More information (including all links, sketches & PDFs in my GitHub, just click the link): https://github.com/RalphBacon/268-Flux-Transfer-From-Jar-to-Syringe ► List of all my videos (Special thanks to Michael Kurt Vogel for compiling this) http://bit.ly/YouTubeVideoList-RalphBacon ► Want to get an introductory discount from PCBWay? Follow this link: https://pcbway.com/g/SaH9tF ► If you like this video please give it a thumbs up, share it and if you're not already subscribed please consider doing so and joining me on my Arduinite (and other μControllers) journey My channel, GitHub and blog are here: ------------------------------------------------------------------ • https://www.youtube.com/RalphBacon • https://ralphbacon.blog • https://github.com/RalphBacon • https://buymeacoffee.com/ralphbacon ------------------------------------------------------------------ My ABOUT page with email address: https://www.youtube.com/c/RalphBacon/about </video> <video> #BB12 Pointer vs References - and why you don't need 👉pointers in C++ Description: It's true! At the beginner to moderate hobbyist coder, pointers are just trouble 😮 ► PCBWay $5 for 10 pieces https://www.pcbway.com 00:00 Welcome Back 00:01 Intro and quick C++ vs C discussion 04:43 Why the need for references or pointers? 10:08 References walkthrough 16:50 Pointers walkthrough 31:03 Conclusion GitHub entry for this video: https://github.com/RalphBacon/BB12-Pointers-and-References-in-C- which contains the example files used in the demo. So you asked "What about pointers, Ralph?". And I kept telling you, "Not needed". I was finally brow-beaten, er, sorry, "persuaded" to show you the difference between C++ user-friendly References and C-style, hard-to-decipher (and use) Pointers. It is, of course, good to know about pointers, as other people's code might be full of them. Especially libraries, ported from the C language. But it doesn't mean you should be tempted to use them when we have References available. Unless you know differently? Your views in the comments, please! ► List of all my videos (Special thanks to Michael Kurt Vogel for compiling this) http://bit.ly/YouTubeVideoList-RalphBacon ► If you like this video please give it a thumbs up, share it and if you're not already subscribed please consider doing so and joining me on my Arduinite (and other μControllers) journey My channel, GitHub and other stuff are here: ------------------------------------------------------------------ • https://www.youtube.com/RalphBacon • https://github.com/RalphBacon • https://buymeacoffee.com/ralphbacon ------------------------------------------------------------------ My ABOUT page with email address: https://www.youtube.com/c/RalphBacon/about </video> <video> #261 ESP32 Line-by-line Debugging - works with many ESP32 modules Description: Debug your ESP32 the proper way - line-by-line with a cheap JTAG module! JLCPCB 1-8 Layer PCB at $2. PCBA from $0 (Free Setup, Free Stencil) Sign Up Here to Get $54 New User Coupons at - https://jlcpcb.com/?from=SKL More information than you can shake an ESP32 at: https://github.com/RalphBacon/261-ESP32-Debugging-with-cheap-JTAG-module Rather than use a lot of Serial.print statements in your code, just connect up a cheap JTAG module from Espressif (the designers of the ESP32) to be able to step through your code a line at a time. ### Hardware ► ESP-PROG (about $12 + shipping + taxes) ► Documentation #1: https://bit.ly/ESP32_Intro ► Documentation #2: https://docs.platformio.org/en/latest/plus/debug-tools/esp-prog.html ► Documentation #3: https://cdn.robotshop.com/media/s/spa/rb-spa-2030/pdf/esp-prog-datasheet.pdf ESP32 MiniKit Debug Shield (for ESP32 Mini) by Brian Lough ► https://store.eplop.co.uk/product/esp32-minikit-debug-shield/ ### Software ► Driver for ESP-PROG using Zadig: https://zadig.akeo.ie/# ### Essential reading, step-by-step! ► ESP-Prog (Espressif): https://docs.platformio.org/en/latest/plus/debug-tools/esp-prog.html ► How To Install: https://medium.com/@manuel.bl/low-cost-esp32-in-circuit-debugging-dbbee39e508b ► How to Use: https://www.hackster.io/brian-lough/use-the-platformio-debugger-on-the-esp32-using-an-esp-prog-f633b6 ► More How To: https://www.visualmicro.com/page/ESP32-Debugging.aspx ### Boards I've found to work reliably ► ESP32 Mini T7 v1.3 ► TTGO ESP32 V1.8 / V1.7.1 ► Espressif ESP32 DevKit 1 Basically, all the boards I own with a lidded "module" on them do not work. You get an error about being unable to get the memory maps.🤷 This is unfortunate (for me) as I have many WROOM and WROVER modules! ► List of all my videos (Special thanks to Michael Kurt Vogel for compiling this) http://bit.ly/YouTubeVideoList-RalphBacon ► If you like this video please give it a thumbs up, share it and if you're not already subscribed please consider doing so and joining me on my Arduinite (and other μControllers) journey My channel, GitHub and blog are here: \------------------------------------------------------------------ • https://www.youtube.com/RalphBacon • https://ralphbacon.blog • https://github.com/RalphBacon • https://buymeacoffee.com/ralphbacon \------------------------------------------------------------------ My ABOUT page with email address: https://www.youtube.com/c/RalphBacon/about </video> <video> #266 ESP32 Deep Sleep Project - Door Open/Closed Detection with ESP-NOW Description: A Real World project that uses an ESP32 in Deep Sleep ► PCBWay $5 for 10 pieces https://www.pcbway.com More information and diagrams here: https://github.com/RalphBacon/269-ESP32-Deep-Sleep ### Intro I need to be able to detect when my workshop door has been opened - and STAYS open. And when it SHUTS again. The ESP32 needs to communicate with my Smart Heater Controller to turn off the heater (if it's on) so I don't waste power trying to heat up the world if the door is open. When the door closes it can then tell the Smart Heater Controller to go back doing whatever it was doing (heating, cooling) as though nothing had interrupted it. And, of course, I need some means whereby the device tells me it's working (or has gone wrong). So a low current ESP32 seems the way forward. ### Links ► thingPulse low power Deep Sleep ESP32 WROVER module https://thingpulse.com/product/epulse-feather-low-power-esp32-development-board/ ► Oregon Embedded Battery Life Calculator http://oregonembedded.com/batterycalc.htm ► CoolTerm Serial Monitor (standalone freeware program) http://freeware.the-meiers.org ► ESP32 Sleep Modes explained https://lastminuteengineers.com/esp32-sleep-modes-power-consumption/ ► List of all my videos (Special thanks to Michael Kurt Vogel for compiling this) http://bit.ly/YouTubeVideoList-RalphBacon ► If you like this video please give it a thumbs up, share it and if you're not already subscribed please consider doing so and joining me on my Arduinite (and other μControllers) journey My channel, GitHub and blog are here: ------------------------------------------------------------------ • https://www.youtube.com/RalphBacon • https://ralphbacon.blog • https://github.com/RalphBacon • https://buymeacoffee.com/ralphbacon ------------------------------------------------------------------ My ABOUT page with email address: https://www.youtube.com/c/RalphBacon/about </video> <video> #257 Wireless Serial Comms⚡for your Arduino (or other μController) Description: Want to see the Arduino's Serial Monitor output remotely? Easy! ► PCBWay $5 for 10 pieces https://www.pcbway.com Much more information in my GitHub for this video: https://bit.ly/Wireless-Serial-Comms I want to send everything my project Arduino (or ESP32 etc) sends out on the TX pin to another Arduino on my workbench so I can see what's going on - remotely! Easy enough but there are some caveats if you want to take full advantage of these little Serial Wireless Transceivers. Luckily for us, there are only 5 wires needed: two for power, two for the data and one control wire (which you might not need). In fact, in my project I'm using just three wires: VCC, GND and TX! So simple. You'll see this module in the opening shots of the video. And you can do this right out of the box if you are happy with the 9,600bps transmission rate. Much more information in my GitHub for this video: https://bit.ly/Wireless-Serial-Comms ## M-BK2461 module M-BK2461U serial wireless transceiver pdf manual PLEASE NOTE: this module is 3v3 limited - don't apply 5v https://bit.ly/3Gv6xgy https://bit.ly/3Zi4RiS Full manual pdf for the BK2461 chip used in this module https://www.mikrocontroller.net/attachment/381910/BT-WiFi-52rf5541.pdf ## JDY-040/JDY-041 module JDY-040 module Serial Wireless transceiver info PLEASE NOTE: this module is 3v3 limited - don't apply 5v https://sudonull.com/post/48570-Radio-modules-for-arduino-JDY-40 https://w.electrodragon.com/w/images/0/05/EY-40_English_manual.pdf JDY-041 where to buy (almost identical to JDY-040) https://bit.ly/3izz9Ns https://www.aliexpress.com/i/1005001593967277.html Someone who had more luck with me regarding AT commands on the JDY-040: NB: This video is in Russian but you can switch on English (translated) subtitles - worth watching! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TANjVgaHy5o&t=611s ## HC-12 module HC-12 433MHz Serial Transceiver information (with Arduino sketch examples) https://bit.ly/3XiKMaj (wolles-elektronikkiste.de) https://bit.ly/3QqpA05 (blackfalconelectronics.com/) https://bit.ly/3ZBvU9c (howtomechanics.com) https://bit.ly/3VUykwB (allaboutcircuits.com) HC-12 (two units) that I bought from AliExpress (PLEASE NOTE: this module has a wider voltage range of 3v3 to 5v5) (New Model B is less than $2 each and comes with spiral antenna) https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32832783022.html Much more information in my GitHub for this video: https://bit.ly/Wireless-Serial-Comms ► List of all my videos (Special thanks to Michael Kurt Vogel for compiling this) http://bit.ly/YouTubeVideoList-RalphBacon ► If you like this video please give it a thumbs up, share it and if you're not already subscribed please consider doing so and joining me on my Arduinite (and other μControllers) journey My channel, GitHub and blog are here: \------------------------------------------------------------------ • https://www.youtube.com/RalphBacon • https://ralphbacon.blog • https://github.com/RalphBacon • https://buymeacoffee.com/ralphbacon \------------------------------------------------------------------ My ABOUT page with email address: https://www.youtube.com/c/RalphBacon/about </video> <video> #263 Using WhatsApp with your ESP32 (and other μControllers) Description: A simple (and cheap) way to send a WhatsApp message to your (and others') phone. PCBWay - up to 60% off Flex/Rigid PCBs https://pcbway.com/ All code and more information in my GitHub: https://bit.ly/ESP32_WhatsApp_Demo So you need your ESP32 (or other Internet-connected system) to "phone home" and let you know there is a problem? This simple method of using WhatsApp may be the answer for you. For hobbyists, it is ridiculously inexpensive ($4 per YEAR) and easy to implement. For businesses, or those with a more complex required, there are very affordable plans to allow messaging any phone and receiving replies, or button clicks and much more! I've included some simple (albeit not secure, nor encrypted) code as an example but we'll update this as part of the ESP32 HTML series of videos I'm doing. All code and more information in my GitHub: https://bit.ly/ESP32_WhatsApp_Demo ### Links to CallMeBot.com ► CallMeBot: https://www.callmebot.com/blog/free-api-whatsapp-messages/ ► TextMeBot: https://textmebot.com/ ► Twilio: https://www.twilio.com/en-us/whatsapp/pricing ► CallMeBot Subscription options ### Code The code you will find in a separate folder in my GitHub; but bear in mind the URLEncode library may have to be installed separately (especially on the Arduino IDE). Go to **Sketch** → **Include Library** → **Manage Libraries** and search for **URLEncode** library by **Masayuki Sugahara**. Simples. ### Other Stuff ► AD-11 Advanced Solderless Breadboard (with Terminals) https://bit.ly/3LUnsNJ ► List of all my videos (Special thanks to Michael Kurt Vogel for compiling this) http://bit.ly/YouTubeVideoList-RalphBacon All code and more information in my GitHub: https://bit.ly/ESP32_WhatsApp_Demo ► If you like this video please give it a thumbs up, share it and if you're not already subscribed please consider doing so and joining me on my Arduinite (and other μControllers) journey My channel, GitHub and blog are here: ------------------------------------------------------------------ • https://www.youtube.com/RalphBacon • https://ralphbacon.blog • https://github.com/RalphBacon • https://buymeacoffee.com/ralphbacon ------------------------------------------------------------------ My ABOUT page with email address: https://www.youtube.com/c/RalphBacon/about </video> <video> #267 The Arduinite 3D experience - forget the printer, choose the CAD! Description: So you are a maker confused about 3D printing? ► PCBWay $5 for 10 pieces https://www.pcbway.com ### Intro So you are a maker, confused about 3D printing? More in the GitHub, as always: https://github.com/RalphBacon/267-3D-printing---starting-out You use Arduinos, ESP32s, RasPies... and others? You like the idea of 3D printing as an extension to your activities but are confused about where to start? Stay tuned! When I first became intrigued about 3D printing, I was overwhelmed with all the stages involved: printers, slicers and, worst of all, CAD programs. Help! Here I present my simplified steps to consider when diving into the murky pool of 3D printing. I even suggest that you can 3D print stuff without a printer of your own. And why not? ### CAD programs I use FreeCAD, but there are quite literally 100s of CAD programs out there, all with varying degrees of complexity, capability, price (some are free) and learning curve. My only advice is to read articles on the Internet: "Best 3D CAD programs" will give you lots of results! Then download either the free version or trial version and see whether you can even make heads or tails of it. You will need tuition in the form of YouTube videos. For freeCAD I use MangoJelly (https://www.youtube.com/@MangoJellySolutions ) quite a bit (by Darren Stone) who guides you through pretty much every aspect of FreeCAD. But you do need to put in the effort. No shortcuts here! Another good resource is Make With Tech (https://www.youtube.com/@MakeWithTech ) (by Irv Shapiro) who also has videos on other CAD programs, not just FreeCAD. Easy to follow and gives a very calm way of getting the information to you. ► List of all my videos (Special thanks to Michael Kurt Vogel for compiling this) http://bit.ly/YouTubeVideoList-RalphBacon ► Want to get an introductory discount from PCBWay? Follow this link: https://pcbway.com/g/SaH9tF ► If you like this video please give it a thumbs up, share it and if you're not already subscribed please consider doing so and joining me on my Arduinite (and other μControllers) journey My channel, GitHub and blog are here: ------------------------------------------------------------------ • https://www.youtube.com/RalphBacon • https://ralphbacon.blog • https://github.com/RalphBacon • https://buymeacoffee.com/ralphbacon ------------------------------------------------------------------ My ABOUT page with email address: https://www.youtube.com/c/RalphBacon/about </video> <video> #265 Me & My 3D Printer - Just a quick chat! Description: So what have I been doing with my 3D printer? ► PCBWay $5 for 10 pieces https://www.pcbway.com Much more in my GitHub: https://github.com/RalphBacon/265-3D-Prints-Arduino-Projects INTRO So I've now got a 3D printer (several years after everyone else) and have been learning how to use FreeCAD, the design tool that you need to "master" in order to get the 3D printer to do anything at all! So what have I done so far, and is it worth it for a simple hobbyist Arduinite to buy and use a 3D printer (spoiler alert: a resounding YES!). SOFTWARE ► FREEcad, free, moderately easy to use 😮, great for Arduinites: https://www.freecad.org/ ► TinkerCAD, a free, really easy-to-use CAD but has some limitations for complex designs: https://www.tinkercad.com/ 3D PRINTING LEARNING RESOURCES ► MangoJelly by Darren B E Stone (I believe, hard to find his name!) https://www.youtube.com/@MangoJellySolutions ► Learning with Tech by Irv Shapiro https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YD0v3AO3Wog HARDWARE ► My Prusa Mini+ 3D printer. Why? Works out of the box (well, after about 1 hour's assembly), well supported, small (180mm max print size): https://www.prusa3d.com/ OTHER STUFF ► List of all my videos (Special thanks to Michael Kurt Vogel for compiling this) http://bit.ly/YouTubeVideoList-RalphBacon ► If you like this video please give it a thumbs up, share it and if you're not already subscribed please consider doing so and joining me on my Arduinite (and other μControllers) journey My channel, GitHub and blog are here: ------------------------------------------------------------------ • https://www.youtube.com/RalphBacon • https://ralphbacon.blog • https://github.com/RalphBacon • https://buymeacoffee.com/ralphbacon ------------------------------------------------------------------ My ABOUT page with email address: https://www.youtube.com/c/RalphBacon/about </video> <video> #270 Lightweight PLA, Hot Melt Inserts Mk2, JTAG for WROOM/WROVER boards Description: An almost 3D collection of items for ESP32 and Arduino Projects ► PCBWay $5 for 10 pieces https://www.pcbway.com Much more information in my GitHub for this video: https://github.com/RalphBacon/270-ESP32-JTAG-AIR-PLA-HOT-MELT-INSERTS ### Lightweight PLA Filament OVERTURE PLA Filament 1.75mm,AIR PLA,Filament PLA 0.8kg Spool, Dimensional Accuracy +/-0.03mm, Fit Most FDM Printer (Many Colours) https://amzn.to/3DPJa0g ### Hot Melt Brass Inserts An improved set of Hot Melt Brass Inserts for screwing your Arduino case together more neatly using this tool. https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DnlmvHd https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_Deq53CT ### JTAG settings for ESP32 WROOM / WROVER modules Last, but certainly not least, I've include the extra lines you need for your platformio.ini file to enable JTAG debugging of your ESP32. Example file (complete) in the GitHub for this video: https://github.com/RalphBacon/270-ESP32-JTAG-AIR-PLA-HOT-MELT-INSERTS Put ONE of these (depending on your board, obvs) in the file. ``` board_debug.openocd_board = esp32-wroom-kit-3.3v.cfg board_debug.openocd_board = esp-wroom-32.cfg board_debug.openocd_board = esp32-wrover.cfg ``` I've now been able to use JTAG debugging on **ALL** my boards without issue. Fun times! ### MORE LINKS ► List of all my videos (Special thanks to Michael Kurt Vogel for compiling this) http://bit.ly/YouTubeVideoList-RalphBacon ► Want to get an introductory discount from PCBWay? Follow this link: https://pcbway.com/g/SaH9tF ► If you like this video please give it a thumbs up, share it and if you're not already subscribed please consider doing so and joining me on my Arduinite (and other μControllers) journey My channel, GitHub and blog are here: ------------------------------------------------------------------ • https://www.youtube.com/RalphBacon • https://ralphbacon.blog • https://github.com/RalphBacon • https://buymeacoffee.com/ralphbacon ------------------------------------------------------------------ My ABOUT page with email address: https://www.youtube.com/c/RalphBacon/about </video>

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Arduino compatibles and other electronics for beginners!

If you're getting started with the Arduino platform you'll be interested in my experiences as I investigate several 'building blocks' that can be attached to an Arduino module. I normally source these building blocks from the Far East (China, Malaysia) but sometimes from the UK.

I'll also look at the very simple C++ code you'll need to get the Arduino's microcontroller (usually, but not always, an ATMEL MEGA328P) to 'do stuff' with the modules - much easier than you might think.

Some simple electronics, analogue as well as digital, can go a long way in glueing components together so I'll explore these as they're needed for my projects.

Any other interesting gadgets and gizmos that I might find along the way!

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