I am interested in proposing a class and thought I would I would throw it out to get your comments and suggestions. Following is first thoughts on an announcement and then some background. I plan to develop a nice set of materials and apply for an honorarian.
Build a $15 Burglar/Garage Door Alarm Prototype that Tweets
This class guides attendees through steps to customize a microcontroller to detect changes in sensors to send a customized Tweet to your phone or other device. The Wemos D1 Mini is relatively new to hobbyists and features WiFi on the board. You will leave class with a Wemos, two small breadboards, LEDs, a switch to simulate an alarm sensor, a USB/micro cable and a few other parts.
Please try to install Arduino IDE,… before class or come 30 minutes early…(include links and some details).
It would also be good to sing up for thingspead and twitter if you dont have accounts. (details,…). If you do not do this, you can use my account but they will be deleted after class.
== end announcement
FAQ
Q. Does this overlap too much with the Embedded Microcontroller Class?
A. I don’t think it will. Both classes will cover the Arduino IDE and some other material but they should be complementary. This class will cover connection to WiFi, Thingspeak, and Twitter (for folks like me that never tweeted until I wanted to communicate with this chip). Due to time limitations only a few programming commands will be covered and those lightly. A script program will be provided. Given the number of subjects that must be covered, the emphasis will be simple modifications to the script instead of original programming. I am signed up for the Embedded class this week and look forward to discussing my plans with the instructor.
Q. Why two breadboards?
A. The Wemos is wider than Arduino Nano and does not work well with the norrmal form factor. It looks unusual but works great with a couple of 2/$1 ebay boards.
Q. Why the common USB cable?
A. They are cheap and I want to pass out a complete kit.
Q. Can you do it for $15?
A. The Wemos is $4 and I think the kit will come in for under $10. I would rather be little safe.
Q. Why not include a real magnetic sensor?
A. This is a prototype project and various forms of these sensors are widely available for a few dollars. I would rather hold the cost down unless you can find them for $1.
Q. Do you need any assistance?
A. The Wemos includes two eight-pin male headers that must be soldered in. Help here would be appreciated.
Q. How much experience do you have with Wemos?
A. Not much on Wemos but quite a bit with a number of Arduino formats. I do have a Wemos Tweeting along very happily. I hope to be able to work out having the processor sleep unless interrupted by a change of input. This is widely documented with two AA batteries lasting for months. I’ll not commit to it until I do it.
Q. Is there a risk for DMS?
A. No…or maybe a little. I will order enough parts for a class and not submit expenses unless the first class is successful. Given slow delivery times of foreign Ebay parts, it would be nice to order enough for two classes. It would be nice to order enough for two classes if DMS cares to back me up on this. I will suggest but not push. I would expect the folks in Electronic could use any leftovers.
Q. What is the source of power?
A. In class, the USB port. Power supply options will be discussed in class. If I get the sleep mode working soon, I will add a battery holder and two AAs. (No commitment on this one yet.)
I look forward to your comments,
Brady