First and foremost thing to warn - you can not compare the pro-grade IP cameras, something like EZVIZ IP camera with ESP32-CAM IP camera. ESP32-CAM IP camera module is dirt cheap and it is great to increase the number of video capturing devices. I would suggest you have some pro-grade camera to cover the main unsecured points of house/office and use ESP32-CAM IP camera module as an "add-on" to … [Read more...]
How to Test USB to TTL Converter
A USB-to-TTL adapter (USB-to-UART adapter, USB-to-UART bridge) is a USB device that lets us connect a device with TTL/UART port to our PC through the regular USB port. We can use it to update firmware on routers, modems, mobile phones, hard disks, and so on. For testing AT Commands, we need a USB-TTL module built on CP2102 IC. For the sake of proper description, we will describe how to wire The … [Read more...]
How to Use PWM in ESP32
Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) is a widely used technique for power delivery. ESP32 has dedicated hardware for PWM. Pulse-width modulation (PWM) of a signal or power source is a technique in which the duty cycle of a periodic signal (a sinusoidal or a square signal, for example) is modified. The duty cycle of a periodic signal is the relative width of its positive part relative to the period. … [Read more...]
ESP32 IoT Setup For Concealed Conduit Wiring
In this article, we will discuss the electrical wiring required to set up a DIY IoT smart control system to control 8 3W spotlights, one ceiling fan and one Indian jhar bati (chandelier lamp). We have a total 8 number of connections where 8 out of 8 are dimmable and we are using the traditional piano/rocker switches. We have discussed about interfacing the piano/rocker switches with ESP32. We … [Read more...]
What is the Maximum Cable Length Between Arduino/ESP32 and a Sensor
After reading our guide on How to Interface a Piano/Rocker Switch (SPST) With ESP32 Arduino, one reader has asked whether it is possible to keep all his ESP32 with relays and indicators at one room and connect the switches, sensors of the whole house via cables. That is possible to deploy but various hardware components will be required. Also, coding may need some change. I believe that so huge … [Read more...]
How to Interface a Piano/Rocker Switch (SPST) With ESP32 Arduino
We are talking about the regular white colour rocker switches which are commonly used across the globe. They came into the market in the 70s replacing the tumbler switches made up of Bakelite and China clay. They are SPST switches ( read our old article Type of switches to know more). They have different names such as piano switch, rocker switch, decorator rocker switch etc. As because before … [Read more...]
ESPHome VS. Tasmota : When to Use Which and Why
Both Tasmota and ESPHome are nice "platforms" for building a smart home. We have already discussed the getting started part with Tasmota and ESP32. Depending on the use-case, ESPHome may be a better choice. In this article, we will discuss the practical things about ESPHome and Tasmota taking it granted that you are using an ESP32 development board. Why ESP32 over … [Read more...]
How to Work With Tasmota on ESP32
Tasmota is an Open-Source firmware for ESP devices developed by Theo Arends (from the Netherlands). He is also the webmaster of a technology blog with nice tutorials. Tasmota is not written in "Arduino language", however, you will not need to code with Tasmota. It is mostly about uploading the code, hardly changing 1-2 lines for a custom configuration. Your hard work will give you a … [Read more...]
Which IoT Platform is Best for ESP32 Arduino?
There is no single best answer to the question when we want to find the best IoT Platform for ESP32 Arduino. I believe that many of the newbies are not sure why some makers talk about ESP32 Arduino and some talks about Raspberry Pi. ESP32 Arduino and some MQTT service or IoT platform is the easiest way to convert traditional electrical things to smart devices. This is a common need. 90% of our … [Read more...]
Basic Smart Doorbell With IBM Watson IoT and ESP32 Arduino
Before the lockdown, I was building a basic smart doorbell with ESP32 and IBM Watson IoT. The function is easy and practical. We are adding a circuit with ESP32 to an existing battery-operated doorbell. When a person will press the doorbell, you will receive a push notification on your mobile phone. (Long back) I created a video of the basic prototype and uploaded it to YouTube and completely … [Read more...]
What You Can Control with a Smartwatch and ESP32
To build a robust automated home, our smartwatches will certainly act as a good device to trigger intended actions. Presently there are certain areas where various brands are pushing their products. The areas are Smart Lights, Security Cameras, Smart Thermostat, Automobile Automation and Smart Locks. Almost everything in the smart things and IoT stuffs market can be built completely at home. … [Read more...]