Software

Have a look at the following section to know on to flash the software on the microcontroller.

1. Overview, 2. NodeMCU Driver, 3. Requirements (InfluxDB & WIFI), and 4. Flash & Configure.

2. NodeMCU Driver

A driver is a set of files that help your computer's operating system interface with certain pieces of hardware. You may have to install the driver (i.e., CH340) for your computer to be able to communicate with the NodeMCU.

Here is a link to know how to install the driver: HowTo_CH340Driver.

3. Requirements

3.1 Web Server - InfluxDB 

The web server used for this project is influxDB, an open-source time series database (TSDB). The Free plan will be sufficient for most projects.

See the following tutorial to know how to set up an influxDB account; focus only on the first, second and last sections.

Link: HowTo_InfluxDB.

3.2 WIFI

The NodeMCU transfers data to the web server via WIFI. We leave this part up to you.

However, the team created a project known as the WiPi Bridge to help connect NodeMCU to enterprise-level WIFI networks. See the link below for more information.

Link: HowTo_WIPI 

4. Flash & Configure

STEP 1. Plug the NodeMCU into the computer with a USB to USB micro cable.

STEP 2. Flash the NodeMCU with the software. See the pictures for more details. 

STEP 3. Enter the information in the configuration section: 

• Name of the sensor unit (e.g., unique name)

• WiFi name and password

• InfluxDB account information

• Sensor configuration (e.g., On/off toggle and frequency of acquisition).

STEP 4. Safe and Upload to finalize the configuration. 

STEP 5. You should be good to go! 

Access the serial monitor (Flash button --> Logs & Console --> Reset Device) to confirm that the wifi, influxDB and the sensors are properly working.