Getting started with idIoTware and Blynk

In this project, I am going to demonstrate how you can turn on/off LED on idIoTware shield with the help of Blynk app.

IntermediateFull instructions provided1 hour2,067

Getting started with idIoTware and Blynk

Things used in this project

Hardware components

Arduino UNO

idIoTware Shield

USB-A to B Cable

Espressif ESP8266 ESP-01

ESP-01 should be programmed with a specific firmware. Follow guidelines here http://www.instructables.com/id/Connect-to-Blynk-using-ESP8266-as-Arduino-Uno-wifi/

Generic Jumper (0.1")

9V 1A Switching Wall Power Supply

Software apps and online services

Arduino IDE

Blynk

Story

In this project we are going to learn how to use the idIoTware Shield and an Arduino Uno with Blynk.

What is Blynk?

Blynk is a Platform with iOS and Android apps to control Arduino, Raspberry Pi over the Internet. It's a digital dashboard where you can build a graphic interface for your project by simply dragging and dropping widgets.

It's really simple to set everything up and you'll start tinkering in less than 5 mins.

Blynk is not tied to some specific board or shield. Instead, it's supporting hardware of your choice. Whether your Arduino or Raspberry Pi is linked to the Internet over Wi-Fi, Ethernet or new ESP8266 chip, Blynk will get you online and ready for the Internet Of Your Things.

Configuring Blynk App

You need to have an iOS/Android device available to you, and install the Blynk app from the app store.

For more info on Blynk app visit http://docs.blynk.cc/

After installing, you'll need to sign up, and create a New Project in Blynk App. Follow the steps below (use the Left-Right arrows to navigate):

1 / 6 • Step 1: Create New project and select arduino uno as hardware model. Email the AUTH Token number.

Configuring Arduino IDE and idIoTware shield

1 / 2 • We need to Connect jumper to the chpd pin header for the esp to work correctly.

In this example we have used ESP8266_Lib.h and lynkSimpleShieldEsp8266.h library to make communication between Arduino and Blynk app.

Find the line that says:

 char auth[] = "xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx";

And Copy token number from email.

Find line below:

char ssid[] = "abcd"; char pass[] = "**********"

And write WiFi SSID and password. Note: Set password to "" for open networks.

Upload the code and check on the Blynk app, if it is showing connected or not.

If it's showing "Arduino Uno is not connected," make sure you have connected the 9V/ 1 amp adapter, Esp8266 WiFi module and make sure WiFi SSID and password are correct.Check the token key if necessary.

Once the Blynk app shows it is connected. Press the button and you will see the led on shield lights ON!!

Wasn't that simple? You didn’t need to do any soldering nor use a breadboard and you have already built an “internet of things” project. We will see a demonstration of advanced features used on the Shield with the Blynk App.

Now you are ready to make your own home automation project. With the Blynk app you can control anything from lights to AC to TV from anywhere in the world, With the idIoTware shield the sky's the limit.

Code

Getting started with idIoTware Shield and BLYNK

/*
Getting started with idIoTware Shield and BLYNK.
Attention: Please install all libraries from our Github Repository to enable this example to run.

In this example we are using ESP8266-01 Wifi Module.

Blynk is a platform with iOS and Android apps to control Arduino, Raspberry Pi and the likes over the Internet. You can easily build graphic interfaces for all your projects by simply dragging and dropping widgets.

Downloads, docs, tutorials: http://www.blynk.cc Blynk community: http://community.blynk.cc

To send data from Blynk to arduino or get data from arduino to blynk app you need to install Blynk app on your smartphone, create account to log in to the app then you will get a unique token number then use that token number in this code to create your own project.

In this example we have used ESP8266_Lib.h and BlynkSimpleShieldEsp8266.h library to make communication between arduino and Blynk app

*/
#define BLYNK_PRINT Serial    // Comment this out to disable prints and save space
#include <ESP8266_Lib.h>
#include <BlynkSimpleShieldEsp8266.h>

// You should get Auth Token in the Blynk App.
// Go to the Project Settings (nut icon).
char auth[] = "xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx";

// Your WiFi credentials.
// Set password to "" for open networks.
char ssid[] = "abcd";
char pass[] = "**********";

// Hardware Serial on Mega, Leonardo, Micro...
#define EspSerial Serial

// or Software Serial on Uno, Nano...
#include <SoftwareSerial.h>
SoftwareSerial debugSerial(10, 9); // RX, TX

// Your ESP8266 baud rate:
#define ESP8266_BAUD 9600

ESP8266 wifi(&EspSerial);

void setup()
    {
      // Set console baud rate
      debugSerial.begin(9600);
      delay(10);
      // Set ESP8266 baud rate
      EspSerial.begin(ESP8266_BAUD);
      delay(10);

      Blynk.begin(auth, wifi, ssid, pass);
      strip.begin();
      strip.show();
    }


             

void loop()
{
  Blynk.run();
}