Posts by Michael Cheich
Installing Arduino Libraries | Beginners Guide
Are you eager to delve into the world of Arduino libraries but unsure where to start? Fear not, as I’m here to guide you through three distinct methods of installing Arduino libraries, ranging from the easy and straightforward to the more hands-on approach. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned Arduino enthusiast, mastering libraries opens…
Read MorePumping poo! An IoT sewage project
Okay, let’s be honest – worrying about sewage pumps isn’t exactly how most people want to spend their time. But for Ken Calvert, a member of Programming Electronics Academy (PEA), it was a nagging problem that needed a solution. When you’re responsible for your church’s sewage system, you quickly learn that those pumps aren’t just…
Read MoreHow to update ESP32 firmware using web OTA [Guide + Code]
In this article, we will be discussing a common method for updating ESP32 firmware referred to as over-the-air (OTA) web updates. OTA web updating is the process of updating an ESP32’s firmware wirelessly. One of the great things about working with the ESP32 in the Arduino IDE environment is the ability to rapidly create prototypes…
Read Moreexpected declaration before ‘}’ token [SOLVED]
Compilation error: expected declaration before ‘}’ token Why the heck does the Arduino IDE expect a declaration before ‘}’ token?! Are you scratching your head wondering what the heck this error even means? Fret not – this is a super easy to fix error! In this lesson you’ll learn: Let’s go! Checkout the practice code…
Read MoreCompilation error: expected ‘;’ before [SOLVED]
Compilation error: expected ‘;’ before … Does this error message have you scratching your head? What’s the deal with the semi-colon? What about the squiggly lines in the error message, what does that mean? Well, you’re not alone, because this might be the single most common error in Arduino programming! But don’t sweat it, because…
Read MoreHow to update ESP32 firmware with an SD card [Guide + Code]
In this article, we will discuss an alternative method for updating ESP32 firmware using a micro SD card and a micro SD card reader. Firmware is the software that is programmed into a microcontroller like the ESP32 to execute a set of instructions. And micro SD cards ( secure digital cards ) are used…
Read MoreUsing time features with your ESP32 [Guide + Code]
Do you have a project where keeping time is important? Then timestamps are something you will want to be aware of. Timestamps are very useful when adding dates and times to data you are logging or for creating file names with dates and times in them. You can also use timestamps when you need…
Read MoreVEML7700 Light Sensor for the ESP32 [Guide + Code]
The VEML7700 ambient light sensor (ALS) is a ”high accuracy ambient light sensor with I2C interface” that’s “close to real human eye response”. It outputs brightness, and can be interfaced with microcontrollers like the ESP32. This tutorial will guide you through the process of wiring up the VEML7700 sensor to an ESP32 and programming it to…
Read MoreESP32 iBeacon for beginners [Guide + Code]
iBeacon is a powerful BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication protocol made by Apple that allows for any BLE enabled device to find its location and send information with the user’s permission. Even though this was published by Apple, any device that has BLE enabled can use the iBeacon protocol (No iPhone needed!) At the end…
Read MoreVEML3328 Color Sensor for the ESP32 [Guide + Code]
Color sensors are useful for color detection, ambient light monitoring, and color balancing. The VEML3328 color sensor is a high-accuracy RGBCIR (Red, Green, Blue, Clear, IR) sensor that can be interfaced with microcontrollers like the ESP32 to capture precise color information. This tutorial will guide you through the process of wiring up the VEML3328 sensor…
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