Remote Control Mini Blimp!

There's a sensor sending data to the ESP8266. That data needs to be transmitted to a web server, process that data, and make a visualization based on that data.

Step 1: set up the ESP client software

Step 2: set up the node.js server software

Step 3: marry the client code with the sensor code

https://diyprojects.io/esp8266-web-client-tcp-ip-communication-examples-esp8266wifi-esp866httpclient/#.WVZxFhOrrR1

Public IP: Google what's my public IP and it will be first result

Private IP: on Mac, it is in Network Settings, right at the top

This is a platform where multiple things talk over WiFi to a central server. One of the things I'll use this for is a blimp obstacle course. The other thing I'll use this for is to collect 20 people's heartbeats and use that data in a visualization.

BlimpLi controller PCB will measure approximately 110mm x 35mm and have 4 circuit modules.

• WiFi communications using ESP8266
• Voltage regulator: VBatt (4.2V -3.7V) to 3.3V
• Motor driver circuit for 3 motors 3.3V, 20mA
• Battery charging circuit

Rev 1 will be built in 2 pieces to make troubleshooting easier: 1) ESP8266, VReg, battery input and 2) Motor driver, battery charging

ESP8266 design notes::

• ESP-12S with 9 GPIO
• Analog ADC 10-bit, 1V max value, use to measure battery power. Will not work while transmitting.
• Understand startup modes (programming, normal, Flash)
• Power, needs 3.3V to operate and draws max. 170mA
• GPIO 6 - GPIO 11 not available, all others can be configured as input or outputs

Programming::

• Program over serial with TX, RX, VCC, GND
• I think level shifting should be on my FTDI cable?

States::

• Startup, all pins are INPUTS
• Normal run mode: RESET 3.3V, GPIO 0 HIGH, GPIO 2 HIGH, GPIO 15 LOW
• Programming mode: GPIO 0 LOW, GPIO 2 HIGH, GPIO 15 LOW
• Need switch on GPIO 0

IO list::

• Motor 1
• Motor 2
• Motor 3
• LED 1
• LED 2
• Proximity sensor
• Battery voltage

Notes::

• Thermal pad on ESP-12S does not appear anywhere on footprints around the web. Not sure if it is needed, but this thread discusses the pad on the ESP32.