Posts by Michael Cheich
How 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 MoreESP32 BLE Beacon Scanner
BLE Beacons and BLE Beacon Scanners are awesome technologies that unlock a whole new area of possibilities for the inexpensive and low power aspects of the ESP32! Combining Beacons and an ESP32 device with the Arduino IDE only makes these possibilities more exciting. So, let’s dive into what the ESP32 BLE Beacon Scanner technology is…
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! 👉 Download the Curly…
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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How to use timestamps with ESP32 and micro SD card
[Guide + Code]
Do you need to add timestamps to files you are saving on an SD card using an ESP32? In this article, we will demonstrate adding timestamps to files with an ESP32 connected to WiFi. We’ll also cover file reading and writing tasks using a micro SD card reader connected to an ESP32 using the Arduino…
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