4.5.2. Hardware for IoT Projects

When teaching programming you may find yourself in a situation that things can be done on your computer, but you may not want to install programs that help you to learn programming on your computer. However, we have a solution (or several) for you. We will have some fun with hardware for IoT that at the same time can be used to teach you some very elementary skills in programming. However, if you would rather use your computer you certainly can do this too.

We see the following arguments for using IoT hardware:

  • You will have fun with inexpensive hardware
  • You will get hands on experience with IOT devices
  • You will learn how to program in python
  • You can keep your current computer unchanged
  • You will get experience with two platforms esp8266 and Raspberry PI 3
  • You can customise your choices by conducting some fun projects.
  • You have the opportunity to find alternative hardware choices such as the WiPy or the ESP32. You may find cheaper or better alternatives if you buy kits when they are available. And learn in getting an overview about such devices and kits.

Note: Ordering from overseas suppliers may take significant time, so make sure to plan ahead. Prices given here are done to provide an estimate, they may vary.

4.5.2.1. Raspberry Pi 3

The raspberry PI 3 is a very good development platform. With its base price of $35 it is quite a bargain. You will need some additional components to make sure you can use it. Please be reminded to never connect or power the raspberry with your computers USB port. It draws some significant amperage and we do not want you to destroy your computer. We recommend that you buy a certified power adapter. The price is so cheap that you could even create your own mini cluster as a project. We do not recommend any older versions of Raspberry as they are less powerful and do not contain built-in Bluetooth or WiFi.

Configuration:

  • $37.50 Pi 3
  • $7.69 Case
  • $7.99 Power Adapter This is an aftermarket poweradapter. Lots uof us use this one.
  • $6.99 HDMI cable
  • Monitor/TV with hdmi
  • SD Card, 8GB minimum, 32GB maximum

Advantages:

  • Full Linux like OS based on debian
  • Good environment for learning Linux and Python
  • Reasonable interfaces to IoT sensors
  • excellent camera support
  • excellent choice of expansion packages including Grove Sensors that make it easy to attach sensors and actuators. An example package is the Grove Starter Kit for about $90

Disadvantages:

  • We tried the Windows IoT package and were not impressed by it. This is not an issue of the Raspberry, but the Windows IoT platform

4.5.2.2. ESP8266 Robot Car Kit

The ESP8266 has many variants. Some of which are difficult to interface with. However, this does not apply for the ESP8266 NodeMCU. This board is originally flashed with Lua, however it can easily be reflashed with MicroPython. In addition it is often offered as part of a platform to develop a robot car. There are arguably better kits available, but the price of $24 for the entire kit is hard to beat. Unfortunately the version of python, as well as the limited memory make the esp8266 not a full fledged platform for python programming and you will quickly see its limitations. Interfacing with it, however, as an IoT device will gain you a lot of insights.

Configuration:

Optionally you may want to get additional sensors such as wheel Encoders

Advantages:

  • Very low price for what it can do
  • We have OSX software available that makes it easy to setup (Other tutorials for other platforms are available on the internet, you can contribute by creating documentation we distribute in class for points)

4.5.2.3. Sensor Kit

It is fun to attach sensors to your IoT board. There are many kits ab]vailable and we encourage you to do comparisions. One such kit is

However it does not include a breadboard like other kits. Hence we recommend that you get a breadboard as it makes experimenting easier.

4.5.2.4. Fish Kit

  • $29.99 shark
    • cheaper balloons leak
    • before assembly and putting gas in, make sure components work.
    • gas will last typically for one week
    • $39.99 gas can be purchased in party store
  • 2 g9 servo
  • soldering (for cable, so cheap one will do)
  • pins
  • esp
  • double sided scotch tape
  • hot glue gun
  • paper clips

4.5.2.5. Alternative components

4.5.2.5.1. Esp8266 Alternatives

Two models are good. Adafruit has some added features, but may need soldering

4.5.2.5.2. Car Parts Alternatives

4.5.2.5.3. Simple sensors

Simple sensors can be attached to the boards with cables (that you need to purchase separately). Examples include

4.5.2.5.4. Grove Sensors

Grove sensors have ready-made cables that make them easy to attach to the Raspberry PI. However, they are more expensive. You still need a Raspberry PI. No soldering iron and no breadboards are required.