How to Use Photon 2: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The Photon 2 is a powerful Wi-Fi development kit designed by Particle for creating connected projects and products. It features a Broadcom Wi-Fi chip, a robust ARM Cortex M3 microcontroller, and seamless integration with the Particle cloud platform. This makes it an ideal choice for IoT (Internet of Things) applications, home automation, and other connected projects.

• IoT Devices: Easily connect sensors and actuators to the internet.
• Home Automation: Control lights, thermostats, and other home devices remotely.
• Prototyping: Quickly develop and test new connected products.
• Educational Projects: Ideal for learning about IoT and embedded systems.

1. Powering the Photon 2:

   • Connect the VIN pin to a power source (3.6V to 5.5V).
   • Connect the GND pin to the ground of the power source.

2. Connecting to Wi-Fi:

   • Use the Particle mobile app or Particle CLI to configure Wi-Fi credentials.

3. Programming:

   • Use the Particle Web IDE, Particle Dev, or Particle CLI to write and upload code.

4. Connecting Sensors and Actuators:

   • Use the digital and analog pins to connect various sensors and actuators.

• Power Supply: Ensure a stable power supply to avoid unexpected resets.
• Pin Usage: Avoid using pins for multiple purposes simultaneously.
• Wi-Fi Signal: Ensure a strong Wi-Fi signal for reliable connectivity.
• Firmware Updates: Regularly update the firmware for new features and security patches.

Here is an example code to blink an LED connected to pin D7:

// This #include statement was automatically added by the Particle IDE.
#include "Particle.h"

// Define the pin for the LED
const int ledPin = D7;

void setup() {
    // Initialize the LED pin as an output
    pinMode(ledPin, OUTPUT);
}

void loop() {
    // Turn the LED on
    digitalWrite(ledPin, HIGH);
    delay(1000); // Wait for 1 second

    // Turn the LED off
    digitalWrite(ledPin, LOW);
    delay(1000); // Wait for 1 second
}

1. Wi-Fi Connection Issues:

   • Solution: Ensure correct Wi-Fi credentials and a strong signal. Use the Particle app to reconfigure if needed.

2. Power Issues:

   • Solution: Verify the power supply voltage and current ratings. Ensure connections are secure.

3. Code Upload Failures:

   • Solution: Check USB connections and drivers. Ensure the Photon 2 is in DFU mode if using Particle CLI.

4. Unresponsive Device:

   • Solution: Perform a factory reset by holding the MODE button until the LED blinks white.

1. How do I reset the Photon 2?

   • Hold the RST button for a few seconds until the device restarts.

2. Can I use the Photon 2 with Arduino IDE?

   • No, the Photon 2 is programmed using the Particle Web IDE, Particle Dev, or Particle CLI.

3. How do I update the firmware?

   • Use the Particle Web IDE or Particle CLI to upload the latest firmware.

4. What is the maximum input voltage for the VIN pin?

   • The maximum input voltage for the VIN pin is 5.5V.

By following this documentation, users can effectively utilize the Photon 2 for their connected projects and troubleshoot common issues they may encounter.