How to Use Photon2: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The Photon2 is a versatile microcontroller development board equipped with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities, making it an ideal choice for Internet of Things (IoT) applications. This powerful board is designed to facilitate rapid prototyping and development of connected devices, offering a robust platform for both beginners and experienced developers.

• Home Automation: Control and monitor home appliances remotely.
• Wearable Devices: Develop smart wearable gadgets with connectivity features.
• Industrial Automation: Implement IoT solutions for industrial monitoring and control.
• Environmental Monitoring: Collect and transmit environmental data such as temperature, humidity, and air quality.
• Smart Agriculture: Monitor and manage agricultural conditions and equipment.

1. Powering the Board:

   • Connect the VIN pin to a 5V power source or use the USB port for power.
   • Ensure the GND pin is connected to the ground of your power source.

2. Connecting Sensors and Actuators:

   • Use the digital I/O pins (D0-D7) for connecting digital sensors and actuators.
   • Use the analog input pins (A0-A5) for connecting analog sensors.

3. Programming the Board:

   • Connect the Photon2 to your computer via USB.
   • Use the Arduino IDE or other compatible development environments to write and upload code.

• Voltage Levels: Ensure that all connected components operate at 3.3V logic levels to avoid damaging the board.
• Pin Usage: Avoid using the same pin for multiple functions simultaneously.
• Wi-Fi and Bluetooth: Be mindful of the power consumption when using Wi-Fi and Bluetooth features.

Here is an example code to read an analog sensor value and send it over Wi-Fi to a server:

#include <WiFi.h>

// Replace with your network credentials
const char* ssid = "your_SSID";
const char* password = "your_PASSWORD";

// Server details
const char* server = "your_server_address";
const int port = 80;

void setup() {
  Serial.begin(115200);
  pinMode(A0, INPUT);

  // Connect to Wi-Fi
  WiFi.begin(ssid, password);
  while (WiFi.status() != WL_CONNECTED) {
    delay(1000);
    Serial.println("Connecting to WiFi...");
  }
  Serial.println("Connected to WiFi");
}

void loop() {
  int sensorValue = analogRead(A0);
  Serial.print("Sensor Value: ");
  Serial.println(sensorValue);

  // Connect to server
  WiFiClient client;
  if (client.connect(server, port)) {
    client.print("GET /update?value=");
    client.print(sensorValue);
    client.println(" HTTP/1.1");
    client.println("Host: your_server_address");
    client.println("Connection: close");
    client.println();
  }
  client.stop();

  delay(10000); // Send data every 10 seconds
}

1. Wi-Fi Connection Problems:

   • Ensure the SSID and password are correct.
   • Check if the Wi-Fi network is operational.

2. Analog Readings Are Inaccurate:

   • Verify the sensor connections.
   • Ensure the sensor operates within the 3.3V range.

3. Board Not Recognized by Computer:

   • Check the USB cable and port.
   • Install the necessary drivers for the Photon2.

• Reset the Board: Press the RST button to reset the board if it becomes unresponsive.
• Check Power Supply: Ensure the board is receiving adequate power.
• Update Firmware: Keep the board's firmware updated to the latest version for optimal performance.

By following this documentation, you should be able to effectively utilize the Photon2 microcontroller development board in your IoT projects. Happy prototyping!