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

The Photon 2 is a compact and powerful Wi-Fi development kit designed for creating connected projects and products. It features a microcontroller with built-in Wi-Fi capabilities, making it an ideal choice for Internet of Things (IoT) applications. With its small form factor and robust feature set, the Photon 2 is perfect for both hobbyists and professionals looking to develop smart, connected devices.

• Home automation systems
• Smart appliances
• Remote monitoring and control
• Wearable technology
• Industrial IoT solutions
• Prototyping and development of connected products

1. Powering the Photon 2:

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

2. Connecting to Wi-Fi:

   • Use the built-in Wi-Fi module to connect to a Wi-Fi network.
   • Configure the Wi-Fi settings using the Particle IDE or Particle CLI.

3. Programming the Photon 2:

   • Use the Particle Web IDE, Particle Desktop IDE, or Particle CLI to write and upload code.
   • The Photon 2 supports programming in C/C++.

4. Interfacing with Sensors and Actuators:

   • Use the digital I/O pins (D0-D7) to connect to sensors and actuators.
   • Use the analog input pins (A0-A7) to read analog signals from sensors.

• Ensure the input voltage does not exceed the specified range (3.6V - 5.5V).
• Use appropriate pull-up or pull-down resistors for digital inputs if necessary.
• Avoid placing the Photon 2 near sources of electromagnetic interference to maintain Wi-Fi performance.
• Regularly update the firmware to benefit from the latest features and security patches.

// Example code to connect Photon 2 to an Arduino UNO and read an analog sensor

// Define the pin connected to the sensor
const int sensorPin = A0;

// Variable to store the sensor value
int sensorValue = 0;

void setup() {
  // Initialize serial communication at 9600 baud rate
  Serial.begin(9600);
}

void loop() {
  // Read the analog value from the sensor
  sensorValue = analogRead(sensorPin);

  // Print the sensor value to the serial monitor
  Serial.println(sensorValue);

  // Wait for 100 milliseconds before the next reading
  delay(100);
}

1. Wi-Fi Connection Problems:

   • Ensure the Wi-Fi credentials are correctly configured.
   • Check if the Wi-Fi network is within range and operational.
   • Restart the Photon 2 and the Wi-Fi router.

2. Power Supply Issues:

   • Verify that the input voltage is within the specified range (3.6V - 5.5V).
   • Check for loose connections or faulty power sources.

3. Programming Errors:

   • Ensure the correct board and port are selected in the Particle IDE.
   • Check for syntax errors or missing libraries in the code.

• Wi-Fi Connection:

  • Use the Particle mobile app to reconfigure Wi-Fi settings.
  • Move the Photon 2 closer to the Wi-Fi router to improve signal strength.

• Power Supply:

  • Use a stable and regulated power supply.
  • Double-check all connections to ensure they are secure.

• Programming:

  • Refer to the Particle documentation for detailed programming guides.
  • Use the Particle community forums for additional support and troubleshooting tips.

By following this documentation, users can effectively utilize the Photon 2 for their IoT projects and overcome common challenges they may encounter.