Introduction: Switching Things With a NodeMCU System

By ARP Company
About: We are 2 People working on that account and we try to make the best thing for you to improve your awesome projects and mind

In this project I will show you how to set up a NodeMCU Microcontroller so you can use it as an IoT (Internet of Things) Device that can be used later for any purpose. In this tutorial I will also show you how to switch an AC LED with a relay (also how to use relays).

So what is a NodeMCU? It is an Arduino Compatible Microcontroller with on-board ESP-8266 WiFi Module which is widely known for its use in IoT Devices. Today, I will basically show you how to use it for a very easy project but you can take it a step further and make awesome things.

Step 1: Download the Drivers for the Board

Go to that link and follow the instructions. They are very easy to follow.

After doing that, you can plug your board to your computer and see the Port on the Arduino IDE. If everything is done correctly you will be able to see a COM and a Number depending on the Port. Now you can continue to the next step, downloading the Board Files to the Arduino IDE.

Also very simple. Here's the link.

After that, you can select the NodeMCU 0.9 board at the Board Selection of the Arduino IDE.

IMPORTANT: The Upload Speed (Arduino/Tools/Upload Speed) must be 9600!

Step 2: Set Up Blynk

Blynk is the IoT Service we will be using. It has pretty good features like:

-Mobile App Designer.

-Its own Server.

-Very Descriptive Documentation and Guides.

-Support for many Boards even the Raspberry Pi.

So everything you need to do is to follow these steps.

NOTE: When you are at Step 3 open the Editor and Select the NodeMCU as Board and ESP8266 WiFi for Connection.

If the Test go as it should, we can continue with the Schematic.

Step 3: Schematic

The Schematic is very simple and affordable.

Unfortunately, I could not find my AC LED so I used an AC Motor-Fan.

Furthermore, I used a Relay Array with 8 of them so as to be able in the future to expand the functions of the project.

Step 4: Abilities

Basically, because Blynk uses Cloud communications you can use it everywhere. If you have mobile data you can switch things even from the mountains.

Step 5: Outro

I hope I have helped some people or inspire them to make something similar. If you have any questions tell us in the comments.

This Project was made by the ARP Robotics Team.

Please check our website: http://arpcompany.weebly.com/.

and our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/arpcompany/?ref=ts&fref=ts.

We also made a Solar Variable Power Supply here on Instructables so if you want to have a look, click here.