I²C smartNode Smart Device

This project is shared with the fischertechnik Corner website, as this smart device is intended for the fischertechnik RoboTX controller.

This part in more technical oriented.

The smartNode smart device is very similar to the smartWiFi and the smartBLE, except it relies on Node-RED as broker and front-end instead of Blynk.

Node-RED allows great flexibility: it runs on any terminal and powers a dashboard. The dashboard can be displayed on the same terminal or on another one, as a tablet or a smartphone throw any internet browser.

Selecting the Framework and IoT Service

Contrary to the previously developed smartWiFi and smartBLE devices, smartNode relies on Node-RED instead of Blynk.

The alternative is Node-RED, which offers a GUI to design and display a dashboard for the end-user interface.

In case of MQTT, the same terminal where Node-RED runs also hosts the MQTT broker. However, MQTT requires WiFi. Node-RED includes nodes for MQTT and Serial connectivity.

The alternative is Bluetooth, either Classic with SPP, or BLE for Bluetooth Low Energy. Node-RED is extensible with additional nodes for Bluetooth SPP and BLE Serial. 
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Selecting the MCU is no longer a criteria, as any radio protocol can be used, WiFi, Bluetooth, BLE or sub-1 GHz to name a few. ​

​Finalised and Working Sensor

There was no prototype, as only the broker and the front-end change. The project focuses on software.

The previously developed smartWiFi and smartBLE devices in the standard fischertechnik 9 V battery box were used again.

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Posted:
​Edited: March 17, 2017