1. Home
  2. Symmetry Blog
  3. From Digi: "Hands-on MicroPython Examples for Edge Computing: Part 2"

From Digi: "Hands-on MicroPython Examples for Edge Computing: Part 2"

Symmetry Electronics in Blogs on December 16, 2018

About Symmetry Electronics

Established in 1998, Symmetry Electronics, a Division of Braemac, is a global distributor of electronic components and systems. Combining premier components and comprehensive value-added services with an expert in-house engineering team, Symmetry supports engineers in the design, development, and deployment of a broad range of connected technologies. 

Exponential Technology Group Member

Acquired by Berkshire Hathaway company TTI, Inc. in 2017, Symmetry Electronics is a proud Exponential Technology Group (XTG) member. A collection of specialty semiconductor distributors and engineering design firms, XTG stands alongside industry leaders TTI Inc., Mouser Electronics, and Sager Electronics. Together, we provide a united global supply chain solution with the shared mission of simplifying engineering, offering affordable technologies, and assisting engineers in accelerating time to market. For more information about XTG, visit www.xponentialgroup.com.

In our first post in the MicroPython programming for the edge series, we talked about how to collect sensor readings and make sense of them using the Digi XBee3 Cellular LTE-M Kit, as well as Digi’s free configuration software, XCTU, and some simple MicroPython code. Welcome to Part 2 of this series.

The edge intelligence provided in Digi’s XBee3 line of embedded RF modules makes sending data to the cloud a snap. For our second project in this hands-on series, we show how to upload temperature readings measured from a Digi XBee3 Cellular LTE-M module to “data streams” on Digi Remote Manager (DRM). Developers can use this data and device management platform for free. The Digi XBee3 Cellular line supports open communications standards, so it can also share data with Amazon’s IoT Platform, Microsoft Azure, Adafruit.io, Google Cloud IoT, ThingSpeak, IBM Watson and many others. Look for hands-on tutorials or several of those in future projects. Readers of our first project will recall that MicroPython is an open-source programming language based on Python 3, modified to fit on small devices and optimized for microcontrollers. By using MicroPython you can rapidly create connections to cloud services right from the edges of your network.


Send Data to Digi Remote Manager

Many IoT systems feed data to online cloud platforms on the Internet. They typically sample some value locally, like temperature, then send the readings to any one of a dizzying number of online application for logging, processing and data visualization. In this project, we will take some temperature measurements using a simple sensor, then send them to Digi Remote Manager® as a “data stream” that can be visualized in different ways, accessed via an open API or stored for later use.

We begin with the exact same hardware setup used in the “Sense, Transform and Send a Value” project, including the TMP36 temperature sensor.

Set up the Hardware

If you missed our first post, please visit Hands-on MicroPython Programming Examples for Edge Computing: Part 1 and work through the following items to prepare for this second project:

  1. Getting Started: Demonstrates how to set up the hardware and software you’ll need.
  2. Hello World Example: Teaches how to upload code to Digi XBee3.
  3. Sense, Transform and Send a Value: Shows how to take a temperature reading and send it as a text message.

Once you have set up the Digi XBee3 hardware, hooked up the TMP36 temperature sensor, connected it to the configuration software, and opened the MicroPython terminal in XCTU, you are ready to begin. Your setup should look similar to this one:


TMP36, Digi XBee3 Cellular, XBIB connected to MicroPython Terminal in XCTU

Source: https://www.digi.com/blog/hands-on-micropython-programming-examples-for-edge-computing-part-2/ 

 

Looking to integrate Digi products with your design? Our Applications Engineers offer free design and technical help for your latest designs. Contact us today!

Share

Symmetry Electronics in Blogs on December 16, 2018

About Symmetry Electronics

Established in 1998, Symmetry Electronics, a Division of Braemac, is a global distributor of electronic components and systems. Combining premier components and comprehensive value-added services with an expert in-house engineering team, Symmetry supports engineers in the design, development, and deployment of a broad range of connected technologies. 

Exponential Technology Group Member

Acquired by Berkshire Hathaway company TTI, Inc. in 2017, Symmetry Electronics is a proud Exponential Technology Group (XTG) member. A collection of specialty semiconductor distributors and engineering design firms, XTG stands alongside industry leaders TTI Inc., Mouser Electronics, and Sager Electronics. Together, we provide a united global supply chain solution with the shared mission of simplifying engineering, offering affordable technologies, and assisting engineers in accelerating time to market. For more information about XTG, visit www.xponentialgroup.com.

Subscribe

Stay up to date with industry and supplier news!

Browse

See all tags