107: IoT and Small Devices

In this conversation, Jonathan discusses his experience with building automation control systems for his swimming pool using microcontrollers and IoT devices. He talks about controlling the pool temperature, pool pumps, and a saltwater generator. He also explores the challenges and considerations of using different microcontrollers, such as the ESP8266 and the Meadow board, which runs .NET. Jonathan shares his passion for building IoT projects and the potential for using favorite programming languages in these environments. The conversation covers various topics related to IoT platforms, including the evolution of hardware into software-as-a-service (SaaS) platforms, the expansion of Meadow's ecosystem, the integration of Raspberry Pi with Meadow, the challenges of running web servers on microcontrollers, and personal projects involving IoT devices. The conversation also touches on the use of Meadow in pool automation and coffee brewing, as well as the ingenuity of building custom solutions using sensors and Raspberry Pi.

Takeaways

• Building automation control systems for swimming pools using microcontrollers and IoT devices is a fascinating and practical application of technology.
• Controlling the pool temperature, pool pumps, and other aspects of pool maintenance can be automated using microcontrollers and relays.
• Different microcontrollers, such as the ESP8266 and the Meadow board, offer various capabilities and programming options for building IoT projects.
• The Meadow board, which runs .NET, provides a more familiar programming environment for developers and offers the potential for using favorite programming languages in IoT - projects. IoT platforms often evolve from hardware devices to full-fledged software-as-a-service (SaaS) platforms.
• Meadow is building an ecosystem around its platform, expanding its libraries and compatibility with devices like Raspberry Pi.
• Running web servers on microcontrollers like Meadow can be challenging, but Meadow provides solutions like BLE servers and basic web server functionality.
• Personal projects involving IoT devices can range from pool automation to coffee brewing, and can be built using sensors and Raspberry Pi.
• Building custom solutions using sensors and Raspberry Pi can be a creative and practical way to solve real-world problems.

People

• Hosts: Jon Dick, Allan Ritchie
• Audio Engineer: Jim Heath

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Background
• 02:26 Interest in IoT and Microcontrollers
• 03:50 Comparing IoT to Early Xamarin Days
• 08:11 Controlling Pool Temperature with Microcontrollers
• 09:37 Automating Pool Pumps and Saltwater Generator
• 28:27 Exploring the Meadow Board and .NET in IoT
• 33:19 The Evolution of IoT Platforms
• 34:41 Building an Ecosystem and Extending Compatibility
• 35:10 Challenges of Running Web Servers on Microcontrollers
• 39:23 Personal Projects: Pool Automation and Coffee Brewing
• 52:59 Meadow Desktop: Coding Against APIs and Simulating Graphics
• 01:03:38 Building Custom Solutions with Sensors and Raspberry Pi