BalCCon2k17 - Radu

### Overview In this workshop session from BalCCon2k17, speaker Radu introduces participants to the fundamentals of the Internet of Things (IoT) through a hands-on hardware project. Radu, a maker who turned his hobby into a business operating an IoT device network, aims to demystify IoT beyond common buzzwords by demonstrating its underlying principles, practical benefits, and accessibility.

### Key Topics - **Evolution of IoT Technology**: Contrasting historical setups—which required full desktop computers and serial connections to log measurements and push them online—with modern systems where cheap, compact microcontrollers run complete TCP/IP network stacks independently. - **Hands-on Hardware Assembly**: Distributing 20 kits containing microcontrollers, shields, and batteries for participants to assemble, solder, and configure within a two-hour workshop window. - **End-to-End Data Pipeline**: Explaining the architecture required for IoT data utility, including sensor data collection, wireless transmission, backend databases, custom scripting, and data visualization.

### Technical Details - **Hardware Components**: The workshop kits center on the Wemos Mini development board, complemented by a battery shield for mobile operation and a temperature sensor shield. An older device built by the speaker using an ATmega328 is also referenced to show microcontroller-based network reporting. - **Assembly and Pin Stacking**: Soldering pins to allow stacked shields. Radu recommends placing female headers on the Wemos Mini, double-sided female/male headers on the middle battery shield, and male pins on the temperature sensor placed at the very top. This arrangement prevents heat generated by the electronics and battery from skewing the temperature readings. - **Software and Environment**: Participants are instructed to install the Arduino development environment (IDE) and the CH340x (referred to as ch3 3 4x) USB-to-serial converter driver to program the boards over USB. - **Wireless Networking**: The assembled units measure ambient temperature and transmit readings wirelessly via wireless LAN (Wi-Fi).

### Takeaways The workshop illustrates that building functional, battery-operated IoT devices is straightforward, low-cost, and does not demand complex infrastructure. While an interactive room-wide thermal mapping project was suggested as a theoretical exercise, the focus remained on hands-on assembly, soldering, flashing firmware via Arduino, and routing sensor data to central platforms for visualization.