Blynk Weather Station with XinaBox

Build your very own weather station and get weather updates directly to your mobile device! Astonishingly quick & easy build with ☒CHIPS.

Introduction

This project was built using XinaBox xCHIPS and Arduino IDE. This 5-minute project allows you to receive weather data on your mobile device using an app called Blynk which also displays data on the OLED screen of the xCHIPS OD01. This useful project allows you to monitor the weather wherever you choose and get remote updates directly to your phone via the app. I decided to use xCHIPS because they are so user-friendly and eliminate the need for soldering or serious circuit design. I could also easily program the xCHIPS using Arduino IDE.

Step 1: Downloading the Libraries

• Go to Github.xinabox
• Download xCore ZIP
• Install xCore into the Arduino IDE: Go to "Sketch", then "Include Library", then "Add .ZIP Library". As shown below:

• Download xSW01 ZIP
• Add the library in the same way as you did above for the xCore.
• Repeat for the xSL01 and xOD01
• You will also need to install the Blynk library so you can use the app. You can get it here
• Before you can start programming you will need to ensure you're using the correct board. In this project, I make use of the XinaBox CW01 which is under ESP8266 Modules in the boards manager. You can download the board library here.

Step 2: Programming

• Connect the IP01, CW01, SW01, SL01 and OD01 using xBUS Connectors. Make sure the xCHIPS' names are orientated correctly.

• Now insert the IP01 and connected xCHIPS into an available USB port.
• Download the code from the "Attachments" heading and open with your Arduino IDE. Put in your authorisation token, WiFi name and password as indicated.
• Alternatively, you can create your own code using the relevant principles to achieve the same objective.
• Compile the code ensuring there are no errors.

Step 3: Blynk Setup

• Install the Blynk app free from your app store; now it's time for the Project Setup.
• Before clicking "Log In" after entering your email address and password ensure your "Server Settings" are set to "BLYNK".

• Log in.
• Create New Project.
• Choose device "ESP8266"

• Assign a project name
• Next, you should receive an "Auth Token" notification and also an email containing the "Auth Token".

• Go to the "Widget Box"

• Add 4 "Buttons" and 4 "Value Displays"
• Next you need to assign the respective "Buttons" and "Value Displays" with their Virtual Pins as specified in the "CODE". To keep it simple, I used even numbers for the "Buttons" and corresponding odd numbers for the "Value Displays"
• You can adjust this setup to suit your needs as you amend your code.

Step 4: Uploading the code

• After successfully compiling in Step 2 (E.g. no errors found) you can upload the code to your ☒CHIPS. Make sure your switches are facing "B" and "DCE" respectively before you upload.
• Once uploaded successfully, open the Blynk app on your device.
• Open your project from Step 3.

• Press "play", then play with the respective "Buttons" to display data in your app and on the OLED screen.
• Your Blynk weather station is now ready to GO!