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IOT 201: Microcontrollers & Sensors (Arduino, ESP32)

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Full course content (video lessons, exercises, downloadable files, and QR references) is part of Pro.

The preview above gives you the full course structure, learning outcomes, prerequisites, and what you will be able to do after completion. Free for everyone.

  • ✓Video lessons with real 3D printing setups
  • ✓Calibration parameters
  • ✓Downloadable STL examples + gcode profiles
  • ✓AI tutor for questions
  • ✓Completion certificate
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A printer that does not know what is happening to it cannot be reliable. This course uses Arduino and ESP32 to build monitoring and automation – from a simple temperature log to a cloud dashboard.

What you will learn

  • The architectural difference between Arduino and ESP32 platforms
  • GPIO, I2C, SPI and UART communication with sensors
  • Reading thermistors, DHT22, BME280 and current shunts
  • Wi-Fi and MQTT for telemetry transport
  • A web dashboard on the ESP32 with live WebSocket data
  • Integration with Home Assistant and Node-RED
  • OTA updates and secure firmware management

Course outline

  • Lesson 1: Hardware overview – Arduino Uno, Nano, ESP32, ESP8266
  • Lesson 2: Programming in Arduino IDE and PlatformIO
  • Lesson 3: Sensors for temperature, humidity, current, pressure
  • Lesson 4: Local logging to an SD card
  • Lesson 5: Wi-Fi connectivity and an MQTT broker
  • Lesson 6: A web dashboard on the ESP32
  • Lesson 7: Printer integration – power monitoring and emergency stop
  • Lesson 8: OTA, security and production deployment

Prerequisites

Basic electrical knowledge (voltage, current, resistance). No mandatory prior programming experience – the course introduces C/C++ syntax gradually.

Outcome

You build a standalone monitoring module for a 3D printer that logs critical parameters, sends notifications and can stop a print on anomaly.

Who it is for

Makers, engineers running a small production setup, electronics and robotics students, and print farm owners who want their own solution before buying a commercial platform.