Blog 3 - MQTT / IFTTT


 Blog 3 - MQTT / IFTTT

This blog is the combination of 2 weeks, in the first week we covered MQTT, while in the second we did IFTTT.

MQTT

MQTT (Message Queuing Telemetry Transport) is an efficient messaging protocol designed for IOT and low bandwidth applications. It allows devices to communicate between each other over a network using publish-subscribe model. It does this by connecting clients to a MQTT broker, then the client can publish messages to a topic. MQTT is used in IOT devices and Real-Time monitoring.


In this lab we are setting up a microbits to work with MQTT using BeeBotte as the broker were we can send data using topics to the CloudBoard  that then updates the MQTTIOT app. the CloudBoard  connects multiple microbits together, all using different inputs.


Ive then set up one of the microbits to send the current temperature to the CloudBoard  which then sends the data to the MQTTIot app using beeBotte. I then got the temperature back from theCloudBoard  which is then displayed on the LED display










This lab was very beneficial as its given me a deeper understanding of MQTT and working with microbit's. It was interesting wo see all the microbits connecting wirelessly together to the CloudBoard and being able to send and receive messages. Next i want to work on getting IFTT working where if the light senser on the microbit changes it will trigger an alert and send me a email.

IFTTT

IFTTT is an automation platform the that allows you to connect different apps, devices and services together using a things called applets. Applets uses a simple structure, then/that when an event is triggered, if this. It is commonly used for automating smart home devices, social media posts, notifications, and other online services.

Web-Hook

A webhook is a way for applications to send real-time data to each other using http requests. They are commonly used for automation, notifications and integration with apps



This week to further learn about IFTTT i decided to use the microbits Jason gave us to develop an idea for a home security system where the light senser on the microbit LEDs would detect movement and then send an email to the owner of the house with an alert. I started by creating a account on the IFTTT website and creating a applet that uses a webhook to then trigger a email that will be sent to me.



MicrobitCode: i then set it up on the microbit to first connect to the internet using the IOT Cloud Kit and then trigger the alert when the light senser detects any light.


Problems

Due to the inconsistency of the light senser on the microbit i had to switch to using a button for my showcase. I also had issues with the IFTTT, i originally wanted to send a SMS but there seemed to be something wrong on the IFTTT end as it was receiving the trigger but i wasn't receiving the msg on my phone.



This lab was very beneficial as it has given me a deeper understanding of working with webhooks and IFTTT services. This has broadened my my mind to new and innovative ideas moving forward. Moving forward i would like try seeing if i can receive data from the microbit in the email like the exact amount of light detected.




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