XinaBox - Erinn #4

 XinaBox


After successfully connecting our camera feed to Ubidots via Streamlabs and Twitch, we needed to integrate the MicroBit into the loop. 

Our project leader Jason came across a product, XinaBox, while trying to resolve the MQTT issue. XinaBox produces a range of 80+ modular "xChips", including cores/CPUs, sensors, power, communication, output, and storage. The xChips can be clipped together using a connectivity standard without wires, soldering or breadboards.

In particular, the Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and LoRaWAN cores are specifically designed to make it as easy as possible to get connected to the Internet of Things. XinaBox is partnered with different IoT platforms including Ubidots, and each xChip has its own MicroBit MakeCode extension. This was a huge discovery for the team.

Once the XintheBox xChips arrived, we connected the components together and slotted the MicroBit in. After I installed the MakeCode extension, I simply wanted to connect the Microbit to Ubidots using the XinaBox CW01 WiFi xChip.

My code (image to the left) was pretty simple, filling in the required Ubitdot parameters where needed. Once powered, the MicroBit goes through a series of LCD displays, a red star for powered on, "C" for connected to WiFi, and a solid "Tick" when connected to Ubidots. However, my device showed a flashing "X" meaning it failed to send data, and reset the MicroBit. I could not figure out my issue, even contacting Ubidots to ensure my parameters were correct. 

I sent my code to another classmate, who changed to his mobile hotspot and Ubidots parameters and it worked! After some troubleshooting, I discovered my own mobile data had run out, which meant the device appeared to be connected but in fact, it wasn't. This was an easy fix and soon I had data (a value of 20) being sent from my MicroBit to Ubidots.


The next steps are to send and receive GPS coordinates and connect Ardupilot to Ubidots and get values down to the MicroBit, enabling us to control the Tello Drone via the Ubidots dashboard.


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