Tag Archives: UDP

Parsing Comma Delimited Data Strings in Arduino

In this lesson we are working on a client server connection. The Arduino is the server, and a python program on a desktop PC is the client. The objective is to control the color of an RGB LED from the client. The client will send data to the server as comma delimited string, like 255,0,255 for RGB. The challenge on the server side is to parse this data so we get integer values of:

R=255

G=0

B=255

In this video lesson we start by simply controlling two LED, a red and green one, from the python client. We then show how we can control an RGB LED by sending the data string from the client, and parsing it on the server side. For your convenience, we include the code here:

Server Side code for the Arduino:

The code above needs a ‘secrets.h’ file which includes your WiFi name and password. This is created in the IDE by choosing ‘Add Tab’. Call the new tab ‘secrets.h’, and edit the code below to include your WiFi name and passwords inside the quotes:

Now, on the client side, this is our standard Python client:

With this code for creating a client and server, and then parsing comma delimited text, you can easily add the code needed to control the RGB LED color to the arduino program.

Create a Simple Client Server Connection Over WiFi to Connect Arduino to Python on the PC

In this video lesson, we show how to create a simple Client/Server connection over WiFi. We connect the Arduino Uno R4 WiFi to Python running on the PC. The arduino is the server, and the PC Python program is the client. We show how to pass data from the PC to the Arduino, and then how to pass data from the Arduino back to the PC. With this simple framework, we can control Arduino projects from our desktop PC, and we can use the PC to display data being taken from the Arduino.

In this lesson we develop code for Arduino, and the code in Python. For your convenience, we present the code below.

On the Arduino Side, this is the code to create the ‘Server’.

You also need to add a tab to your program using the ‘Add Tab’ feature of the IDE. The program in the tab should be named secrets.h

Your secrets.h file should look like this:

You can run the program above, and it should connect to your WiFi, and should print out the Arduino’s IP address. Make note of the IP address as it will be needed in the Client program below. On the PC side, this is the python code to create the client:

 

Remotely Control a DC Motor Over WiFi With Raspberry Pi Pico W

In this video lesson I will show you how you can control a remote DC motor using your Raspberry Pi Pico W. The Pi Pico is set up as a server, and is connected to a DC motor, and TA6586 Motor Controller. The motor is controlled by a client Python program running on your desktop PC. On the client side we create a Graphical Widget, which will allow you to control both the speed and direction of the motor. the schematic for the Raspberry Pi Pico W side is shown below:

Motor Controller
Schematic for TA6586 and Raspberry Pi Pico DC Motor Control

When using the breadvolt, or any battery power supply on a breadboard project, do not turn the power supply on while the Raspberry Pi Pico is connected to USB, as you could generate voltage conflicts. It is an either or. If the USB is connected, the power supply should be OFF. Or if you are going to connect the USB, first turn off the power supply.

Then in the video, we developed the following software for the server side on the Pi Pico

Then for the client side, the following program runs on Python on your PC:

 

 

Simple Client Server Project for the Raspberry Pi Pico W

In this video lesson we demonstrate a simple client server project on the Raspberry Pi Pico W. The Pico is configures as the server, and your desktop pc or laptop is configures to be the client. You will be running python on your PC. The project requests the user on the PC to specify a desired color. The color is then sent to the Pico, the Server.

For this lesson we are not using the breadvolt power supply, but we will use it in future lessons. For this lesson, you do not need to attach it, and if you do attach it, leave it ‘off’.

Below is the schematic for the Server Side of the project:

LED and Buttons
Schematic for Circuit to Demonstrate a Client Server Example on Pi Pico

For your convenience, this is the code we developed in the video

Remember you must create a secrets.py file, and save it on the Pi Pico in the lib folder. You need to specify YOUR WiFi name and password in the file.

And finally, here is the code to run on the client side on your PC

 

Sending Data Over WiFi Between Raspberry Pi Pico W and Your PC

In this video lesson we show how we can send and receive data between the Raspberry Pi Pico W, and your PC. We will be running python on the PC, and we will exchange data using the UDP protocol. UDP is simple, and a very reliable way to send data packets back and forth. In this example, we will be demonstrating a simple Client Server relationship between the Pi Pico and PC using UDP over WiFi.

For your convenience, this is the “Server” software you will run on the Pi Pico.

Notice that the above code wants to load a “secrets” file that contain your WiFi name, and password

You should edit the code below with your WiFi username and your password, and then save the file in the Pi Pico lib folder, with the name secrets.py (don’t forget the .py)

Now, on the PC side, you will run your client, which will be run in Python. Here is the client software: