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== First time ESP32 deveopment with Linux  ==

Come along and play with an ESP32 micro-controller using C and/or Micropython. I feel it is the new defacto serious maker board. 

I have about dozen boards people can play with. Blink an LED.

Some of my little hobby projects:

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DwstUWrU0AEBKyY.jpg - Logging household power usage.

https://thingspeak.com/channels/354869 - Logging room temperature and humidity to a web service.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sgfi3RzlEmA - made with a US$8 (including the camera) module.

== What to bring with you ==

* a computer running Linux

* clones the repositories required (see 'programming sections' below)

* a microUSB cable.

== Where / When ==

Monday 21st, 12:30 - 13:30, Location to be announced, but is likely to be Café 1894.

== What is an ESP32 ==

The ESP32 is an inexpensive micro-controller, but don't let its sub-US$10 price fool you. It
is an advanced 32 bit, dual core CPU, with WiFi and Bluetooth, with over half a MB of RAM. 
It can also run using very little power, making it suitable for battery powered applications.

It might be the perfect device for low-cost edge sensor for your IoT network.

The ESP32 can be easily programmed from your Linux system - most boards need only 
a microUSB cable.

=== Programming in C ===

The standard ESP32 runtime environment is the Open Source ESP-IDF toolchain and SDK.

The GitHub repo can be cloned from https://github.com/espressif/esp-idf

NOTE - this requires python-pip to be installed, as well as a few dependencies. See the README!

It has many examples in the "examples" directory.

=== Programming in MicroPython ===

Micropython is a subset of the Python Language, which can be used directly on the ESP32.
A utility called "ampy" allows you to update the python scripts on the module.

Ampy can be cloned from https://github.com/adafruit/ampy

If your module does not have micropython installed, or you wish to update the
firmware you will need "esptool" (clone from https://github.com/espressif/esptool)
and the micropython firmware from http://micropython.org/download

== What if I want a board, now or later? ==

When I buy one board, I usually buy four, so I have plenty spare. If you would 
like a board to keep, offer me $15.

Boards are available from many online suppliers on AliExpress - https://www.aliexpress.com/w/wholesale-esp32.html

A petty overpriced, under-speced board is available retail from Jaycar - https://www.jaycar.co.nz/esp32-main-board-with-wifi-and-bluetooth-communication/p/XC3800