Last month, we introduced IKEA VINDRIKTNING, a $12 air quality sensor that can be easily upgraded by adding ESP8266 to record data through the network. Just solder a few wires to the original PCB, and because there is so much free space inside the housing, you don’t even have to worry about installing a parasitic microcontroller; just stick it inside the housing and click the button.
Right now we are not against quick and dirty methods around these parts, but if you are looking for a slightly neater VINDRIKTNING modification, Then take a look at this customized PCB design [lond]. This ESP-12F board has AP2202 voltage regulator, Molex PicoBlade connector and clever design that allows it to slide directly into the free area inside the sensor housing. The project description says that the finished product looks like it was installed from the factory, and we tend to agree.
There is no change in software, in fact, ESP-12F has been flashed with the same firmware [Sören Beye] Written for the Wemos D1 Mini used in his original modification.That said [lond] Design the circuit so that the MCU can be easily reprogrammed with the FTDI cable, so just because you left the development board behind does not mean that you can’t continue to try different firmware versions.
It is always gratifying to see this kind of community development, whether it is deliberately organized or not. [lond] Saw an interesting idea, found a way to improve its execution, and released the results to the wild for the benefit of others. It’s no exaggeration to say that this is what Hackaday promotes and promotes here, so if you find yourself inspired by something you see on these pages to take on a project, please leave us a message.