Four Options To Connect Arduino Uno to WiFi
This video briefly describes four (4) individual WiFi options currently available for the Arduino Uno or Mega. One of the major hurdles is the incompatibility of the voltage of the WiFi module vs. the Arduino input/output RX/TX pins. Several YouTube videos describe constructing power reduction using an array of resistors. This did not seem like an option that I wanted to use.
So, my first option was to purchase an inexpensive shield that I could plug and play. This turned out to be a bust and did not work at all.
Next, I tried to use just a WiFi module. But again, the power issue came up so I had to find two (2) adaptor boards that would 1) allow me to communicate to the Arduino IDE and that would 2) also allow me to incorporate it in a stand alone device. Even though this step mostly worked I still would have to construct some sort of voltage reducer to protect the RX/TX pins. Still not the answer I wanted.
The third option resolved the issue with the input/output RX/TX pins and allowed me to upload sketches to the NodeMCU8266 System On Chip (SOC) module. It had a few input and output pins, some on board memory and was programmable via the Arduino IDE. It was severely limited compared to the Uno and defenately to the Mega. It seemed that this option completely removed the Arduino from the picture. Not what I wanted either but I was getting closer.
Lastly, the forth option, solved all problems! Of course, it was the integration of an Arduino Uno and a WiFi module on one board. Arduino's Uno WiFi Board solves the power issue, the IDE concern and full programming flexibility. But it too comes with some minor complications. I had to migrate to a much newer version of the IDE. Something I did not really want to do at first since I really love my vintage 1.0.5 ERW (Enhanced Release for Windows) version. A new form of uploading sketches using Over-The-Air (OTA) had to be figured out. And how to flash the WiFi firmware without destroying the Arduino board. All of these scenarios made for a real tough learning experience and curve.
Each step along the way there was a huge learning curve. This video does not try to resolve all WiFi issues. But only offers brief insight into helping you get started programming WiFi sketches and making your WiFi IoT learning curve quicker and easier. I of course will upload all my notes to www.mediafire.com if you wish additional information.
My WiFi notes are stored here:
http://www.mediafire.com/file/yq0h2gf...