How To Send Data From Raspberry Pi Pico W to Machinechat JEDI and Machinechat Vision Using MicroPython

Overview

Raspberry Pi Pico W is a compact and cost-effective board ideal for IoT projects. Using MicroPython, an efficient Python variant for microcontrollers, you can collect data from sensors and send it to Machinechat JEDI for real-time monitoring and analysis.

Setting Up Raspberry Pi Pico W with MicroPython

Step 1: Install MicroPython on Raspberry Pi Pico W

Download the latest MicroPython firmware for the Raspberry Pi Pico W from the official website.
Connect your Pico W to your computer while holding down the BOOTSEL button. It will mount as a mass storage device.
Drag and drop the downloaded MicroPython firmware file onto the Pico W.

Step 2: Set Up a Code Editor for MicroPython

Install an IDE that supports MicroPython, like Thonny IDE, available from thonny.org.
Configure Thonny to use MicroPython for Raspberry Pi Pico.

Step 3: Connect to Wi-Fi Network

Write a simple script in Thonny to connect your Raspberry Pi Pico W to a Wi-Fi network:

import network

ssid = 'Your_WiFi_SSID'
password =  'Your_WiFi_Password'

wlan = network.WLAN(network.STA_IF)
wlan.active(True)
wlan.connect(ssid, password)

# Wait for connect or fail
while wlan.status() < 0 or wlan.status() >= 3:
    time.sleep(1)
print('Connected. Network config:', wlan.ifconfig())

Run the script to ensure your Pico W is connected to the Wi-Fi network.

Step 4: Test Your Setup

Write and run a simple MicroPython script to ensure everything is working correctly.
For example, you can blink an LED on the board or print a message.

Connecting a Sensor to Raspberry Pi Pico W

Step 1: Choose and Connect the Sensor

Select a sensor for your project. For this guide, we'll use the DHT11 (temperature and humidity sensor) or BME280 (temperature, humidity, and pressure sensor) as examples.
Connect the sensor to the Raspberry Pi Pico W:
For DHT11:
- VCC to 3.3V pin on Pico W.
- GND to one of the ground pins.
- DATA to a GPIO pin (e.g., GP15).
For BME280:
- VCC to 3.3V pin on Pico W.
- GND to ground.
- SCL to a GPIO pin configured as SCL (e.g., GP1).
- SDA to a GPIO pin configured as SDA (e.g., GP0).

Step 2: Install Libraries for the Sensor

Download the necessary MicroPython libraries for your sensor. You can find these libraries from sources like GitHub or the MicroPython library repository.
Upload these libraries to your Raspberry Pi Pico W using Thonny IDE.

Step 3: Write a Test Script to Read Data from the Sensor

Write a MicroPython script to test reading data from the sensor. For example, for the DHT11 sensor:

import dht
import machine

sensor = dht.DHT11(machine.Pin(15))
sensor.measure()
temp = sensor.temperature()
humidity = sensor.humidity()

print("Temperature: {}°C  Humidity: {}%".format(temp, humidity))

Run this script using Thonny IDE to ensure you're getting readings from the sensor.

Sending Sensor Data to Machinechat JEDI or Machinechat Vision from Raspberry Pi Pico W

Step 1: Format the Sensor Data

Prepare the sensor data. Machinechat JEDI and Vision require data in a JSON format.

data_payload = {
    "context": {
        "target_id": "pico_w_sensor",
        "target_ip": wlan.ifconfig()[0]  # IP Address of Pico W
    },
    "data": {
        "temperature": temp,
        "humidity": humidity
    }
}

Step 2: Install urequests Library for HTTP Requests

Download and install the urequests library, which is a MicroPython variant of the requests library.
Upload it to your Raspberry Pi Pico W using the Thonny IDE.

Step 3: Write the Script to Send Data to JEDI or Vision

Use the urequests library to send an HTTP POST request to the Machinechat JEDI or Vision's endpoint.

import urequests
import json

def send_data_to_jedi(data_payload):
    jedi_endpoint = "http://[IP_ADDRESS]:8100/api/v1/data"  # Replace with your JEDI/Vision IP
    headers = {'content-type': 'application/json'}
    response = urequests.post(jedi_endpoint, data=json.dumps(data_payload), headers=headers)
    print(response.text)
    response.close()

send_data_to_jedi(data_payload)

Make sure to replace [IP_ADDRESS] with the actual IP address of the Machinechat JEDI/Vision instance.

Step 4: Test the Data Transmission

Run the complete script that reads data from the sensor and sends it to Machinechat JEDI or Machinechat Vision.
Verify that the script runs without errors and that data is being sent correctly.

Verifying Data on Machinechat JEDI or Machinechat Vision Dashboard

Step 1: Access the Machinechat JEDI or Vision Dashboard

On a device connected to the same network, open a web browser.
Navigate to the Machinechat JEDI or Vision

Step 2: Check for the Received Sensor Data

In Machinechat JEDI or Vision, go to the Your data dashboard where you configured the data to be displayed.
Look for new entries under the pico_w_sensor target ID or the identifier you specified in your script.
Confirm that the temperature and humidity data from your sensor is displayed correctly.

Step 3: Troubleshoot Any Issues

If you don't see the data or encounter errors:
Check the Raspberry Pi Pico W's script for any errors, especially in the HTTP request section.
Ensure that the Machinechat JEDI or Vision instance's IP address in the script is correct and that JEDI or Vision is running.
Review your network settings to ensure the Pico W can communicate with the Machinechat JEDI or Vision instance.

If you were able to view the sensor data in the Machinechat JEDI or Machinechat Vision dashboard it means your Raspberry Pi Pico W is effectively functioning as an IoT device, gathering and transmitting data.Your Raspberry Pi Pico W can act as a sensor hub, collecting data from sensors and sending the information to Machinechat JEDI or Vision for real-time monitoring and analysis.