Microsoft and SparkFun have joined forces to offer an exciting IoT (Internet of Things) experience. This Microsoft Azure IoT Starter Kit for the SparkFun Thing Development Board is crafted to effortlessly connect your device to the cloud via Microsoft Azure IoT. It comes with an 'Azure certified for IoT' SparkFun Thing Dev Board, along with a breadboard and wires for easy circuit setup. There's a great range of sensors too! A photoresistor to detect light and a humidity/temperature sensor to measure the room's or outdoor (with proper weatherproofing) ambient conditions. Once your board is linked to Microsoft Azure, you can start visualizing and analyzing your data.Microsoft Azure is a top - tier cloud computing provider. Its Azure IoT Hub enables secure and reliable two - way communication between IoT endpoints like sensors and the cloud. It supports various operating systems (Linux, Windows, RTOS etc.), protocols, and common languages, allowing you to customize your device connections.The SparkFun Thing Dev Board is built on the well - known ESP8266 WiFi module. It's a simple microcontroller with built - in WiFi, enabling interaction with sensors, buttons, and LEDs, which can be controlled from or send data to the web. All the essentials from voltage regulation to a PCB antenna are integrated into the board. Just plug in a USB cable, and you can start programming in the Arduino IDE or other environments.Note: Signing up for a Microsoft Azure account requires a credit card. Microsoft states that this info is only for identity verification, and you won't be charged unless you explicitly upgrade to a paid plan.Kit Includes: SparkFun ESP8266 Thing - Dev Board, Self - Adhesive White Breadboard, RHT03 Humidity and Temperature Sensor, Mini Photocell, 20 - pack Assorted LEDs, 6 - Foot USB microB Cable, 30 - pack 20 AWG Standard 7' M/M Jumper Wires, 20 - pack 10K Ohm 1/6th Watt PTH Resistors, 20 - pack 330 Ohm 1/6 Watt PTH Resistors.Documents: Azure IoT Developer Center, Thing Dev Schematic, Thing Dev Eagle Files, Thing Dev Graphical Datasheet, Microsoft Azure
Using this Microsoft Azure IoT Starter Kit is a breeze. First, set up your circuits using the provided breadboard and wires. Connect the sensors like the photoresistor and humidity/temperature sensor to the SparkFun Thing Dev Board. Plug the USB microB cable into the board, and you can start programming in the Arduino IDE or other environments. Once your board is ready, connect it to Microsoft Azure and start visualizing and analyzing data.Note that signing up for a Microsoft Azure account needs a credit card, but you won't be charged unless you upgrade to a paid plan. When handling the components, be gentle to avoid damage. For maintenance, keep the board and sensors in a dry and clean place. If you're using the sensors outdoors, make sure they're properly weatherproofed. Regularly check the connections to ensure everything is working smoothly.
