Software Installation
You can build and install the application from the source code. Arska Node is built with PlatformIO IDE which is built on the top Visual Studio Code (Windows, macOS, and Linux versions available).
When the development environment is installed you can clone (Source Control function the left menu bar) Arska Node repository git@github.com:Netgalleria/arska-node.git.
The actual source code you can find in the file src/main.cpp. The basic configuration is done by selecting the right build environment and editing build_flags options in platformio.ini file. The build process creates a fresh version of firmware.bin file. After changing wifi and other required custom parameters in data/config.json, build filesystem image littlefs.bin containing files in data folder of PlatformIO. To install and update a new version of Arska application both files should be uploaded to the microcontroller.
PlatformIO build menu
- After editing config.json, build file system:
Platform / Build Filesystem Image - Upload file system:
Platform / Upload Filesystem Image - Build and upload new system software (firmware.bin):
General / Upload and Monitor
If your ESP32 board has a USB connection, you can upload the built binary file directly via USB cable. Many ESP32 boards with integrated relay modules, do not have a USB port and you need a UART TTL module to connect the USB port of your computer and the board. When you have uploaded Arska to the board you can upgrade the software through the OTA web interface and cables are not needed for the upload process.