My original blog post is here, detailing my design goals for my IoT idea to implement on my Azure Sphere Starter Kit (home monitoring device).
Since my first post a few weeks ago, I have managed to accomplish the following:
1. Received, unboxed and successfully set up my Starter kit to be able to run the daily server sync script for the Phase 1 "Get Connected" of the Azure Sphere Sensing the World Challenge.
2. Began the daily server sync on 9/11
3. Subsequently had an issue after a few days that caused me to get an error code 1 when completing the server sync process, which I eventually (with the help of others on the forums, most notably Gough Lui) discovered to be an issue with my PATH variable and a second instance of the "find" command, likely from another development platform or other type of software installed on my system. Not really sure why this issue cropped up after a few days, but glad I was able to get it resolved rather quickly - big thanks to those in the forums that offered advice.
4. Then, on September 28, I somehow borked my laptop and had to reinstall Windows 10, and ever since I have been having issues trying to get everything set back up and operational! The SDK refused to install properly and I went on a wild chase to figure out the issue. I never actually discovered what the "fix" was, and since I didn't keep track of every little thing I tried, I'll never know what did it, but.....
5. Finally, on October 7, I was able to get the SDK reinstalled and communication with the board was re-established, and I was back to daily server syncs again! YAY!
Luckily I was able to reach 15 consecutive days of server syncs before I borked my laptop, so I achieved the first milestone. Now, on to the Phase 2 requirements - to start working on the design goals.
I have basically 3 weeks to figure out how to get my board to monitor the local temperature and send an SMS or email message if the temperature falls outside of a specific range. Seems simple enough in theory, but since I do not know the C/C++ programming language, I think I've got my work cut out for me. However, a new problem has cropped up now - I can't log into the board using the proper Active Directory (AD) credentials (mostly because I forgot them and can't find where I wrote them down!) to change settings and be able to load code on the board. I have attempted to create a new account and do it again, but I get errors as well, and I suspect it is due to the board already being claimed under the previous tenant. I will say that the Azure ecosystem, with regards to AD and the manner in which the board has to be claimed, might be a bit more complicated than it otherwise needs to be, but also I understand that it is what allows for the security of the board as well. At least, that's how I understand it.
So, I will keep plugging away and hopefully can overcome every obstacle thrown my way to finally reach my design goal BEFORE the October 27 deadline. If I don't, I will have at least learned a few new things and gotten some experience blogging!
Wish me luck!