BinKey

particle-photon-headers

4 min read

Important Note

This entire repo was AI created - including all of the data within. The intent was to A) help me with my personal electronics inventory; and B) see how I could use AI to make that process a bit easier. DO NOT TRUST!

Particle Photon with Headers

Details

  • Location: Cabinet-1, Bin 28
  • Category: Microcontroller Boards
  • Type: WiFi Development Board
  • Microcontroller: STM32F205
  • Brand: Particle
  • Part Number: 2721
  • Quantity: 1
  • Product URL: https://www.adafruit.com/product/2721

Description

Compact WiFi-enabled development board designed for Internet of Things (IoT) projects. Features a powerful ARM Cortex-M3 processor with built-in WiFi connectivity and cloud integration. Perfect for connected devices, remote monitoring, and IoT applications requiring reliable wireless communication and cloud services.

Specifications

  • Part Number: 2721 (Adafruit distribution)
  • Microcontroller: STM32F205RGT6
  • Architecture: 32-bit ARM Cortex-M3
  • Clock Speed: 120MHz
  • Operating Voltage: 3.3V
  • Input Voltage: 3.6V-5.5V (via VIN) or 5V (via USB)
  • Flash Memory: 1MB
  • RAM: 128KB
  • Dimensions: 38.0mm × 21.0mm × 3.0mm
  • Weight: 5.0g
  • Height with Headers: 12mm

Image

Particle Photon with Headers WiFi Development Board

Features

  • WiFi Connectivity: Built-in 802.11b/g/n WiFi
  • Cloud Integration: Particle Cloud platform integration
  • ARM Cortex-M3: High-performance 32-bit processor
  • Over-the-Air Updates: Remote firmware updates
  • Web IDE: Browser-based development environment
  • Mobile Apps: iOS and Android apps for device control
  • Breadboard Ready: Pre-soldered headers included

WiFi Capabilities

  • WiFi Chip: Broadcom BCM43362 (same as Nest Protect, LIFX)
  • Standards: 802.11b/g/n
  • Security: WPA/WPA2 Personal and Enterprise
  • Soft AP Mode: Can create its own WiFi network
  • SSL Support: Secure communication capabilities
  • Range: Typical indoor WiFi range

Pin Configuration

  • Digital I/O: 18 pins
  • Analog Inputs: 8 pins (12-bit ADC)
  • PWM Outputs: 9 pins
  • Communication:
    • UART: 2 hardware serial ports
    • SPI: 2 SPI interfaces
    • I2C: 1 I2C interface
  • Special Pins:
    • USB: D+ and D- for USB communication
    • Reset: Hardware reset pin
    • Mode: System mode control

Programming & Development

  • Particle Web IDE: Browser-based development environment
  • Particle CLI: Command-line interface for advanced users
  • Local IDE: Desktop development tools available
  • Arduino-like: Familiar syntax for Arduino users
  • C/C++: Native C/C++ development support
  • Libraries: Extensive library ecosystem

Cloud Platform

  • Particle Cloud: Integrated cloud services
  • Device Management: Remote device monitoring and control
  • Data Streaming: Real-time data collection and analysis
  • Webhooks: Integration with third-party services
  • Functions: Remote function calls over the internet
  • Variables: Remote variable access and monitoring

Power Management

  • USB Power: 5V via micro-USB connector
  • External Power: 3.6V-5.5V via VIN pin
  • Power Consumption: Varies by WiFi usage and application
  • Sleep Modes: Multiple low-power modes available
  • Power LED: Indicates power status

Communication Interfaces

  • WiFi: Primary communication method
  • USB: Programming and serial communication
  • UART: Hardware serial communication
  • I2C: Inter-integrated circuit communication
  • SPI: Serial peripheral interface

Applications

  • IoT Devices: Connected sensors and actuators
  • Home Automation: Smart home devices and controls
  • Remote Monitoring: Environmental and equipment monitoring
  • Asset Tracking: Location and status tracking
  • Industrial IoT: Manufacturing and process monitoring
  • Prototyping: Rapid IoT prototype development

Advantages

  • Easy WiFi Setup: Simple WiFi configuration process
  • Cloud Integration: Built-in cloud connectivity
  • Over-the-Air Updates: Remote firmware deployment
  • Scalable: From prototype to production
  • Community: Active developer community
  • Documentation: Comprehensive guides and tutorials
  • Mobile Support: Native mobile app integration

Development Ecosystem

  • Web IDE: No software installation required
  • Local Tools: Desktop development environment
  • Mobile Apps: Device control and monitoring apps
  • Third-party Integration: Webhooks and API access
  • Community Libraries: Shared code and examples

Certifications

  • FCC/CE/IC: Certified for commercial use
  • WiFi Certified: Compliant with WiFi standards
  • Production Ready: Suitable for commercial products

Kit Contents

  • Particle Photon board with pre-soldered headers
  • Quick start documentation
  • Access to Particle Cloud platform

Setup Requirements

  • WiFi Network: 2.4GHz WiFi network for connectivity
  • Particle Account: Free account for cloud services
  • USB Cable: Micro-USB cable for programming
  • Computer or Mobile: For development and setup

Notes

  • Discontinued: No longer in production
  • Replacement: Adafruit ESP32 Feather recommended as alternative
  • Headers Included: This version comes with pre-soldered headers
  • Cloud Dependency: Requires Particle Cloud for full functionality
  • 2.4GHz Only: Does not support 5GHz WiFi networks
  • Legacy Support: Particle platform still supports existing devices

Migration Path

  • ESP32 Alternative: Adafruit ESP32 Feather V2 recommended
  • Arduino Ecosystem: Migrate to ESP32-based boards
  • Cloud Services: Consider alternative IoT platforms
  • Code Compatibility: Some porting required for alternatives

Historical Context

  • Part of the original Particle IoT ecosystem
  • Pioneered easy WiFi setup for makers
  • Influenced modern IoT development practices
  • Large installed base in maker community
  • Educational impact in IoT learning

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