What is this book course about?

This book and course combine several elements into a platform that powers the development of modern Internet of Things applications. These elements are a flow-based server, a WiFi-enabled microcontroller, a high-level programming language, and a deployment technology. 

When you combine these elements, you have the tools you need to create automation systems at any scale. From home automation to industrial automation, this book will help you get started.

But what are these elements, specifically? Here they are:

Node-RED is an open-source flow-based development tool that makes it easy to wire together devices, APIs, and online services. Imagine being able to drag and drop blocks on a screen to create a flowchart that does something—like turning on your lights at sunset or sending you an email when a sensor detects movement. That's what Node-RED lets you do, all without requiring you to write extensive code.

Raspberry Pi Pico W is a version of the Raspberry Pi Pico with added 802.11n Wi-Fi capability. It was launched on June 30, 2022, and is priced at US$6. The Raspberry Pi Pico W is designed for physical computing tasks similar to Arduino boards, rather than serving as a general-purpose computer.

MicroPython is a lean and efficient implementation of Python 3. It's designed specifically for operation on microcontrollers and other constrained environments, but it doesn't cut corners when running Python code effectively.

Docker is an open-source platform that automates application deployment, scaling, and management. It uses containerisation technology to encapsulate an application and its dependencies into a self-sufficient unit known as a Docker container. This container can run uniformly and consistently on any infrastructure supporting Docker, irrespective of the underlying operating system.

Book organisation

I have organised this book into four parts so that you can use it both as a learning guide and as a resource. 

Part 1 is dedicated to Node-RED for the absolute beginner. In Part 1, you will learn about Node-RED and event-driven systems, how to install an instance using the Docker option, the basics of nodes and flows, the dashboard and MQTT. If you are new to Node-RED, read the chapters in Part 1 carefully and complete the various projects. 

Part 2 brings the Raspberry Pi Pico W into the mix. In the chapters of Part 2, you will learn how to use the Pico W as a Node-RED peripheral. You will learn to use MQTT to enable communications between the Pico and the Node-RED instance. You will also learn how to connect different hardware components to the Pico to implement simple circuits and use Node-RED (and its Dashboard) to control these components or view the data they produce. In Part 2, you will encounter motion, distance and water level sensors, motors, displays, relays, and joysticks, to mention a few. In all projects in Part 2, you will create Node-RED flows and write Raspberry Pi Pico W Micropython scripts that typically implement an event-driven system.

Part 3 provides a primer to MicroPython. MicroPython is a language specifically designed for embedded systems using Python 3 syntax. Python 3 is one of the most successful programming languages ever. Python's syntax is straightforward, making it easy for beginners to learn. This simplicity encourages good programming practices and allows for a focus on problem-solving rather than syntax issues. MicroPython brings those attributes to Microcontroller programming. If you are not familiar with Python or MicroPython, the chapters in Part 3 will help you learn everything you need to be able to confidently write MicroPython programs for the Raspberry Pi Pico (and Pico W), as well as any other of the many Microcontroller boards that support MicroPython.

Finally, Part 4 provides additional Node-RED resources. These resources consist of content on important Nodes (all explained with the help of mini-projects), control structures, and ways to integrate your Node-RED flows with external services and APIs. In Part 4, you will learn how to create power flows that can be used in more advanced automation settings.

Course organisation

I have organised this course into three parts.

Part 1 is dedicated to Node-RED for the absolute beginner. In Part 1, you will learn about Node-RED and event-driven systems, how to install an instance using the Docker option, the basics of nodes and flows, the dashboard and MQTT. If you are new to Node-RED, you should complete all lectures in Part 1 carefully, including the various projects.

Part 2 brings the Raspberry Pi Pico W into the mix. In the lectures of Part 2, you will learn how to use the Pico W as a Node-RED peripheral. You will learn to use MQTT to enable communications between the Pico and the Node-RED instance. You will also learn how to connect different hardware components to the Pico to implement simple circuits and use Node-RED (and its Dashboard) to control these components or view the data they produce. In Part 2, you will encounter motion, distance and water level sensors, motors, displays, relays, and joysticks, to mention a few.

Part 3 provides additional Node-RED resources. These resources consist of lectures on essential Nodes, control structures, and ways to integrate your Node-RED flows with external services and APIs. All of this is explained with the help of mini-projects. In Part 3, you will learn how to create flows that can be used in more advanced automation settings.

Hardware requirements

To complete this course you will need a few hardware components, like a Raspberry Pi Pico W microcontroller, a computer to serve as a host for a Node-RED instance, and various sensors and actuators.

You will find all of the required components in the Sunfounder Kepler Kit.

Please review the details parts list here.

Software requirements

To complete this course you will need software, like the Thonny editor, Node-RED, the Mosquitto MQTT broker and Docker. 

All of this software is open source and has zero monetary cost.

You will learn how to install and use them in the book.