ESP32 Edgent for Cellular and WiFi

Introduction

This is an example of Blynk.Edgent running on a dual-connectivity board. The LilyGo T-PCIe platform allows us to use WiFi and Cellular connectivity (with a variety of add-on modems).

In this project, we leverage the Blynk.Edgent solution to demonstrate the ease with which the device can be activated using the Blynk mobile app. Additionally, once the device is connected, you'll be able to perform OTA firmware updates.

Also, the Terminal widget is attached to the device console, which enables remote diagnostics and testing of the connectivity.

Components Used in This Project

• Blynk Console and Blynk App for web and mobile dashboards
• PlatformIO to upload the firmware
• LilyGo® TTGO T-PCIe base board
• LilyGo® TTGO T-PCIe SIM7000 modem
• Full Band LTE antenna (ships with the modem add-on)
• USB Type C cable
• A suitable Nano SIM card

1. Prepare Your Hardware

1. Insert the modem into the PCIe slot on the base board and secure it with 2 screws
2. Connect the LTE antenna
3. Insert your SIM card
4. Connect your device to the computer using a USB cable

Your board has to be connected with a data USB cable (charging-only cables will not work!)
Make sure the cable is fully inserted in the port on each end

2. Prepare Required Software

This is a PlatformIO project. Please install the VSCode plugin or PlatformIO CLI.

3. Prepare the Firmware and Upload It to Your Device

Firmware for this template is available under NDA for the Enterprise Plan customers.
Please contact us to get access.

When using Blynk, you need to place TemplateID in your sketch. We will provide you with the sketch where all of this info is already included. Just follow the next steps:

1. Click on the Activate device action in the Template Home tab (this tab should open automatically once you've pressed the Use Blueprint button)
2. Download zip arhive
3. Flash your device: Open project > Press PlatformIO: Upload
4. Scan a QR code to start the device activation process in the app
5. In the app click Start
6. Connect to Blynk LilyGo T PCIe-xxxx network
7. Select the network your device will use and click Continue

1. Your device is connected now! Click Finish to open your device. You also will see your device in the Blynk Console

Check the Troubleshooting section at the end of this tutorial if you have issues uploading the firmware

4. Try it out!

1. Open your device Dashboard on web and on mobile
2. You should be able to see the data displayed on the Gauges
3. In a few minutes the historical data should appear on the Charts

Still Not working?

1. Reboot the device and check if the data appears on the dashboard
2. Delete your device and try connecting it again considering the recommendations from the Troubleshooting section at the end of this tutorial

5. Test Dual Connectivity

You can use the Terminal widget to send commands to the device.

Check WiFi and Cellular status

Manage Networks

Check firmware version

Next Steps

• Try to update your firmware over-the-air
• Explore the Blynk Web Console and Blynk IoT app, try controlling your device from both
• Explore Blynk Documentation and learn how to work with Virtual Pins
• Learn more about Automations
• Learn how to share Device with other users
• Learn more about Blynk.Edgent and modify your code to utilize WiFi provisioning and over-the-air firmware updates
• Modify the code for your needs
• Connect more devices using this template

How to Reset a Device Configuration

If your smartphone does not detect the Blynk device, probably you need to reset the configuration of your ESP32. This can be done in a variety of ways (performing any of these will clear the stored settings):

• Erase ESP32 flash
• Type config erase into terminal (either USB Serial or Mobile/WebDash widget)
• Hold the boot/user button for 10 seconds and release it. As LilyGo T-PCIe doesn't have a user push button, you'll have to connect one between GPIO0 and GND. You can also use a jumper wire.

Troubleshooting

• Top up your SIM card and check if it works
• Check that all the dependencies and configurations are correct
• Check your sketch for errors. Click the Verify button to compile your sketch without uploading it
• Check your board and port selections
• Check your connections. Your board needs to be connected with a data USB cable (charge-only cables will not work). Make sure the cable is fully inserted in the port on each end. Try a different USB cable, and avoid hubs and other adapters if possible. Remove extra connections to the board pins, especially the UART TX/RX pins
• Check Troubleshooting guide for WiFi provisioning

Related Links

Blynk Troubleshooting guide
Documentation