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$$\Huge \textcolor{red}{\text{ESP8266 OTA (Over-the-Air) Code Upload}}$$

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Overview

This project enables wireless code updates to an ESP8266 microcontroller using Over-the-Air (OTA) functionality. Once the initial setup is complete, you can upload code to the ESP8266 wirelessly without needing to physically connect it via USB, making development and updates more convenient.

Features

• OTA Updates: Upload new firmware to the ESP8266 wirelessly after it is connected to a Wi-Fi network.
• Wi-Fi Connectivity: Automatically connects to a specified Wi-Fi network for enabling OTA functionality.
• No Physical Connection Required: After the first upload via USB, all future updates can be performed over the air.

Requirements

Hardware

• ESP8266 microcontroller (e.g., NodeMCU, Wemos D1 Mini)
• USB cable (for the initial code upload)

Software

• Arduino IDE with ESP8266 board support installed
• Wi-Fi credentials (SSID and password)
• Optional: OTA password for securing wireless updates

Libraries

• ESP8266WiFi.h: For handling Wi-Fi connections
• ArduinoOTA.h: For managing OTA functionality

How to Use

1. Initial Setup:

   • Connect the ESP8266 to your computer via USB.
   • In the Arduino IDE, upload the provided code, which contains Wi-Fi credentials and OTA setup.
   • This initial upload configures the ESP8266 for OTA updates.

2. Connect to Wi-Fi:

   • Upon startup, the ESP8266 will attempt to connect to the specified Wi-Fi network. You can monitor the connection status via the Serial Monitor.

3. Perform OTA Updates:

   • Once connected to Wi-Fi, the OTA port will appear in the Arduino IDE under Tools > Port.
   • Select the OTA port and upload new sketches wirelessly.
   • If a password was set in the code, you’ll be prompted to enter it before the upload starts.

4. Subsequent Updates:

   • After the initial configuration, future firmware updates can be uploaded over the air without reconnecting the ESP8266 via USB.
   • Simply connect your computer to the same Wi-Fi network as the ESP8266, select the OTA port in the Arduino IDE, and upload the new code.

OTA Updates

• What is OTA?: OTA (Over-the-Air) updates allow you to wirelessly upload new firmware or sketches to your ESP8266 once it is connected to a Wi-Fi network.
• Benefits: This method eliminates the need for physical access to the ESP8266 after the initial USB upload, saving time and effort when making updates or changes.
• Security: You can set an OTA password to secure your updates and prevent unauthorized users from uploading firmware to your ESP8266.

License

This project is open-source. Feel free to use, modify, and distribute the code as per the project’s license.