Summary of Door Status Monitor using the ESP8266
This article outlines a project to monitor door status using an ESP8266 WiFi module integrated with the free IFTTT platform. It guides users through setting up an IFTTT account, enabling a specific Applet for email alerts, and referencing prerequisite tutorials on ESP8266 setup and magnetic reed switches. The goal is to demonstrate cost-effective home automation possibilities.
Parts used in the Door Status Monitor:
- ESP8266 WiFi module
- Magnetic Reed Switch
- IFTTT Platform
In this project you’re going to monitor the status of a door using an ESP8266. The goal of this project is to show the endless possibilities that this $4 WiFi module offers when integrates with a free platform that I’m about to show you.
Before continue reading this project, please complete the following tutorials or use them as a reference:
- How to get started with the ESP8266
- How to Install the ESP8266 Board in Arduino IDE
- Monitor Your Door Using Magnetic Reed Switch and Arduino
If you like the ESP and you want to do more projects you can read my eBook Home Automation Using ESP8266.
Let’s get started!
First, watch the video demonstration below
About IFTTT
In order to accomplish this task you have to sign up for one free service called IFTTT which stands for “If This Then That”.
IFTTT is a platform that gives you creative control over dozens of products and apps.
You can make apps work together. For example when you send a request to IFTTT, it triggers a recipe that sends you an email alert.
Creating Your IFTTT Account
Creating an account on IFTTT is free!
Go the official site: https://ifttt.com/ and click the “Sign Up” button in top of the page.
Complete the form with your personal information (see figure below) and create your account.
After creating your account, follow their getting started tutorial.
Open the Applet
I’ve created an Applet that integrates perfectly in this project and you can also use it.
If you’re logged in at IFTTT and you open this URL below to use my Applet instantly:
Press the “Turn on” button:
Next, you need to grant access permissions:
Read more: Door Status Monitor using the ESP8266
- What is the main goal of this project?
The goal is to show the endless possibilities that the $4 WiFi module offers when integrated with a free platform. - How do you get started with the ESP8266?
You must complete the tutorial titled How to get started with the ESP8266 or use it as a reference. - Can you create an IFTTT account for free?
Yes, creating an account on IFTTT is free. - What does IFTTT stand for?
IFTTT stands for If This Then That. - Does the platform allow apps to work together?
Yes, IFTTT gives creative control over dozens of products and apps so you can make apps work together. - What happens when you send a request to IFTTT?
It triggers a recipe that sends you an email alert. - Where should you go to sign up for IFTTT?
You should go to the official site at https://ifttt.com/ and click the Sign Up button. - What URL allows you to instantly use the created Applet?
You can open the URL https://ifttt.com/applets/388514p-send-email-with-the-esp8266 to use the Applet instantly.
