'The Internet of the Backyard'

element14, Plotly and Texas Instruments have launched a new competition - The Internet of the Backyard. During this competition, designers will use the SimpleLink Wi-Fi CC3200 LaunchPad from Texas Instruments and the online collaborative platform Plotly to design innovative garden-based technology products for parties and activities.

In designing the CC3200 LaunchPad, Texas Instruments has produced a single-chip programmable MCU with built-in Wi-Fi connectivity. At the heart of the device lies a high-performance ARM Cortex-M4. Combined with onboard temperature sensors and a 3-axis accelerometer, Texas Instruments’ product can drive an entire IoT application with a single IC right out of the box. Plotly has also developed a custom API just for LaunchPad users to easily connect their development kits to the internet.

A few examples of how an IoT device could enhance backyard get-togethers include:

• Barbecue monitors: An IoT-enabled barbecue that can send text messages to let you know your food is ready.
• Pool safety alert: A system to notify adults when children are playing too close to the pool or have fallen in.
• Garden watering system: Detect the hydration level of backyard planters and adjust watering levels as necessary.
• Cooler alert: Let the CC3200 LaunchPad tell you when it’s time to refill the cooler with ice or beverages.

Potential participants can go to element14.com/backyard to sign up for free and detail their proposed idea. Ten official participants will be selected and will receive a CC3200 LaunchPad, as well as help to purchase additional parts. They’ll be asked to post blog updates every two weeks to show their progress, and the winner will be announced 13 October 2014, with the prize being a trip to an upcoming Maker Faire to show off their build.