Automatic College Bell

This project implements an automatic bell system using an ESP8266 microcontroller. The system connects to a WiFi network, synchronizes with an NTP server to get the current time, and controls an LED to simulate a bell ringing at specified times.

Hardware Requirements

• ESP8266 (e.g., NodeMCU)
• LED (or a relay connected to a bell)
• Resistor (appropriate value for the LED)
• Breadboard and jumper wires

Software Requirements

• Arduino IDE with ESP8266 board support
• Required libraries:
  • ESP8266WiFi
  • NTPClient
  • WiFiUdp

Installation

1. Install Arduino IDE: Download and install the Arduino IDE from here.

2. Add ESP8266 Board to Arduino IDE: Open Arduino IDE and navigate to File > Preferences. In the Additional Board Manager URLs field, add the following URL:http://arduino.esp8266.com/stable/package_esp8266com_index.json

Then, go to Tools > Board > Boards Manager, search for esp8266 and install esp8266 platform.

3. Install Required Libraries: Go to Sketch > Include Library > Manage Libraries, search for and install the following libraries:

• ESP8266WiFi
• NTPClient
• WiFiUdp

4. Upload Code to ESP8266:

• Open the Arduino IDE.
• Copy and paste the provided code into the editor.
• Update ssid and password with your WiFi credentials.
• Select the appropriate board and port under Tools.
• Click the Upload button.

Connection Diagram

Code Explanation

The code performs the following functions:

1. Connect to WiFi: Connects the ESP8266 to the specified WiFi network.

2. Sync Time with NTP Server: Uses the NTPClient library to get the current time from an NTP server and adjust for the specified UTC offset.

3. HTTP Server: Sets up an HTTP server to handle requests to manually turn the bell (LED) on or off.

4. Bell Schedule: Automatically turns the bell (LED) on and off at specified times during the week.

Usage

1. Power the ESP8266: Connect the ESP8266 to a power source.

2. Monitor Serial Output: Open the Serial Monitor in the Arduino IDE (set baud rate to 115200) to view connection status and debug messages.

3. Access the Web Interface: Once connected to WiFi, the IP address will be printed in the Serial Monitor. Open this IP address in a web browser to manually control the bell.

4. Bell Schedule: The bell (LED) will automatically turn on and off based on the predefined schedule in the code. The schedule is different for Fridays and other weekdays.

Customization

• WiFi Credentials: Update the ssid and password variables with your WiFi network name and password.

• Bell Times: Modify the bell ringing times by changing the conditions in the loop function.

• LED Pin: Change the LED variable to the appropriate GPIO pin connected to your LED or relay.

Troubleshooting

• Connection Issues: Ensure that the WiFi credentials are correct and that the ESP8266 is within range of the WiFi network.

• Time Sync Issues: Verify that the NTP server (pool.ntp.org) is reachable from your network.

• LED Not Working: Check the wiring and ensure the LED is properly connected to the specified GPIO pin with an appropriate resistor.

License

This project is open-source and available under the GNU GLP V3. Feel free to modify and distribute.

Acknowledgments

Special thanks to the creators of the ESP8266WiFi, NTPClient, and WiFiUdp libraries for making this project possible.