We did more exploration tonight. We tried out how to use Arduino to program ESP32 and control a LED matrix. Also, we improved the IR testing by reversing the wiring on the IR receiver. In the end, we tried again with the wifi connection of Raspberry Pi. 

Several Things We Did:

1. Using Arduino to program ESP32 and control a LED matrix

Our professor, Rudi, is teaching Benny and James how to program ESP32 using Arduino.

The work of James and Alison.

2. Improving IR testing

Thomas and Sheldon  reversed the wiring on the IR receiver and made the signal caption stronger. And they also tried using conductive tape to strengthen the reflection of the IR signal.

A close-up of the transmitter.

3. Wifi connection of RaspberryPi.

Zander has tried to connect to the wifi of NYU, but it did not seem to be working. So this time, we tried to connect to a personal hotspot to see if anything different happens. Sheldon connect the RaspberryPi to his own hotspot, but for some reason, it did not work as well. 

Takeaways:

Today is mostly about the hardware part.

ESP32:

1. Making good use of the Arduino Library can help one explore more about how to program ESP32.

2. ESP32 can set Wifi so that the control menu will be easier to operate.

IR testing:

1. Accidentally  reversing the wiring on the IR receiver can bring a pleasant surprise! With the help of another professor, we understood why rewiring worked.

2. The reflection of IR signal requires better material then just conductive tape, but right now, we are able to catch the signal from pretty far away.

TODOS:

1. Continuing perfecting IR testing 

2. Figure out why the wifi connection of RaspberryPi is not working.