Where I’m Stuck

I’ve followed the steps below to connect my ESP32-2432S028 TFT display to https://display.regardingwork.com, but I’m stuck. The ESP32’s LED turns on briefly during upload but turns off, and the TFT remains blank. I think it’s due to two issues:

• TFT Configuration: The user_setup.h file might have incorrect pin assignments or driver settings for my ILI9341-based 2.4-inch TFT.
• Power Supply: The TFT’s 310mA max draw might require external power via a powered USB hub with an AC adapter (5V/2A), which I haven’t fully set up yet due to a missing adapter.

For initial setup, see the ESP32 Setup Guide.

Introduction

This guide outlines how to connect your ESP32-2432S028 TFT display to https://display.regardingwork.com for displaying data from APIs (e.g., RegardingWork game, CoinGecko, OpenWeatherMap). It builds on the initial ESP32 setup from the ESP32 Setup Guide.

Step 1: Verify Hardware Compatibility

Ensure your ESP32-2432S028 with TFT supports the required features:

• Screen Resolution: 240x320 (ILI9341-based).
• Connectivity: WiFi (802.11 b/g/n).
• Memory: 4MB flash, 520KB SRAM (sufficient for firmware and web client).

Confirm with the Shopee specs: 240MHz dual-core, SPI interface.

Step 2: Set Up the Display

Prepare the display for operation.

• Initial Power-On: Connect to a 5V power source (USB-C or external 5V/GND pins) and test. Use Arduino IDE as per ESP32 Setup Guide.

• Network Connection: Configure WiFi in the sketch:

  
  const char* ssid = "yourSSID";
  const char* password = "yourPassword";
  WiFi.begin(ssid, password);
  while (WiFi.status() != WL_CONNECTED) delay(1000);
                  

• Firmware Update: Flash with a basic HTTP client if not preloaded. Use the sketch below (adjust for TFT).

Step 3: Register the Display with the System

Link the display to the web platform.

• Log in to https://display.regardingwork.com.
• Navigate to device management, register using the ESP32’s MAC address ( obtainable via WiFi.macAddress() in sketch) or a generated UUID.
• Note the endpoint URL (e.g., /device/{device_id}/data).

Step 4: Configure API Connections

Set up widgets in the web dashboard.

• Add widgets for RegardingWork game API, CoinGecko, OpenWeatherMap.
• Set update frequency (e.g., 1 minute).
• Test data flow; add custom API keys (e.g., Stripe) if needed.

Step 5: Program the Display to Fetch Data

Update firmware to fetch and display data.

#include 
#include 
#include 
#include 

TFT_eSPI tft = TFT_eSPI();
const char* ssid = "yourSSID";
const char* password = "yourPassword";
const char* url = "https://display.regardingwork.com/device/yourDeviceId/data";

void setup() {
  WiFi.begin(ssid, password);
  while (WiFi.status() != WL_CONNECTED) delay(1000);
  tft.init();
  tft.setTextColor(TFT_WHITE);
}

void loop() {
  if (WiFi.status() == WL_CONNECTED) {
    HTTPClient http;
    http.begin(url);
    int httpCode = http.GET();
    if (httpCode == 200) {
      String payload = http.getString();
      DynamicJsonDocument doc(1024);
      deserializeJson(doc, payload);
      String content = doc["widgets"][0]["content"].as();
      tft.fillScreen(TFT_BLACK);
      tft.setCursor(0, 0);
      tft.println(content);
    }
    http.end();
  }
  delay(60000); // Update every minute
}
        

Adjust for your user_setup.h from ESP32 Setup Guide.

Step 6: Test and Debug

Verify functionality.

• Power on and check WiFi connection and data fetch via Serial Monitor (115200 baud).
• For HTTPS issues, ensure TLS support (ESP32 handles this); test with HTTP temporarily.
• Confirm device status on the web app.

Step 7: Enhance and Scale

Improve the setup.

• Add widgets (e.g., charts) and render PNGs if supported.
• Register multiple displays and sync via group settings.
• Consider a battery pack for backup power.

Conclusion

This guide builds on the ESP32 Setup Guide. Address power and config issues to resolve the stuck point.