Observatory Journal
First ESP32 Light Node
The first dedicated ESP32 node: Wi-Fi connection, local status page, sensor readings and data upload to the observatory backend.
The first custom node
The first ESP32 node introduced the pattern used by the rest of the observatory: connect to Wi-Fi, read a sensor, expose diagnostics and upload data.
This became the foundation for later nodes.
Core responsibilities
The node reads the BH1750 light sensor, sends measurements to the backend and exposes a local status page for diagnostics.
This local page is important because it allows quick checks without relying only on the central dashboard.
Reusable pattern
Once this node worked, the same architectural idea could be reused: one node, one responsibility, clear diagnostics and backend ingestion.
That pattern is now useful for lightning, camera-related services and future sensors.