Make an Easy Button Tweet the Hard Way

There are several ways to make a microcontroller tweet. The easy methods are well covered in other instructables.

1. Connect it to a computer running a python script or similar.
2. Connect it to a hacked router (nice - you know who you are).
3. Using a third party proxy server e.g. ThingTweet, NeoCat's Arduino library, Arduino Tweet Library.

A method that is not well covered is handling the entire process of generating a Tweet using the microcontroller only. This method has a couple of advantages over the other methods.

• It doesn't require an external computer/router.
• It doesn't have the security risks of method three. Passing security credentials over an unsecure transport is risky. If you are using a proxy server to generate your Tweets make sure you understand the risks.

Of course this method also has disadvantages in terms of code size and complexity; which is why I have termed it the "hard way".

The intention of this instructable is to give others a basic standalone framework for generating Tweets from a microcontroller.The application itself is pretty simple; press the button and it generates a semi random Tweet.

Step 1: Parts

I have used the STM32 Discovery Board (STM32F103RG) for this project, because I am familiar with it and I had one on hand. Most of the code above the driver level (easybutton.c, nokia5110.c and wiznet5100.c) should be platform independent so porting the code to other microcontrollers should be straightforward.

Only a few parts are required for this project

• STM32 Discovery Board or similar
• WIZnet W5100 Network Module breakout - http://www.sparkfun.com/products/9473
• Nokia 5110 Graphic LCD breakout - http://www.sparkfun.com/products/10168
• Breadboard Power Supply 5V/3.3V - http://www.sparkfun.com/products/114
• Staples® Easy ButtonTM - http://www.staples.com/Staples-Easy-Button/product_606396?cmArea=class_box1

Comments

[lanky.ninja]

Unfortunately this is to advanced for me, but i still managed to understand what it was that was happening thanks to great explenations. I look forward to coming back to this in the future as a learning tool.
Great Job!

[Barnaby Walters]

In a sea of 'MAKE ARDUINO TWEET IN 5 SECONDS" instructables, this is a rare and well written guide! I always like it when people go the extra mile and make something like this, a standalone device. Thanks a lot!

[Layout]

Thanks for the kind comments. Unfortunately in terms of the "Make it Tweet" competition if it didn't use an Arduino it never had a shot. Unfortunately I get the impression that the Microcontroller contest will go the same way - let's hope I'm wrong.

[Barnaby Walters]

I'd say you have a chance in the MCU contest — after all, this is quite impressive! Although there does seem to be emphasis on making things move. It's more impressive than my entries, anyway!

[Layout]

Yeh, this instructable was an afterthought in the Microcontroller contest. My main entry is this one http://www.instructables.com/id/Delta-Robot-Clock/.

[pdxnat]

A fun hack and a well written instructable! Nice work.

[frank26080115]

Every ARM project makes me smile

[wilgubeast]

If something's worth doing, it's worth doing right. This is awesome.