I have added the web update feature from the ESP8266 libraries into my IoT device and it works OK when using a web browser to do the update.
But there are a lot of config items that need to be set on my device so I have created a config struct stored in the EEPROM of the device. In order to communicate with the device and modify the configurations I have added a server for this to the ESP8266 inside the setup() function:
// Instantiate and start TCP configuration server on port CONFIG_PORT
tcpConfigSrv = new WiFiServer(CONFIG_PORT);
tcpConfigSrv->begin();
tcpConfigSrv->setNoDelay(true);
SerialDebug.println("Config server ready!");
//Instattiate and start the webupdater server
httpUpdater.setup(&httpServer, update_path, ESPConf.updateuser, ESPConf.updatepwd);
httpServer.begin();
Then I have written a Windows application, which communicates with the ESP to read and write the various config items and save them to EEPROM. This works just fine.
So now I would like to also add the firmware update into the config application and here is where I run into difficulties...
I have looked at the webpage that appears when one visits the /firmware page on the ESP and it is a very simple form, so I tried sending a POST to the ESP containing the bin file, but it will not work. I get the debug message on the serial line "sleep disable" like when I use a web browser but then nothing and the firmware is not updated.
Is there some information available somewhere on what is needed to send to the ESP WebUpdater in order for it to accept the update as if it came from FireFox?
Well, I started this new thread because it is really about how to programmatically interact with the ESP8266 WebUpdater service without using a web browser...
My task set out in the original thread you linked to is completed, i.e. I can use a TCP config service on the ESP from my custom application to read and write the config items and store them to EEPROM on command. This works very well.
And I can use a web browser to update the flash code. This also works fine.
But I thought it to be proper to integrate the firmware update function into the config application and this is my current hurdle. I am good with all the other stuff.
When I simulate the action that takes place when one hits the "Update" button on the web form presented by WebUpdater the ESP does not react as it does when I do the same from the web browser. I only get the "sleep disable" message on the debug serial line and then nothing more.
I have tried various tricks but none works all the way.
So I thought I could ask if someone knows about a non-browser solution to send flash updates to the ESP.
the answer is on the link "..., but there is ESP8266httpUpdate library, where the esp8266 checks some url if there is new firmware available for download."
I don't want to use automatic updates initiated from the ESP device itself.
I can use the present system without the integrated firmware updater by using a web browser. It wors but is a bit clumsy because as part of the update the web browser seems to lose connection, it tries to load an URL which is simply instead of /firmware. This always fails of course....
I had hoped that someone here had already a solution, but it seems like I need to learn how to use Wireshark to find out what is really happening between the ESP and the web browser during updates.
BTW: I am using FreePascal/Lazarus to code the config app and Indy10 networking component for the TCP stuff.