Get Date/Time with NodeMCU

mattbaum · November 19, 2019, 10:55pm

Although relatively new to this module, I have successfully measured temperature and output it to an LCD.
Now I am trying to get the time and date.
Started with the "example" and can get "seconds since . . ." OK.
However, what I want to get is date and time.
A program that I found somewhere is at:

This seems to have what I need, but it will not compile.
The compiler complains that " 'class NTPClient' has no member named 'getFormattedDate'
formattedDate = timeClient.getFormattedDate();
I think that the three "included" files are present.
(Somewhere I found that there exists a file <ESP8266WiFi.h> - but that this is obsolete now.)

My questions are:

What am I doing wrong, that the referenced example won't work?
Is there a better or easier way to get the time and date?

Any help appreciated!

Matt

Random_time_tutorial_nov19a.ino (2.01 KB)

Nick_Pyner · November 20, 2019, 12:27am

I think the below came from the library examples

#include <ESP8266WiFi.h>
#include <time.h>

const char* ssid = "snookypoo";
const char* password = "xxxxxxxxxx";

int timezone = 10;
int dst = 0;

void setup() {
  Serial.begin(115200);
  Serial.setDebugOutput(true);

  WiFi.mode(WIFI_STA);
  WiFi.begin(ssid, password);
  Serial.println("\nConnecting to WiFi");
  while (WiFi.status() != WL_CONNECTED) {
    Serial.print(".");
    delay(1000);
  }

  configTime(3 * 3600, 0, "pool.ntp.org", "time.nist.gov");
  Serial.println("\nWaiting for time");
  while (!time(nullptr)) {
    Serial.print(".");
    delay(1000);
  }
  Serial.println("");
}

void loop() {
  time_t now = time(nullptr);
  Serial.println(ctime(&now));
  delay(1000);
}

Juraj · November 20, 2019, 6:45am

github.com

esp8266/Arduino/blob/master/libraries/esp8266/examples/NTP-TZ-DST/NTP-TZ-DST.ino

/*
  NTP-TZ-DST (v2)
  NetWork Time Protocol - Time Zone - Daylight Saving Time

  This example shows:
  - how to read and set time
  - how to set timezone per country/city
  - how is local time automatically handled per official timezone definitions
  - how to change internal sntp start and update delay
  - how to use callbacks when time is updated

  This example code is in the public domain.
*/


#ifndef STASSID
#define STASSID "your-ssid"
#define STAPSK "your-password"
#endif

This file has been truncated. show original

mattbaum · November 20, 2019, 9:04pm

Update:
I tried the approach of Nick_Pyner.
I updated the file "ESP8266" from 2.5.2 to 2.6.1.
Now the program seems to compile, but gets stuck with the error messages below.
HOWEVER, I have no idea how to interpret the errors.
It merely says "Error compiling for board Generic ESP8266 Module.."

Any suggestions?

Arduino: 1.8.9 (Windows Store 1.8.21.0) (Windows 10), Board: "Generic ESP8266 Module, 80 MHz, Flash, Legacy (new can return nullptr), All SSL ciphers (most compatible), dtr (aka nodemcu), 26 MHz, 40MHz, DOUT (compatible), 1MB (FS:64KB OTA:~470KB), 2, nonos-sdk 2.2.1+111 (191024), v2 Lower Memory, Disabled, None, Only Sketch, 115200"

In file included from C:\Program Files\WindowsApps\ArduinoLLC.ArduinoIDE_1.8.21.0_x86__mdqgnx93n4wtt\libraries\WiFi\src\WiFiUdp.cpp:29:0:

C:\Program Files\WindowsApps\ArduinoLLC.ArduinoIDE_1.8.21.0_x86__mdqgnx93n4wtt\libraries\WiFi\src\WiFiUdp.h:27:7: error: redefinition of 'class WiFiUDP'

class WiFiUDP : public UDP {

^

In file included from C:\Program Files\WindowsApps\ArduinoLLC.ArduinoIDE_1.8.21.0_x86__mdqgnx93n4wtt\libraries\WiFi\src\utility/wifi_drv.h:26:0,

from C:\Program Files\WindowsApps\ArduinoLLC.ArduinoIDE_1.8.21.0_x86__mdqgnx93n4wtt\libraries\WiFi\src\WiFiUdp.cpp:26:

C:\Users\Matt\OneDrive\Documents\ArduinoData\packages\esp8266\hardware\esp8266\2.6.1\libraries\ESP8266WiFi\src/WiFiUdp.h:32:7: error: previous definition of 'class WiFiUDP'

class WiFiUDP : public UDP, public SList {

^

C:\Program Files\WindowsApps\ArduinoLLC.ArduinoIDE_1.8.21.0_x86__mdqgnx93n4wtt\libraries\WiFi\src\WiFiUdp.cpp: In constructor 'WiFiUDP::WiFiUDP()':

C:\Program Files\WindowsApps\ArduinoLLC.ArduinoIDE_1.8.21.0_x86__mdqgnx93n4wtt\libraries\WiFi\src\WiFiUdp.cpp:35:22: error: class 'WiFiUDP' does not have any field named '_sock'

WiFiUDP::WiFiUDP() : _sock(NO_SOCKET_AVAIL) {}

^

C:\Program Files\WindowsApps\ArduinoLLC.ArduinoIDE_1.8.21.0_x86__mdqgnx93n4wtt\libraries\WiFi\src\WiFiUdp.cpp: In member function 'virtual uint8_t WiFiUDP::begin(uint16_t)':

C:\Program Files\WindowsApps\ArduinoLLC.ArduinoIDE_1.8.21.0_x86__mdqgnx93n4wtt\libraries\WiFi\src\WiFiUdp.cpp:45:9: error: '_sock' was not declared in this scope

_sock = sock;

^

C:\Program Files\WindowsApps\ArduinoLLC.ArduinoIDE_1.8.21.0_x86__mdqgnx93n4wtt\libraries\WiFi\src\WiFiUdp.cpp:46:9: error: '_port' was not declared in this scope

_port = port;

^

C:\Program Files\WindowsApps\ArduinoLLC.ArduinoIDE_1.8.21.0_x86__mdqgnx93n4wtt\libraries\WiFi\src\WiFiUdp.cpp: In member function 'virtual int WiFiUDP::available()':

C:\Program Files\WindowsApps\ArduinoLLC.ArduinoIDE_1.8.21.0_x86__mdqgnx93n4wtt\libraries\WiFi\src\WiFiUdp.cpp:56:7: error: '_sock' was not declared in this scope

if (_sock != NO_SOCKET_AVAIL)

^

C:\Program Files\WindowsApps\ArduinoLLC.ArduinoIDE_1.8.21.0_x86__mdqgnx93n4wtt\libraries\WiFi\src\WiFiUdp.cpp: In member function 'virtual void WiFiUDP::stop()':

C:\Program Files\WindowsApps\ArduinoLLC.ArduinoIDE_1.8.21.0_x86__mdqgnx93n4wtt\libraries\WiFi\src\WiFiUdp.cpp:66:8: error: '_sock' was not declared in this scope

if (_sock == NO_SOCKET_AVAIL)

^

C:\Program Files\WindowsApps\ArduinoLLC.ArduinoIDE_1.8.21.0_x86__mdqgnx93n4wtt\libraries\WiFi\src\WiFiUdp.cpp:69:26: error: '_sock' was not declared in this scope

ServerDrv::stopClient(_sock);

^

C:\Program Files\WindowsApps\ArduinoLLC.ArduinoIDE_1.8.21.0_x86__mdqgnx93n4wtt\libraries\WiFi\src\WiFiUdp.cpp: In member function 'virtual int WiFiUDP::beginPacket(IPAddress, uint16_t)':

C:\Program Files\WindowsApps\ArduinoLLC.ArduinoIDE_1.8.21.0_x86__mdqgnx93n4wtt\libraries\WiFi\src\WiFiUdp.cpp:88:7: error: '_sock' was not declared in this scope

if (_sock == NO_SOCKET_AVAIL)

^

C:\Program Files\WindowsApps\ArduinoLLC.ArduinoIDE_1.8.21.0_x86__mdqgnx93n4wtt\libraries\WiFi\src\WiFiUdp.cpp:90:7: error: '_sock' was not declared in this scope

if (_sock != NO_SOCKET_AVAIL)

^

C:\Program Files\WindowsApps\ArduinoLLC.ArduinoIDE_1.8.21.0_x86__mdqgnx93n4wtt\libraries\WiFi\src\WiFiUdp.cpp: In member function 'virtual int WiFiUDP::endPacket()':

C:\Program Files\WindowsApps\ArduinoLLC.ArduinoIDE_1.8.21.0_x86__mdqgnx93n4wtt\libraries\WiFi\src\WiFiUdp.cpp:101:32: error: '_sock' was not declared in this scope

return ServerDrv::sendUdpData(_sock);

^

C:\Program Files\WindowsApps\ArduinoLLC.ArduinoIDE_1.8.21.0_x86__mdqgnx93n4wtt\libraries\WiFi\src\WiFiUdp.cpp: In member function 'virtual size_t WiFiUDP::write(const uint8_t*, size_t)':

C:\Program Files\WindowsApps\ArduinoLLC.ArduinoIDE_1.8.21.0_x86__mdqgnx93n4wtt\libraries\WiFi\src\WiFiUdp.cpp:111:27: error: '_sock' was not declared in this scope

ServerDrv::insertDataBuf(_sock, buffer, size);

^

C:\Program Files\WindowsApps\ArduinoLLC.ArduinoIDE_1.8.21.0_x86__mdqgnx93n4wtt\libraries\WiFi\src\WiFiUdp.cpp: In member function 'virtual int WiFiUDP::read()':

C:\Program Files\WindowsApps\ArduinoLLC.ArduinoIDE_1.8.21.0_x86__mdqgnx93n4wtt\libraries\WiFi\src\WiFiUdp.cpp:125:23: error: '_sock' was not declared in this scope

ServerDrv::getData(_sock, &b);

^

C:\Program Files\WindowsApps\ArduinoLLC.ArduinoIDE_1.8.21.0_x86__mdqgnx93n4wtt\libraries\WiFi\src\WiFiUdp.cpp: In member function 'virtual int WiFiUDP::read(unsigned char*, size_t)':

C:\Program Files\WindowsApps\ArduinoLLC.ArduinoIDE_1.8.21.0_x86__mdqgnx93n4wtt\libraries\WiFi\src\WiFiUdp.cpp:137:31: error: '_sock' was not declared in this scope

if (!ServerDrv::getDataBuf(_sock, buffer, &size))

^

C:\Program Files\WindowsApps\ArduinoLLC.ArduinoIDE_1.8.21.0_x86__mdqgnx93n4wtt\libraries\WiFi\src\WiFiUdp.cpp: In member function 'virtual int WiFiUDP::peek()':

C:\Program Files\WindowsApps\ArduinoLLC.ArduinoIDE_1.8.21.0_x86__mdqgnx93n4wtt\libraries\WiFi\src\WiFiUdp.cpp:152:22: error: '_sock' was not declared in this scope

ServerDrv::getData(_sock, &b, 1);

^

C:\Program Files\WindowsApps\ArduinoLLC.ArduinoIDE_1.8.21.0_x86__mdqgnx93n4wtt\libraries\WiFi\src\WiFiUdp.cpp: In member function 'virtual IPAddress WiFiUDP::remoteIP()':

C:\Program Files\WindowsApps\ArduinoLLC.ArduinoIDE_1.8.21.0_x86__mdqgnx93n4wtt\libraries\WiFi\src\WiFiUdp.cpp:166:25: error: '_sock' was not declared in this scope

WiFiDrv::getRemoteData(_sock, _remoteIp, _remotePort);

^

C:\Program Files\WindowsApps\ArduinoLLC.ArduinoIDE_1.8.21.0_x86__mdqgnx93n4wtt\libraries\WiFi\src\WiFiUdp.cpp: In member function 'virtual uint16_t WiFiUDP::remotePort()':

C:\Program Files\WindowsApps\ArduinoLLC.ArduinoIDE_1.8.21.0_x86__mdqgnx93n4wtt\libraries\WiFi\src\WiFiUdp.cpp:176:25: error: '_sock' was not declared in this scope

WiFiDrv::getRemoteData(_sock, _remoteIp, _remotePort);

^

exit status 1
Error compiling for board Generic ESP8266 Module.

This report would have more information with
"Show verbose output during compilation"
option enabled in File -> Preferences.s

Nick_Pyner · November 21, 2019, 1:06am

That all looks terrifying and I'm afraid I cannot comment much, as I have not used my NodeMCU for a couple of years and the above is all I have done with it anyway BUT
I'm betting your problem is all about board installation - because that is what it so often is. I don't think a NodeMCU qualifies as a "generic ESP8266". You might get some help from the eminence gris here

Juraj · November 21, 2019, 5:53am

this compilation error happens if WiFiUdp.h is included outside of ESP8266WiFi.h. The builder then includes WiFiUdp.h of the Arduino WiFi library bundled with IDE.

mattbaum · November 22, 2019, 7:37pm

Thanks for the suggestions so far.

I've now looked into things some more, in light of the comments made, and I think I am back where I started from - I have the wrong board selected/installed.

I've since tried all the "8266" boards listed in the library that are available for selection.
Similar response for each. Cannot compile for . . .

The module I'm actually using is a NodeMCU version 0.9 - also tried the only NodeMCU 0.9 listed - also NG.

For all the other work I've done with this module, I've used the "Generic 8266" board with no problems.
That's why I thought it was a software problem.
Now I'm totally confused!

Any help??

Juraj · November 22, 2019, 7:39pm

Juraj:
this compilation error happens if WiFiUdp.h is included outside of ESP8266WiFi.h. The builder then includes WiFiUdp.h of the Arduino WiFi library bundled with IDE.

remove
#include <WiFi.h>
#include <WiFiUdp.h>

Nick_Pyner · November 23, 2019, 2:13am

and note that, in the code I posted, only two libraries are used, of which only one is relevant to the NodeMCU

mattbaum · November 24, 2019, 12:40am

Problem solved!

Thanks to both of you guys.

I removed the unused/unneeded libraries and that seemed to do the trick.
This after wasting a whole heap of time - initially with software, and then when the message complained about the board, with hardware as well.

I should have asked the Forum right away - but it seemed like (and eventually was) a simple problem.

Thanks again!

Matt

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Get Date/Time with NodeMCU

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