This week, I worked on connecting NeoPixel to Google Calenda using IFTTT. I prompted NeoPixel to be connected to the current time (millis()) and use the minimum loops within the loop() function, enabling smooth fade-up and fade-out effects. I learned to list particle.function with keywords (e.g., fadeUp) and my token account in IFTTT to make NeoPixel behave according to the specified rules when Google Calendar triggers the action.
The most challenging part was verifying if it operates as set in the calendar.
(1) Occasionally, the particle console button would stop while being inactive, and I only figured out waiting or resetting as methods to reactivate it.
(2) Waiting for 3-10 minutes for each calendar setting was necessary, and understanding how the IFTTT real-time applet button functions was confusing me. Pressing this button sometimes seemed to trigger the NeoPixel to turn on, but it wasn't consistent. With TA Zhenfang's assistance, I adjusted the time more than at 18 minutes ahead, for setting 15-minute-ahead alerm on IFTTT. After waiting for about 18-22 minutes, in most cases, I confirmed that it reliably operates as intended.