How can I configure Arduino after programming it (for post upload wifi configuration)?

Question

I would like to make a device that can take a photo, and send it to a website over wifi. I'm using an Arduino Uno, a ArduCam OV2640 module, and ESP8266 Serial WIFI module. Eventually I'd like to take it off the board as a stand alone project for permanent use.

The wifi works fine, but requires a serial communication to configure. I would like to make it so that I can plug the device into a computer (via something like micro usb), change the WIFI settings, and save those settings for future reboots.

If there anyway I can do this with an Arduino interface? If not, what could I use instead?

Answer 1

I like Gerben's suggestion about putting the ESP8266 into Wireless Access Point mode and then providing access to your configuration settings via a web interface. I've been dealing with the same question myself and this might be a workable solution. The only downside is the amount of code required to get an ESP8266 to function as a WAP, provide a web-based UI, switch between configuration and running mode, etc.

Another idea that isn't as elegant, but would require a lot less code: Just store your configuration on an SD card, and add an SD card to your project using a separate board or shield. You could edit the configuration by plugging it into a PC and editing the configuration file, then plug the card into your project which would read its configuration from the SD Card.