Arduino Communications
Arduino Communications Page
Contents |
Summary
In my search for ways to communicate with the Arduino board, I found lots of ways that required me to learn new languages or learn serial communication programming. In these cases I do want to eventually pick up these skills, but I found a quicker way for my needs. I have learned over time that you can always find a better way to solve a problem, but I realize that the amount of time to learn is sometimes greater than the project time-frame, and therefore just solve it in the best way you can with the tools you have. I believe that this solution encompasses that spirit. Here you will find a quick, dirty yet effective solution for communicating with the Arduino.
This solution met my goals, but it may not meet yours. It is limited in the effect that a transfer in a message may take as long as 5 sec. This fits fine for my needs where I am just looking to form a distributed network of smart sensors/controllers that allow the setting of certain variables and the reporting of alarms and/or useful tracking information from the individual controllers.
Note: I owe a BIG debt of gratitude to all the Arduino developers that provided me with the tools/code/knowledge to allow this solution
Requirements
The method requires the following hardware/knowledge:
- An Arduino Board or equivalent
- Linux computer that is able to communicate with the Arduino
- Your favorite development language
- Basic Linux operational skill
- Knowledge of samba or NIS if networking is desired
This example requires the following hardware/knowledge:
- An Arduino Board or equivalent (I used an actual Arduino Board with the USB connection)
- Linux computer that is able to communicate with the Arduino (I used an Ubuntu 8.x box)
- A Windows computer that is able to support AutoIT
- A network between the two computers
- Development languages - BASH scripting for Linux and AutoIT for windows
- Knowledge of samba for sharing folders over the network
Example of Method
Step 1 - Buy an Arduino Board - http://www.arduino.cc/en/Main/Buy Step 2 - Load the Arduino software on your linux box - http://www.arduino.cc/en/Main/Software
