11 years, 5 months ago.

Remote sensors

I've been looking at a sensor network. Temperature etc. the big issue with all these seems to be the communications between the sensors and some type of central command.

• Background

- I've looked at 'client' based wifi modules http://www.lucadentella.it/en/2012/12/09/enc28j60-e-arduino-11/. or http://www.instructables.com/id/Cheap-and-Easy-Arduino-Wi-Fi-Hack/

- I've looked at the http://www.coolcomponents.co.uk/catalog/xbee-module-with-whip-antenna-series-p-363.html and http://www.rovingnetworks.com/products/RN171XV

- I've looked at stripping alarm kits http://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/Complete-Wireless-Alarm-Systems-Alarm-panel-PIR-Door-contact-smoke-sensor-Home-security-systems-burglar-fire/508818_524858685.html

- use existing sensors off the shelf. - to expensive.

• Easiest

Some type of serial communications and avoiding Ethernet stack.

With extra hardware these can be made to use work as simple serial or for less money to talk to an Ethernet stack.

I'm not looking to make these sensors into some type of webserver, they just need to log and send information.

• So what I'm thinking is the following....

(1) What if you took a freedom (http://mbed.org/handbook/mbed-FRDM-KL25Z-Getting-Started) board.

(2) and soldered onto SanDisk SDSDWIFI-004G-X46 4GB Eye-Fi Wireless Memory Card + Adapter (http://www.amazon.co.uk/SanDisk-SDSDWIFI-004G-X46-Eye-Fi-Wireless-Adapter/dp/B005LFT44M/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1369912438&sr=8-2&keywords=wifi+sd+card) direct soldering saves some money (https://www.sparkfun.com/products/11403)

Would that give me the cheapest AND easiest solution for data logging and wireless? (note that soldering the memory card to the board can be found here http://mbed.org/users/tombracer/notebook/yet-another-billy-bass-modification/)

Ideas, comments views?

Ps. Over time want to get the heating system, hot water systems, water alarms etc. not a 100% sure but the bases of a 'smart' house. The central control unit as the cheapest option would be something like a cheap tablet. I was tempted to buy one for each sensor location for that price but battery running time for sensors is important :-) http://www.amazon.co.uk/Screen-Allwinner-1-0GHz-Android-Tablet/dp/B0099NPR7U/ref=sr_1_4?s=computers&ie=UTF8&qid=1369914524&sr=1-4&keywords=tablet.