Society of Robots - Robot Forum

Electronics => Electronics => Topic started by: JoeStrout on December 25, 2006, 06:08:28 PM

Title: which wireless connection should I buy?
Post by: JoeStrout on December 25, 2006, 06:08:28 PM

I need to hook up a simple wireless connection between my laptop and my robot. I'm on a tight budget, so economy is the key feature I'm looking for. Range is not important (I'll never be standing more than a couple meters away), and data rate isn't particularly important either (I'll be sending very small amounts of data). Two-way communications isn't necessary at this point; the robot needs to receive but doesn't need to data.  I should add that I'm in the U.S., and would prefer not to order overseas if I can avoid it.

Any recommendations?

Thanks,
— Joe

Title: Re: which wireless connection should I buy?
Post by: Admin on December 25, 2006, 07:33:10 PM

how does your robot communicate?

considered bluetooth?
http://www.societyofrobots.com/electronics_bluetooth_robot.shtml

Title: Re: which wireless connection should I buy?
Post by: JoeStrout on December 26, 2006, 09:16:26 AM

Quote from: Admin on December 25, 2006, 07:33:10 PM

how does your robot communicate?

That's exactly the question I'm asking.  How should it?

Quote from: Admin on December 25, 2006, 07:33:10 PM

considered bluetooth?
http://www.societyofrobots.com/electronics_bluetooth_robot.shtml

Yes, but I'm not a big fan of it.  First, I've found Bluetooth to be a bit fiddly, even on commercial devices (like my laptop and PDA).  Second, it's expensive — SparkFun Bluetooth modules seem to run about $60.

Someone recently pointed me to this $12 RF link (http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/product_info.php?products_id=872), which is more in line with my budget.  Any opinions on this one?

Thanks,
— Joe

Title: Re: which wireless connection should I buy?
Post by: Admin on December 27, 2006, 09:36:33 PM

well, most people use serial, but usb is becoming popular, too. most development boards come with either serial or usb, the latter being a little more expensive.

bluetooth should be reliable, has good range, its high speed, simple to use, and handles interference very well. but yea, its a bit pricy.

looking at the site for the RF link device, my impression of it is that its good, although a bit slow at only 2400bps. note that its only for one way, meaning one only recieves, and the other only transmits. if you get a second pair ($24), you can transmit and recieve data.

you might find this post very helpful
http://www.societyofrobots.com/robotforum/index.php?topic=104.0

Title: Re: which wireless connection should I buy?
Post by: Admin on January 06, 2007, 02:44:17 PM

Ive recently heard a lot of good things about the XBee™ ZigBee OEM RF Module ($19)
http://www.maxstream.net/products/xbee/xbee-oem-rf-module-zigbee.php

a tutorial on how to use the XBee here:
http://itp.nyu.edu/~raf275/meshnetworking/XBee/XBee_example.html