Basic questions

Using Arduino Project Guidance
1

Hello,

I have for now a few questions.

  1. What is the difference between Arduino Ethernet and Arduino Ethernet Shield?
  2. Can I use Ethernet/Ethernet shield and GPS or GSM together on Arduino?

Thanks.

Zeus

2

Anyone?

3

  1. "Arduino Ethernet" does not have an on-board USB to Serial chip. So you must program it with a FTDI cable or ISP. (It is not programmable over Ethernet.)

  2. GPS and GSM usually connects to Serial. The Uno and Arduino Ethernet only have 1 serial port. Software serial is an option.

GSM and Ethernet generally involve a lot of strings which is hard on the Uno's 2K of RAM. Using both at the same time takes some care.

4

Thanks James.

Basically I am looking for Arduino hardware for a small project.
Can you suggest me what different boards should I purchase if I need:

  1. to collect data from gas sensors
  2. and transmit/log data on my website using internet.

Thanks.

Zeus

5

Check out the Nanode and Nanode RF: http://ichilton.github.com/nanode/, http://nanode.eu/

6

Can you suggest me what different boards should I purchase if I need:

  1. to collect data from gas sensors
  2. and transmit/log data on my website using internet.

An Arduino, an ethernet shield (spend the few extra $ and get the wiznet one), and the gas sensors.

7

PaulS:
An Arduino, an ethernet shield (spend the few extra $ and get the wiznet one), and the gas sensors.

Thanks for reply.
Okay I plan to buy this http://arduino.cc/en/Main/ArduinoEthernetShield. It is based on wiznet. Did you mean this board?
Don't you suggest should I go for a breadboard or anything better (pre designed with sockets) since I will be installing more than 1 gas sensor?
I need suggestion on it before I pick up.

Thanks again.

Z

8

MarkT:
Check out the Nanode and Nanode RF: http://ichilton.github.com/nanode/, http://nanode.eu/

Thanks Mark, I am checking 'em.

9

Hello,

I have an another question.

Is it possible to send data on a website using GPRS module? I think it should. Using a SIM card Arduino can go online and register data.
Any thought?

Thanks.

Z

10

Did you mean this board?

Yes. There are other types of Ethernet shields, but the ones based on the Wiznet chips are much easier to use.

Don't you suggest should I go for a breadboard or anything better (pre designed with sockets) since I will be installing more than 1 gas sensor?

Yes, a breadboard is useful, along with wires, a soldering iron, solder, heat shrink tubing, a multi-meter, and a host of other things.

Is it possible to send data on a website using GPRS module?

It is. But, GPRS modules and associated hardware, and the ongoing cost of a SIM card, are much higher priced, and difficult to use, compared to an Ethernet shield. I'd start with the Ethernet shield. If you need to go wireless, a WiFi shield would be my next choice, if there is WiFi in the area. Only if WiFi and wires are not possible would I go for the GPRS module.

11

We can manage SIM operating cost. Most preferable option for me is to have mobility.
I talked to someone in here who sells Arduino told me that I can't connect to wifi internet network using XBee.
I will be very thankful if you direct me that particular kit using which Arduino can get connected to wifi and serve my purpose of sending data on my website.
If I have full info I can start working with GSM and wireless (which you just suggested) to have two different devices.

Thanks a lot.

Z