I have a vision of a project which uses some amazing Ardunio product as a stand-alone collector of analogue samples.
This unit (SAU) is supposed to be able to be connected to a PC for the sole purpose of transferring aquired data.
Nothing more.
The data will be processed in the PC. Not in the unit.
I have gotten the great tip from a Swedish forum that you are actually capable of expanding the Leonardo/UNO(?) into logging data to a SD memory card. Just by attaching something called a shield. By doing this I have also found out that you get a RTC-function (which is somewhat crucial for my application).
So I have a kind of grip on how to proceed HW-wise (my forum explained that there are displays and even chassis available, amazing!)
Right now I am wondering if it is possible to use the UNO (instead of the Leonardo) for the whole package including display.
This is my first question because the UNO is more easily obtainable for me (and I like DIL for debugging purposes).
The main question is however how to program the unit to do as I want (which maily means continous logging and reacting to three, we can call them analogue, inputs i.e Calibrate, Hold Time and New User).
This part seems extremely difficult to me because I actually don't know anything whatsoever about modern programming.
A friend of mine did however show me some code (UNO) and for a while there I actually thought it looked kind of easy
The Uno has 6 analog inputs (ADC) and can "talk" via USB to a PC / Mac / whatever using serial communications. You can attach shields as you said to have an SD card and RTC.
SD card support, and RTC, just plug it in. Then add your sensors.
How should I proceed?
It's fun, but I think you will have to learn some programming. There are various books and online tutorials that should smooth your path in that direction.
Hi,
expanding on Grumpy_Mike's answer, the Arduino software running on the PC (Windows, Mac, Linux), called the IDE (Integrated Development Environment), is the place where all the programming and compilation occurs. You compile and then transfer the program to the Arduino clicking on icons in the IDE window.