Hi to all, this is my first post and this will also be my first arduino project.
I was contemplating a project to monitor the temperature in each level of my home and display the detected values in a web page. The web page will also need to have buttons to remotely switch pins on the arduino high or low to control relays for switching the AC or heating on or off and also display feedback for the current state of each relay pin so that I know which system is currently active
I have seen a few examples of this sort of thing already and may use some of the code in my project. I can put together html and can also get on with php so that helps a little.
I already have a server at home which handles my files, media, dnla, cloud space and also cctv.
I can't decide which route is best for my proposed project....
A. Create a web page on my existing server and use php to send serial commands to the arduino via usb and use it as an interface between the PC and the control relays and temp sensors.
Or
B. Employ ethernet and sd card sheilds and create the webserver and all the control code for the hardware on the arduino.
Obviously the PC consumes more power than the arduino but what are the other advantages/disadvantages of each method?
Ultimately which way do you guys think is best?
Regards
gromit