Ok, I have more of a HW question. I was wondering is it possible to control an Arduino project via WI-FI with Android device without connecting both devices to local network?
I was searching around Arduino forum and global web, but I only found projects that included:
Arduino -> Bluetooth module -> and direct connection to Android device via Bluetooth
Arduino -> Wifi/Ethernet shield -> connected to local network -> communicating with Android device, connected to the same local network, via Wi-Fi
So is there a Wi-Fi module that can communicate with Android device without connecting to network? Or is this still unexplored ground?
Ok maybe I’m naïve but I was thinking to replace RC receiver with Arduino and RC transmitter with Android device. It would be amazing to see response of the people for example at the RC boat competition where all competitors around you would have all sorts of expensive RC transmitters while you would just use your smart phone.
Now is your turn to write an opinion or thought about this, because I want to know if I’m the only one so dumb to replace those powerful RC transmitters.
xDiNozzOx:
So is there a Wi-Fi module that can communicate with Android device without connecting to network?
Probably not, since the sole purpose of WiFi is to enable you to participate in a network. Your first problem is to find an Android app that enables you to bypass the network.
While bluetooth is typically only good for 10m, you can get more powerful types good for 100m which may be suitable.
However, for a beginner project I'd stay away from any of the current offerings for WiFi shields. AFAIK none of them currently support AP modus which is what you need in order to connect to them directly without going through another AP/router.
Stack a normal Arduino Ethernet shield ( with W5100 Ethernet chip) onto your Arduino. Connect a small Wifi pocket router with an Ethernet cable to the Ethernet Shield and you can connect to the Arduino per WiFi. A cheap. Small route I've used successfully in a few projects is the TP Link TL WR703n or ( or 702n or 3020) for ~$25. It's half the footprint of an iPhone 4 and about 2.5 times as thick. It comes configured as an AP, so you plug it in and then should be able to see it in your WiFi settings on your Android device.
This set-up also allow you to use the standard Arduino Ethernet library and all the other libraries that depend on it. This is often overlooked
