Communicating Arduino with a Computer Wirelessly

Projects Networking, Protocols, and Devices
1

Hello guys, I have a project that uses Arduino mega and process the data, I want to send the data to a PC and perform some processing on it and send back a reply to the Arduino, I have no idea what can I use for this ? any suggestions ? I want something easy and Cheap, the distance isn't a big issue, any wireless will do for me! I dont' have much experience with interfacing so I'd really like an easy option :slight_smile: thanks so much

2

Look into bluetooth modules, can find units that are advertised as a "serial cable replacement".

3

Thanks, ill look into this, i'd rather use a wifi shield or a Xbee tho :cold_sweat:

4

Thanks, ill look into this, i'd rather use a wifi shield or a Xbee tho

XBees are easy. They are reliable. They deal with all the retransmission issues if data is lost/garbled. What they are not is cheap. But, you get what you pay for.

5

ok Thank you :slight_smile:

6

So what do i need for this ?? the Xbee shield, TX RX both the same and XBee interface with the PC right ?

7

the Xbee shield

An XBee shield. There are several to choose from - none are ideal. Some are less pathetic than others. I like the Sparkfun model myself.

TX RX both the same

If you mean can an XBee transmit and receive, the answer is yes.

and XBee interface with the PC right ?

Depends on what you mean by "interface with". I have yet to see a PC with an XBee socket. So, you need something to connect the XBee to the PC. Typically, that is a USB Explorer. That makes the device appear as a serial port. The PC can't tell the difference between an XBee on a USB Explorer and an Arduino on a USB cable. Both are just serial devices on a virtual COM port.

8

Oh, yes I meant about the USB-XBEE Adaptor (Connect Zigbee to PC). I think that what you mean :smiley: and me too. I have to program it using the Arduino tho ? or is it ready-programmed ? and also with the Xbee board?