I am starting a new project consist of a PC communicating with 6 display panels.
I like the display panels to all be Ardunio with Ethernet capability. So the PC will
send commands through the Ethernet port to the display Panels. I like to know
which Ardunio board to use for the Display Panels. I have used the MEGA board
but it does not have Ethernet capabilities.
The Display panel should have digital I/Os and also PWM to control RGB LED lights.
Which product do you suggest.
The Arduino with built-in Ethernet was never a popular device, because it cost more than an Arduino and Ethernet shield. You'd be better off using A UNO with an Ethernet shield.
So the PC will
send commands through the Ethernet port
I don't think so. If the Arduino is acting as a server, the PC an make GET requests that the Arduino will process.
Cost is not a concern. Let me explain in more detail.
The project is consist of 6 display control panels at different locations.
each display control panel should be able to have Digital I/O, PWM for Color LEDs,
Analog Inputs (to use for reading temperature) and Ethernet interface.
One of the Display Control panels is going to be the master and the other 5 would be slaves.
The purpose of the Ethernet interface is so the master can communicate to the slaves.
Slaves are not going to communicate with each other.
I am not sure if that can be possible and that is why, I figured to use a PC as the master and
5 Ardunio as slaves.