Complete Arduino beginner checking in, hoping I can get some feedback for a project I am working on.
Some details on the scope of the project.
My primary goal is to be able to count cars entering a parking lot using a Banner M-gage sensor.
Not only do I need to count the cars but I need to log counts in 5 minute intervals.
My secondary goal is to be able to connect my Arduino to a wifi network where I can pull this data over the network.
I don't think that sensor will make a good counter, since it merely switches on when a vehicle is disturbing it. That means if a vehicle is in range, and the sensor is on, then other vehicles can come and go without switching and thus not counting. Similarly, a platoon of vehicles might not get counted individually, since it might not go off between vehicles.
If you have to use that sensor, I'd approach the manufacturer for guidance on its suitability as a counter.
Some kind of ultransonic or light-based sensor might be more suitable.
