how to read 3.3V serial signal with Arduino

Forum 2005-2010 (read only) Hardware Interfacing
1

Hi!

I have a simple iPod remote I want to hook up to Arduino.
It has three pins: 3.3V, GND, and the data pin.
The data is a 3.3V serial protocol. How can I attach that to the Rx pin on the Arduino to get a reading? I.e. how to transform the data into the 5V serial data Arduino uses?

EDIT: I found this breakout board and its schematic. But how could I replicate it using NPN or PNP transistors instead of the MOSFET?

Sorry, somehow I just can't think straight today.

Thanks!

2

You should be able to attach the 3.3v data signal directly to the Arduino rec input pin. 3.3v is high enough voltage to work into the Arduino 5v logic level. Be sure to also wire the grounds up.

Lefty

3

Indeed, it worked! Actually my main problem turned out to be figuring out the baud rate at which the remote was sending its data! :slight_smile:
But now the Arduino can pick up the RF signals and even tell which button is being pressed!
I just have to figure out what all the other gibberish bytes do, it's always a block of seven bytes (only two of them change depending on which button is being pressed), followed by one end byte when the button is released. interesting!
Thank you anyway!