I am looking for an easy and cheap method to connect an Arduino with a Make Controller. I have looked into BT/xBee stuff and find it interested but am wondering if there is an ever cheaper way to do so.
Just in case it comes up I am running the Arduino Diecimila with the latest default firmware (bought a new one a few days ago ---- don't you just love presents from FedEx!) and the Make Controller (running Heavy-1.3.1.bin --- at the moment).
I'm looking to do a remote app where the Make Controller provides a network interface to and provides some sensor data from indoors sensors. In addition, I am looking to weatherproof an Arduino outdoors (roughly 650 ft) for addition sensor data. I will be interfacing all data via C# with a computer sooner or later but want to read some values off the web when remote. I will also connect a Purdy LCD (4x40) screen up to the Arduino (side project hopefully with a 3 wire connection) for real time sensor data at the shed/barn.
Here is the catch. I have a cable (Cat-5E) running to the location already (barn/shed). I can easily attach it to the existing cable (whatever is needed as I was smart enough to run 3...1 for the network and two extra Cat5 cables). I am looking to easily pull this off though as I am strapped for cash on this project already. I've looked at the wireless side and even the xPort side of things and really can't afford it all. I've also read that Arduino can do I2C but the Make Controller can't and vise versa, from what I understand, the Make Controller can do CAN where Arduino can't.
Is OSC an option? I've heard its not there yet on Arduino?
I'm looking for a little something better than Serial to Serial though as it can be a pain sometimes (esp with C# --- at least for me).
Either way, any ideas would be helpful. Thx in advance.