interfacing to arduino on long distances

Projects Networking, Protocols, and Devices
1

Hi to everyone,
I'm new so be patient, I suppose there's an answer anywhere in this forum but I've not found yet.

I've build an automatic musical instrument using arduino with servos via standardfirmata. Servos have their own power supplier.
Now my need is to connect Arduino to my PC at a long distance (30mt +-) because the only free place for me it's at the very back of the concert hall. It's too long for a usb, so I think it's better to use a ethernet option. (but of course all my insight can be wrong)

My first idea was to buy two usb-to-lan converter and use a lan cable as extension but I'm a little suspicious about reliability. The other idea it's to buy an ethernet shield and use the ethernet port of the PC for connection, even if I don't know if this it's possible and if this can be considered more reliable than the usb solution.

Can you help me and/or suggest any better option (modest budget, as always in music...)
Thanks in advance,
Andrea

2

Ethernet is an option. But, if you don't want to learn how to use the ethernet shield or buy it, you can get two RS-485 to UART converters and then use RS485 instead. RS485 is easier to use than ethernet IMHO.

3

Thanks very much, now I've a new hint to learn about.

Andrea

4

Hi Andrea.
Actually 30m isn't much of a long distance in terms of wireless, however during an actual performance with people in the audience, the wireless traffic will get crowded. Since wireless is an unreliable medium, you'll actually have to consider around 3x to 5x the actual range if you want to get a good connection. That said, wireless should be fine for the distances you're considering.

I've done large theaters with projection mapping and wireless triggers for costume illumination. I recommend using 900 MHz wireless (less interference with 2.4 GHz wifi signals) and large antennas to transmit from the control booth in the back.

You can see a bit more of my setup here:

http://www.illuminado.org/2016/01/5/

5

UART can be transferred via RS-232 or RS-485.
You can use USB/RS-232 converter and RS232/UART converter.
Or Full-... RS-485 instead of RS-232.