Is this right board for connecting sensors to a PC

Forum 2005-2010 (read only) General Frequently-Asked Questions
1

Hi
I am mainly interested in taking temperature readings and updating data in a PC database.
I am a proficient VB.net programmer and can manage c ok so I just need to know if this is the right board for me? or can you sugest anything else please?

I also want to build an Oil tank level sensor?

thanks

Mike

2

Any of the Arduino boards with the USB port (serial in disguise) will do what you want.

Some of the bare bones boards does not have the FTDI chip that implements the virtual serial port, so to use them you would need a seperate USB -> serial adaptor.

Reading sensor data from Arduino in VB is no problem.

3

:slight_smile:

Thanks
I really like the look of this board, seems like a lot of potential for fun ;D

Any ideas on the oil tank level sensor?

Is there any place I can look for similar projects?

thanks

Mike

4

There are serveral liquid level sensors around, but i don't know if the are well suited for being submerged in fuel oil :slight_smile:

Like this (just one example):
http://www.seeedstudio.com/depot/liquid-water-level-sensor-horizontal-float-switch-p-565.html?cPath=6

5

Also - keep in mind that depending on the tank, usage, and local/State laws (whatever that means in the context of your geographical location), modifying or even attaching such a device (without being licensed, etc) may violate laws; check into this before attempting any such modification, and if in doubt, ask a professional.

6

Thanks

I will check :wink:

7

Think the commercial ones use a level tube + utltrasonic.

8

Hi Michael,

I develop RTG software with VB6. Common configuration is PC-PLC-Sensors. Let me tell you that Arduino is completed abled to replace the PLC functions. Most of the sensors use 4-20 mA signal what is very easy to read with the analog pins.
There is another kind of sensors connected to a rs485 bus using profibus or modbus, very known and easy protocols. Arduino could perfectly be connected to this multidrop bus to poll the sensors, using a serial converter 232-485.
Arduino link with the PC is perfect using Ethernet Shield.

9

Thanks :wink: