Here's my project: I want to create a device that can use a 2.8" tft screen on an arduino uno; to display an analog clock face and to have a countdown timer of 60 minutes. As well as to display on the screen text messages that I can feed it remotely, along with a continuous servo motor, of which I can control wirelessly as well.
Truth be told, I'm wanting to create a device that I can hand to people to give help and clues for an escape game.
The device (or guide) will be able to direct people where to turn to by creating a compass-like needle on the servo motor, which I'll be able to control remotely. I'll be able to send text messages as needed to them also using the display screen. And the screen will have a constant timer so they can see how much time they have left too. Oh...and...all of which is to contained in a "relatively" hand-held size.
Can this done? Is it possible to have the screen display a clock face timer and display messages simultaneously? While including a controllable servo? All wirelessly?
I recently purchased the arduino uno, and the tft 2.8" screen, I'm still needing to get the micro continuous servo motor, and then figure out how to do it wirelessly. Firstly I just would like to know if it's possible, then I will be asking how, but any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Possible, yes. What is the required range of the wireless signal? What is the sender (another Arduino, smartphone app)? The answers to those questions will help choose a wireless method.
The range shouldn't any greater than 20-30 feet. I'd be in the next room over monitoring. I assume that using a wifi module (ESP8266) would do the job, rather than bluetoooth. Is it possible to control it from a computer rather than another arduino or my smartphone? Not that I couldn't use those, I'll use whichever works best. Is it ever possible to send real-time messages through the serial monitor?
The ESP is a valid choice and there are pages on the net on how to get 2 ESP modules to talk to each other. One disadvantage of ESP is limited pin count (which may not be a problem for you). Another disadvantage is that, in my opinion, the ESP is more difficult to program than an Arduino. It may be easier (for your use) to use an Arduino with an RF24 radio as the sender. So serial monitor on your PC to an Arduino with a RF24 to a RF24 on the "guide" with another Arduino with the display and servo connected.
Another choice is the APC220 radios. They are more expensive but, on the PC end, require no Arduino. They connect right to a USB serial port to send data from serial monitor. Like a wireless serial cable.
I am sure that there are other methods, but the above, I am familiar with.
Any of the methods will be able to send (near) real time data.