Has anyone here tried using Slip Rings within an RS485 network connected project using multiple Arduino Nanos? If so did you have any issues with transmission clarity or noise? Supposedly they are ok for sending electrical and data but I have no experience with them. Basically they allow you to have a stationary side set a of wires while the other side allows rotation but electricity still gets through. A Simple image is here in case you dont know what they are. Slip ring - Wikipedia
I've used an ATtiny85 connected to a DS18B20 on a centrifuge.
The ATtiny85 converted the DS18B20 output to UART and then an RS485 driver sent the signal through the sliprings.
The 5V and GND also went through the sliprings.
Worked well at 9600Bd - didn't try any faster.
The sliprings were a sealed unit like this:
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You get what you pay for. Good quality slip rings use gold on gold contacts and are therefore expensive and degrade over time. If you only have the budget for a cheap slip ring, then use that for power and send data via an optical or radio link.
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thanks. Interesting Idea. I have to look into that. Any particular products for optical or radio transmitting/recieving that impress you?
I have used RF24 radios and Bluetooth (HC05) to communicate with a rotary device (power through slip-rings) with good success.
You could use wireless power as well. In fact I believe that some wireless power systems allow slow data transmission as well.
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