OK, so the Arduino has infinite potential when it comes to data logging.
And remote access to data has infinite potential for practical application as well.
Since there is no 3g shield for Arduino (yet) how about this??
This is a very EXPENSIVE idea but here goes:
How about your Data-logging Arduino device has a Wi-Fi Shield, and next to it is your (solar/battery powered?) 3g wi-fi 60 dollars a month hotspot card? You know those cards by verizon - the mobile hotspots?
Of course, you have to spend the 60 dollars a month to pay for the 3g card to generate the wi-fi signal - but then - correct me if im wrong - but with a wi-fi shield on the data-logging arduino device - anywhere there is a 3g signal - you could get real-time data from your specific data-logging project. You could even develop an app for your smart phone to view your data statistics am I correct?
Question: if there is a wi-fi shield for the Arduino, why isn't there a 3g shield yet? Is it because the mobile phone companies have a stronghold on the 3g industry because they are building all the towers, and want to be able to control monthly fees for all 3g use?
Correct me if im wrong - but if this weren't the case - wouldn't it essentially be a free-for all remote-control world where your smartphone could lock and unlock all the doors to your house, car, start your car, change the temperature in your fridge, dim the lights, feed the chickens, etc?
Im excited about the possibilities about this remote control world, and it seems that microcontrollers, smartphones, and the 3g/4g network come together to create this.....
Are there any articles on this kind of tech industry and when we should expect to see these things manifest?
Kalpatarutree,
Look here for cellular phone modules. Enough of them are also 3G: http://www.avnet-embedded.eu/products/wireless/cellular-1.html
If you want it cheaper, get an 3G-stick and an USB-host shield. The stick is most likely free with your data plan, the shield will set you back $25 or so.
Korman
If you want it cheaper, get an 3G-stick and an USB-host shield
Does that really work? Don't you need fancy drivers or something?
Si:
Does that really work? Don't you need fancy drivers or something?
The USB-sticks I've seen emulate a serial modem with AT-command set with PPP on top of it. That's why they also work under Linux without any driver. Thankfully the days of winmodems are past.
Korman
Great tip - thanks.
Erm I may be missing something in your concept, but I'm not convinced that an Arduino can consume or produce data at even GPRS rates. There are plenty GPRS capable options.
No, Dave, you aren't missing anything, you're absolutely correct. That makes the origial posting so original.
Korman
No, Dave, you aren't missing anything
I throught the whole point of AT command sets was that you could do things like set the baud rate of communication from the Arduino to the modem. How fast the modem choses to blat that out over 3G is its problem.
My bigger lack of understanding with this, is how you set the APN username and password etc. Are those just AT commands. If so, once the channel is established, then am I right to think you just need to talk TCP/IP.
I'd love to see a report of someone doing this. I couldn't see anything with a quick google.
Si:
My bigger lack of understanding with this, is how you set the APN username and password etc. Are those just AT commands. If so, once the channel is established, then am I right to think you just need to talk TCP/IP.
The mobile providers usually tell you (hidden away on their support pages) what kind of AT-string is necessary for their network. For Vodafone Germany for example it's:
AT+CGQREQ= 1,3,4,3,0,0; AT+CGDCONT=1,"IP","internet.t-d1.de"
Korman