Hello all,
My project is to make something that will send data from a sensor to either an ipod or windows system depending on which cable (usb male, or ipod connector) is plugged in. I want the power source to come from the ipod or computer, I want the board to send data back, I want the board to be as small as possible.
The arduino mini seems like what i should get, and I have the usb2serial connector to program it (i can use this correct?). But what Im wondering is if after I program it, does it need some serial to usb connector or ftdi chip to relay information back to the computer through the usb? Or can I attach a male usb connector to the arduino mini and program it to relay information from the sensor back to the computer?
The software I make should be the only thing the user needs to touch, no special drivers installations (although if need be the software could handle some basic functions). I would like it to just listen for com/serial communication and act off the interpreted data. The arduino nano seems much more friendly for what Im doing, but it is definitely as big as I would want to go. It seems like there are less of them being sold and its more expensive.
If there is another chip or board that is better suited for this I'm interested, its a simple project, just trying to make a good design the first time. Thanks for any and all help.