digbob:
I am currently debating between XBee and Bluetooth.My requirements:
- 30-40 foot indoor/outdoor communication
- As simple and reliable as possible (limited chance of losing paired status, etc.)
- Lower powered would be better, as sensors will be battery powered
- Confirmation of data reception/quality
- The cheaper the better!
The typical max range of bluetooth is no more than 30ft. If you want 30ft range or more, you will need an XBee. A possible third option is to use a WiFi module if you have a WiFi router in the area of ops.
digbob:
Like I said, I think XBee or Bluetooth would be the best for this application, however I have concerns with Bluetooth and inconsistent pairing, whereas what I have seen from XBee is its pretty automatic once you have them set to the same channel.
Yes, sort of. Pairing with an HC-06 or HC-05 is really quick and easy if you are trying to communicate with a laptop or android phone. XBees actually require more upfront configuration (configuration only required once), but they automatically "pair" after configuration.
digbob:
Another question I have - I've seen some XBee applications where an Ardiuno isn't present on the sensor side, and just transmits the raw data to the co-ordinator node, which is then interpreted by an Arduino. Is that possible with an accelerometer/potentiometer? Or will I need a Nano at each sensor to interpret data before it's sent wirelessly? I'm having troubles finding an answer for that.
Using an Arduino to interface between the IMU and the XBee would probably be easiest either way. This is because most IMU breakout boards are 5V logic and XBees are 3v3. That being said, you could work around this issue by using a logic converter, but even still, I think it is easier to create the firmware for the Arduino than the XBee. Just my thoughts, though.