Hi, I am developing and LED PCB with build in drivers and I plan on using Arduino as the controller. I have the design figured out finally with the Arduino hard wired into the module but I an now leaning towards wireless either from the Arduino to the drivers or from the PC to the Arduino to the drivers or both.
Now I don't want to waste your time with noob questions but can somebody explain where the wireless chip fits into the whole module assembly? Same place where you would place the controller? driver ->network chip -> driver -> LEDs?
What should I use, Xbee? I juts need the basic concepts so I can read up on the specifics. There is a lot of Arduino info out there and I am getting bogged down, I'd just like to know the relevant components so I can concentrate me efforts on researching them. I also need somewhat of an idea of how it works before I get the freelance engineer to create the gerber files.
what would the exact Arduino components that I would need to pull this off? Arduino, LCD shield.....? What about for networking from a PC?
I don't want to waste your time with noob questions
That's why we are here, welcome.
Basically a wireless system convays serial data, so connecting that direct to an LED driver is not such a good idea. The best bet is to send commands to an arduino through radio and the have that arduino waggle the lines up and down to control the LED driver. Off load some intelligence onto the arduino, like have a commnd to fade from one colour to the next, and let the arduino work out the in-between stuff.
Ah okay. Thanks! I was thinking about it backwards hehe. So have the Arduino hardwired, then control that arduino remotely with another or with the PC. Cool. I really love Arduino, just discovered it a week ago and it is already changing my DIY projects infinitely.
How may Arduinos can another Arduino network with? It isnt really relevant for this application but just curious. Is there a limit?
They are not really made for networking, but you can achieve the effect in many different ways and so in theory there is no limit. It is just that the best use of them is to control some electronics, most of the time networking is unnecessary.
Here you will find some of my pages to get you started:-
Projects to inspire or intimidate you:- http://www.thebox.myzen.co.uk/Hardware/Projects.html