Hi everyone,
I need to create a system that transmits different data from 10 different positions.
So, imagine something like 10 triggers (button maybe?) that sends a number to arduino.
I would like to be able to use wireless communication as the triggers will be far from each other, so wiring is not a great solution.
I started looking at the wireless solutions for arduino and I came across these 2 different kits:
and
My questions now are:
do I need for each trigger a transmitter and a receiver or can I use 1 receiver and 10 different transmitters?
(considering that the signal could be triggered at the same time from different positions)
can the transceiver (first link) could be used to send the signal to the receiver of the second link?
I hope all of this makes sense.
I can provide further information, so please ask if you need to know more.
If the distance between transmitters and receiver does not exceed about 300 meters (in the open) and the data are sent only occasionally and at different times, then the cheap 434 MHz modules might work. I suggest using VirtualWire.
The NRF modules are transceivers - both transmit and receive capabilities built in. I think you need that in order to control several "slave" devices. Program your master device to ask each slave in turn to reply with its data. Give each slave a separate ID so it can recognize when it is being addressed. The master sends a request with an ID number. All the slaves hear it but only the one with the matching ID will reply. This can happen very quickly - you can probably poll all of them 5 times per second.
jremington:
If the distance between transmitters and receiver does not exceed about 300 meters (in the open) and the data are sent only occasionally and at different times, then the cheap 434 MHz modules might work. I suggest using VirtualWire.
THanks for reply,
yes, the buttons will be in the same room, at least at this stage of the project.
The moment when the data are sent cannot be controlled by me but from a user. So the system should be able to send and receive data triggered at the same time (or with a very short difference of time).
I'll check virtualWire, thanks for now!
Robin2:
The NRF modules are transceivers - both transmit and receive capabilities built in. I think you need that in order to control several "slave" devices. Program your master device to ask each slave in turn to reply with its data. Give each slave a separate ID so it can recognize when it is being addressed. The master sends a request with an ID number. All the slaves hear it but only the one with the matching ID will reply. This can happen very quickly - you can probably poll all of them 5 times per second.
...R
Hi Robin!
thanks.. this sounds very useful.
And it is pretty much what I was thinking to do.
At this stage I wanted to check the feasibility and mostly understanding the hardware before buying too much stuff. I'll order the NRF and I will start experimenting with that. One last question, do you think I could use the same NRF as a master receiver? Or can you suggest a better solution.
many thanks!
adani002:
do you think I could use the same NRF as a master receiver? Or can you suggest a better solution.
Yes. And it saves you having to learn two technologies.
My system is using Cypress 2.4GHz transceivers because they are already on the very small "arduino" boards that I use. I use the same board as master and as slave. To the best of my knowledge the NRF boards have the same functionality.
The NRF modules can be in a 6 way mesh, I have not tried the 433 (or similar 315MHz) modules in more than a transmitter receiver pair, though I believe you can get more than one transmitter to talk to 1 receiver. Also you can transmit and receive from the same place.
As you are forming a wireless wire though, only one message can be sent or received at the same time.
Incidentally we sell both sorts, (And the 315MHz ones). If you buy 2 or more items you get a free upgrade to 1st class post and 3 or more you get 5% off as well (If bought in the same basket).
The NRF modules require power decoupling.
I use the Radio head library with the 433 MHz modules.
ChilliTronix:
The NRF modules can be in a 6 way mesh,
Am I correct to think that a "mesh" means that signals can be relayed from one device to another?
The system I built does not work like that. The master must be able to communicate directly with every slave. However I don't think there is any practical limit to the number of slaves.
Robin2:
Yes. And it saves you having to learn two technologies.
My system is using Cypress 2.4GHz transceivers because they are already on the very small "arduino" boards that I use. I use the same board as master and as slave. To the best of my knowledge the NRF boards have the same functionality.
...R
Thanks a lot for the advice.
the transceivers are on their way and I look forward to trying them!
