Is Arduino WiFi what I'm looking for?
patillac 2012-07-13 04:18:37 3052 Views1 Replies I'm trying to send as much information as possible from my AUV to my computer. I'd like to transmit all of the spatial data from my existing Naza controller ( [url=http://www.fpvflying.com/products/DJI-NAZA-Multicopter-Controller.html]http://www.fpvflying.com/products/DJI-NAZA-Multicopter-Controller.html[/url] ), as well as any data from the arduino shields I attach, over a TCP/IP WiFi stream. Will I be able to interface the Arduino Uno (or a shield) with a microcontroller containing an IMU and barometer (the physical interface seems identical to many other controllers)?
My goal is maximizing the amount of data transferred over Wifi to minimize the amount of 'work' being done on the UAV itself. I also intend on developing an interface similar to GPS waypoints, except I want to use software and the IMU/GPS to determine destinations. Example input would be 'Up 1.0 0.5' meaning translate in an upward direction by 1.0 meters at 0.5 meters per second. I understand that this might be a rather large software development undertaking, but that's where most of the fun in all of this is for me.
I have been thinking about this for a while, but I have yet to purchase anything. I've read several arduino manuals and looked at the way they're programmed, and it seems like a fairly robust solution to my problem. My only real concerns are purchasing a stack of shields (can be pricy) and then not be able to interface them with the rest of the components that come from other kits. If it should just work, then I'll buy it and try it.
My goal is maximizing the amount of data transferred over Wifi to minimize the amount of 'work' being done on the UAV itself. I also intend on developing an interface similar to GPS waypoints, except I want to use software and the IMU/GPS to determine destinations. Example input would be 'Up 1.0 0.5' meaning translate in an upward direction by 1.0 meters at 0.5 meters per second. I understand that this might be a rather large software development undertaking, but that's where most of the fun in all of this is for me.
I have been thinking about this for a while, but I have yet to purchase anything. I've read several arduino manuals and looked at the way they're programmed, and it seems like a fairly robust solution to my problem. My only real concerns are purchasing a stack of shields (can be pricy) and then not be able to interface them with the rest of the components that come from other kits. If it should just work, then I'll buy it and try it.
2012-07-13 19:01:50 Hi Patillac,
The wifi shield might work for you, but please keep in mind the wifi's range limitation. If you are using a UAV you will not be able to go too far from your wireless router, unless you have some sort of signal booster.
Another concern with a UAV is the center of balance and bulkiness. The Arduino with many shields might be problematic in this case.
the wifi shield only uses 4 pins to function:
GND
Vcc
Tx
Rx
It uses the Arduino's TTL serial port. If you plan to use another shield or module that also requires the use of the serial port you might be able to use software serial on another set of pins, but that would require the ability to re-route the pins.
A good source to check pin conflict between arduino shields is [url=http://www.shieldlist.org]www.shieldlist.org[/url]
Hector
The wifi shield might work for you, but please keep in mind the wifi's range limitation. If you are using a UAV you will not be able to go too far from your wireless router, unless you have some sort of signal booster.
Another concern with a UAV is the center of balance and bulkiness. The Arduino with many shields might be problematic in this case.
the wifi shield only uses 4 pins to function:
GND
Vcc
Tx
Rx
It uses the Arduino's TTL serial port. If you plan to use another shield or module that also requires the use of the serial port you might be able to use software serial on another set of pins, but that would require the ability to re-route the pins.
A good source to check pin conflict between arduino shields is [url=http://www.shieldlist.org]www.shieldlist.org[/url]
Hector 