Propeller To Propeller Data Link via Internet

DaveG

Howdy,

I searched the forum but couldn't find quite what I needed. Or, maybe I just need to put on my glasses.
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I'm trying to design an Internet-connected board to board data link. Specifically, I have 100 bytes of data that I want to transmit from one Propeller,·through the Internet, to a second Propeller.
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Here is my first stab at a conceptual design, with a few constraints:
1. On the transmitting end, the first Propeller needs to send the 100 bytes to an existing Linksys Wireless Router, via the radio link. Distance = 50 feet. An Ethernet cable connection is not desirable because of esthetic reasons. My thought is that I could connect the Propeller to a Pink Module, then the Pink to some device that could transmit to the Wireless Router.
2. On the receiving end there is also an existing Linksys router, but it can use an Ethernet cable to hook to a Pink Module. The Pink·would then connect directly to the second Propeller.
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My questions are:
1. What type of device do I need to send data from a Pink to the Wireless Router. The device must be a standalone unit, capable of being installed on or connected to the board with the propeller and Pink.·
2. Are Pinks the right way to go?
3. Is there an easier way to do this whole thing?
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Frankly I'm new to this whole "interfacing microcontollers with the Internet" thing. ·I could use some guidance.
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Thanks.
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Dave G

Mike Green

1) An Ethernet to WiFi Bridge. Several manufacturers make them.

2) Depends. You can also use something like a YBox2 which is a Propeller-based Ethernet server (www.ladyada.net/make/ybox2/). Remember that the PINK is primarily a web server. Although it can send UDP messages (and receive them), that's sort of an extra feature, not what it's really intended to do.

3) You'd probably be better off using a Telnet server. Look in Nuts and Volts or Circuit Cellar for ads for these. They provide a serial link over Ethernet (including wireless Ethernet). This is way easier to use by the Propeller.

Tubular

Consider using something like a WiFly GSX (several forum members are using them), or a Telit GSM modem (if you have cellphone coverage both ends)

That way you're not mucking about with more intermediate boxes to convert from wired to wireless

DaveG

Mike and Tubular,

Thanks for the advice. I fired off an order to NetBurner today.

Dave G

Rayman

If the distance isn't too bad you can do a direct connection between the two Props with the Wifly GSX.

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My Prop Info&Apps: ·http://www.rayslogic.com/propeller/propeller.htm

My Prop Products:· http://www.rayslogic.com/Propeller/Products/Products.htm

DaveG

I looked at the WiFly module at Sparkfun. Very neat.

Question: If the WiFly is located in the garage, will it be able to transmit through several walls to a LinkSys Wireless Router located about 50' inside the house?

Thanks.

Dave G

Rayman

I haven't tested the range, but when I compare the dBm from the datasheet:

http://www.rovingnetworks.com/documents/rn-131-ds.pdf

with some typical values of a laptop:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DBm

It seems that it's close to laptop wifi levels.· So, I think you could test the range with a laptop first to find out.

There is a connector that you could attach a high-gain antenna to if that's not enough...

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My Prop Info&Apps: ·http://www.rayslogic.com/propeller/propeller.htm

My Prop Products:· http://www.rayslogic.com/Propeller/Products/Products.htm