Bluetooth communications
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I am designing a control system that will utilize a PC computer running the control program and a Bluetooth wireless link to sensors and activators in the system. Data will include temperatures, pressures as inputs and solenoid valves as output. How do I connect the Parallax Bluetooth module to handle the controls. I have a couple Propeller processors and a few Basic Stemp processors. I prefer to program in basic.
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I haven't used that Parallax Bluetooth module in a while, and my work was with the Propeller 1 in Spin. That said, it's just a serial connection. Since the BASIC Stamp has such low memory and no real serial buffering, I would suggest you look at the P1. The FLiP module is a great way to go.
About 8 years ago I created a display for the EFX-TEK booth at Transworld (a giant Halloween trade show). I uses the EFX-TEK HC-8+ (I designed teh circutry) and an off-the-shelf BT module to control WS2811 Christmas lights to make a sign thayt was an omage to the show Stranger Things. After getting things working with a basic Bluetooth terminal I made a little custom program using MIT App Inventor. Here's the sign.
Here's the little Android app (I've heard that MIT App Inventor works for iPhones now, too):
The program on the P1 understands a list of words and will treat them as commands. Any word that is not in its dictionary gets spelled out on the lights. It was a big hit at the show.
If Bluetooth needs are sparse, might try HC-05 module. Still getting around to testing mine, but these are apparently very popular, cheap, and easy to use.
3.3 volt logic so may be a problem for old boards…
My need is just a wireless serial port and this is supposedly easy with these…
I recommend the P1+HC-05 or HC-06 with FlexBASIC (amazing).
I only use Android devices:
I use This interpreter because it's dead easy to use and it runs on the device. When ready to distribute, there is a on-device "compiler" which is really a packager that creates an apk file like any other Android app. The original is "RFO-Basic" but there are derivatives; "OLI-Basic", "hBasic" and "GrauBasic". Bluetooth comm's could not be easier but BT classic only (HC-05/HC-06 is classic). "GrauBasic" added support for BTLE but I have no experience with this.
I also have SmallBasic but haven't tested the Android version yet. The Windows version is lots of fun and they also support Linux, RPi, and now the Teensy MCU.
Then there is Basic4Android which is a compiler. Not as easy to use as the interpreters but obviously much greater execution speed.
I have been controlling closed-loop servos (hydraulic and electric), solenoids, etc., for many years, using BASIC and mobile devices.
When diagnosing a sensor problem, no need to recruit help....Take the HMI to the area of interest.
Problem finding the machine schematics? Keep them on the device.