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Wireless Sensor Network — Parallax Forums

Wireless Sensor Network

Chris CChris C Posts: 50
edited 2007-12-20 03:17 in BASIC Stamp
I've been looking at various microcontrollers for the purpose and feel after all the reading that the BASIC Stamps are the best option for ease of coding.· A few questions about my idea and how best to go about it.

I was considering the Rev Dx simply because of price but am not so sure now that it has the processing power I need for the task.· This is what I need to do.

I need to create 2 wireless ultrasonic sensor nodes.· They will be wirelessly networked using ZigBee with the AppBee boards from Selmaware and MaxStream XBee Pros.· The ultrasonic sensor will be the PING))).· I will need to battery power the complete node.

The microcontroller will read the distance measurement, perform·some calculations, save the result of these·calculations as an integer, and send it over the ZigBee wireless connection to the Coordinator device.· The Coordinator will be a MaxStream also hooked up to a BASIC Stamp.· I need this Stamp to take in the integer values sent from the 2 ZigBee nodes, with flow control, and send them to an Ethernet port server device, such as a Lantronix XPort XPort Direct.

The Ethernet port server device has to handle taking in the values and feeding them to a socket on the host PC.· The host PC will have a PHP script running to capture the values continuously and perform some magic with them.

Basically, what I'm trying to figure out is if the Stamp is capable of all this.· I purchased a ZigBee application kit from another company in haste and it is very much a pain to work with.· The support has been nonexistant so far and I need·to develop a·working solution quickly.

I'm looking for the feasability of the Stamps.· I've read enough sample code and technical documents to feel confident that the Stamp is the way to go, but I'm not sure which will offer me the power I am looking for.· Being after 3am probably doesn't help for figuring that out.· =)

Any input would be appreciated.

Comments

  • Computer Geek 101Computer Geek 101 Posts: 179
    edited 2007-12-04 12:26
    It should be fairly easy to do. I built a time clock with rfid reader, RTC, LCD display, EEPROM for storing messages, and a PINK to send the clock data to the SQL server. I created a server program to get the data and process it. It has ran for over 1 month now without any real problems other than a bug in the program I had to fix. It took about 3 months to go from idea to fully functioning time clock.

    Post Edited (Computer Geek 101) : 12/4/2007 12:46:14 PM GMT
  • Chris CChris C Posts: 50
    edited 2007-12-04 17:34
    That SQL feed is exactly what I'm going for!

    I'll have to read more about this PINK thing to better understand how it works.

    Thanks!

    Edit:· Wow, just read about the PINK for the first time.· Why did I not look farther into the Parallax gear sooner!?!?!?· This stuff is perfect for the purpose!

    Considering a quick overnighted purcahse of all the hardware now, and already have the PING))) sensors, 2 of them.· Any recommendations for the Stamp model?· Would Rev Dx be enough to save money, or do you think I'll need more power?

    Post Edited (Chris C) : 12/4/2007 5:40:26 PM GMT
  • Computer Geek 101Computer Geek 101 Posts: 179
    edited 2007-12-04 17:53
    the only reason I'm using a BS2P40 is that I needed a few more ports and more program space. My clock has a PINK, LCD, 7 push buttons, RFID, Emic, RTC, and an EEPROM that its controlling. Unless you run out of program space or ports, probably any BS2 will do it.
  • Chris CChris C Posts: 50
    edited 2007-12-04 18:43
    Great info!

    I'm still a bit confused about how the Stamps program. Do I need to purchase one of the kits with everything? I was thinking of ordering these things:

    (1) BS2-IC
    (1) BS2 Carrier Board
    (1) Breadboard Set
    (1) Serial Cable
    (1) PINK
    (3) AppBee ZigBee boards and associated minor hardware
    (3) MaxStream XBee-Pro

    I am thinking, I can use the carrier board to program all 3 BS2s, and then use the Breadboards to hold the completed hardware packages in their enclosures. Unless I have to have the BS2s on carrier boards. My thinking was, it's going to function like any circuit I've built before, so making it all hookup through the breadboards is fine. The power rails allow me to hookup battery holders too.

    Is that right, or will I need carrier boards for all the modules to work with?
  • DosManDanDosManDan Posts: 179
    edited 2007-12-04 19:51
    How far are you sending the signal? There are easier solutions, less expensive for short distance (50-100ft). Just wondering.

    Dan
  • Chris CChris C Posts: 50
    edited 2007-12-04 20:03
    Here's the thing, it's more of a concept model. I want the ability to say that additional sensors can be added to the network in a mesh configuration without worrying too much about maximum number of nodes.

    Right now we will be using two sensing nodes with one coordinator node, but the concept is that additional ZigBee nodes could be added without much work. I couldn't think of any other wireless technologies.

    Also, the distance can be anywhere from 10 ft to 300 ft, possibly even up to 500ft. That's why I figured XBee-Pro is the right way to go.

    Any input and recommendations are highly appreciated, maybe you guys have better ways of implementing this than I've thought of.

    After reading some more, I'm thinking:

    (3) BS1
    (3) BS1 Boards
    (3) Solderless Breadboards
    (1) BS1 Serial Adapter
  • Martin HebelMartin Hebel Posts: 1,239
    edited 2007-12-04 20:16
    Xbee series 1 (the Xbee Pro) isn't great at mesh networking where some need to act routers for others. We you looking at point to multipoint or being able to route? With controller intelligence at each node, it's possible to write in some routing routines. The Xbee series 2 is true self-healing mesh, but the highest power is 2mW.

    -Martin

    ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
    SelmaWare Solutions - StampPlot GUI for controllers, XBee and Propeller Application Boards

    Southern Illinois University Carbondale, Electronic Systems Technologies
  • Chris CChris C Posts: 50
    edited 2007-12-04 21:49
    Awesome, Martin! Your boards are what convinced me to use the Stamp, since I then saw that the XBees can be used with Stamps.

    Most important feature is point to multipoint, you are right and thanks for the correction. The ability to route packets is not necessary; the ability for the coordinator to receive the signals of multiple independent nodes is what I need. That's why I had to stay away from the Parallax RF devices, since they are 1 to 1.

    I would like to note that in a matter of hours, I have found more insight and help here than in many days I spent trying to get support for this other application kit I purchased in haste. I've received 0 help and input from those efforts. I certainly believe in the Stamp support community now!
  • Martin HebelMartin Hebel Posts: 1,239
    edited 2007-12-04 22:01
    Good to hear Chris, just to let you know, I'm down to a few SIP boards (5?) until I get a new batch in in a couple weeks. Demand was higher than I expected. I'll mark them as back ordered, but go ahead and order if you can soon to get the last few I have on hand.

    These forums are great, the members can answer questions ranging from beginners to well seasoned developers. I read them daily just to learn.

    -Martin

    ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
    SelmaWare Solutions - StampPlot GUI for controllers, XBee and Propeller Application Boards

    Southern Illinois University Carbondale, Electronic Systems Technologies
  • DgswanerDgswaner Posts: 795
    edited 2007-12-04 22:42
    rather than 3 each of the items you listed above why not just 3 of these: Basic Stamp Project board.
    www.parallax.com/Store/Microcontrollers/BASICStampModules/tabid/134/List/1/ProductID/119/Default.aspx?txtSearch=proto+board&SortField=ProductName%2cProductName

    ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
    "A complex design is the sign of an inferior designer." - Jamie Hyneman, Myth Buster

    DGSwaner
  • Chris CChris C Posts: 50
    edited 2007-12-05 00:49
    Dg, that looks great actually and better for the bottom line!

    The only reason I didn't want to use those is because of the slightly larger footprint, but you do make a great recommendation. It would save on cost and easy of assembly.

    Thanks! Definitely have to consider this carefully.
  • sylvie369sylvie369 Posts: 1,622
    edited 2007-12-05 02:12
    Martin Hebel said...
    Good to hear Chris, just to let you know, I'm down to a few SIP boards (5?) until I get a new batch in in a couple weeks. Demand was higher than I expected. I'll mark them as back ordered, but go ahead and order if you can soon to get the last few I have on hand.

    These forums are great, the members can answer questions ranging from beginners to well seasoned developers. I read them daily just to learn.

    -Martin

    Uh-oh. Am I cleaning you out of boards? I just ordered three more yesterday.

    I tested the range on the XBee Pro units this morning. As long as I kept the antennae oriented the same way, I got a solid 500 ft before I lost the signal, and that's with the transmitting unit sitting on my kitchen table indoors by the window as I walked down the street with my receiving unit. Not bad at all.

    I do have a question. I'd like the receiving unit to display the received data on an LCD. I've been able to get the Parallax LCDs to work without any trouble, but when I connect one to the same board as an XBee, I get nothing on the LCD. That's even when it's an XBee that is just receiving data, not sending it. I'm guessing that I simply don't have enough current to run both the XBee and the LCD at the same time. I tried powering the LCD with a different board, but still got nothing, which mystifies me. Any ideas?
  • Martin HebelMartin Hebel Posts: 1,239
    edited 2007-12-05 03:07
    Oh, was that your order? No problem then. Someone besides yourself ordered a bunch, ran my supply very low.

    I can't imagine what is going on between with both the XBee and LCD. They use different pins, right? LCD's are very low power unless backlit.

    Glad to hear about the range.

    -Martin

    ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
    SelmaWare Solutions - StampPlot GUI for controllers, XBee and Propeller Application Boards

    Southern Illinois University Carbondale, Electronic Systems Technologies
  • sylvie369sylvie369 Posts: 1,622
    edited 2007-12-05 03:29
    Martin Hebel said...
    Oh, was that your order? No problem then. Someone besides yourself ordered a bunch, ran my supply very low.

    I can't imagine what is going on between with both the XBee and LCD. They use different pins, right? LCD's are very low power unless backlit.

    Glad to hear about the range.

    -Martin

    Yup, I'm your recent Milwaukee buyer. I'm a psychology professor, but I got a nice grant from NASA to teach students about building and flying rockets. Last year we flew a 16 pound sounding rocket to 3800 feet while recording acceleration and external temperature. This year we're doing radio tracking, and I'm hoping to do radio telemetry as well.

    I figured out the LCD problem: burned by a dying battery. Got it working fine now. Man, this is satisfying stuff to work with.
  • Chris CChris C Posts: 50
    edited 2007-12-05 05:50
    Well, hopefully tomorrow I will return this other kit from this other company, with a valuable lesson learned, and I will order all of the gear I need from Parallax and SelmaWare.

    Hopefully I can get it all working quickly. Thanks for all the input! Rest assured I'll be back looking for help. =)

    Edit:· I just saw that the SIPs are sold out!· OH NO!!!

    Post Edited (Chris C) : 12/5/2007 5:55:35 AM GMT
  • Martin HebelMartin Hebel Posts: 1,239
    edited 2007-12-05 06:06
    Rockets, what fun [noparse]:)[/noparse] I had a professor from St. Louis down to SIU for a Parallax summer workshop this year who was using BASIC Stamps and flying balloons with the students to amazing heights.

    -Martin

    ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
    SelmaWare Solutions - StampPlot GUI for controllers, XBee and Propeller Application Boards

    Southern Illinois University Carbondale, Electronic Systems Technologies
  • Martin HebelMartin Hebel Posts: 1,239
    edited 2007-12-05 06:21
    Chris C said...


    Edit: I just saw that the SIPs are sold out! OH NO!!!

    Chris, as mentioned in an earlier post, I set aside my remaining ones for you. Hope you order with a Chris C name!

    -Martin
  • Chris CChris C Posts: 50
    edited 2007-12-05 06:54
    AH!

    Ok, expect my order tomorrow or Thursday! THANKS!
  • sylvie369sylvie369 Posts: 1,622
    edited 2007-12-05 10:35
    Martin Hebel said...
    Rockets, what fun [noparse]:)[/noparse] I had a professor from St. Louis down to SIU for a Parallax summer workshop this year who was using BASIC Stamps and flying balloons with the students to amazing heights.

    -Martin

    Yeah, I've got my eye on the balloon thing as well - we have an annual high altitude balloon launch here too, so there are people whose brains I can pick. I'd expect to start with just a little loft over the college to get some attention, but a high altitude launch will require much better communications. This year's team here lost tracking when their balloon flew into a storm.
  • Chris CChris C Posts: 50
    edited 2007-12-07 20:26
    Do you know if I have to order the Interface Board for the ZigBees, or will the out-of-box configuration work for my purpose?

    Hopefully I won't have to add in that part. =(
  • Martin HebelMartin Hebel Posts: 1,239
    edited 2007-12-07 20:39
    Out of the box they are all configured for address 0. Code from the controller, or using thier software with the PropPlug as the serial interface, will allow you to change the address. The docs on my website give good example both ways.

    ATMY 6 to set address to 6 for example.

    -Martin

    ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
    SelmaWare Solutions - StampPlot GUI for controllers, XBee and Propeller Application Boards

    Southern Illinois University Carbondale, Electronic Systems Technologies
  • Chris CChris C Posts: 50
    edited 2007-12-07 20:43
    Hi Martin.

    I tried the PropPlug link on your website, but it 404d.

    Is that a Parallax part?
  • Chris CChris C Posts: 50
    edited 2007-12-07 20:48
    OH NO!

    I just realized my Parallax order wasn't complete! I'm missing a few things.
  • Chris CChris C Posts: 50
    edited 2007-12-20 03:17
    Finally about to get started writing these codes.

    Hopefully I can get some insight here if I get stuck!
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