Any Arduino & Shield developers here?

[JustALooseScrew]

I've got a little seed of an idea to prototype a project that I think might be solved using the Arduino boards.

It was all a bit of fun and something I want to undertake with my son so he gets to learn about programming micro controllers and sensors and actuators. (He might also be able to submit it as his final year project for his technology class at school).

Having had a chat with a mate in his workshop this afternoon he told me he has a market for this idea.

I'm currently looking at the Arduino MEGA as it has the extra permanent storage I'd like (I want logging) and it appears that I can stack a couple of modules (shields).

I'm looking to hook up:

• Three RS485 compatible sensors.
• An input for a PNP (NO or NC) sensor that will pulse count angular rotation.
• I need one output (capable of driving a relay) matched to each sensor we use.
• An adminster's key switch that I can detect in software to set up parameters.
• A touch screen display for parameter entry during installation/setup and alarm reporting.
• GSM/3G reporting would be a bonus too.

Can anyone recommend a reliable place to order the Arduino kit from.

Also is it possible to stack all of these items?

Thanks for any pointers.


(ETA:
Also looking at Raspberry Pi solutions)


(Background - I'm a software developer who grew up learning C & C++, I have designed circuits and PCB layouts)

Edited by JustALooseScrew on Saturday 23 March 15:52

[JaredVannett]

Arduino's can be a lot of fun.

I last used them in 2017, and have since been busy with raspberry pi's.

I built a prototype to interface with BMW's iDrive so that it can set various drive modes (eg. SPORT MODE) automatically whenever I start the car. I found BMW car's always default back to COMFORT drive mode whenever you start the car (cold).


Arduino MINI with LCD on breadboard:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xlicgYbMLtY

The yellow button allows me to set which drive mode I want to be selected by default.
You'll see me set SPORT+ as the default, and then turn on the car (IGN 1) - it will set SPORT+ automatically.



Data logging:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lgPjWE-PwSU

This just shows me capturing some logging/debugging data - I'm essentially reading trace statements I have put into my code.



DEMO - Setting SPORT drive mode automatically:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=semxdpFoERI

The arduinio kit is still beside me, but this just shows the car firing up in SPORT mode automatically. Normally I would have to do this manually.



Arduino Uno R3

My personal advice would be to leave the MEGA for now, and stick to a standard Uno R3. The reason being, if you are new to Arduino most of the tutorials out there will use the standard Uno R3. When you begin to learn about working with other shields/modules using serial interfaces such as 'SPI vs I2C' you'll need to lookup the pin diagrams for the MEGA as these will be in different locations compared to the Uno R3. It's just a hassle if your new and trying to learn about Ardunio.

Once your comfortable and have a few mini projects under your belt, feel free to shell out for a MEGA.


Genuine Arduino vs Fake/Replica Arduino

Normally we'd steer clear of any Fake/Replica stuff, but with Arduino it very much depends. The replica boards are based on the same schematic and use the same type of components as well as being significantly cheaper. A genuine Arduino may have slightly better components, but some of the margin is also going to the Ardunio project (to keep it going).

A good option might be to buy a cheap UNO R3 replica, get comfortable with Arduino and then later shell out for a Genuine Arduino MEGA.

I used to buy them from ebay/amazon.

Best of luck whatever you decide to do!

[JustALooseScrew]

Excellent stuff lads - thanks for that.

RE: The BMW sport selector - that's ace - really like that!