Comments on: Adding wireless (WiFi / Bluetooth) to your project http://todbot.com/blog/2006/02/03/adding-wireless-wifi-bluetooth-to-your-project/ Random experiments, circuits, code, rapid prototyping, sometimes things to buy, and the odd tune by Tod E. Kurt. Fri, 30 Jul 2010 00:10:54 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0 By: todbot http://todbot.com/blog/2006/02/03/adding-wireless-wifi-bluetooth-to-your-project/comment-page-2/#comment-55471 todbot Sun, 13 Sep 2009 16:31:00 +0000 http://todbot.com/blog/?p=75#comment-55471 Oh cool, thanks EZ. I knew the EyeFi had an Atheros CPU in it and just figured it was ARM-based, running something close to a Linux (like many of the WiFI routers using Atheros chipsets). But now I see that the AR6001 chip in the EyeFI is much simpler, more akin to an ATmega than an ARM, running eCos. Oh cool, thanks EZ. I knew the EyeFi had an Atheros CPU in it and just figured it was ARM-based, running something close to a Linux (like many of the WiFI routers using Atheros chipsets). But now I see that the AR6001 chip in the EyeFI is much simpler, more akin to an ATmega than an ARM, running eCos.

]]> By: EZ http://todbot.com/blog/2006/02/03/adding-wireless-wifi-bluetooth-to-your-project/comment-page-2/#comment-55459 EZ Sun, 13 Sep 2009 12:03:48 +0000 http://todbot.com/blog/?p=75#comment-55459 (Just nitpicking) the EyeFi SD card does not contain a "Linux computer", it contains a "eCos computer": http://forums.eye.fi/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=866#p3893 (Just nitpicking) the EyeFi SD card does not contain a “Linux computer”, it contains a “eCos computer”:
http://forums.eye.fi/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=866#p3893

]]> By: todbot http://todbot.com/blog/2006/02/03/adding-wireless-wifi-bluetooth-to-your-project/comment-page-1/#comment-55332 todbot Wed, 09 Sep 2009 17:22:40 +0000 http://todbot.com/blog/?p=75#comment-55332 Hi Sonny, Not that I know of, beyond something like an OpenWrt-compatible router with USB running Linux. Because of how USB is designed, the host has to be a fairly complex device. It almost has to be running some sort of OS. Now there are getting to be very tiny OS-running devices (like the EyeFi SD card that contains a Linux computer and WiFi interface, along with an 8GB flash memory chip), but I've not seen anyone applying that tiny-tech to this problem. Hi Sonny,
Not that I know of, beyond something like an OpenWrt-compatible router with USB running Linux. Because of how USB is designed, the host has to be a fairly complex device. It almost has to be running some sort of OS. Now there are getting to be very tiny OS-running devices (like the EyeFi SD card that contains a Linux computer and WiFi interface, along with an 8GB flash memory chip), but I’ve not seen anyone applying that tiny-tech to this problem.

]]> By: sonny http://todbot.com/blog/2006/02/03/adding-wireless-wifi-bluetooth-to-your-project/comment-page-1/#comment-55331 sonny Wed, 09 Sep 2009 17:07:52 +0000 http://todbot.com/blog/?p=75#comment-55331 I know this question was asked earlier but it seems like it has been a few years since your original answer, so I am going to ask it. Are there any adapters that are out now that will allow a USB device to go wireless? Mostly looking for bluetooth. Something you could plug a USB device into that would let it communicate through bluetooth or any other wireless method.... I know this question was asked earlier but it seems like it has been a few years since your original answer, so I am going to ask it. Are there any adapters that are out now that will allow a USB device to go wireless? Mostly looking for bluetooth. Something you could plug a USB device into that would let it communicate through bluetooth or any other wireless method….

]]> By: todbot http://todbot.com/blog/2006/02/03/adding-wireless-wifi-bluetooth-to-your-project/comment-page-1/#comment-51099 todbot Mon, 06 Apr 2009 18:15:25 +0000 http://todbot.com/blog/?p=75#comment-51099 Hi Chris, Probably the easiest way to add networking to an Arduino is with the <a href="http://www.ladyada.net/make/eshield/" rel="nofollow">Adafruit Ethernet Shield</a>. It's wired Ethernet though, not wireless. There's currently no simple way of getting WiFi to an Arduino. You can do wireless with an <a href="http://store.fungizmos.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=65&products_id=202" rel="nofollow">Xbee shield</a>. Xbee is a low-cost wireless system. You'd need a corresponding Xbee on your PC, like with the <a href="http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/product_info.php?products_id=8687" rel="nofollow">Xbee Explorer</a> and a program running on your PC. Hi Chris,
Probably the easiest way to add networking to an Arduino is with the Adafruit Ethernet Shield. It’s wired Ethernet though, not wireless. There’s currently no simple way of getting WiFi to an Arduino.

You can do wireless with an Xbee shield. Xbee is a low-cost wireless system. You’d need a corresponding Xbee on your PC, like with the Xbee Explorer and a program running on your PC.

]]> By: Chris http://todbot.com/blog/2006/02/03/adding-wireless-wifi-bluetooth-to-your-project/comment-page-1/#comment-51069 Chris Fri, 03 Apr 2009 18:41:05 +0000 http://todbot.com/blog/?p=75#comment-51069 Cool post! I'm toying around with the idea of using an Arduino board, a gear/servo motor, and wireless internet to point to the current status of things. The wireless part seems painful especially since I have not even played with an Arduino board by itself yet. Ha! Ow well I'll keep reading. :) Cool post! I’m toying around with the idea of using an Arduino board, a gear/servo motor, and wireless internet to point to the current status of things. The wireless part seems painful especially since I have not even played with an Arduino board by itself yet. Ha! Ow well I’ll keep reading. :)

]]> By: todbot http://todbot.com/blog/2006/02/03/adding-wireless-wifi-bluetooth-to-your-project/comment-page-1/#comment-51067 todbot Fri, 03 Apr 2009 15:59:56 +0000 http://todbot.com/blog/?p=75#comment-51067 Hi Ben, Not dead, I just couldn't quite figure out what you were asking. What is an "AV to usb wire"? If you mean the cheap "USB video capture" dongles that have a composite video cable (yellow RCA jack) and stereo audio cable (red & white RCA jack), like <a href="http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16815306013" rel="nofollow">this one</a>, then no. Video only goes one way with that, into the computer. It's used for digitizing things off a VCR. There are things that people call "USB video cards". These go the other direction, sending a video signal out via USB. These end up looking like a separate monitor to the OS. <a href="http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16812200034" rel="nofollow">Here's a typical one</a>. They are usually a bit more expensive than the video capture dongles. What kind of laptop do you have that has no provision for hooking up to an external monitor? Hi Ben,
Not dead, I just couldn’t quite figure out what you were asking. What is an “AV to usb wire”? If you mean the cheap “USB video capture” dongles that have a composite video cable (yellow RCA jack) and stereo audio cable (red & white RCA jack), like this one, then no. Video only goes one way with that, into the computer. It’s used for digitizing things off a VCR. There are things that people call “USB video cards”. These go the other direction, sending a video signal out via USB. These end up looking like a separate monitor to the OS. Here’s a typical one. They are usually a bit more expensive than the video capture dongles.

What kind of laptop do you have that has no provision for hooking up to an external monitor?

]]> By: Ben http://todbot.com/blog/2006/02/03/adding-wireless-wifi-bluetooth-to-your-project/comment-page-1/#comment-51065 Ben Fri, 03 Apr 2009 12:43:45 +0000 http://todbot.com/blog/?p=75#comment-51065 Hello? Is this post dead? Hello? Is this post dead?

]]> By: Ben http://todbot.com/blog/2006/02/03/adding-wireless-wifi-bluetooth-to-your-project/comment-page-1/#comment-51009 Ben Sun, 29 Mar 2009 21:25:33 +0000 http://todbot.com/blog/?p=75#comment-51009 Hey! I have a question. I'm planning to make a telepresence robot from a roomba, laptop, dvd player, roostick, AV to usb. Possible? Anyone interested because I'll post a guide. Oh my biggest question my laptop has NO dvi, mini or any type of output ports just usb headphone, ethernet and modem. So is it possible to use a AV to usb wire to display my laptop on a tv/ AV input device, or any other solution for 15 dollars. Ebay is a great option. bhylak@gmail.com Hey! I have a question. I’m planning to make a telepresence robot from a roomba, laptop, dvd player, roostick, AV to usb. Possible? Anyone interested because I’ll post a guide. Oh my biggest question my laptop has NO dvi, mini or any type of output ports just usb headphone, ethernet and modem. So is it possible to use a AV to usb wire to display my laptop on a tv/ AV input device, or any other solution for 15 dollars. Ebay is a great option. bhylak@gmail.com

]]> By: t11s http://todbot.com/blog/2006/02/03/adding-wireless-wifi-bluetooth-to-your-project/comment-page-1/#comment-48134 t11s Mon, 17 Mar 2008 22:10:56 +0000 http://todbot.com/blog/?p=75#comment-48134 The price of the "embedded" WiFi devices are outrageous! It is sad that in 2 years since you wrote this, prices have not come down. Today I would go with a Lantronix Xport Direct ($28) and a D-Link AirPlus G DWL-G730AP travel router (~$50). The price of the “embedded” WiFi devices are outrageous!

It is sad that in 2 years since you wrote this, prices have not come down.

Today I would go with a Lantronix Xport Direct ($28) and a D-Link AirPlus G DWL-G730AP travel router (~$50).

]]> By: Sh3llz http://todbot.com/blog/2006/02/03/adding-wireless-wifi-bluetooth-to-your-project/comment-page-1/#comment-47590 Sh3llz Sun, 27 Jan 2008 00:57:44 +0000 http://todbot.com/blog/?p=75#comment-47590 I'm not sure if this may help but try here-> http://www.digi.com/products/wireless/point-multipoint/xbee-series1-module.jsp I’m not sure if this may help but try here->
http://www.digi.com/products/wireless/point-multipoint/xbee-series1-module.jsp

]]> By: mpare http://todbot.com/blog/2006/02/03/adding-wireless-wifi-bluetooth-to-your-project/comment-page-1/#comment-47484 mpare Sun, 20 Jan 2008 21:23:37 +0000 http://todbot.com/blog/?p=75#comment-47484 @ Simon and Admin I too would be interested in the iWiFi. It looks interesting. Simon I saw your post, http://www.arduino.cc/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1196330053, what did you end up doing? Did you end up buying this module and if so what are your thoughts and experiences? The price is right at $60 from mouser. Cheers, -mpare @ Simon and Admin
I too would be interested in the iWiFi. It looks interesting. Simon I saw your post, http://www.arduino.cc/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1196330053, what did you end up doing? Did you end up buying this module and if so what are your thoughts and experiences? The price is right at $60 from mouser.

Cheers,
-mpare

]]> By: Simon Taylor http://todbot.com/blog/2006/02/03/adding-wireless-wifi-bluetooth-to-your-project/comment-page-1/#comment-46810 Simon Taylor Thu, 29 Nov 2007 16:47:13 +0000 http://todbot.com/blog/?p=75#comment-46810 http://www.tdc.co.uk/index.php?key=socketiwifisec 200mW @ 3.3V - for WiFi - would this be better? - this has a full IP stack, email client and web server on the module. At command interface to the host processor. http://www.tdc.co.uk/index.php?key=socketiwifisec

200mW @ 3.3V – for WiFi – would this be better? – this has a full IP stack, email client and web server on the module. At command interface to the host processor.

]]> By: todbot http://todbot.com/blog/2006/02/03/adding-wireless-wifi-bluetooth-to-your-project/comment-page-1/#comment-25504 todbot Sat, 09 Jun 2007 15:57:10 +0000 http://todbot.com/blog/?p=75#comment-25504 Hi Mat, The USB protocol is very asymmetric. There's a huge difference between USB peripherals and USB hosts. USB hosts are expected to control most of the protocol, while USB peripherals can be simple responders to the host. The common USB Bluetooth stick you mention is a peripheral meant to be plugged into a USB host. Any Roomba USB interface is also a USB peripheral. Without a USB host in the middle, two USB peripherals can't talk to each other. So, no, you can't just plug a USB Bluetooth stick into a Roomba. If you want Bluetooth on a Roomba, you need a Bluetooth-to-serial adapter. You can build one yourself using a BlueSMiRF, as described in the <i>Hacking Roomba</i> book and <a href="http://hackingroomba.com/projects/build-a-roomba-bluetooth-adapter/" rel="nofollow">here</a>, or you can buy a fully assembled <a href="http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/product_info.php?products_id=684" rel="nofollow">RooTooth from Sparkfun</a>. Hi Mat,
The USB protocol is very asymmetric. There’s a huge difference between USB peripherals and USB hosts. USB hosts are expected to control most of the protocol, while USB peripherals can be simple responders to the host. The common USB Bluetooth stick you mention is a peripheral meant to be plugged into a USB host. Any Roomba USB interface is also a USB peripheral. Without a USB host in the middle, two USB peripherals can’t talk to each other. So, no, you can’t just plug a USB Bluetooth stick into a Roomba.

If you want Bluetooth on a Roomba, you need a Bluetooth-to-serial adapter. You can build one yourself using a BlueSMiRF, as described in the Hacking Roomba book and here, or you can buy a fully assembled RooTooth from Sparkfun.

]]> By: Mat http://todbot.com/blog/2006/02/03/adding-wireless-wifi-bluetooth-to-your-project/comment-page-1/#comment-25450 Mat Sat, 09 Jun 2007 05:49:20 +0000 http://todbot.com/blog/?p=75#comment-25450 Tod, Is it feasible to use a commonly available USB bluetooth stick in the Roombongle (or roostick)? Tod, Is it feasible to use a commonly available USB bluetooth stick in the Roombongle (or roostick)?

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