Re: [PSUBS-MAILIST] Sensor Interfacing

[HAEWAI <marco@zeeman.co.nz>]

> This one I know, since I am an embedded systems
> engineer. First, the direct to PC interface will be
> either one of the most expensive, or one of the most
> difficult you can tackle. Second, yes, there are
> hundreds of options in the way of PCI boards (not AGP,
> that is graphics). Interfacing through the RS232 Port
> is what I would recommend. This is the easiest,
> cheapest
> and most flexible. To do this, you will need some
> basic
> electronics and programming skills (or you get back to
> VERY expensive). The code and hardware is very simple
> if you go with the MSP430F1121 (or related MSP430).
> This
> is the easiest series of MCUs to program. The devel
> kit is $49 from TI. They have ADCs and UARTs built in.
> You simply fire up the ADC, take a reading, fire up
> the
> UART, and transmit the reading to any RS232 device you
> want. You can also recieve and execute control
> commands.
> This may sound a little wild, but believe me you get
> the most bang for your buck in the MCU world. Another
> simpler, and much less powerfull option would be the
> Basic Stamp or BasicX. Both of these can also provide
> a cheap interface to your PC.
> 
> Warren.
> --- peter  mckellar <mckellar@earthlink.net> wrote:
>> Hi,
>> 
>> Apologies in advance for shamelessly displaying the
>> depths of my ignorance.  I have a general question
>> on interfacing sensors to PCs.
>> 
>> I know that many of the control systems built by
>> contributors are custom PLCs etc.  I also know that
>> many pressure sensors, oxygen guages are mechanical
>> and avoid these problems.
>> 
>> I however was hoping to use (basically)
>> off-the-shelf components hooked into a standard PC.
>> Is this even possible?
>> 
>> What I'm talking about is standard PC boards that
>> slip into a PCM, AGP etc type slot and they have a
>> wire attached to a probe that is either naked or
>> mounted somewhere in the cabin, or stuck through the
>> hull.
>> 
>> Todays research has centred around sensor suppliers
>> (specifically ceramic, piezo-electric or MEM based
>> at this stage) but I can't seem to fathom how these
>> are interfaced.
>> 
>> 1.  Is there a standard PC board protocol/usb
>> attachable mulitplexor that allow me to buy sensors
>> and attach them either individually, daisy-chained
>> or as part of a sensor array, mixing and matching as
>> I desire?
>> 
>> 2.  Is there standard software (maybe html based?)
>> that comes with these like they supply for routers,
>> or for that matter, is ANY software ever supplied
>> with these devices?
>> 
>> 3.  do any come with an IP address that allows me to
>> plug them straight into an onboard lan
>> 
>> I can see this could get really ugly :(  i can do
>> wonderful things with software, flip bits, do
>> boolean stuff, draw truth tables, but i've never
>> burnt a rom in my life and can't even solder :(
>> 
>> I guess I'm wondering if I can do plug-n-play things
>> or if I should look at enrolling in an electronics
>> (hands-on) course.
>> 
>> Any suggestions or comments?
>> 
>> peter
> 
> 
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