Serial to Web Browser access
There is a Javascript library called node.js for easily building fast, scalable network applications.
In addition there is a Javascript library called node-serialport. It provides a very simple interface to the low level serial port code necessary to program Arduino chipsets, X10 wireless communications, etc.
The benefit of those libraries is:
- It works on Linux, Mac OS X and Win32.
- It works with any modern web browser.
It allows Client-Server access to the serial port (RS232 or USB) over network.
Client and Server may be on the same computer via localhost access.
Data Flow
In order to get a quick understanding of the data flow I will show it in a table:
<-- Data Flow --> |
|||
Client |
Server |
||
Web Browser |
Web Server |
Serial Port |
Controller |
index.html with Javascript |
Javascript |
RS232 or USB |
Arduino Nano 3 |
Arduino Platform
Arduino is an open-source electronics prototyping platform based on flexible, easy-to-use hardware and software. It's intended for artists, designers, hobbyists and anyone interested in creating interactive objects or environments.
Arduino can sense the environment by receiving input from a variety of sensors and can affect its surroundings by controlling lights, motors, and other actuators. The microcontroller on the board is programmed using the Arduino programming language (based on Wiring) and the Arduino development environment (based on Processing). Arduino projects can be stand-alone or they can communicate with software running on a computer (e.g. Flash, Processing, MaxMSP).
The benefit for the hobbyist is the availability of low cost modules, eg. Arduino Nano 3 for about 6 EUR including shipping from China. The main data for the Nano 3 are:
Microcontroller |
Atmel ATmega328 |
Operating Voltage (logic level) |
5 V |
Input Voltage (recommended) |
7-12 V |
Digital I/O Pins |
up to 18 (of which 6 provide PWM output) |
Analog Input Pins |
up to 8 (6 overlapping with Digital I/O) |
Max. DC Current per I/O Pin |
20 mA (Logic), 40 mA (LED) |
Max. DC Current in sum |
200 mA |
Flash Memory |
32 KB of which 2 KB used by bootloader |
SRAM |
2 KB |
EEPROM |
1 KB |
Clock Speed |
16 MHz |
Dimensions |
19 x 44 mm |
Links
List of pages in this category:
-- RudolfReuter 2013-11-01 19:16:10
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