Name: Anonymous 2010-01-19 0:16
This isn't really the place for this, but /prog/ is the most technologically knowledgeable place on 4chan, so I'll ask here.
Say that someone wanted to automate various tasks using microcontrollers. For example, if he wanted to do some automated brewing and distilling, he could have a microcontroller that is set up to check temperatures, decide when a batch is ready, etc. Other microcontrollers could be used for other tasks, like turning lights on at specific times, or anything you can imagine. Now, to keep track of these microcontrollers, record their readings, and update their routines when necessary, one would need a server to connect them too. Any run-of-the-mill x86 PC would do here.
My question is, what would one use to connect the server to the microcontrollers without increasing cost or needlessly complicating things? Ethernet is possible, and would allow one to connect to many devices, but would greatly complicate both the hardware and software of the microcontroller. Serial or parallel ports could work, but the average PC only has one of each of those. Can /prog/ think of a connection solution here?
Say that someone wanted to automate various tasks using microcontrollers. For example, if he wanted to do some automated brewing and distilling, he could have a microcontroller that is set up to check temperatures, decide when a batch is ready, etc. Other microcontrollers could be used for other tasks, like turning lights on at specific times, or anything you can imagine. Now, to keep track of these microcontrollers, record their readings, and update their routines when necessary, one would need a server to connect them too. Any run-of-the-mill x86 PC would do here.
My question is, what would one use to connect the server to the microcontrollers without increasing cost or needlessly complicating things? Ethernet is possible, and would allow one to connect to many devices, but would greatly complicate both the hardware and software of the microcontroller. Serial or parallel ports could work, but the average PC only has one of each of those. Can /prog/ think of a connection solution here?