I’m considering the SAMD21 as a long range serial interface to a PC. Assuming I am receiving ASCII text, how would this be delivered to a Windows COM port? Is there an example of this obvious application already worked out?
What does “long range” mean? Long wires can be a serious problem.
PCs are by default set up to receive ASCII text via a serial port, or USB to serial com adapter. What would the SAMD21 do?
The SAMD21 would allow me to move my data device 200 feet from my computer. Unless I have the wrong part number. Which it looks like I do. I was referring to the:
“SparkFun Pro RF - LoRa, 915MHz (SAMD21)”
It looks like the SAMD21 the processor that’s on the Pro RF board. Please excuse my lack of knowledge. I was thinking it was the part name, which is really WRL-15836.
So, the same question: How would data received by the Pro RF board be delivered to a COM port on the PC?
It looks like my misunderstanding of the term SAMD21 caused me to post this question in the wrong forum. I should be in the wireless and ioT room. I will go there now. Sorry to have intruded…
Are you looking for wireless or long range serial?
If it’s long range serial, you’re going to want to go with RS-485, sparkfun’s BOB-10124 and BOB-09822. will handle 200 feet just fine.
If you just want wireless serial, the Sparkfun Pro RF is overkill, and LoRa connections tend to be slow.
You can buy USB dongles that act as wireless serial links, at least on the PC end. What is at the other end of the connection?
I only need 20 or 30 characters every few seconds, and LoRa seemed like an opportunity to learn something new. But I have found Bluetooth dongles to be unreliable. The other end is a data gathering tool that I make with a serial output.
Most people think 10 feet for reliable Bluetooth communications, although some adapters are claimed to do better.
Here are some truly long range RS232 wireless adapters: http://www.usconverters.com/wireless-serial-adapters
Thanks for the suggestion. These look really good.
I’ve had very good results with the XBee3s with the 802.15.4 firmware & Sparkfun serial & USB explorers.
Sparkfun is out of the modules but looks like Digikey might have some.
Mouser is out of stock and projecting a lead time of 54 weeks!!
Links:
[Mouser XBee3 Pro](XB3-24Z8PT Digi | Mouser)](XB3-24Z8PT Digi | RF and Wireless | DigiKey)](https://www.sparkfun.com/products/15127)](SparkFun XBee Explorer Serial - WRL-13225 - SparkFun Electronics)