Connecting Detection device to laptop
Connecting Detection device to laptop
(OP)
Hi,
I am retired and work with computer programming as hobby. I wanted to find a way to connect a sensor to my laptop so that I could write a program for it. Example: reading atmospheric radiation levels with sensor connected to my USB port. Could you direct me as to how, or what type of connections and connectors I would require to connect these two types of hardware.
Thanks,
I am retired and work with computer programming as hobby. I wanted to find a way to connect a sensor to my laptop so that I could write a program for it. Example: reading atmospheric radiation levels with sensor connected to my USB port. Could you direct me as to how, or what type of connections and connectors I would require to connect these two types of hardware.
Thanks,





RE: Connecting Detection device to laptop
What sorts of radiation you are talking about may dictate what model of Arduino you ultimately want. Sparkfun has a couple of different models of Arduino, as well as a whole host of different processor boards like Parallax, Beagle, PIC, etc.
TTFN
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RE: Connecting Detection device to laptop
Another approach would be to interface the sensor in place of a variable component within a USB Human Interface Device, e.g. a joystick.
Did you post this query in the Antenna... forum because you were looking for a wireless connection?
Many decades ago I wired up a CDS photocell in place of an analog joystick and programmed my pre-PC microcomputer to plot the ambient light over a 24-hour cycle. Back in those simpler days, the interfacing was trivial.
RE: Connecting Detection device to laptop
RE: Connecting Detection device to laptop
One can buy $100 accessories to up-convert the MF/HF band into range. You'll also need connector adapters, cables, antennas.
An exception is in the ULF/VLF range (essentially audio RF) where an antenna can be connected directly into a computer's MIC input. Beware leaving your PC connected to an outside antenna during lightning. You may find your computer itself is quite noisy.
Are these the topics you're interested in?
RE: Connecting Detection device to laptop
RE: Connecting Detection device to laptop
Different frequency bands carry different sorts of signals, and require vastly different antenna systems. C-band around 4 GHz is the old Big Ugly Dish downlink band and requires that sort of hardware. Signals in the other bands vary widely.
In any case, if you're just starting out, then you can't really go wrong with ordering a USB SDR stick of the chip set numbers already mentioned. They're as little as about $10 and provide endless entertainment. As they're so cheap, one can order several to reduce risk of getting a bad one. Freeware SW is available.
Pay attention to the antenna side. The sticks come with a toss away antenna designed for Euro digital TV. You'd need an MCX to ?? adapter, and invest in better antenna systems.
RE: Connecting Detection device to laptop
This one is the best I've found.
http://websdr.ewi.utwente.nl:8901/
If you're interested in the intersection of computers and radio, this is a good intro.
RE: Connecting Detection device to laptop
RE: Connecting Detection device to laptop
http://www.pe0sat.vgnet.nl/sdr/sdr-software/sdrsha...
http://www.rtl-sdr.com/rtl-sdr-tutorial-analyzing-...
TTFN
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RE: Connecting Detection device to laptop