Hi everyone,
I am trying to make a very simple wireless sensor connected to my PC. I think I have now an idea of where to start but I would appreciate if someone more experienced could confirm if I am going the right direction.
My goal is to be able to read a single, battery-operated analog sensor (a knock sensor) over a wireless connection, to my PC. This is very basic so I am hoping to do that without an Arduino board.
I have bought an XBee Wireless retail kit containing 2 XBee modules (series 1), 1 XBee Explorer USB board and an 1 XBee Shield. I also bought the knock sensor and a 2000 mAh 3.7V rechargeable LiPo battery.
My idea is to make the remote sensor from one of the XBee modules, the sensor and the battery all tied together on the XBee Shield. And on the receiving end to have the other XBee module on the XBee Explorer connected to my PC via USB.
Does that make sens? The XBee Explorer USB seems to be often used to configure XBees but it can be used to read the data an XBee receives right?
How long can I hope the XBee to last on a 2000 mAh battery: hours, days, weeks?
I am looking forward to your input.
Cheers,
Tom