Want your Arduino to check email? How about sending a twitter (which can then be easily forwarded to a phone via SMS)? Or grabbing data from a website? There are so many possibilites for projects that connect to the Internet to get data, now there's an easy way to do it with an Arduino.
This shield allows you to add and use an XPort or XPort direct(+) Ethernet module (they cost only US$30-$50) using any 4 pins. All of the TCP/IP stack awfulness is done for you in the module so its super easy to just connect to any server.
Specifications
- Shield allows use of XPort, XPort Direct or XPort Direct+ (for a rundown of the differences between these modules, click here)
- 3.3V 250mA power supply on-board for powering the XPort
- Arduino reset button and 6-pin ISP header brought up top for fast & easy development
XPort modules are a simple way to add ethernet to any project. The modules connect to a microcontroller (such as that in the Arduino) and use 2-pin serial communication. There are also some extra pins that allow data flow-control, necessary if you've got a small microcontroller such as the Arduino.
To make a connection, simply send a command in the form C127.0.0.1/80 where C means 'Connect', 127.0.0.1 is the IP address (XPort doesn't support DNS ) of the machine you want to connect to and /80 is the port number to connect to. The XPort can only make one connection at a time, but usually thats enough for most projects.
The XPort can also receive a connection, and the XPort and XPort Direct+ modules have a built-in webserver that can run java applets.
This shield is not designed for WiPort or Matchport modules (wireless 802.11) or other ethernet modules such as Wiznet, Rabbit, etc.