I am looking for a setup that will allow me to count the number of strokes for a piece of machinery and at a certain point, this counter will need to be reset back to zero and the count process started over. I need to be able to recall what the previous max count was. The reset will be controlled by an associated event on the machine. I need this data (last max count and current count) to be communicated to a program on a PC or possibly a smartphone application via Bluetooth.
Any ideas what controllers/sensors/other components might be best to achieve this?
Yes - I had looked at a magnetic sensor combo as you have outlined. Can the microcontroller “manage” this and provide data as events happen over a BlueTooth connection to some other process that has other logic associated? If so, what specific components would I need to support this?
PS: I am a software guy so if I can get the hardware components identified, the software to control should not be an issue for me.
Would the Iteaduino BT Bluetooth Arduino Compatible Microcontroller work in this case (i.e. would it allow me to get data from the microcontroller via Bluetooth to my PC or smartphone device)?
Also, how rugged is the magnetic sensor? This will be used to count the number of strokes on a plunger which is moving back and forth. I would place the magnet itself on the actual plunger (which moves) and have the magnetic sensor attached (fixed) to the frame at the end of the plunger stoke. The thought is the magnet sensor would trigger every time the magnet on the plunger came close, sending this to the microcontroller and ultimately the microcontroller passing this on to any program connected via the Bluetooth. Does this sound to be on-track and doable? Would you recommend anything different? Can this microcontroller be powered by a 12V battery (i.e. like a battery found in a car)?
Instead of the magnet/magnet sensor approach, could something like a limit switch be used where the plunger when at the end of a stroke would trigger the switch (toggle a current) and this be fed to the microcontroller?
How about the controller options? Would the Iteaduino BT Bluetooth Arduino Compatible Microcontroller work in this case (i.e. would it allow me to get data from the microcontroller via Bluetooth to my PC or smartphone device)?
Yup. It all comes down to how you code it. We offer a variety of each type of component:
Magnet (something that will work with your setup and be strong enough to be ricked up by the magnetic sensor
Magnetic sensor (needs to be placed close enough to the magnet - may require a support frame)
Wiring between the sensor and a microcontroller
A microcontroller (Arduino is currently the most popular)
A wireless communication module (Bluetooth for example)
A power supply (for example a 9V wall adapter).
If you want something “universal” consider the ROMEO, a simplemagnetic sensor (cable included), a Bluetooth module and a 9V power supply. You’ll need to figure out the “external trigger” you talked about.
