This project is based on Maxim’s application note: Using a UART to Implement a 1-Wire Bus Master
http://www.maximintegrated.com/app-notes/index.mvp/id/214
Resistors can vary from 200ohm to 20kohm. Transistors can be BJTs or MOSFETs. The diode used in the simplified version should be fast and has a low forwarding voltage. 1N4148 is known to work.
A USB to UART converter is needed. There are many USB to UART converters that have a TTL UART interface. RS-232 UARTs should be avoided since its voltage is very high and can damage your device. If you have to use one of such, insert a MAX232 or equivalent chip between the RS-232 port and the circuits mentioned above properly.
Here are a few models that are tested. Many of these are prices under $5:
SiLabs CP2102 USB to UART converters (shown below) are known to work.
Prolific PL2303 USB to UART converters (shown below) are also known to work, but most boards have problematic power output pins. Try to power your 1-wire device separately or strange things will happen.
Software
Type “make” to get “lsow” and “digitemp_evil” compiled.
lsow is a tool that list devices on a onewire bus connected to a USB to UART converter. Simply type something like “lsow /dev/ttyUSB0” and it will show device IDs found on the bus.
digitemp_evil is a demonstration program that reads temperature values from DS18S20/DS18B20/DS1822 onewire digital temperature sensors. Type “digitemp_evil /dev/ttyUSB0” and read IDs and values. Sometimes after powering up DS18B20 will give something like 85°C, you will just need retry.
For more detail: Onewire over UART
