Arduino Wireless SD Shield Tutorial

As the name implies, the Arduino Wireless SD shield serves two functions. Foremost, this shield allows you to easily interface with Xbee transceiver modules to create mesh networks, and other wireless devices. Secondly, the micro SD socket allows you to store and access a large amount of data. Whether using these functions by on their own or together, this chip greatly enhances the capabilities of a standard Arduino. The best part about this shield is how easy it is to use. In no time flat, you can have its various components up and running.

Step 1: Plug in the Xbee

Plug in your Xbee modules in order to use the shield as a wireless transceiver.

Make sure the module’s pointy end is lined up with the edge of the board.

If you are using the shield for wireless data transfer, you will need two or more of them.

Step 2: Plug it in

Plug your shields into your Arduinos.

Step 3: Features

The wireless SD shield supports Xbee modules. These modules allow for easy wireless serial communication. A standard module has the range of 100 – 300 feet.

It also boasts a micro SD socket. This can easily be interfaced with the Arduino SD library. Unfortunately, this library does not come bundled with the Arduino development environment, so you will have to set it up yourself.

The shield also boasts a perfboard grid for prototyping your own circuit, and a micro switch for toggling between the USB port and micro SD port.

For more technical information visit its official Arduino page.

Step 4: Program the receiver

Plug one of the Arduinos into the computer. Make certain the micro switch is toggled to the “USB” option.

Upload the following code:

//Xbee receiver
//This example code is in the Public Domain

int sentDat;

void setup() {
  Serial.begin(9600);   
  pinMode(2, OUTPUT); 
}

void loop() {
  if (Serial.available() > 0) {
	sentDat = Serial.read(); 

	if(sentDat == 'h'){
          //activate the pumpkin for one second and then stop
  	  digitalWrite(2, HIGH);
          delay(1000);
          digitalWrite(2, LOW);
	}
  }
}

Step 5: Setup the receiver

Unplug the Arduino from the computer. Toggle the micro switch from “USB” to “MICRO”.

Plug the red wire from a 9V battery connector into the Vin pin. Plug the black wire into the GND pin.

Connect the positive leg of an LED to pin D2 and the other leg in series with a 220 ohm resistor to ground.

Plug in your battery.

It is now a standalone receiver.

For more detail: Arduino Wireless SD Shield Tutorial