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Tweeted twitter.com/#!/StackElectronix/status/582263879700471808
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Gustavo Litovsky
Gustavo Litovsky
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Expanded scope of question a little
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jdiaz
jdiaz
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I am planning on an automation project that will be using several different sensors including but not limited to: Temperature, Barometric Pressure, Air flow, Humidity, etc.

As I was talking with someone they mentioned that I should look into RS-485 as a means to connecting my sensors to my controller. Then ultimately to the PC.

After a quick search I gathered some information about RS-485 but now I am wondering if it's over kill or if it's even used now a days?

Couldn't I just use a microcontroller that has enough inputs and interface with the PC using USB?

Thoughts?

EDIT: Ok if distance to controller and environment (in my case an industrial application) then RS485 might be useful. Are there other bus alternatives that might be more useful?

I am planning on an automation project that will be using several different sensors including but not limited to: Temperature, Barometric Pressure, Air flow, Humidity, etc.

As I was talking with someone they mentioned that I should look into RS-485 as a means to connecting my sensors to my controller. Then ultimately to the PC.

After a quick search I gathered some information about RS-485 but now I am wondering if it's over kill or if it's even used now a days?

Couldn't I just use a microcontroller that has enough inputs and interface with the PC using USB?

Thoughts?

I am planning on an automation project that will be using several different sensors including but not limited to: Temperature, Barometric Pressure, Air flow, Humidity, etc.

As I was talking with someone they mentioned that I should look into RS-485 as a means to connecting my sensors to my controller. Then ultimately to the PC.

After a quick search I gathered some information about RS-485 but now I am wondering if it's over kill or if it's even used now a days?

Couldn't I just use a microcontroller that has enough inputs and interface with the PC using USB?

Thoughts?

EDIT: Ok if distance to controller and environment (in my case an industrial application) then RS485 might be useful. Are there other bus alternatives that might be more useful?

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jdiaz
jdiaz
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Should I consider using RS-485 for my next project

I am planning on an automation project that will be using several different sensors including but not limited to: Temperature, Barometric Pressure, Air flow, Humidity, etc.

As I was talking with someone they mentioned that I should look into RS-485 as a means to connecting my sensors to my controller. Then ultimately to the PC.

After a quick search I gathered some information about RS-485 but now I am wondering if it's over kill or if it's even used now a days?

Couldn't I just use a microcontroller that has enough inputs and interface with the PC using USB?

Thoughts?