When designing an embedded system with Internet connectivity using Wi-Fi, reading the Wi-Fi connections receiving signal allows the user to determine the available Internet connectivity and signal strength. Most devices show the signal strength to the consumer using a simple bar graph or something similar. In this project, however, we look into how to notify the signal strength level using a different kind of mechanism to the user: the haptic feedback.
Another technique is to send the Wi-Fi signal strength level over the Internet, which allows you to measure signal strength even in unreachable locations. In the previous chapter, you learned about Arduino Ethernet Web server. Here, similar implementations will be used.
In this chapter, you will do the following:
- Learn about Arduino WiFi Shield basics and stacking with an Arduino UNO board
- Learn how to read the receiving radio signal strength level using RSSI
- Learn about vibration motors and haptic feedback
- Learn about haptic motor controllers and the Adafruit haptic library
- Write a simple web server to display the strength level of the received radio signal using a simple HTML web page
To complete this project, you may require some open source hardware, software, tools, and good soldering skills. Let's dive in one step at a time.
- Arduino UNO board (http://store.arduino.cc/product/A000066)
- Arduino WiFi Shield (http://store.arduino.cc/product/A000058)
- Vibrating Mini Motor Disc (http://www.adafruit.com/product/1201)
- Adafruit DRV2605L Haptic Motor Controller (http://www.adafruit.com/product/2305)
- USB A to B cable
- Wall adapter power supply 9V DC 650mA