I'm a finalist in the smarter life challenge, a contest by Element14/Newark. I'm going to need some distributed control, but since there are only a few weeks left it has to be something quick and effective. I have a budget with the contest of $400 remaining to spend on Newark.com.
I'm looking for suggestions for microcontroller and wireless devices. I don't need a really fast update. There would be 4 satellite stations communicating with a main controller which would be running on a PSoC 4 pioneer board. I'm considering thinks like an Xbee, a data-over-home-wiring system, or a simple wireless bridge device.
here's my specs in detail:
Range of about 30 ft, through 1 interior wall (hollow drywall with stamped steel studs)
4 satellite stations, powered from a wall adapter
Satellites will receive 1 bit on/off control command
Satellites will return 2 12 bit value readings from 0-5v output sensors
Update rate may be as low as 1 per 15 seconds
Each station with radio and controller should be under $65
Base station communication should be under $65
Parts must be available on Newark.com
Given that I am experienced with C for PIC and Atmel, and PsoC creator, it should be something I can implement in a few days of work. I know this is subjective, but I just mean that if it's something where I have to code my own protocol control and build a transceiver from scratch, it's probably not going to happen.
Give me any idea for a part or kit you've used and found easy to implement. There are a ton of wireless devices for micro controllers on here but few have reviews and I don't want to end up with something finicky that will take me 6 weeks to use. What have you had luck with?