Let me begin by stating that I don't have much experience in hardware-related projects.
I need to obtain info from a machine that outputs its data from an RS232 cable.
http://i.imgur.com/fkqnf.png
My goal is to then take this data and send it to a server. I thereby plan on using an Arduino Uno Board, attached with the Arduino Ethernet board, and write a looping program that will send the data every few seconds.
What device should I use to collect the information from the machine? Can I simply use an RS232 to USB converter and plug it directly on the UNO board, or are there RS232 boards for this?
And finally, are there better alternatives to my current problem?
I'll gladly clarify anything that is not clear enough, thanks.
Best Answer
A ready-made RS232 shield for the UNO such as the one I linked would be the quickest way to get going collecting data (it was the first search hit; I have no experience with the particular product or vendor.)
If learning and doing are more important, you could make up some RS232 <-> 5v logic level-shifters and write or find a software UART to read the bit-stream.