802.11g module via SPI

[lamont]

I've been looking for a small 802.11g module that I can control via SPI, and I think I found one, but I'm not pleased with the price. (this is to multiplex video and control over for my mech)

WhizNet, (not to be confused, like I did, with WizNet) makes a single board 802.11g wireless module with the following specs:

SPI-WLAN (Whiz WLAN-ETH Combo)

. Header pins for easy mounting on PCB
. 3.3V or 5V input support
. 3.3 inch x 1.3 inch ( new upcoming design 2.2inch x 1.3 inch)
. Low power consumption
. Easy AT command interface
. Software supports
TCP,UDP,FTPc,HTTPs,DHCPc,DNSc,Telnet,SMTP,POP3,ARP ,ICMP,Ping
. Security modes WEP,AES,WPA1-PSK,WPA2-PSK
. Socket interface over AT commands
. ADC/DAC
. GPIO
. On module serial flash for storing custom data
. Capable of supporting multiple SPI standards
. Extendable to Dual network support with addition of Ethernet PHY
. Capable of hosting customer application in standalone mode
. Motherboard available for development and evaluation
. Licensable reference design
. Customization services available


Sadly, in small quantities it's stupid expensive. The price drops to a only slightly unreasonable $150 if I can order 6 of them, but I really only need 2 (and will make due with just 1 at that price)

I really don't need the GPIO or ADC or even flash, but a simple AT command set for manipulating an 802.11g network card to pump data over would be awesome.

Does anybody else have a recommendation for an 802.11g module that they can control via SPI? Or failing that, anybody interested in taking a gamble and ordering enough of these to get to the $150 price point?

[Adrenalynn]

http://www.embeddedworks.net/quatech/serial_80211_bg.html

1.17" x 1.6", SPI, $110 in quantity 1.

Does that serve the purpose?

[lamont]

That looks great, except for the need for the external antenna. I'll read the datasheet and see if it can work. Looks like some slightly better docs are avail from quatech. (well, sort of. You'd think I was asking for top secret government documents the way these guys refuse to hand out some actual detailed datasheets)

I also found the wiznet module I was actually looking for, which is only $60, although shipping takes it back up to $90:

the Wiz600Wi
http://www.wiznet.co.kr/en/pro02.php?&ss[2]=2&page=1&num=57
http://www.ewiznet.com/goods_detail.php?goodsIdx=126

2" x 1.8" They claim the ability to stream 33 mbps through the device. I had lots of luck with their wired Wiz5100 chip, which is why I was looking for this part in particular. But I'm not sure it operates the same way as the 5100. Most of the data I can find on it is cutesy user guides for testing the evaluation boards. Why, oh why can't WizNet have a local office with reasonable shipping.

[lamont]

oh, and thanks!

[ScuD]

All our companies modules can be accessed with simple AT commands.

The problem is they're all USB or cardbus.. I'll look around if I can find anything accessible through SPI

[adam.harriman]

Here is a spi module thats not too expensive in low qty, it has open source code for it as well.

http://www.sagrad.com/products/802.11/diamondback/

to buy.

http://www.sagrad.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1&products_id=1&zenid=570f3beb625849930683811dec800730

[SteamBoat]

I don't even know if this is anything but close to the same realm. It's wireless and I just found it posted on an electric boat forum. If not you then maybe someone else that sees it might be able to use it.

http://www.linxtechnologies.com/

http://www.linxtechnologies.com/images/frontpage/links.gif Welcome to Linx Technologies, Inc., a world leader in cost-effective, easily applied, and highly versatile radio frequency (RF) products. At Linx, we empower companies of all sizes to quickly and cost-effectively add the power of complex technologies, such as RF, to their products. For over a decade, Linx Technologies has been creating products that offer great depth and versatility – and are simple for engineers to apply. So visit, imagine, create, and succeed.

I like the "imagine" part. (I gave up on the other two.)

MArk B.

[Adrenalynn]

Hi Mark, welcome to the forum!

Those all look like simple RF modules. You can pick them up cheaply and easily over at SparkFun - just a few dollars a set. That said - they're a PITA to work with on the programming side, and tend towards not being all that great for the more mission-critical control systems you find in robots.

Ever notice how sometimes you hit the alarm button on your remote well within range and it doesn't do much, then you have to hit it again? That's what these modules are. You can use 'em, but you have to write your own error correction. XBee is infinitely more reliable and also reasonably priced and infinitely available.

But keep poking around and thanks for the linkage! Would you consider adding it to the link library (http://forums.trossenrobotics.com/links)?