
The Simplest Network
The most basic network is a one-to-one connection between two
objects. This chapter covers the details of two-way communication,
beginning with the characteristics that have to be agreed upon in
advance. You’ll learn about some of the logistical elements of network
communications: data protocols, flow control, and addressing. You’ll
practice all of this by building a simple example: one-to-one serial
communication between a microcontroller and a personal computer.
Once you’ve got that working, you’ll replace the cable connecting the
two with Bluetooth radios and learn about modem communications.
2
MAKE: PROJECTS
Joo Youn Paek’s Zipper Orchestra (2006) is a musical installation that lets you control video and music using
zippers. The zippers are wired to a microcontroller using conductive thread, and the microcontroller communicates
serially with a multimedia computer that drives the playback of the zipper movies and sounds as you zip.
Photo courtesy of Joo Youn Paek.
Making_Things_Talk.indb 49 11/13/09 4:50 PM