NoCAN Lets IoT Makers Stay Connected without Relying on Weak Wireless Signals

Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are available just about anywhere making sure you stay connected no matter where you go. But sometimes getting connected is easier said than done. Sometimes the signal strength is so weak you can’t stay connected. Other times your battery dies making sure you can’t connect in the first place. This is a big problem for IoT makers who rely on strong connections to work on their projects. Computer and electronics enthusiast Alain Pannetrat noticed the issue and created a new NoCAN wire IoT platform, which is currently seeking funding on Kickstarter.

NoCAN is a wired alternative to wireless and Bluetooth IoT systems. Based on the robust bus communication protocol CAN bus, this new system lets you connect a set of Arduino-compatible nodes to a Raspberry Pi via a single cable that brings together power and networking. It’s the Raspberry Pi that controls the network and acts as a link to the outside world. You can also add sensors, lights, relays and actuators, and easily create a complex IoT application. The system even has a Blynk gateway in its software allowing you to control the network with your smartphone.

The CANZERO nodes that are included communicate with one another and the outside world using a “publish/subscribe” method. This means CANZERO can create a “channel” with a name and all CANZERO nodes that subscribe to that channel will get any data published on the channel. It’s kind of like subscribing to YouTube channels, but for software. When you want to update the firmware of any CANZERO over the network, you can do it at any time. No need to plug in the CANZERO for updates. And if Raspberry Pi isn’t your thing, the software works on Windows 10, Linux, and Mac OS X as well.

Some of the projects NoCAN has been used for include a weather station based on an Omzlo CANZERO, a switch for controlling lights and a motion sensor. The standard kit, which costs $65.99 (€57), comes with a Omzlo PiMaster HAT, two Omzlo CANZERO nodes, five terminal plugs, two spacers, and a 120 ohm resistor. There’s also an extended set available with five Omzlo CANZERO nodes and 11 screw terminal plugs for roughly $126 (€109). If you’re interested, check out the campaign here.