What options do I have to wirelessly connect my computer to an arduino? For my project I have an arduino Uno connected to my robot. I need to control it wirelessly. I have thought of using a bluetooth module , but I need a larger range. Then I thought of using an RF-module like the Xbees and the 2.4 Ghz nRF24L01. However I can't use the Xbees due to budget issues. As for the nRF24L01- I understand that using the trasmitter and receiver modules I can transmit information between 2 arduinos- however I need to transmit from my computer to my remote arduino. I want to achieve this without using a second arduino at the transmitting (computer) end. Is there a way to achieve this?
How about using wifi?
The esp8266 costs as low as 3$ and has good range.
here's a quick tutorial
What you'll need to do is send a command to the esp8266 and in turn it'll communicate with the arduino via Serial (or Software Serial) and tell it what to do.