Low-cost wireless sensor node with application in sports

This paper presents the architecture and characteristics of a low-cost wireless sensor node within a Wireless Sensor Network (WSN). The wireless sensor node was specially designed and developed to comply with three main requirements: low cost, low energy consumption and adaptability to a wide range of applications in many domains. In order to test its functionality, the authors propose a new application in sports for testing and developing athletes' reflexes. The system includes a base station and four wireless nodes provided with buttons and visual and acoustic signals. The base station sends random messages to one node and measures the time from the node activation till the athlete presses the node button. The data are acquired and stored in a PC and, based on them, a complete characterization of the athletic abilities can be performed. The results obtained ensure the node applicability in multiple other areas.