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Launchable Data-logger

This version was saved 8 years ago View current version     Page history
Saved by James Dunn
on March 10, 2016 at 5:04:04 am
 

$10 Data-logger using Arduino Micro-controller

 

Enclosed: All the Arduino data-logger code, parts list, and vendor information; followed by video tutorials that lead 15 activities.

 

What is the significance of coding?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nPblG6ceqOs

 

The economics of learning to teach yourself coding:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T0qAjgQFR4c

 

Protect your Brain and Build Relationships of Mutual Respect

 

 

What is a Data-logger

 

A data-logger is an instrument that records signal levels from sensors to record what happens without a human needing to be present.  Examples include:

 

  • Long duration changes that make being present impractical, such as monitoring the change in temperature (house, vehicle, body during exercise...) every 5 minutes for a week and then analyzing what actually happens versus what we perceive.
  • Short duration changes where events happen too quickly to record manually, such as monitoring static voltage build up on a metal surface during a rocket launch, the different lap times during a race as contestants cross the finish line at almost the same time, and other short time intervals.
  • Monitoring changes in hazardous conditions like the pressure and temperature at a deep place under the ocean, or near an active volcano...

 

The enclosed data-logger is self-contained and is small enough to launch in a large hobby type Estes Rocket called the Leviathan with a G80 rocket engine. This provides the students with the opportunity to repeatedly conceive, model, design, build, implement, test, and analyze projects in teams of three. Students design a rocket sensor experiment and cardboard mount for the Arduino, launch the rocket, analyze results, suggest improvements.  These are practiced core skills that engineers and scientists get paid to do from day to day. NASA provides some funding to schools who desire to participate in a NASA launch program. Teachers can also request to participate in a program where teachers, parents, students, and clubs develop local business connections to fund the course materials of math and science teachers, and develop local internships for eligible students.

 

The same Data-logger Payload can be built and launched in robotic land based vehicles.

 

As an example, if monitoring a single signal like pressure ten times a second, an 1 Gbyte SD card could record continuously for about 3.17 years; so an 8 Gbyte x 3.17 years/1 Gbyte = about 25 years.  If you are monitoring 10 data points, the Arduino takes time to process the extra points, so if the maximum speed is 10 samples per second (arbitrary numbers used here for simplification), it will take one second per set of data, and the same number of years of recording are available, but sampling a data set is 10 times slower.  So there is no need to worry about when to start recording.  The data is output in a form compatible with importing into Excel spreadsheets.  The trick is finding where the useful information begins and ends.  Having the process start and stop collection, creating a spike to flag the beginning and end so they can be searched for ...

 

1 billion samples/1 Gbyte SD Card x sec/10 samples x hour/3600 sec x day/24 hours x year/365 days =

 

years/1 Gbyte SD Card = 3.17 years

 

The SIPI Mars Yard is a program that provides High School students in science and math courses with actual robots in a simulated Mars Environment where the students can manipulate the robots from their classroom; in a manner very similar to how NASA controls the actual Mars Rovers.  Practiced experience in learning to code the Arduino, provides logical tools to learn how to program the robots.  Additionally, students can design mechanisms (sensors, grippers, laser tag actuators, sample systems ...) with Arduino controllers in their classroom, or in a school robotics & rocketry club, that will be mounted on the actual Mars Yard Rovers.  This allows students to test their designs in a somewhat realistic Mars environment, and also to participate in competitions with other schools in games like laser tag, hide and seek, geo caching, duplicating actual Mars missions...

 

Other areas of interest like chemistry, environmental science, and even auto mechanics, can use the Arduino to design and build most automation needs to make possible the relatively complex interactions and/or manipulation over long times.  The Arduino should not be considered for use in an industrial application because it is not "hardened" against electrical noise, power spikes from large motors and relay induction surges in voltage, high humidity, conductive dirt, corrosive gases, and other industry specific equipment hazards.  For industrial applications, use an industry hardened Programmable Logic Controller (PLC).  The coding is similar and provides a much more durable solution.  The Arduino is 1/10th the cost, but is only for research, education, or non-commercial purposes (home alarm system, lawn sprinklers, rain capture and use, vehicle bling lights ...).

 

Scientists and Engineers often use similar tools like a data-logger to perform their activities more effectively. Like the data-logger as a physical tool, "coding software" is similarly a common computing tool used.  Coding provides a means of telling a computing system the who, what, when, where, why, and how, associated with signals, data, and actuators to be manipulated, to provide useful results not otherwise easily attainable.

 

For instance, a $5 Arduino and an LED driver can sense a turn signal switch in a car, and then flash 10 LED lights in complex patterns to grab the attention of the driver behind them.  With a little experience in coding, this can be programmed in less than 30 minutes with multiple patterns to choose from.  To make a mechanical or relay system to do the same effort would be bulky, less reliable, would take longer to install, would cost more, and the sequence of LEDs turning on and off could not be selected or changed as easily.

 

The same skills learned to teach yourself coding to produce projects using an Arduino, can be used with additional "persistence" to produce Apps for a cell phone (example: a home automation system, remote laboratory apparatus monitor/controller, start and stop your car remotely ...).

 

The same skills learned to teach yourself coding to produce physical projects, and Mars Missions, can be used to teach yourself Career Planning so that you can realistically predict the best path and choose your support network.  The purpose of career planning is to create a step-by-step procedure to follow, obtain an interesting career, that has real local opportunities, that pays well, and that can support your local community.  By 8th grade each student and their parents should start career planning, because selecting useful classes is important as stepping stones for getting practice in identifying problems, planning choices of solutions, and solving problems.

 

Learn to Efficiently Teach Yourself

 

Build a Career Pathway

 

Building Self-Respect

 

Learning to Teach Common Sense

 

 

Arduino Parts List

 

Note:  If your Arduino Uno data-logger works fine on USB power, but fails when on battery or external power, change the value of R12 from 1k to 10k.  A known feedback condition may be corrupting the initialization process.  Schematic

 

Parts Required:

  • Arduino UNO
  • Update (3/10/2016) Complete Data-logger Arduino Shield now available
    • The coding is a little different, but is overall a more easily implemented solution 
    • Where to Buy (about $3) 
      • Real time clock (RTC) keeps the time going even when the Arduino is unplugged. The battery backup lasts for years.
      • For some data-loggers sold on eBay, they include libraries and example code for both SD and RTC.  This means you can get running quickly. Prototyping area for soldered connectors, circuitry, or sensors. 
      • Works with Arduino UNO, Duemilanove, Diecimila, Leonardo or ADK/Mega R3 or higher.  ADK/Mega R2 or lower are not supported.
      • Size:68x53x23mm(approx)
  • 9v Battery & Arduino connectors
    • Arduino takes 5.5 mm outside / 2.1 mm inside barrel connector
    • The other end depends upon individual applications
    • Where to Buy Arduino Power Connector
    • Where to Buy 9v Battery Clips and parts 
  • USB programming cable (comes with many Arduino purchases)
  • Whatever sensors/actuators selected
  • Book:  "Make: Sensors: A Hands-On Primer for Monitoring the Real World with Arduino and Raspberry Pi

 

______________________ to build your own data-logger board ____________________

 

  • micro-SD Memory Card Circuit Adapter
  • Micro-SD Flash
    • Data collection produces small files of much less than 1 Gbyte
    • Where to Buy
    • SD-Flash Adapter for use with computers without a micro-SD card slot
  • Arduino Proto Shield

 

 

The following is the wiring diagram for connecting the SD Card Board to the Arduino

 


 

Enclosed below are video tutorials that allow for understanding the code to create a data-logger.  Many micro-SD card shields exist for as little as about $1.00 (USD).  The video tutorial uses a different version.  The exact code follows below for the SD card used here.  SD card shields (circuit boards) and SD memory cards.

 

________________________ Once you have the data-logger hardware built ____________________

 

Coding


As instructors, you can choose whether to teach coding, just assemble the data-logger and use the provided code, or some combination.

Recommendation if teaching coding: teach how to set up small amounts of code and check usefulness, save incremental versions, and add tested code in pieces.  Back up incremental accomplishments.  That way one problem is being solved at a time, and not working on 10 simultaneous problems; usually syntax errors or not understanding the format provided when libraries are included.

Use // to comment out code that is working, to debug code

Use /*   and the mating */ to comment out an entire section of multiple lines of code


When starting from scratch, there are four layers of coding:

 

  1. Details, objectives, correlations, description of sequences, anticipated restrictions, and risks all written in English;
  2. Flow Chart (when starting from a default state) and/or State Diagram (when starting from a previous state) to reflect written English;
  3. Pseudo-code (ends up representing comments in code); &
  4. Syntax Correct code (often typed on next line after //pseudo code) 

 

followed by:

  • entering code
  • testing, and
  • debugging


 

All tutorials are added for completeness.  But the main tutorials for the data-logger are: start with 11, then 1, 3, 6, 7, 8, & repeat 11

In one class period (or homework assignment) the students can read through everything needed to make a data-logger.  With 10% expected uptake.  Hands-on practiced experience is needed to correlate the conveyed information effectively.

 

Notice the Actual Code provided below deviates somewhat from that in the tutorials.  The code below works as-is, so no learning occurs related to coding.

 

An important aspect is to as much as practical, have the students learn "how" to solve their own problems.  The act of getting practiced experience in problem solving better prepares them for actual life experiences.


The students can then at your option write and implement code based upon tutorials, or just build the data-logger and explore other class efforts.

 


For explanations:
SD.h library reference
http://arduino.cc/en/Reference/SD       (serial interface with SD card)
Wire.h library reference
http://arduino.cc/en/Reference/wire  (I2C temp sensors)

Tutorials at times use a software called "Processing".  The more advanced code editor for Arduino; free from

 

     https://www.processing.org/download/
     select "no donation" to download

 

"Processing" code (Arduino code is based on Processing code) uses .pde file extensions and contains the code in text format.  In most cases, if not all, the Arduino user interface is more reliable and easier to use.

Each of the Video tutorials has a related download page for the related code, to minimize making typos.

"Arduino" automatically includes libraries, while "Processing" requires "Import" of every library used.
 

Arduino Free Software Downloads: www.Arduino.cc ; all parts can be purchased on eBay (<$15 total)

 

 

Tutorials

 

Tutorial 01 for Arduino: Getting Acquainted with Arduino

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fCxzA9_kg6s

 

Tutorial 02 for Arduino: Buttons, PWM, and Functions

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_LCCGFSMOr4

 

Tutorial 03 for Arduino: Electrical Engineering Basics

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=abWCy_aOSwY

 

Tutorial 04 for Arduino: Analog Inputs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=js4TK0U848I

 

Tutorial 05 for Arduino: Motors and Transistors

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5bHPKU4ybHY

 

Tutorial 06 for Arduino: Serial Communication and Processing

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g0pSfyXOXj8

 

Tutorial 07 for Arduino: I2C Communication and Processing

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GJX0BRUagCg

 

Tutorial 08 for Arduino: SPI Interfaces

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1nO2SSExEnQ

 

Tutorial 09 for Arduino: Wireless Communication

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vKVNmA8C6m8

 

Tutorial 10 for Arduino: Interrupts and Hardware Debouncing

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CRJUdf5TTQQ

 

Tutorial 11 for Arduino: SD Cards and Data-logging

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5v5A3j7Rrco

 

Tutorial 12 for Arduino: RFID Card Reading

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gIlSLwcbeTU

 

Tutorial 13 for Arduino: Liquid Crystal Displays (LCDs)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oIiDseJO4dM

 

Tutorial 14 for Arduino: Holiday Lights and Sounds Spectacular!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CoG_Czyr7z0

 

Tutorial 15 for Arduino: GPS Tracking

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TtZEZYQG0xk

 

 

 

Optional Arduino Video Tutorials related to Smart Lighting

 

Tutorial 16 for Arduino: Making a DMX controlled application (stage and DJ lighting - plus)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hl-HUa5BOPM

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Q4hLA7YM7c

 

Tutorial 17 for Arduino: Decoding DMX part 2

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uVcDNvNo0sg

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sq33uOGq_l0

 

Tutorial 18 for Arduino: Decoding DMX part 3

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uVcDNvNo0sg

 

 

 

 

Actual Code to Use with specified build it yourself Catalex SD Card Adapter

Arduino to SD Card Adapter wiring connections

 

//Program by Jeremy Blum
//www.jeremyblum.com
//SD Card Demonstration
//Some code from public domain work by Tom Igoe
//Code modified by James Dunn

//  excessive Serial Monitor statements included so user can follow code execution; this slows down operations

//  modify this code with Serial Monitor statements removed to record data much faster

 

#include <SD.h>         //SD Card Library

#include <Wire.h>       //I2C Library

 

//SPI SD Card Pins

  //MOSI = Pin 11

  //MISO = Pin 12

  //SCLK = PIN 13

  int CS_pin = 10;

  int pow_pin = 8;

 

//I2C Temperature Pins

  //SDA = Analog Pin 4

  //SCL = Analog Pin 5

 

//IR Distance Sensor Pins

  int IR1_pin = 2;

  int IR2_pin = 3;

 

//Light Sensor Pins

  int light_pin = 1;

 

float refresh_rate = 0.0;  //Dataloger Refresh Rate

int temp_address = 72;     //Address of the I2C Temp Sensor

long id = 1;                //Use this to store the id # of our reading.

 

void setup()

{

  Wire.begin();

  Serial.begin(9600);

  Serial.println("serial set at 9600 baud");

 

  //CS Pin is an output

  pinMode(CS_pin, OUTPUT);

  Serial.println("CS_pin set as OUTPUT");

 

  //SD Card will Draw Power from Pin 8, so set it high

  pinMode(pow_pin, OUTPUT);  

  digitalWrite(pow_pin, HIGH);

  Serial.println("pow-pin 8 set as OUTPUT and HIGH");

 

  //Initialize SD Card with CS_pin = 10

  if (!SD.begin(CS_pin))

  {

      Serial.println("Card Failure - CS_pin 10 no signal");

      return;

  }

  Serial.println("Card Ready - Signal on CS_pin 10");

 

  SD.remove("COMMANDS.txt");

 

  //Create configuration file COMMANDS.txt

  File commandFile = SD.open("COMMANDS.txt", FILE_WRITE);

  commandFile.write(50);

  commandFile.close();

 

  //Read the Configuration information (COMMANDS.txt)

  commandFile = SD.open("COMMANDS.txt", FILE_READ);

  if (commandFile)

  {

    Serial.println("Read from COMMANDS File");

 

    float decade = pow(10, (commandFile.available() - 1));

    while(commandFile.available())

    {

      float temp = (commandFile.read() - '0');

      refresh_rate = temp*decade+refresh_rate;

      decade = decade/10;

    }

    Serial.print("Refresh Rate = ");

    Serial.print(refresh_rate);

    Serial.println("ms");

 

  }

  else

  {

    Serial.println("Could not read command file.");

    return;

  }

  commandFile.close();

  Serial.println("close command file");

 

  //Write Log File Header

  File logFile = SD.open("LOG.csv", FILE_WRITE);

  Serial.println("opened LOG.csv file");

 

  if (logFile)

  {

    logFile.println(", , , ,"); //Just a leading blank line, in-case there is previous data

    String header = "ID, Light, Temp, IR1, IR2";

    logFile.println(header);

    Serial.println("wrote this header to LOG.csv: ");

 

    Serial.println(header);

  }

  else

  {

    Serial.println("Couldn't open LOG.csv file");

  }

 

}

 

void loop()

{

  //Check Light Level

  int light_level = analogRead(light_pin);

 

 /* uncomment this section if using related temperature IC chips 

  //Read Temperature

  Wire.beginTransmission(temp_address); //Start talking

  Wire.write(0);//Ask for Register zero

  Wire.endTransmission(); //Complete Transmission

  Wire.requestFrom(temp_address, 1); //Request 1 Byte

  while(Wire.available() == 0); //wait for response

  int temp_c = Wire.read(); // Get the temp

  int temp_f = round(temp_c*9.0/5.0 +32.0);  //Convert from Celcius to Fahrenheit

  */

    int temp_f = round(32.0); // delete this line if using related temperature IC chips

 

  //Read Distances

  int IR1_val = analogRead(IR1_pin);

  int IR2_val = analogRead(IR2_pin);

 

  //Create Data string for storing to SD card

  //using CSV Format  

  String dataString = String(id) + ", " + String(light_level) + ", " + String(temp_f) + ", " + String(IR1_val) + ", " + String(IR2_val); 

 

  //Open a file to write to

  //Only one file can be open at a time

  File logFile = SD.open("LOG.csv", FILE_WRITE);

  if (logFile)

  {

    logFile.println(dataString);

 

    Serial.println(dataString);

  }

  else

  {

    Serial.println("Couldn't open log file");

  }

  logFile.close();

 

  //Increment ID number

  id++;

 

  delay(refresh_rate);

 

 

 

 

}

 

 

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