Nano Data Logger
question:nano-data-logger

The Nano Data Logger is an easy and inexpensive way to start collecting environmental data. It relies on a shield (a PCB which plugs into another PCB) which snaps onto an Arduino Nano. The shield adds a real time clock and microSD card socket to the Arduino microcontroller. When the components are prepared properly, no soldering is required to start saving data from a sensor. Kits to build a Nano Data Logger are available at the [Public Lab Store](https://store.publiclab.org/collections/water-monitoring/products/nano-data-logger-kit?variant=12516302323821) and the [KAPtery](http://kaptery.com/product/nano-logger-kit). A Nano Data Logger is very convenient for fast prototyping trials. Sensors and other devices (e.g., small display), can be connected without soldering because all of the pins on the Nano are exposed as male headers. The integrated real time clock and microSD socket make it easy to save sensor data with accurate time stamps. To achieve the convenience of the Nano Data Logger, the ability to log data for many weeks is lost. It will not last on small batteries for more than several days without clever modification, so it is best suited for data collection for short periods, with alternative power (solar panels), or near mains power. ###Parts The two primary parts are: - **Arduino Nano**. Nano clones cost about $3.00 on eBay or [$4.00 to $10.00 at US retailers](https://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&keywords=arduino+nano&tag=googhydr-20&index=electronics&hvadid=173554986927&hvpos=1t2&hvnetw=g&hvrand=15080925241715253772&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=e&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9003117&hvtargid=aud-345055983774:kwd-15608517219&ref=pd_sl_7sxbv5mstz_e). They can be cheaper if the headers are not soldered on if you want to do this yourself. - **Logging shield for Nano**. These are mostly available on[ eBay for $5.00 to $6.00](https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2047675.m570.l1313.TR0.TRC0.H0.XData+logging+shield++for+Arduino+NANO.TRS5&_nkw=Data+logging+shield++for+Arduino+NANO&_sacat=0). Also required: - The real time clock on the logging shield needs a [**CR1220 coin cell** battery](https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_1_5?url=search-alias%3Delectronics&field-keywords=1220+battery&sprefix=1220+%2Celectronics%2C159&crid=1QZ3OBPARF67Q&rh=n%3A172282%2Ck%3A1220+battery). - Data is saved on a [**microSD card** which costs about $5.00 - $10.00](https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_3_11?url=search-alias%3Delectronics&field-keywords=4gb+microsd+card&sprefix=4gb+microsd%2Celectronics%2C148&crid=38C6D1YHWDQV1&rh=n%3A172282%2Ck%3A4gb+microsd+card) - For autonomous operation a battery or case for batteries is required. Four AA or AAA alkaline batteries will supply 6 volts (6 to 12 volts are okay). The parts above do not include a sensor or USB cable to connect to a computer for programming and data transfer. For use near mains power, a mini USB cable and phone charger (5v) are convenient. [![Nanolog_20170509-8764.JPG](https://publiclab.org/system/images/photos/000/022/915/medium/Nanolog_20170509-8764.JPG)](https://publiclab.org/system/images/photos/000/022/915/original/Nanolog_20170509-8764.JPG) *Above: These parts are included in the [KAPtery kit of the Nano Data Logger](http://kaptery.com/product/nano-logger-kit).* The Nano Data Logger is available as a kit with everything required to log temperature and barometric pressure without doing any soldering. Order it from the [Public Lab Store](https://store.publiclab.org/collections/water-monitoring/products/nano-data-logger-kit?variant=12516302323821) or the [KAPtery](http://kaptery.com/product/nano-logger-kit). ###Assembly The Nano data logging shield snaps onto the Arduino nano. A battery or battery pack can be connected with screw down terminal blocks. Power can also be supplied via mini USB cable from a computer or DC converter (phone charger). Sensors can be connected with DuPont wires with female connectors. If all of these components are prepared properly, no soldering is required to assemble the logger. However, preparing some of the components (Nano, sensors) might require soldering. ###Software A sketch which logs data from a BMP280 sensor for pressure and temperature is available at the [KAPtery Guides page](http://kaptery.com/guides/). See below for several examples of data logging with the Nano Logger. Examples include using different sensors to log data for temperature, humidity, pressure, light, and tilt angle. ### Activities [activities:nano-data-logger] ### Questions [questions:nano-data-logger] ...


Author Comment Last activity Moderation
cfastie "Here is a better answer. The first time the sketch tries to read the BMP280 sensor is immediately after the sensor has been initialized. So the sen..." | Read more » almost 7 years ago
cfastie "Way to go getting the Nano Logger logging! The first elevation data point is always wacky because the first barometric pressure data point is alway..." | Read more » almost 7 years ago
cfastie "That's a really cool-looking wind sensor. The new one requires at least 8 volts, so a big battery pack is needed. It would be pretty fun to put tha..." | Read more » almost 7 years ago
warren "I actually have both versions of the wind sensor if you're interested! " | Read more » almost 7 years ago
warren "https://publiclab.org/questions/warren/06-12-2017/any-simple-ways-to-measure-wind-direction-from-a-data-logger " | Read more » almost 7 years ago
warren "Hm, can you link to the Ed Mallon comment about square waves? Also I see your posts here: https://publiclab.org/notes/cfastie/06-09-2017/the-mini-..." | Read more » almost 7 years ago
cfastie "Without making modifications to the components, a Nano Data Logger will last two or three days on small batteries (4 or 6 AA or AAA). I'm not sure ..." | Read more » almost 7 years ago
warren "@pdhixenbaugh - this would be great to have posted on the Riffle page as well, and we can inter-link the answers. Have a moment to post it? " | Read more » almost 7 years ago
cfastie "There are some important differences between the Riffle and the Nano Data Logger. The two loggers have different real time clock chips. The one o..." | Read more » almost 7 years ago