🎈 Public Lab: Revisions for 'Mini Pearl Logger'

Revisions for Mini Pearl Logger

5 CURRENT	cfastie	January 24, 2018 16:39 \| about 6 years ago The Mini Pearl Logger is a powerful and inexpensive device for logging environmental data. It is based on an Arduino Pro Mini in combination with a real time clock and a microSD card reader. Combining these common electronic components allows logging data from multiple sensors for multiple months. Three different kits to build a Mini Pearl Logger are available at the KAPtery. The Mini Pearl Logger Kit is a minimal version that requires soldering and runs a sketch that puts the logger to sleep between logging events to conserve battery power. The Mini Pearl Pro Logger Kit includes a TPL5110 low power timer which turns the logger off between logging events and maximizes battery life. The Mini Pearl Snap Logger Kit includes a TPL5110 timer, a BMP280 sensor, an FTDI converter, and snaps together with no soldering required. All three kits include a DS3231 real-time clock which has an integrated temperature sensor and timekeeping is automatically corrected for temperature. Data from this sensor can be read and logged. The Mini Pearl Snap Logger Kit includes an additional external sensor for barometric pressure and temperature, and many other sensors (including I²C, 1 Wire, and Grove) can be connected to any Mini Pearl Logger. Above: The parts included in the Mini Pearl Snap Logger Kit. Everything needed to log temperature and barometric pressure for many months (except three AA batteries) is included. An FTDI converter (red) for connecting the logger to your computer is also included. This logger is based on Ed Mallon's Cave Pearl Logger which uses a similar combination of components. Ed has done extensive testing to extend the field longevity to more than a year. Above: An assembled Mini Pearl Snap Logger. The six components are connected with DuPont wires which slide onto header pins on the PCBs. It takes about 15 minutes to get one finished and logging data. Parts Primary components: Arduino Pro Mini. Pro Minis are available on eBay from sellers in Asia for under $2.00. At US retailers prices are between $4.00 and $20.00. Pro Minis come in 3.3v and 5v versions, and the 3.3v version is required. Adafruit TPL5110 Low Power Timer. Available from Adafruit for $4.95. DS3231 real time clock. This module is available on eBay for about $1.20 or from US retailers for $4.00 to $15.00. Some DS3231 chips do not work at temperatures below 0°C, but these are not included in KAPtery kits. 3.3 volt MicroSD card socket. These modules are available on eBay for less than $1.00. There are many different microSD card modules, and some are better at low sleep current. Also required: Battery or battery case for AA or AAA. The Mini Pearl Logger is a 3.3 volt device. Three alkaline batteries (3 x 1.5v = 4.5v) are adequate or four NiMH (4 x 1.2v = 4.8v). LiPo or LiPoly batteries (3.7v) are also good. MicroSD card. Cards of 1 GB or smaller capacity are best if the logger will be slept (instead of turned off with a timer) because they tend to sleep better and at lower current. CR2032 coin cell battery for real time clock. Assembly There are documents with guidance about assembling and getting started with the Mini Pearl Loggers at the KAPtery Guides page. Software A different Arduino sketch for each version of the Mini Pearl Logger can be downloaded at the KAPtery Guides page. Below are some research notes about activities done with Mini Pearl Loggers. Some of these notes include the sketch which was used in the activity described. Activities [activities:mini-pearl-logger] Questions [questions:mini-pearl-logger]	Revert
4	cfastie	December 13, 2017 21:32 \| over 6 years ago The Mini Pearl Logger is a powerful and inexpensive device for logging environmental data. It is based on an Arduino Pro Mini in combination with a real time clock and a microSD card reader. Soldering together these three common electronic components allows logging data from multiple sensors for multiple months. Some clever modifications of the components reduces the sleeping current between logging events and allows the logger to collect data unattended on small batteries (3 AAA) for two or more months. The total cost of parts for the Mini Pearl Logger can be under $15.00. The DS3231 real time clock has an integrated temperature sensor and timekeeping is automatically corrected for temperature. Data from this sensor can be read and logged. The Mini Pearl Logger does not have any other sensors, but a wide variety of sensors (including I²C, 1 Wire, and Grove) can be used. Above: These parts can be assembled into a data logger which will operate autonomously for months. The three blue PCBs are (left to right) 3 volt microSD socket, Arduino Pro Mini, DS3231 real time clock. Total cost can be under $15.00 if components are purchased carefully on eBay. This logger is based on Ed Mallon's Cave Pearl Logger which uses a similar combination of components. Ed has done extensive testing to extend the field longevity to more than a year. We are still trying to replicate Ed's results, and have not yet managed to log data for more than two months on a few AAA batteries. Above: An assembled Mini Pearl Logger. Clockwise from upper right: battery case (e.g., 3 AA), microSD card socket, DS3231 real time clock, Arduino Pro Mini. Parts 3 Primary components: Arduino Pro Mini. Pro Minis are available on eBay from sellers in Asia for under $2.00. At US retailers prices are between $4.00 and $20.00. Pro Minis come in 3.3v and 5v versions, and the 3.3v version is required. DS3231 real time clock. This module is available on eBay for about $1.20 or from US retailers for $4.00 to $15.00. 3 volt MicroSD card socket. These modules are available on eBay for less than $1.00. There are many different microSD card modules, and some are better at low sleep current. Also required: Battery or battery case for AA or AAA. The Mini Pearl logger is a 3 volt device. Three alkaline batteries (3 x 1.5v = 4.5v) are adequate or four NiMH (4 x 1.2v = 4.8v). LiPo or LiPoly batteries (3.7v) are also good. MicroSD card. Cards of 1 GB or smaller capacity are best because they tend to sleep better and at lower current. 128MB cards can allow 2 to 4 million data logging events, so larger cards are not needed. CR2032 coin cell battery for real time clock. Kits with all the parts needed to solder together a Mini Pearl Logger are available at the KAPtery for $19.00. Assembly There are two documents with guidance about assembling and getting started with the Mini Pearl Logger at the KAPtery Guides page. Software An Arduino sketch which logs data from the integrated temperature sensor and displays some of it on a serial monitor can be downloaded at the KAPtery Guides page. Below are some research notes about activities done with the Mini Pearl Logger. Some of these notes include the sketch which was used in the activity described. Activities [activities:mini-pearl-logger] Questions [questions:mini-pearl-logger]	Revert
3	cfastie	December 13, 2017 18:51 \| over 6 years ago The Mini Pearl Logger is a powerful and inexpensive device for logging environmental data. It is based on an Arduino Pro Mini in combination with a real time clock and a microSD card reader. Soldering together these three common electronic components allows logging data from multiple sensors for multiple months. Some clever modifications of the components reduces the sleeping current between logging events and allows the logger to collect data unattended on small batteries (3 AAA) for two or more months. The total cost of parts for the Mini Pearl Logger can be under $15.00. The DS3231 real time clock has an integrated temperature sensor and timekeeping is automatically corrected for temperature. Data from this sensor can be read and logged. The Mini Pearl Logger does not have any other sensors, but a wide variety of sensors (including I²C, 1 Wire, and Grove) can be used. Above: These parts can be assembled into a data logger which will operate autonomously for months. The three blue PCBs are (left to right) 3 volt microSD socket, Arduino Pro Mini, DS3231 real time clock. Total cost can be under $15.00 if components are purchased carefully on eBay. This logger is based on Ed Mallon's Cave Pearl Logger which uses a similar combination of components. Ed has done extensive testing to extend the field longevity to more than a year. We are still trying to replicate Ed's results, and have not yet managed to log data for more than two months on a few AAA batteries. Above: An assembled Mini Pearl Logger. Clockwise from upper right: battery case (e.g., 3 AA), microSD card socket, DS3231 real time clock, Arduino Pro Mini. Parts 3 Primary components: Arduino Pro Mini. Pro Minis are available on eBay from sellers in Asia for under $2.00. At US retailers prices are between $4.00 and $20.00. Pro Minis come in 3.3v and 5v versions, and the 3.3v version is required. DS3231 real time clock. This module is available on eBay for about $1.20 or from US retailers for $4.00 to $15.00. 3 volt MicroSD card socket. These modules are available on eBay for less than $1.00. There are many different microSD card modules, and some are better at low sleep current. Also required: Battery or battery case for AA or AAA. The Mini Pearl logger is a 3 volt device. Three alkaline batteries (3 x 1.5v = 4.5v) are adequate or four NiMH (4 x 1.2v = 4.8v). LiPo or LiPoly batteries (3.7v) are also good. MicroSD card. Cards of 1 GB or smaller capacity are best because they tend to sleep better and at lower current. 128MB cards can allow 2 to 4 million data logging events, so larger cards are not needed. CR2032 coin cell battery for real time clock. Kits with all the parts needed to solder together a Mini Pearl Logger are available at the KAPtery for $19.00. Below are some research notes about activities done with the Mini Pearl Logger. Activities [activities:mini-pearl-logger] Questions [questions:mini-pearl-logger]	Revert
2	cfastie	December 13, 2017 18:26 \| over 6 years ago The Mini Pearl Logger is a powerful and inexpensive device for logging environmental data. It is based on an Arduino Pro Mini in combination with a real time clock and a microSD card reader. Soldering together these three common electronic components allows logging data from multiple sensors for multiple months. Some clever modifications of the components reduces the sleeping current between logging events and allows the logger to collect data unattended on small batteries (3 AAA) for two or more months. The total cost of parts for the Mini Pearl Logger can be under $15.00. The DS3231 real time clock has an integrated temperature sensor and timekeeping is automatically corrected for temperature. Data from this sensor can be read and logged. The Mini Pearl Logger does not have any other sensors, but a wide variety of sensors (including I²C, 1 Wire, and Grove) can be used. Above: These parts can be assembled into a data logger which will operate autonomously for months. The three blue PCBs are (left to right) 3 volt microSD socket, Arduino Pro Mini, DS3231 real time clock. Total cost can be under $15.00 if components are purchased carefully on eBay. This logger is based on Ed Mallon's Cave Pearl Logger which uses a similar combination of components. Ed has done extensive testing to extend the field longevity to more than a year. We are still trying to replicate Ed's results, and have not yet managed to log data for more than two months on a few AAA batteries. Above: An assembled Mini Pearl Logger. Clockwise from upper right: battery case (e.g., 3 AA), microSD card socket, DS3231 real time clock, Arduino Pro Mini. Parts 3 Primary components: Arduino Pro Mini. Pro Minis are available on eBay from sellers in Asia for under $2.00. At US retailers prices are between $4.00 and $20.00. Pro Minis come in 3.3v and 5v versions, and the 3.3v version is required. DS3231 real time clock. This module is available on eBay for about $1.20 or from US retailers for $4.00 to $15.00. 3 volt MicroSD card socket. These modules are available on eBay for less than $1.00. There are many different microSD card modules, and some are better at low sleep current. Also required: Battery or battery case for AA or AAA. The Mini Pearl logger is a 3 volt device. Three alkaline batteries (3 x 1.5v = 4.5v) are adequate or four NiMH (4 x 1.2v = 4.8v). LiPo or LiPoly batteries (3.7v) are also good. MicroSD card. Cards of 1 GB or smaller capacity are best because they tend to sleep better and at lower current. 128MB cards can allow 2 to 4 million data logging events, so larger cards are not needed. CR2032 coin cell battery for real time clock. Kits with all the parts needed to solder together a Mini Pearl Logger are available at the KAPtery for $19.00. Below are some research notes about activities done with the Mini Pearl Logger. Activities [activities:mini-pearl-logger] Questions [questions:mini-pearl-logger]	Revert
1	cfastie	September 05, 2017 21:09 \| over 6 years ago The Mini Pearl Logger is an inexpensive approach to logging environmental data. It is based on an Arduino Pro Mini in combination with a real time clock and a microSD card reader. Those three modules can be purchased (eBay sellers in Asia) for less than US$5.00 (total, including shipping). Adding the microSD card, batteries, wires, etc. can bring the cost of materials close to US$15.00. Ed Mallon's Cave Pearl Logger uses a similar combination of components, and Ed has done extensive testing to extend the field longevity to more than a year. We are still trying to replicate Ed's results, and have not yet managed to log data for more than a month on a few AAA batteries. Kits of all the parts needed to solder together a Mini Pearl Logger are available at the KAPtery. Questions [questions:mini-pearl-logger] Activities [activities:mini-pearl-logger]	Revert
0	cfastie	August 27, 2017 03:50 \| over 6 years ago The Mini Pearl Logger is an inexpensive approach to logging environmental data. It is based on an Arduino Pro Mini in combination with a real time clock and a microSD card reader. Those three modules can be purchased (eBay sellers in Asia) for less than US$5.00 (total, including shipping). Adding the microSD card, batteries, wires, etc. can bring the cost of materials close to US$15.00. Ed Mallon's Cave Pearl Logger uses a similar combination of components, and Ed has done extensive testing to extend the field longevity to more than a year. We are still trying to replicate Ed's results, and have not yet managed to log data for more than a month on a few AAA batteries. Kits of all the parts needed to solder together a Mini Pearl Logger are available at the KAPtery. Questions [questions:mini-pearl-logger] Activities [activities:mini-pearl-logger]	Revert