Data Logger - Temperature

Forum 2005-2010 (read only) Hardware Interfacing
1

Hi,

I am very new to Arduino but I would love to build a temperture data logger and was wondering if anyone out there has done this already or has some tips on how it might be done?

Cheers.

2

Hello and welcome!

Divide this problem into multiple sections:

This is probably not a complete list of things that needs to be solved, but it should get you going. :slight_smile:

3

I have done a simple temperature "monitor"

:slight_smile:

4

Hi AlphaBeta & Eried,

Thanks for the info, much appreciated and good to know it's possible :slight_smile:

What I need to do now is figure out how to do the following:

  • Extend Arduino memory onto say an SD card.
  • Programme a name for the data series.
  • Programme a start data and time.
  • Programme a sample rate.
  • Start sampling at given time.
  • Write sampled data to SD memory with time & date stamp.
  • Continue until memory is full.

I have ordered a book - lets see how it goes :slight_smile:

This could make for a popular sheild to data log all sorts of info: temperature, humidity, light, voltage, current, CO2, etc although this is beyond my abilities :-[

5

I think point5 is right, a hardware shield is needed for a good data logger.

I started by writing new libraries for SD read/write. The first is a FAT16 library Google Code Archive - Long-term storage for Google Code Project Hosting..

The second is part of a library to record sound. The folder SdFat in this applications, Google Code Archive - Long-term storage for Google Code Project Hosting. is a general purpose FAT16/FAT32 library for SD cards.

There are example showing how to write analogRead value with both libraries.

Much hardware and software support is required for a true data logger.

I have been building a prototype data logger with some features I think are needed using an Adafruit Proto Shield. It has a quad precision op-amp with programmable gain to prevent channel crosstalk and set the gain, a precision voltage reference, and a real time clock.

It records to a microSD. It will be controlled and configured by a file.

Here are two products I am using:

MicroSD card module with level shifters MicroSD Card Adapter
Real time clock module http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/product_info.php?products_id=99

I used a SOIC TLV2374 op-amp. It is a precession amp with CMOS inputs designed for use with high-impedance sensor interfaces.

I am still playing with the voltage reference.

Also you need some decent terminal blocks to connect external devices.

A good set of requirements would be helpful. 4-20ma current loop support? More than 0-5 volt? Data rates? Time stamps? Calibration? The list is endless.

6

Hi wgreiman,

Just wondering how you're getting on with your data logger project - I'm making some progress but still a long way to go!!!