New to Arduino - Is This Project Feasible?

Using Arduino Project Guidance
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Hey everyone,

I'm looking to create a small arduino device that constantly records ambient information via sensors and then sends that data back to the internet where it can be organized / manipulated (api).

I'd like to constantly record time, location (gps), ambient temperature, and audio (microphone).

As I gain more familiarity with what I'm doing, I'd like to add additional sensors like heartbeat, fingerprint, etc.

It could also be interesting to include a LCD screen that displays the data being collected in real time - but I'll consider that a cosmetic addition that can be added later.

The essence of this project is to basically carry this thing around with me 24/7 and start building a "api" for my human. Anyone w/ access to the api could see my location (current, and archive), temperature, and audio (maybe thats private).

From the api, we could pull some interesting conclusions from the dataset, like how much more do I leave the house when the temperature is above 70 degrees - or - What locations do I visit with the most frequency, and is there any pattern to the days of the week that I go to these places.

I really just want to start recording & collecting data on myself and see where that takes me.

---------- Questions -------------

How would the data collected from sensors be sent to the internet - via a wifi shield?

What if there's no wifi connection at a certain time - can it still collect & archive the data and send it when a connection is found?

How would this be powered - is battery the best option?

Do you guys think this project possible? How hard would you estimate this would be to execute?

Thanks! Excited to get started.

  • J
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How would the data collected from sensors be sent to the internet - via a wifi shield?

I would say that's the best option.

What if there's no wifi connection at a certain time - can it still collect & archive the data and send it when a connection is found?

Save the data on an SD card. If you are out and about I would think that no WiFi would be the norm unless you hang around Mac Donalds a lot.

How would this be powered - is battery the best option?

I can't think of any other option unless you plan to use a very long extension lead or strap a solar panel to your head.

Do you guys think this project possible?

Yes, with the possible exception of audio, I think that's way too much data to shunt around with an Arduino

How hard would you estimate this would be to execute?

I'll say pretty hard because I've not done it before, but many people have done similar from stationary installations so it's probably not that difficult. The only real difference is that you want to be mobile and have to think about a power supply.

However there is a lot going on here, it's going to be a large thing to lug around, you're looking at an Arduino and 2-3 shields at least, maybe 3-4. You will need to make a custom PCB to keep the size down.

I'd like to add additional sensors like heartbeat, fingerprint, etc

Are you going to strap all this on every time you go out?

Rob

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Jcsarokin:
I'd like to constantly record time, location (gps), ambient temperature, and audio (microphone).

Do you guys think this project possible? How hard would you estimate this would be to execute?

There are a few things you may want to think about, like:

Where do you carry the temperature (ambient) sensor?
-- In a pocket would not be ambient.

What do you do when you lose the GPS signal due to entering a building that's shielding it.
-- Your file format (on an SD card) has to be designed to allow for such things

What about power?
-- Frills (LCD) add to the power requirements
-- Battery + Arduino + Sensor weight may be an issue.

But yes, it's certainly feasible. If I were you, I'd start small.. one sensor or module at a time, and work on it, building on your knowledge and honing your skills. It won't be a pushover, but I would not call it extraordinarily difficult either. What it is, is fairly complex, but reducible to small chunks, each of which is not difficult.

A while back, I posted something in a thread that you might want to read over:
http://forum.arduino.cc/index.php?topic=200739.msg1481709#msg1481709

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If I was doing this project it sounds like the best way to do it would be to use an androide smart phone.