Background

A data logger is an electronic device that records data over time typically used by researchers to gain greater insight into specific research. Our specific type of data logger- the “pro mini classroom data logger” works is a little tricky and a basic understanding of some key components helps a broad overview become easier to comprehend. First, a breadboard is a plastic base where an electronic circuit can be built upon and conductive wire can be connected to like the foundation of a building. Next, micro controllers are integrated circuits which mean they contain many necessary electronic components like transistors, resistors and capacitors. They control some or all of the functions of an electronic device and are extremely important and widespread in modern technology. Then, the SD card is where the data is stored and can be acquired through connecting it to a USB and plugging into a computer. The sensors on the data logger are a soil moisture sensor, a sunlight sensor, a soil temperature sensor and another temperature sensor attached to the real time time clock inside the data logger. Finally, the last major key are the lithium batteries which are put into the data logger as a power source that can carry out the code programmed onto it from Arduino.

Arduino is an open-source electronics platform based on a easy-to-use hardware and software. On the platform people write and upload code to electronics. The Arduino board was designed to make it easy for non-technical people to make interactive devices. Arduino boards are able to read inputs like light on a sensor and turn it into an output like turning on an LED. Arduino uses its own programming language, which is similar to C++. For this project we used Arduino to program our data loggers to sense the temperature in the air and the soil with the sensors given to us. Along with that the code allowed us to measure light and track its own battery life, each of these taken as data every 5 minutes.

Our inspiration for this project came mainly from Dr. Beddows and Edward Mallon, who are two researchers and innovators who collected data related to hydrology during the cave pearl project which they co-founded. DIY data loggers (innovation) were used in response to moved, lost, damaged or destroyed data loggers and other equipment inside flooded caves by using Arduino programmed data loggers to make cheaper, easier to make, and more versatile data loggers in comparison to expensive commercial sensors. Additional purposes include wanting to expand data and research on hydrology as water is such an invaluable resource and making materials and prototypes more accessible to people that are interested. Dr. Beddows and Mr. Mallon Came to a realization in 2011, that open-source software (OSS) programmed electronics had the potential to replace commercial sensor units. (OSS is publicly accessible computer software that anyone can use, modify and distribute as opposed to closed private software). They would go on to save thousands of dollars by deploying.