SparkFun has lengthy provided embedded merchandise that target logging data from a related system or sensor. These ready-to-use merchandise enabled speedy information logging of a related gadget to an area storage (SD card) or to an connected serial gadget, whereas delivering a low-power, versatile information logging answer that required minimal configuration and no firmware improvement effort. Later variations additionally added the aptitude for computerized gadget recognition, delivering a real, plug-and-play information logging answer.
Our present information logging options are implausible, however the information logging market has advanced past native information logging, with entry to related information companies now anticipated. To satisfy this want, SparkFun launched the SparkFun DataLogger IoT product line, with our first providing being the DataLogger IoT – 9DOF product.
SparkFun DataLogger IoT
The SparkFun DataLogger IoT delivers a ready-to-use related gadget targeted on information logging of information obtained from the mechanically detected SparkFun qwiic sensors related to the board. Simply configured by way of an on-board configuration menu system, The DataLogger IoT helps information logging to a wide range of related information companies in addition to the native SD card and output to a related serial gadget.
The DataLogger IoT system requires no improvement effort to function or use – join supported sensors, energy on the gadget, and configure by way of a serial console based mostly interactive menu or by offering a settings JSON file. As soon as configured, settings a persistent throughout gadget restarts, enabling dynamic deployment and use throughout all kinds of environments and conditions.
Key options of the SparkFun DataLogger IoT embrace:
- It’s a prepared to make use of gadget – no improvement required.
- Easy, interactive gadget settings by way of a serial menu interface.
- Computerized gadget detection, with in depth SparkFun qwiic board help – 50+ * merchandise obtainable at product launch.
- Native information logging to the on-board SD card, or to the serial console.
- Wi-Fi community connectivity built-in, with help for a wide range of related information logging companies.
- A built-in firmware replace functionality, enabling over-the-air firmware updates immediately from the gadget.
Able to Use
The SparkFun DataLogger IoT is delivered ready-to-use, requiring no firmware improvement or {hardware} engineering. Delivering a real plug-and-play expertise, the DataLogger IoT the setup and deployment of a related information logging system takes minutes.
The configuration of a related information logging gadget utilizing the SparkFun DataLogger IoT is simple, often taking the next steps to deploy:
- Connect the specified SparkFun qwiic sensors to the DataLogger IoT board.
- If utilizing a knowledge service that requires safety keys, add these keys to an SD card and insert the cardboard into the DataLogger IoT board.
- Join the DataLogger IoT board to a pc by way of a USB-C cable and join an interactive serial console software (Tera Time period or my favourite, minicom from a terminal) to the DataLogger Machine.
- Within the serial console, as soon as the startup sequence is full, press any key to convey up the DataLogger IoT menu system.
- From the menu system, configure the gadget as desired. This could embrace particular sensor settings, Wi-Fi credentials and related information service configuration.
When accomplished, the settings are saved, and the gadget is able to use.
Interactive Menu System
The DataLogger IoT is configured by way of an interactive menu system accessed by way of the serial console. As soon as related to the gadget and the gadget is began, the menu system is introduced with a single key press, presenting a hierarchical menu that begins with choices for system settings and gadget settings.
To navigate the menu system, entries are chosen by urgent the corresponding variety of the specified entry. Every menu has a “again” choice, usually the “b” key or “x” to exit the menu from the top-level menu entry. The Escape key may also abort the present menu web page.
The settings web page has all kinds of choices for the DataLogger IoT, together with common gadget operation, community connectivity, information service configuration and system replace choices.
Every entry presents choices for that specific class or setting.
Deciding on the Machine Settings choice from the primary menu, presents an inventory of the gadgets presently related to the DataLogger IoT board. Deciding on a selected gadget presents the particular settings to the gadget.
For instance, chosen the gadgets for the DataLogger IoT – 9DOF board current the next menu, which lists the on-board gadgets for the board:
When a setting is modified, it’s utilized to the working system and saved when exiting the menu system so the updates are utilized if the system is restarted.
It’s value noting the DataLogger IoT additionally helps a json based mostly settings import mechanism, enabling speedy configuration of recent or reset DataLogger IoT by inserting the file on an SD card that’s inserted into the board.
Computerized Machine Detection
One of many key targets of the DataLogger IoT is speedy configuration and use. And a key component in assembly this purpose is the automated detection and configuration of gadgets related to the DataLogger IoT.
On launch the DataLogger IoT is ready to mechanically detect and configure over 50 SparkFun qwiic boards. The DataLogger IoT firmware consists of the drivers for every of the boards, in addition to logic to detect and configure every gadget. On startup, the DataLogger IoT scans the I2C bus for recognized qwiic gadgets and if a tool is detected, masses the suitable driver, and configures the gadget mechanically. That is an extremely highly effective and handy function that helps make the DataLogger IoT a priceless device.
An instance of this in motion is proven within the under menu entries. By simply including a SparkFun Atmosphere Combo board to the DataLogger IoT, the Machine Settings menu mechanically consists of the board sensors – the CCS811 and the BME280.
The listing of supported gadgets for the DataLogger IoT is offered in an on-line supported gadget listing. As SparkFun releases extra qwiic gadgets sooner or later, the gadgets that make sense shall be added to the DataLogger IoT firmware.
Native Knowledge Logging
Whereas the DataLogger IoT is concentrated on related information logging capabilities, it delivers core, native information logging capabilities. Particularly logging information to the on-board SD card in addition to to an connected serial console gadget.
The system helps two codecs for the output information: CSV and JSON. Enabling information output and the specified format for every output vacation spot is configured throughout the menu system of the DataLogger IoT.
For writing information to the SD card, the DataLogger IoT makes use of quick SD entry (MMC), minimizing information delays when writing to the playing cards file system. Moreover, log information are rotated based mostly on a person set time interval, serving to to simplify information administration and group.
Community Connectivity and Knowledge Companies
The important thing function of the DataLogger IoT is its community connectivity and the entry to community companies this allows. With community help included, the DataLogger IoT implements a wide range of network-based companies that enormously improve the pliability and talent of the info logging system. This consists of Community Time Protocol (NTP) help, for correct time labeling of recorded information, and a wide range of information logging community companies.
On the preliminary launch of the DataLogger IoT board, the next information logging companies are supported:
- Generic MQTT help
- Generic HTTP submit help
- AWS IoT
- Azure IoT
- ThingSpeak
- MachineChat
When a knowledge service is enabled, every time information is logged by the DataLogger IoT, the info is shipped to the info service.
An ideal instance of logging output from the DataLogger is by way of the ThingSpeak service, which presents the output graphically. The next is the output of a BME280 qwiic gadget posted to ThingSpeak from a DataLogger IoT board. The easy plots present information carried out throughout pre-release testing and the output generated right now, whereas scripting this weblog submit.
System Updates
SparkFun is dedicated to including options and offering updates to the DataLogger IoT at a commonly scheduled tempo. This permits for well timed bug fixes, in addition to including new gadgets and community companies as they turn into obtainable.
To help straightforward updates, with the DataLogger IoT having community entry, firmware updates “over-the-air” (OTA) are supported. Accessed by way of the menu system, the firmware checks for the most recent firmware obtainable, and if a more recent model is offered, gives the flexibility to obtain and apply the brand new firmware immediately from the gadget.
If the community connectivity of a DataLogger IoT just isn’t enabled, updates are additionally obtainable offline utilizing the on-board SD card as a supply for the replace operation.
A New Possibility for Linked Knowledge Logging
Offering a ready-to-use system for related information logging, the SparkFun DataLogger IoT delivers a brand new and distinctive answer to the SparkFun catalog. Implementing plug-and-play gadget detection for over 50 SparkFun qwiic merchandise and supporting a variety of community information companies, the DataLogger IoT gives fashionable capabilities with out requiring engineering work or firmware customization. Simply add the specified sensor, configure the system, and start logging.
Additional Sources
Take a look at some extra data on the DataLogger and what it is able to in these weblog posts!
Are you engaged on one thing with the DataLogger? We wish to see! Shoot us a tweet @sparkfun, or present us on Instagram, Fb or LinkedIn.
