Raspberry Pi enthusiasts or those needing to log data may be interested in a new Raspberry Pi project to create a DIY Raspberry Pi 3 data logger thanks to Hackster.io member Joshua Hypes, who has kindly published details and full instructions via the Hackster.io website.
For the DIY project, the Raspberry Pi was equipped with a UBLOX GPS module and SenseHAT. The UBLOX GPS module provided longitude, latitude, and velocity while the official Pi SenseHAT provided temperature, humidity, barometric pressure, and acceleration. Check out the video below for a detailed overview of the project.
Project Components and Setup
The project setup is quite straightforward but requires some essential components. The Raspberry Pi 3 serves as the central processing unit, while the UBLOX GPS module and SenseHAT are the primary sensors. The UBLOX GPS module is known for its high accuracy and reliability, making it an excellent choice for capturing geographical data. On the other hand, the SenseHAT is a versatile add-on board that includes multiple sensors, such as a gyroscope, accelerometer, magnetometer, temperature sensor, barometric pressure sensor, and humidity sensor.
The Pi was set up to log these parameters on boot rather than having to manually open the script. This eliminated the need to use a monitor with the device. The joystick on the SenseHAT was set up to start and stop the data recording. A joystick command was also used to provide a shutdown command to avoid SD card corruption from improper power removal from the device.
Applications and Benefits
This DIY data logger has numerous applications. For instance, it can be used in environmental monitoring to track weather conditions over time. The temperature, humidity, and barometric pressure data can be invaluable for researchers studying climate patterns. Additionally, the GPS module can be used for tracking the movement of vehicles or even wildlife, providing valuable data for various scientific studies.
Another significant benefit of this project is its educational value. Building a Raspberry Pi data logger can be an excellent learning experience for students and hobbyists interested in electronics, programming, and data science. It offers a hands-on approach to understanding how different sensors work and how data can be collected, stored, and analyzed.
Moreover, the project is highly customizable. Depending on your needs, you can add more sensors or modify the existing setup. For example, you could integrate a camera module to capture images at regular intervals or add a solar panel to make the device self-sustaining.
Jump over to the Hackster.io for full details and instructions on how to build your very own Raspberry Pi data logger.
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