Summary of Simple Arduino Data Logger
A data logger records time-stamped measurements for later review. This tutorial describes an Arduino Nano–based temperature data logger using a DS3231 RTC (with on-board temperature sensor and real-time clock) and a micro SD card module to store readings. The DS3231 communicates via I2C, the SD module via SPI, and the project includes wiring, power, and a simple breadboard setup.
Parts used in the Arduino based Data Logger:
- DS3231 RTC module
- Micro SD card module
- Arduino Nano
- Multimeter Mastech 8268
- AA battery holder
- Small breadboard
- Wires
- Batteries
Introduction
A data logger is an electronic device or instrument that records data over a period of time. It allows the user to record time or location stamped data which can be viewed at a later time or real time.
Irrespective of the type of data being logged or the kind of data logger, these devices usually contain two main units, the sensor unit and the storage/communication unit. The sensor unit may involve the use of an external instrument or a sensor embedded within the device. Increasingly, but not entirely, data logging devices are becoming more based on micro processors and microcontrollers, which has opened up a whole new level of data gathering and storage.
For today’s tutorial, our focus will be on building an Arduino based data logger that reads the temperature of the environment every few minutes and saves the data in a micro SD card.
The Project is based on the Arduino Nano and the DS3231 RTC Module which has a temperature sensor and a real time clock on board.
Required Components
The following components are required to build this project:
- DS3231 RTC
- Micro SD card module
- Arduino Nano
- Multimeter Mastech 8268
- AA Battery holder
- Small Breadboard
- Wires
- Batteries
Schematics
Connect the components as shown in the circuit diagram below.
The data logger is made up of the Arduino Nano, the Ds3231 RTC Module, and a micro SD card module. The micro SD card module communicates with the Arduino over SPI as explained in a detailed tutorial here, while the DS3231 module communicates with the Arduino over I2C. A detailed tutorial on the DS3231 module can also be found here.
To simplify the connection further, a pin map of the connections in the schematics is done below.
Connection between Arduino and Micro SD card Module:
Read more: Simple Arduino Data Logger
- What does this data logger record?
It reads the ambient temperature and saves time-stamped data to a micro SD card using the DS3231 temperature sensor and RTC. - Which microcontroller is used in the project?
The project uses an Arduino Nano. - How does the DS3231 communicate with the Arduino?
The DS3231 communicates with the Arduino over I2C. - How does the micro SD card module communicate with the Arduino?
The micro SD card module communicates with the Arduino over SPI. - What components are required to build the data logger?
The required components are DS3231 RTC, micro SD card module, Arduino Nano, Multimeter Mastech 8268, AA battery holder, small breadboard, wires, and batteries. - Can the DS3231 provide both time and temperature?
Yes, the DS3231 module provides a real time clock and an on-board temperature sensor. - Where are the logged data stored?
Logged temperature data are stored on the micro SD card. - Is a schematic provided for connections?
Yes, the article provides a circuit diagram and a pin map of the connections.
