SparkFun has recently launched a new data logging board for the IoT, the SparkFun DataLogger IoT. This board is based on the Espressif ESP32-WROOM-32E microcontroller, and it comes preprogrammed with a variety of features that make it ideal for a wide range of IoT applications.
One of the key features of the SparkFun DataLogger IoT is its ability to automatically detect and configure Qwiic sensor breakouts. This means that you can simply plug in your Qwiic sensors to the board, and it will automatically start logging data from them without you having to write any code.
It was specifically designed for users who just need to capture a lot of data to a CSV or JSON file and get back to their more extensive project. Save the data to a microSD card or send it wirelessly to your preferred Internet of Things (IoT) service!
The SparkFun DataLogger IoT can log data to a microSD card or send it wirelessly to a variety of IoT services, including MQTT Client, MQTT Secure Client, AWS IoT, ThingSpeak MQTT, Azure IoT, HTTP IoT, and MachineChat. This gives you a lot of flexibility in how you choose to store and analyze your data.
This new DataLogger IoT board doesn’t have a built-in IMU sensor. This board supports automatic detection and logging of over a dozen sensors and GNSS receivers. You just power it up, configure it to record readings from supported devices, and begin logging!
Data can be time-stamped when the time is synced to NTP, GNSS, or RTC.
The DataLogger IoT can be configurable over serial interface, you can simply connect USB-C cable and open a serial terminal at 115200 baud rate. The logging output is automatically streamed to the terminal and the microSD card. Pressing any key in the terminal window will open the configuration menu which will guide how to configure the datalogger further.
The DataLogger IoT automatically scans, detects, configures, and logs various Qwiic sensors plugged into the board without any need of soldering or even programming.
In addition to its data logging capabilities, the SparkFun Datalogger IoT also includes a number of other features that make it a versatile and powerful IoT board. These features include:
- A built-in LiPo charger
- A low-power sleep mode
- A variety of communication interfaces, including USB-C, UART, I2C, and SPI
- USB-C is for USB to serial communication as well as for programming the ESP32
- A programmable RGB LED
Sparkfun DataLogger IoT uses standard microSD cards to record text, comma-separated (i.e., CSV), or JavaScript Object Notation (JSON) files. The DataLogger IoT supports 4-bit SDIO with microSD cards formatted as FAT32 and the older FAT16 (i.e., FAT) formats up to 32GB only.
It doesn’t support other size MicroSD cards.
Sparkfun Dataloogger IoT supports low-power logging. It can be configured to take readings about 26 times a second with the default sensors turned on or as slow as 1 reading every 24 hours.
Sparkfun DataLogger IoT has a built-in LiPo charging set at 500mA/hr. When in the sleep mode, the resulting current consumption is approx. 200µA.
The SparkFun DataLogger IoT is a great choice for a variety of IoT applications, such as:
- Environmental monitoring
- Asset tracking
- Industrial automation
- Smart home and building automation
- Research and development
Here are a few specific examples of how the SparkFun DataLogger IoT can be used:
- You could use the SparkFun DataLogger IoT to monitor the temperature and humidity in your greenhouse, and send that data to the cloud so that you can check it from anywhere.
- You could use the SparkFun DataLogger IoT to track the location of your valuable assets, such as shipping containers or construction equipment.
- You could use the SparkFun DataLogger IoT to automate tasks in your factory, such as turning on and off machines or monitoring production lines.
- You could use the SparkFun DataLogger IoT to create a smart home system that can control your lights, thermostat, and other devices.
- You could use the SparkFun DataLogger IoT to collect data for research purposes, such as studying the effects of climate change or the behavior of animals.
The SparkFun DataLogger IoT is a powerful and versatile tool that can be used to create a wide range of IoT applications. It is easy to use and comes with a variety of features that make it ideal for both beginners and experienced users.
SparkFun DataLogger IoT (Bottom View)
SparkFun Datalogger IoT Board Technical Spec
- ESP32-WROOM-32E Module
- Integrated 802.11b/g/n WiFi 2.4GHz transceiver
- Programming via CH340C
- Operating voltage range
- 3.3V to 6.0V (via VIN)
- 5V with USB (via 5V or USB type C)
- 3.6V to 4.2V with LiPo battery (via BATT or 2-pin JST)
- Built-in MCP73831 single cell LiPo charger
- Minimum 500mA charge rate
- 3.3V (via 3V3)
- MAX17048 LiPo Fuel Gauge
- Ports
- 1x USB type C
- 1x JST style connector for LiPo battery
- 2x Qwiic enabled I2C
- 1x microSD socket
- Support for 4-bit SDIO and microSD cards formatted to FAT32
- LEDs
- Charge (CHG)
- Status (STAT)
- 1-Wire B3DQ3BRG Addressable RGB
- Jumpers
- Measure
- RGB LED
- Status LED
- Charge LED
- I2C pull-up resistors
- USB Shield
- Buttons
- Reset, Boot
- Dimensions: 1.66in. x 2.00in.
- Weight: 10.65g
SparkFun Datalogger IoT Documentation
I hope you found this blog post useful.
For more details about Sparkfun Datalogger IoT Board, please go through their product page.
Also, if you want to know about other datalogger boards from Sparkfun.
I am currently working as an embedded systems design consultant and helping companies build custom embedded products, develop test automation solution for their PCB or complete product.
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