Mini Pearl Pro Logger Kit

DISCONTINUED

This item is no longer kept in stock.

The Mini Pearl Logger is available in three kits. This one requires soldering, includes a TPL5110 timer, and does not include a sensor or FTDI cable. See also the Mini Pearl and the Mini Pearl Snap kits.

The parts in this kit can be soldered together to make a data logger which will log environmental data unattended for many months. Three AA batteries (not included) power a TPL5110 timer which turns the Arduino Pro Mini on for only the few seconds needed to read a sensor (not included) and save data to a microSD card.

A Mini Pearl Logger can also be powered continuously and conserve battery power by sleeping between logging events. But adding an external TPL5110 timer uses less power so batteries last longer. An additional advantage is that the sketch running on the Arduino can be much simpler and easier to understand. A sketch which logs data from the temperature sensor on the real-time clock can be downloaded at the Guides page.

A data logging interval between less than one second and two hours can be set two ways. A trim potentiometer on the Adafruit TPL5110 timer can be adjusted with a small screwdriver or a resistor can be soldered onto the timer. Eight resistors are included. Select one to set an interval between 2 minutes and 110 minutes.

Select the option above to substitute a kit to build a Log-a-Long Timer instead of the ready-to-use Adafruit Low Power Timer.

This kit does not include any sensors other than the temperature sensor built into the real time clock. Several types of environmental sensors can be added to your order from this page.

The Arduino Pro Mini does not have a USB port, so programming the Arduino requires an FTDI USB to serial adapter or cable which is not included in the kit. A UART adapter is available as an add-on purchase.

This kit does not include step by step instructions for assembly. A quick start guide, assembly suggestions, and a starter sketch can be downloaded here. This research note describes the assembly process. The wiring diagram is your primary guide to assembly. If you have any questions check these research notes and leave comments or click Contact above.

Included parts:

  • Arduino Pro Mini compatible microcontroller (3.3v)
  • Adafruit TPL5110 Low Power Timer or Log-a-Long Timer Kit (select above)
  • Eight resistors to set the logging interval between 2 to 110 minutes
  • 3.3v MicroSD card board
  • 256MB to 1GB microSD card
  • Real time clock (DS3231) board
  • CR2032 coin cell battery for RTC
  • Case for three AA batteries (has switch and leads)
  • Loose headers for PCBs (not required)
  • A bunch of 24AWG stranded wire of different colors
  • Custom 3D printed mounting plate

You must supply:

  • soldering iron
  • solder
  • wire cutter/stripper
  • heat shrink tubing (optional)
  • connectors (optional)
  • microSD card reader
  • sensors
  • cables for sensors
  • UART adapter for programming
  • weatherproof enclosure for field use
  • batteries