Wireless Transmission and Logging of Measurement Data Through Cellular Networks

Abstract

We report a software and hardware solution for collection, wireless transmission, and storage of measurement data (logIT). logIT allows end-users with only elementary knowledge of engineering and coding the ability to rapidly obtain the necessary components to automatically record and wirelessly transmit GPS coordinates and data sensed by a measurement device with approximately one-minute temporal resolution. The platform is flexible and can be used with any hardware or sensor that reports a voltage. Two codes are provided within this manuscript. First, we present code for data logging within a Thingspeak.com channel. Secondly, we present code for data logging to an independent Apache server administered by the end-user. Within the article, we demonstrate two example applications in which light levels are measured and reported wirelessly during a volunteer’s walk through our campus, and for mobile measurements of airborne dust levels in Lubbock, TX. We envision the codes provided within can be used to enable and enhance a large variety of research projects within the measurement community.