In the past, we explored the NEO-6M GPS module with Arduino through a few of our tutorials (see: "Comparing iPhone GPS Against NEO-6M with Arduino" and "Arduino GPS Tracker"). In this tutorial, we wanted to push the size limits of the portable GPS tracker by using a mini GPS module called the ATGM336H. The result is a pocket-sized GPS tracker with the low-profile by pairing the ATGM336H module with an Arduino Xiao microcontroller, SD Card Module, and 3.7V LiPo Battery. The prototype developed here will be an autonomous tracker that will record latitude/longitude at roughly 1-10 points per second (1Hz - 10Hz) and needs no external components to track geolocation. The prototype can fit in a users pocket and can track for several hours. We will also present a Python program that will plot the geolocation data points that the user can use to view the route tracked by the Arduino GPS datalogger system. The Python analysis demonstrates how well the ATGM336H GPS module and antenna are able to replicate the walking path of a human with great resolution and accuracy.

MATLAB Datalogger with Arduino

In this tutorial, MATLAB is introduced as an interface for data acquisition with an Arduino board. The Arduino, in this particular case, will communicate with a Windows computer via the serial port and send data from an Arduino-compatible sensor, which will subsequently be read by MATLAB through its serial communication library. Serial communication from hardware to MATLAB is very simple and requires only a few lines of code. I will also introduce a real-time analysis and plotting routine to visualize the Arduino data as it arrives in real time. This particular method of data analysis and visualization in real time is incredibly useful for engineers interested in experimentation where microcontrollers and sensors may be used, along with complex data acquisition systems.

Arduino SD Card Module Data Logger

This tutorial will explore the range of capabilities available to the Arduino SD library by using a real-world example of data logging. The SD library allows users to read/write, list files, create/remove files, and make/delete directories. Additionally, we will develop an algorithm that creates a new file every time the Arduino board is restarted, which will prevent overwriting of existing data records. The resulting data file will be in comma separated format and contain multiple data points, including a time stamp in milliseconds since the program started. Therefore, it is important to record the program start time. For very accurate time monitoring tasks, a real-time clock is recommended, however, for the experiments conducted here, relative time suffices.

iPhone Datalogger with Arduino Using The iOS Bluetooth App BLExAR

The BLExAR app will be used in conjunction with a CC2541 (HM-10, JDY-08, AT-09, SH-M08) Bluetooth module and an Arduino (ATmega328) board to create a simple data acquisition system. A DHT22 sensor will provide temperature and humidity data to the Arduino which will be recorded by an iOS device via the BLExAR app. This experiment is a real-world example of an Arduino application demonstrating data acquisition from a real sensor. This tutorial will allow users to solve their own engineering problems using the modern Arduino platform and wireless communication through the BLExAr app, which will ultimately expand the reach and compatibility of technology in the classical sciences through exploration and experimentation.