Automated electronic data loggers revolutionized environmental monitoring by enabling reliable high-frequency measurements. However, the potential to monitor the complex environmental interactions involved in global change has not been fully realized due to the high cost and lack of modularity of commercially available data loggers. Responding to this need, we developed the ALog (Arduino logger) series of three open-source data loggers, based on the popular and easy-to-program Arduino microcontroller platform. ALog data loggers are low cost, lightweight, and low power; they function between 30 and C 60 degrees C, can be powered by readily available alkaline batteries, and can store up to 32GB of data locally. They are compatible with standard environmental sensors, and the ALog firmware library may be expanded to add additional sensor support. The ALog has measured parameters linked to weather, streamflow, and glacier melt during deployments of days to years at field sites in the USA, Canada, Argentina, and Ecuador. The result of this work is a robust and field-tested open-source data logger that is the direct descendant of dozens of individuals' contributions to the growing open-source electronics movement.
1.Univ Minnesota, Dept Earth Sci, John T Tate Hall,116 Church St SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455 USA 2.Univ Minnesota, St Anthony Falls Lab, 2 3rd Ave SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414 USA 3.Northern Widget LLC, St Paul, MN 55106 USA 4.Univ Minnesota, Dept Elect & Comp Engn, Kenneth H Keller Hall,200 Union St SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455 USA
Recommended Citation:
Wickert, Andrew D.,Sandell, Chad T.,Schulz, Bobby,et al. Open-source Arduino-compatible data loggers designed for field research[J]. HYDROLOGY AND EARTH SYSTEM SCIENCES,2019-01-01,23(4):2065-2076