[Part 3] Arduino Data Logger
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[Part 2] Arduino Data Logger
- For the external plug pack I selected the POWERTRAN MB8968B from Altronics. Input is 100-240VAC @ 50-60Hz/0.8A, output is 24VDC @ 1A.
- To produce the 5VDC (from the 24VDC) for the Arduino I selected the Z6334 DC-DC Buck Module from Altronics. Input is 3-40VDC, output 1.5-35VDC @ 3A maximum (adjusted to provide a 5VDC output).
- To maintain the date and time while the logger is powered off I selected the DS1302 based Real Time Clock Module from Altronics. Reports online indicate that the DS1302 chip can be unreliable (as opposed to the DS1307) but I have had no issues with the one I purchased.
- The Arduino I selected was one I had already, the Freetronics EtherTen. The on-board MicroSD slot was the main reason I decided to use this, I didn’t require the Ethernet port.
[Part 1] Arduino Data Logger
This is the first post in a series in which I’ll document the development of an Arduino-based data logger. The requirements for this data logger are:
- Data to be logged is a 4-20mA current loop signal (2-wire) from a sensor (using 4-20mA for analogue measurement is an industrial automation standard);
- Sensor requires a 24VDC supply (I’ll be using a 240VAC-to-24VDC transformer plug pack to provide the 24VDC so there will be no mains supply work required);
- Whole system to be contained in a box that can be sealed up and made “weather-proof”.
Minitrix British N-Gauge Class 42 Warship
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| N206 Class 42 Warship (D82 “Hermes”) Bo-Bo Diesel |
Minitrix British N-Gauge Class 27
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| N204 Class 27 (D5379) Bo-Bo Diesel |
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| N212 Class 27 (27014) Bo-Bo Diesel |
SM Bus Controller Driver for Lenovo ThinkPad X220i
If you are installing Windows on a Lenovo ThinkPad X220i and wondering (like me) why the Lenovo drivers don’t seem to work for the SM Bus Controller, have a look at the following link. In case you are wondering, the SM Controller is a motherboard chipset that monitors temperatures and voltages (SM = “System Management”).
Mini Punch-List (updated)
Current list of things to sort on my 1975 Mini Clubman:
- Speedometer – currently not working, have a second one (and now a third one) but not much luck so far;
- Windscreen wipers – currently not working, now have a working set in the shed to try;
- Doors – rusty and in a state of disrepair, newer rust free doors require stripping, preparing, painting and fitting;
- Numerous small body repairs – usual stuff for a 42 year old car.
- Clutch hydraulics are non-functional…
Mini Punch-List
Current list of things to sort on my 1975 Mini Clubman:
- Speedometer – currently not working, have a second one but not much luck so far;
- Windscreen wipers – currently not working, now have a working set in the shed to try;
- Doors – rusty and in a state of disrepair, newer rust free doors require stripping, preparing, painting and fitting;
- Numerous small body repairs – usual stuff for a 42 year old car.
Planes I have flown in (updated to include Saab 340)
- Fokker 100 (Alliance Airlines, Network Aviation);
- Boeing 737-400 (Qantas/QantasLink);
- Boeing 737-800 (Qantas, Virgin Australia);
- British Aerospace 146 (QantasLink);
- Boeing 717-200 (QantasLink);
- Embraer E-Jets E-190 (Virgin Australia);
- Embraer EMB 120 Brasilia (Network Aviation);
- Fokker F70LR (Network Aviation);
- Airbus A320 (Virgin Australia);
- Saab 340 (Regional Express Airlines).
May 2017 Update
So it’s been a while since I’ve posted. Notice a theme?
Anyway, here goes:
- I’ve quit my job as a Control Systems Engineer in the mining industry and have started a new job as a Control Systems Engineer in the grain handling industry. The change has been good and I feel reinvigorated. I’m enjoying engineering more as I no longer have people reporting to me. I’m also going away with work a lot less (and when I do go away it’s generally a day trip).
- I’m catching the bus to and from work so the 1975 Mini Clubman is no longer a daily drive. I’m getting some of the more involved work done on it now (disc brakes and suspension). I’m planning on it being a fairly original car with some upgrades for safety (disc brakes and suspension) and for the look (period roof rack, possibly a rear window shade). Recently fitted new plugs and leads as it lost a cylinder…