Connor Holowachuk | Project exact-satellite-logger

Project Overview2021-2022

Concrete curing is not limited to geographical regions that have ready access to internet. Remote sites demanded a solution that would allow for data to be logged and sent to a central location without the need for internet access. The Satellite Logger is a rugged and portable device that is mounted on a satellite modem and is able to log data and send it to a central location when the modem is able to connect to the internet.

Technologies

Explore the technologies I used to build this project

ESP32

Iridium

Arduino

Prototype Power OnThe first iteration of the Satellite Logger powered on to display a welcome screen as system health checks are running and a initial satellite connection is established, followed by a termperature report from all 4 thermistor probes.

Open LoggerEach logger was equipped with manual power controls and a 2.8" LCD screen for connection status, temperature readings, and battery capacity.

Connecting to IridiumThe logger handled automatic connection to the Iridium network, pushing highly compressed temperature data to minimize cost and latency.

Prototype WiringThe prototype was equipped with a custom PCB and a battery pack, with additional wiring for the thermistor probes and LCD screen. Prototype wiring here was soldered to test new features.

Features

The Satellite Logger was equipped with a number of features to provide reliable and secure data transmission over the Iridium network.

Iridium Connectivity

The logger was equipped with an Iridium modem to provide reliable and secure data transmission over the Iridium network.

Automatic Data Logging

The logger was equipped with a microcontroller to automatically log data when the Iridium modem was able to connect to the network.

Heads Up Display

The logger was equipped with a 2.8" LCD screen to provide a heads up display for the operator to view the status of the logger and the temperature readings from the probes.

Custom Data Compression

The logger was equipped with a custom data compression algorithm to minimize the amount of data sent over the Iridium network, reducing costs by more than 80%.

Low Power Consumption

To extend the battery life of the device, a low power SoC was used, along with power routing to prioritize vital functions like the Iridium modem and temperature sensors.

802.11 Radio

The logger is Bluetooth and WiFi enabled to allow for on-the-spot configuration and updates to the device.

Power Alerts

The logger was equipped with a battery status display to provide the operator with the remaining battery capacity of the logger.

Temperature Readings

The logger was equipped with thermistor probes to measure the temperature of the concrete.

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