For our project, Min and I began by separately researching different types of data loggers because there are many out there.
We didn’t need a Resistance Temperature Detector (RTD) data logger or a Bluetooth data logger. In fact, we didn’t need a lot of things.
We wanted a logger that would cover the basics: store data and keep track of time. Knowing this allowed us to narrow our search.
So to organize our thoughts and gain some structure to successfully carry out the task, we each did some planning and developed a screening matrix based on our separate research.
Screening Matrix
A screening matrix allows you to determine the best component choice by comparing a group of component options to a set of criteria. This is done by using a weighting factor and a ranking system.
Each criterion is assigned a weighting factor, or a number indicating the level of importance. Then each component is ranked on its ability to meet that criterion. The total is calculated by multiplying the weighting factor by the rank.
The highest value within each set of the component options is deemed the best option.
Our Matrices
As you can see, our screening matrices are different. For example, I considered the “Data Logger Shield” and the “Data Logger GPS Shield”, while Min looked at the “DS3231” and “DS1307”.
This outcome was logical because we conducted our research separately.
Therefore, we decided that the next step was to take our top ranking components and to each develop and test our own data logger design.
The plan was to compare the end results of the two designs and install the best logger on the GBG.
Rosie, thanks for letting us know! We appreciate it.
The end date here has a small typo (it should be February 2021 not 2020). But keep up the good…
Awesome Brandy, glad you were able to follow the code and learn something from this post! The data logger has…
I think this is a great post to have. I am always particularly intrigued by how code works. By adding…
A flow chart has been added. Thank you for your suggestion!
4 Responses
You mention that a Bluetooth data logger was not necessary. However, would it be possible to use one along with perhaps a mobile device to view the data in this manner?
Yeah, that’s an interesting concept Felipe. We’ll have to look into that!
What made you originally think you might need an RTD?
Great question Tim. We first wanted to test the data logger using different types of sensors before implementing it into a test circuit to record timestamps of the forward/backward motion. An RTD would be useful for accurate temperature measurement, but we were only using the sensors to see if the data logger works.