Datalogger for Low-Cost High Mountain Weather Stations: Design, Optimization and Testing of Power Consumption and Compatibility with Satellite Transmitter

Lujan-Leon J.P.; Alvarado-Lugo R.A.; Lovon-Ramos P.W.; Benites-Condori C.; Anacona P.I. · Proceedings of the 2023 IEEE 30th International Conference on Electronics, Electrical Engineering and Computing, INTERCON 2023 (2023) · DOI: 10.1109/intercon59652.2023.10326074

Resumen

This paper presents the design, optimization, and laboratory testing of a low-cost Datalogger for meteorological stations in high mountain environments. The lack of meteorological data in the high Andean basins hinders natural resource management and disaster prevention, therefore Low-Cost Weather Stations are presented as efficient solutions to collect such data and meet the demand for research in these areas. The Datalogger based on a ESP32 microcontroller was developed to capture, store, and transmit meteorological data, while also addressing the challenges of operating in remote and harsh conditions. The study focused on integrating essential functionalities, such as data transmission, with a strong emphasis on satellite communication for global coverage this by means of electronic components to obtain an RS485 output interface. The optimization process involved state-of-the-art review, careful selection of components and PCB design. Two versions of the Datalogger were fabricated and subjected to laboratory testing to assess their performance and reliability. The results showed that both versions exhibited satisfactory responses in terms of data acquisition, communication interfaces, and sensor integration. Overall, the Datalogger demonstrated promising results, showcasing its potential for scientific research and environmental monitoring in challenging high mountain environments. Future work will involve field testing to validate its performance under real-world conditions and further refine the design for optimal functionality.