Sensor System Development

During the first several labs, we will work through how to interface with progressively more complex environmental sensors using a Raspberry Pi computer. We will be introduced to several code development concepts through this process, as well as how to use and develop command-line tools for executing the software developed on the Raspberry Pi.

Following these initial labs, groups will be asked to work independently to create a similar data acquisition tool for the primary radiation sensor. Following this, we will work through the full assembly of your sensor systems and the testing and comparison of each groups data acquisition software. We will then use one lab session to go into the field and collect data using the full set of sensors interfacing with your portable device.

As part of this work, each group will be responsible for completing the following tasks, along with the basic data acquisition capabilities:

• Make README files and user interface (command-line interface) for running your software.
• Format a text printout for any results/data and implement data logging - this applies to data acquisition and calibration tools.

Sensors to interface

• Basic info for the BME280 Humidity + Pressure + Temperature breakout
• Use the data sheet to study how the sensor works and understand the limitations
• Use the Adafruit readout driver - update to run on Python 3 if necessary
• Format text printout of data readings and implement data logging
• Implement method for sending data to rabbitmq queue for display

• Follow the setup instructions to get started.
• Grab data from the sensor and implement text printout of data and data logging
• Implement method for sending data to rabbitmq queue for display

• Checkout the data sheet for the chip - we will be using the MCP3008 SOIC form factor, connected to the Raspberry Pi 3.3V for the reference voltage.
• You can use the archived library: Adafruit_Python_MCP3008
• You should look into using the new supported library: Adafruit_CircuitPython_MCP3xxx
• Determine the conversion for CO2 ppm value and the ADC digital value following the specifications for the CO2 sensor.
• Implement method for sending data to rabbitmq queue for display

• Look at the manufacturer information for how this sensor works, including example code (for the Arduino, in C++)
• We will provide an example driver for data readout if needed.
• Implement method for sending data to rabbitmq queue for display.

• Use the RPi.GPIO Python module for accessing signal from the Pocket Geiger sensor.
• Format text printout of data readings and implement data logging.
• Implement method for sending data to rabbitmq queue for display.
• Extra credit: use the same readout system to catch/process the noise signal for microphonic (vibrational) noise rejection.
• The challenge here is the pulse shape and the way the signal event handling works for this library