Smart Rock Updates

Smart Rock Updates

February 6, 2020 - Field Testing

Show More

Overview: Goals for field testing were to long-term and field test durability, data collection, sensor readings, and overall proof of concept for SmartRock. This version of Smart Rock had an Adalogger m0, RTC featherwing, Hydro PCB with TDS sensor, turbidity sensor, and ms5803 pressure/temperature sensor.

Procedure Taken: In-Lab: Modify Loom for 20 minute data collection intervals and upload to m0 Plug in charged battery and allow device to go through several wake/sleep cycles Check SD card for csv file and verify sensors are collecting data Replace battery and screw in PCB fittings Check waterproofness In-Field: Attach device to plywood with u-bolts Choose location Tether device to tree and place plywood side up in stream Let device get pulled by flow, check tether Return within 24 hours and check tether Return retrieve after 10 days Dry off and take SD card

Results: Due to sudden flooding of the stream on 1/25-1/29, I retrieved the device a day early while it was low. The device was in the stream for 9 days with no structural damage. The ms5803 pressure/temperature sensor was not functioning at the time of deployment. Data retrieved:

Discussion: Although data was collected, I cannot confirm the accuracy of the sensors without further lab testing. The pressure sensor was not working with I2C at the time and so future tests will be needed with that sensor. The sudden low values for TDS were most likely due to the device probes being out of water and the fluctuations in turbidity values could be accurate. The battery voltage graph shows that the decrease in voltage over time, which is important when estimating the maximum deployment length for the Smart Rock devices.

October 10, 2019 - AGU Prep Plan

Author: Alicia Veach

• The Smart Rock Project will be going to AGU this winter.

Show More

In preparation for AGU in December, we are building two stable versions of Smart Rock. Both versions have pH, temperature, pressure, turbidity, and electrical conductivity sensing capabilities. One version uses our HydroPCB for low power sleep with a WiFi feather m0 and SD featherwing. The other version uses our HypnosPCB for low power sleep, SD logging, and Real Time Clock along with a WiFi feather m0. Both Smart Rocks will be field tested in a creek to collect data every 20 minutes for 1 week.