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Forum Index : Electronics : ideal logging computer

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GWatPE

Senior Member

Joined: 01/09/2006
Location: Australia
Posts: 2127
Posted: 09:01am 07 Sep 2009
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I have been looking into consolidating my logging computing requirements. I have found a microATX unit, with IntelAtom CPU. low consumption at 12W. I have coupled this to a power suppply that will run directly from my 24V battery. The mainboard has 4USB ports, and 6 COMM ports. This is a new unit, so it seems that COMM ports are still considered important.

I will be able to use this single computer to replace 4 laptops. I am planning on logging with several programs, and then having another program to extract and consolidate this raw data for presentation, or web viewing.

Remote access to my data will open some interesting options.

Gordon.
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GWatPE

Senior Member

Joined: 01/09/2006
Location: Australia
Posts: 2127
Posted: 10:43am 08 Sep 2009
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The testing of my software that has to run concurrently is now almost complete.

I have 2 piclogs. Can record both windmills now. I have also a USB 4channel ADC measuring battery volatge, and 3 DC battery currents. I also have a cell voltage and battery current recorder on my LiPo battery bank. I am also recording 240VAC power from my solar RE, and all house loadings, with wireless telemetry from the meter box. I am still to add the weather station data. I will be investigating the possibility of converting the DAVIS coded weather station files to an ASCII format. The way things are panning out, I will still have 3 COMM ports for some future purpose. I have been able to test uncompiled VB files without the system crashing, with all the other apps running, so I should be able to add more channels without losing data collection.

The next step will be Remote desktop viewing and testing of the LAN.

The new computer will operate directly from my RE battery setup. This will be the ideal UPS with the main house battery as the backup, and independent of any AC inverters or grid.

I still need to rewrite software for my main house inverter battery monitoring. The software presently just streams data to computer memory. The user has to manually save the data to file. This is not reliable enough for long term logging. Daily log files are superior.

The logging has been a long time in development. I am hoping to combine all the data with a picture type output window. There will be an overview window, with sections to click with more specific data, and historical data graph viewing.

If the modules are simple enough, there is the possibility that others may be able to add parts to there own logging reigime.

Would be good to pass some of the coding on to others for their own system monitoring.

Gordon.

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Tinker

Guru

Joined: 07/11/2007
Location: Australia
Posts: 1904
Posted: 03:12pm 08 Sep 2009
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  GWatPE said  

Would be good to pass some of the coding on to others for their own system monitoring.

Gordon.



Hi Gordon,
I Wish I could take you up on that offer but 'coding' has always been a bit of black science to me, to be used by the lucky ones who can get their brain around it. My 'coding' skills ended way back when computers got past BASIC

One other thing caught my eye, you mention "LiPo battery bank."
What does it consist of and how does the price of these compare to lead acid?
Reason I'm asking I'm about to commission my solar collector (non grid connected)and a bigger battery bank might be required one day.
Klaus
 
GWatPE

Senior Member

Joined: 01/09/2006
Location: Australia
Posts: 2127
Posted: 10:42pm 08 Sep 2009
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Hi Klaus,

The LiPo battery is part of some R&D For a 3rd party. The batteries are available commercially. At this stage I have no data for comparison. I don't expect results for over a year. I was merely pointing out a logging application.

You would not install a LiPo battery based on price.

The coding would be a working system. The coding is making an output data string from an existing hardware system with poor software more useful.

I think I would stick to known batteries on a boat for the moment.

Gordon.

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GWatPE

Senior Member

Joined: 01/09/2006
Location: Australia
Posts: 2127
Posted: 10:44am 09 Sep 2009
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The problem of ground loops has arisen with the multiple source logging arrangement. Will need to add some additional galvanic isolation to the final system.

All was going well until I aded the current sensing. May need to go with all isolated units. I may get away with just cap coupling of the data signals. The USB powered components seem to be most problamatic.

Gordon.
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