Editorial Type:
Article
Article Type:
Research Article

A Scalable Datalogging System with Serial Interfaces and Integrated GPS Time Stamping

Mario Behn Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Massachusetts—Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts

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Vincent Hohreiter Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Massachusetts—Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts

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Andreas Muschinski Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Massachusetts—Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts

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Print Publication:
01 Sep 2008
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1175/2007JTECHA1024.1
Page(s):
1568–1578
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Abstract

A scalable datalogging system for micrometeorological, fast-response, in situ, and remote sensing applications is presented. The system is based on a standard x86 MINI-ITX computer and the open-source operating system Linux. Real-time access for debugging and remote system control is implemented via a network interface. A 160-GB, 2.5-in. hard disk drive provides extended local storage. The recorded data can alternately be stored at a remote location using the Network File System (NFS) included in Linux. Accurate time stamping of collected data points is implemented using the open-source software Network Time Protocol (NTP) and a global positioning system (GPS) receiver. The operational capability of the system is demonstrated over a period of several weeks with data from seven ultrasonic anemometer–thermometers and a barometer.

Corresponding author address: Andreas Muschinski, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Massachusetts—Amherst, 151 Holdsworth Way, Amherst, MA 01003. Email: muschinski@mirsl.ecs.umass.edu

Abstract

A scalable datalogging system for micrometeorological, fast-response, in situ, and remote sensing applications is presented. The system is based on a standard x86 MINI-ITX computer and the open-source operating system Linux. Real-time access for debugging and remote system control is implemented via a network interface. A 160-GB, 2.5-in. hard disk drive provides extended local storage. The recorded data can alternately be stored at a remote location using the Network File System (NFS) included in Linux. Accurate time stamping of collected data points is implemented using the open-source software Network Time Protocol (NTP) and a global positioning system (GPS) receiver. The operational capability of the system is demonstrated over a period of several weeks with data from seven ultrasonic anemometer–thermometers and a barometer.

Corresponding author address: Andreas Muschinski, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Massachusetts—Amherst, 151 Holdsworth Way, Amherst, MA 01003. Email: muschinski@mirsl.ecs.umass.edu

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Journal of Atmospheric and Oceanic Technology

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