Getting started with arduino: what to buy

Question

Hello e14

Environmental engineer from denmark checking in.

I am building a project in which I plan to use an arduino to measure and log/record sensor data.
This sensor data includes: temperature, pH, conductivity, gas/liquid flow, and light intensity (x2 sensors), all measured in an aquatic environment.

Initially I will set up and test each sensor individually, then later set up a full set of sensors, and finally I require up to 6 sets of the above mentioned sensors.

I have tinkered with professional lab equipment, but starting up for myself, my budget is a far cry from what is required.

so the tasks at hand are:

1: aquire the nessecery parts

2: get familiar with building and programming arduino

3: set up data logging

4: test each sensor

5: set up a full set of sensors

6: set up multiple paralel sets of sensors using preferably 1 arduino(?), otherwise multiple.

I would love your thoughts on step 1: aquiring the nessecery parts.

(max budget ca. 200$, preferably around 100 if possible)

-Purchase an all-around starter kit for arduino to first learn the basics, and then the additional parts needed in order to reach my end-goals?

-Genuine arduino vs. 'clones' ?

also ideas, questions and inputs are absolutely welcome!

With kind regards

-Karl

shabaz · Answer

Hi Karl,

You might also want to examine (to rule in or rule out) the Raspberry Pi, because if you wish to perform logging, then there are more options with it (micro SD card with file system, USB storage, network storage, cloud based storage, and all with timestamping). Lots of basic sensors are very cheap (provided you're not looking for something already calibrated) so your $100-$200 budget will go far. You might rule out the Pi if (say) you need to run on very low power for extended periods for instance. But if you're happy to tether to a mains adapter supply then the Pi could be a good option, it really depends on what you wish to do.

ntewinkel · Answer

> Arduino could be cheaper perhaps It is, especially if you start out with an inexpensive clone. However, after the FTDI incident, some clones now use a different USB-to-Serial chip which requires special setup. But it's not difficult once you know what drivers to look for. Arduinos and their clones also come in several smaller form factors at inexpensive pricing. Like the Nano and the Pro-Mini. A couple of other things I've found is that Arduino is quicker and easier to set up, and they start up a lot faster. Raspberry Pi startup is similar to booting up an older PC. If you want Arduino IDE, wireless and Internet-based logging (via Particle.io), the Digistump Oaks are tiny and only about $11. They are programmed the exact same way as Arduino (same IDE) and have built-in WiFi and run fast at 80MHz. They only have one single analog-in and I think it's 10 bit (similar to Arduino). They're based on the ESP8266 chips. I bought one from their Kickstarter and barely used it so far, but it's kind of a neat and easy system. That was during the rough stages, so it should be even nicer now. Plus as long as the Oak is in wireless range you can update it without having to plug it into your computer. So a backyard sensor could be updated without having to go get it. In your case, I would suggest starting out with an Arduino Uno (or clone), do some tutorials (like Oomlout ARDX), and then start your project on that. The Arduino Uno is still the most supported setup, which will make it easier to find examples and help when starting out. Cheers, -Nico

beacon_dave · Answer

Perhaps take a look at these resources: Jeremy Blum Arduino Tutorials (here on Element 14) There is also a published book which covers similar ground. http://www.exploringarduino.com/ (Tutorial 11 covers SD cards and datalogging) Tom Igoe's " Making Things Talk: Using Sensors, Networks, and Arduino to See, Hear, and Feel Your World " https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1680452150/ref=sr_ob_6 (new edition just about to be published) TinkerCAD circuits (formerly circuits.io) https://www.tinkercad.com/circuits Virtual breadboarding with Arduino emulation. Adafruit data logger shield tutorial https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-data-logger-shield/installing-the-headers?view=all

beacon_dave · Answer

The SAMD21 based Arduinos appear to have 12-bit ADC if needed. https://store.arduino.cc/usa/arduino-zero

14rhb · Answer

Karl, I recently reviewed one of the Arduino Starter Kits on E14. I thought the kit was a great introduction to those wishing to know what the Arduino was and what it could do. You sound like you already know what you would like to build and perhaps it would be better for you to purchase a separate Arduino Uno, USB lead, breadboard, and the 'shields' required for your sensors (shields are PCBs that stack up on the Arduino using pins and sockets). You will find plenty of online resources (including Element 14's Arduino group) that will get your sensors up and running quickly.

shabaz · Answer

Hi Karl,

The ADC on the Arduino is of fairly low res (10 bits) so although useful, you might prefer using digital output sensors anyway. Both approaches (Arduino/Pi) will have a learning curve, for software and hardware, and you may need to follow some tutorials to get the practice of coding for them. Pi has a few more options around choice of programming languages, Arduino could be cheaper perhaps. Hard to say which is preferable!

Getting started with arduino: what to buy

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