This repository contains an Arduino sketch for a rain gauge system that utilizes LoRa communication, RTC for timestamping, and an SD card for data logging.

CASA0016:MDB
Satria Mitra Utama

1. Arduino MKR board with LoRa connectivity
2. DS3231 RTC module
3. SD card module
4. Reed switch for rainfall measurement
5. 5mm Neodymum magnet
6. Printed Rain Gauge
7. 25mm screw with diameter 2mm
8. Lot of wires

1. Lipo Battery
2. Solar Panel
3. Adafruit Solar Charger

1. RTCLib
2. MKRWAN
3. Wire
4. SD
5. SPI

1. Node-Red Dashboard lib

1. Connections: Wire up the components according to the provided pin configurations.

2. Rain Gauge:

   • Print these files using PLA (not waterproof) or PETG(waterproof) filament
     • rain_gauge-can.stl
     • rain_gauge-bucket.stl
     • rain_gauge-base.stl
   • Insert your 5mm neodymum magnet into the side hole of bucket
   • Use long shaft/screw to insert the bucket into the base
   • Plug the reed switch module into base. Final piece of Rain Gauge should looks like this

   

3. Libraries: Install the necessary libraries (Wire, RTClib, MKRWAN, SPI, SD) in the Arduino IDE.

4. TTN Application:

   • Sign up for The Things Network

   • Select your region and create your application on TTN console

   • Plug your Arduino MKRWAN and run a script from Arduino IDE>Examples>MKRWAN>First Configuration, take a note on your DevUI

   • Register your End Device on TTN Console

   • Create a file named arduino_secrets.h on the same folder of Arduino LoRa Transmitter scripts and copy paste your appEui and appKey from TTN Console

     const char *appEui = "0000000000000000";
     const char *appKey = "<APP_KEY>";
     

5. Upload the scripts of Transmitter and see live data on TTN Console

6. If you can see your data, congratulations, if not please do see Troubleshooting sections

7. Install Node-Red on your Raspberry PI or on your PC

8. Install Node-Red Dashboard library

9. Import Node-Red json files configuration from Scripts>Node-Red

10. See the payload on the debug message on Node-red. You can modify or create your own dashboard. Done

• Sets up and initializes the DS3231 RTC module for accurate timekeeping.
• Handles RTC power loss scenarios by setting the time using the sketch compilation time if power is lost.

• Monitors rainfall using a reed switch and software debouncing to count pulses accurately.
• Resets accumulated rainfall at midnight to start afresh.

• Sends rain gauge data via LoRaWAN to TTN at regular intervals.
• Logs data (date, time, accumulated rainfall) onto an SD card in a CSV format for local storage.

• Monitor the Serial Monitor to observe real-time data and system status.
• Access the rain.txt file on the SD card for detailed logged rain gauge data.

• If encountering issues during LoRa connection, ensure proper positioning for signal reception.
• Check your appKey and appEui on TTN Console and your aduino_secrets.h
• Verify wiring connections and component compatibility.
• Dont forget to attach your antenna

• Use low power library
• Design a watertight enclosure

• Prototype and iterate to make it better
• Outdoor device needs a waterproof and watertight material

This project is licensed under the MIT License.

• Dusan DJ for his awesome tipping buckets

• Arduino community
• Libraries used: RTClib, MKRWAN, SD
• Node Red