> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://3dpaws.comet.ucar.edu/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://3dpaws.comet.ucar.edu/building-3d-paws/setting-up-the-data-logger.md).

# Setting Up the Data Logger

Compare the data logger platforms supported by 3D-PAWS and select the appropriate option for your deployment.

### Overview

3D-PAWS stations can operate using several data logger platforms. The appropriate platform depends on the station's communications requirements, available power, processing needs, and ability to support remote or on-site maintenance.

Currently supported platforms include **Particle (Boron / Argon), Raspberry Pi, Adafruit Feather, and Arduino MKR**.

The Particle platform is the most commonly used data logger for 3D-PAWS stations and is recommended for most remote operational deployments because of its integrated connectivity, cloud-based device management, and over-the-air firmware updates.

***

#### Data Logger Comparison

<table><thead><tr><th>Platform</th><th width="135.7628173828125">Connectivity</th><th>Power Use</th><th width="133.83099365234375">Firmware / Maintenance</th><th>Strengths</th><th>Typical Use</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Particle (Boron / Argon)</strong></td><td>Cellular (Boron) or WiFi (Argon)</td><td>Low to moderate</td><td>Remote cloud management and OTA firmware updates</td><td>Remote management, reliable connectivity, easier maintenance</td><td>Operational remote weather networks</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Raspberry Pi</strong></td><td>WiFi; optional cellular modem</td><td>High</td><td>Linux-based system; typically requires more system administration</td><td>Advanced processing, local storage, highly customizable software</td><td>Research stations and custom data processing</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Adafruit Feather</strong></td><td>WiFi or LoRa, depending on configuration</td><td>Very low</td><td>Firmware updates typically require local access</td><td>Low power, flexible microcontroller platform, LoRa support</td><td>Ultra-low-power or distributed sensor networks</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Arduino MKR</strong></td><td>Cellular, depending on board</td><td>Low</td><td>Firmware updates typically require local access</td><td>Compact, low-power cellular microcontroller platform</td><td>Low-power cellular stations</td></tr></tbody></table>

{% hint style="info" %}
For most solar-powered remote 3D-PAWS stations, **Particle is the preferred platform** because it provides a strong balance of connectivity, power efficiency, and remote maintainability.
{% endhint %}

***

#### Platform-Specific Setup

Each data logger has its own hardware configuration, wiring, firmware, and communications setup.

Use the corresponding page in this section for detailed instructions:

* [**Particle Data Logger**](/building-3d-paws/setting-up-the-data-logger/particle-iot.md)
* [**Raspberry Pi Data Logger**](/building-3d-paws/setting-up-the-data-logger/raspberry-pi.md)
* [**Adafruit Feather Data Logger**](/building-3d-paws/setting-up-the-data-logger/adafruit-feather-m0.md)
* [**Arduino MKR Data Logger**](/building-3d-paws/setting-up-the-data-logger/arduino-mkr.md)

Detailed sensor wiring diagrams are provided on the corresponding data logger pages.


---

# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.

## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter:

```
GET https://3dpaws.comet.ucar.edu/building-3d-paws/setting-up-the-data-logger.md?ask=<question>&goal=<endgoal>
```

`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal.

The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.