# Adafruit Feather M0 ### Overview The **Adafruit Feather Data Logger** is a compact microcontroller platform used in 3D-PAWS stations for flexible and low-power environmental monitoring deployments. Feather systems integrate a microcontroller, local data storage, and sensor interfaces into a lightweight platform suitable for remote installations. The 3D-PAWS Feather configuration uses an **onboard microSD card** for local data storage and a **real-time clock (RTC)** to timestamp observations. Sensors are typically connected through a **Grove Multiport Hub**, allowing multiple environmental sensors to be easily integrated into the system. Three primary Feather configurations are supported: * **WiFi Feather** – for network-connected deployments * **LoRa Feather** – for long-range, low-power communication * **Local Logging Feather** – for stations that store data locally without network connectivity Using the 3D-PAWS Feather firmware, the system collects environmental measurements, stores them locally on the SD card, and optionally transmits data through WiFi or LoRa communication. *** ### Feather Configurations #### WiFi Configuration The **WiFi Feather** is used at sites with reliable wireless network access. In this configuration: * sensor data is collected by the Feather * measurements are stored locally on the SD card * data is transmitted through WiFi to the data server This option is suitable for **network-connected stations located near infrastructure**. *** #### LoRa Configuration The **LoRa Feather** enables long-range, low-power communication between distributed sensor stations. The LoRa version can operate in two modes: **LoRa Remote Unit** In this configuration, the Feather functions as a remote sensing node that transmits sensor data to a **central station equipped with a LoRa receiver**. Typically, a **Particle Data Logger** serves as the gateway: Remote Feather → Particle Gateway → Particle Cloud → CHORDS This architecture allows multiple remote sensor stations to communicate with a central gateway even when WiFi or cellular connectivity is unavailable at the sensor site. **LoRaWAN Node** Alternatively, the Feather can operate as a **LoRaWAN device**, transmitting data to a compatible LoRaWAN gateway connected to the network. When deploying LoRa systems, it is important to use the correct regional frequency band. Examples include: * **915 MHz** – United States * **433 MHz or region-specific bands** – Europe and other regions Always verify that the selected radio frequency complies with **local spectrum regulations**. *** #### Local Logging Configuration In locations without network connectivity, the Feather can operate as a **standalone data logger**. In this configuration: * sensor data is collected and stored locally on the SD card * the system does not transmit data over a network * data is retrieved manually during maintenance visits This option is useful for **remote monitoring sites where network infrastructure is unavailable**. *** ### Instruction Slides for Assembling the Data Logger {% embed url="" %} *** ### Sensors Supported The Feather data logger supports the core instruments commonly used in 3D-PAWS stations. Supported sensors include: * Light sensor * Rain gauge * Anemometer (wind speed) * Wind vane (wind direction) * Radiation shield sensors * temperature * relative humidity * pressure * Globe temperature * Air quality sensors (PM1.0, PM2.5, PM10) * Distance gauges (stream level, storm surge, snow height) * Soil moisture and temperature * Leaf wetness sensors *** ### Data Logger Architecture Feather-based systems use a lightweight microcontroller to collect sensor data and store it locally before transmitting it through the available communication method. ``` Sensors ↓ Adafruit Feather Microcontroller ↓ Local Storage (SD Card) ↓ WiFi / LoRa / Gateway ↓ CHORDS Data Portal ↓ Grafana Visualization ``` Feather platforms are commonly used in: * low-power monitoring systems * LoRa-based distributed sensor networks * standalone environmental monitoring stations *** ### Supported Feather Hardware The Adafruit Feather M0 Adalogger platform is available in several hardware variants depending on communication requirements. #### WiFi and LoRa Communication Use the following boards for network-connected deployments: * **Adafruit Feather M0 RFM95 LoRa Radio (900 MHz)** * **Adafruit Feather M0 WiFi with ATWINC1500** These boards support wireless data transmission and remote monitoring. *** #### Local Logging Configuration For stations that store data locally without network connectivity: * **Adafruit Feather M0 Adalogger** This configuration requires an **external real-time clock (RTC)**. Recommended RTC module: * **DS3231** The RTC ensures that all measurements are accurately timestamped. *** ## Firmware The Feather data logger uses the **3D-PAWS Feather firmware**, available from the 3D-PAWS GitHub repository. {% embed url="" %} All Feather firmware projects follow the naming convention: ``` 3D-PAWS-FEATHER-XXXXXXX ``` The repository contains the latest firmware versions and configuration updates. *** ### Specialized Firmware Variants Several specialized firmware configurations are available for specific environmental monitoring applications. #### Storm Surge and Wind Monitoring This firmware configuration supports coastal monitoring deployments and follows measurement procedures consistent with **NOAA CO-OPS standards**. Key characteristics: * water level measurements recorded every **six minutes** * values calculated using averaged samples centered on the six-minute interval * compatible with national coastal monitoring data networks *** #### Ultra-Low Power Stream and Snow Monitoring This firmware is designed for **remote deployments where power efficiency is critical**. Features include: * reduced power consumption * optimized measurement intervals * reliable long-term operation in remote locations This configuration is ideal for **battery or solar-powered stations deployed in difficult-to-access areas**. *** ## Feather Wiring Diagram
*** ## Feather LoRa Remote Units Feather LoRa Remote units are designed for **distributed sensing networks**. Each remote unit: * collects data from one or more sensors * transmits the data wirelessly via LoRa * sends the observations to a central station The central station (often a **Particle Boron data logger**) acts as a gateway by: * receiving LoRa transmissions from multiple remote nodes * forwarding the data to the Particle Cloud * transmitting the observations to CHORDS This architecture enables monitoring networks where **individual sensor locations do not have WiFi or cellular connectivity**. *** ### LoRa Network Architecture In LoRa deployments, Feather data loggers can operate as **remote sensing nodes** that transmit measurements to a central gateway. The gateway is typically a **Particle Boron data logger** equipped with a LoRa receiver. Remote Feather stations collect sensor measurements and transmit them using low-power LoRa radio communication. The Particle gateway receives the data and forwards it through its cellular connection to the cloud data infrastructure. ``` Remote Sensors ↓ Feather LoRa Remote Unit ↓ LoRa Radio Link ↓ Particle Boron Gateway ↓ Particle Cloud ↓ CHORDS Data Portal ↓ Grafana Visualization ``` This architecture allows multiple remote stations to transmit data to a single gateway, making it possible to monitor distributed sensors even in locations without WiFi or cellular connectivity at each sensor site. Typical LoRa deployments may include **several remote Feather nodes communicating with a single Particle gateway**, extending the monitoring coverage of a station network. {% embed url="" %} ### Instruction Slides for Assembling the Particle LoRa Receiver Harness {% embed url="" %}