> 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/arduino-mkr.md). # Arduino MKR ### Overview The Arduino MKR is a microcontroller-based data logger platform used in 3D-PAWS for compact, low-power environmental monitoring deployments. The MKR platform can: * collect measurements from connected environmental sensors * timestamp observations * store observations locally on a microSD card * transmit observations over a cellular network * continue storing observations locally when cellular connectivity is temporarily unavailable The 3D-PAWS MKR implementation typically uses one of the following boards: * **Arduino MKR NB 1500** – LTE / NB-IoT cellular connectivity * **Arduino MKR GSM 1400** – GSM cellular connectivity Supporting components may include: * microSD card for local data storage * real-time clock (RTC) * cellular SIM card * cellular antenna * EEPROM memory {% hint style="info" %} Cellular network compatibility varies by country, carrier, and MKR board. Verify network availability and SIM compatibility for the deployment location before selecting a data logger. {% endhint %} *** #### Sensors Supported The MKR data logger can support the core 3D-PAWS instruments as well as several additional environmental sensors, including: * rain gauge * anemometer * wind vane * radiation shield sensors for temperature, relative humidity, and pressure * black globe temperature * air quality sensors (PM1.0, PM2.5, PM10) * ultrasonic distance measurements for stream level, storm surge, and snow depth * soil moisture and temperature * leaf wetness * light sensor Actual sensor support depends on the installed firmware, hardware configuration, and available data logger connections. *** #### Assemble the MKR Data Logger Use the instruction slides below to assemble the Arduino MKR data logger hardware. **Instruction Slides for Assembling the Data Logger** {% embed url="" %} *** #### 3D-PAWS MKR Firmware The current MKR firmware is maintained in the **3D-PAWS MKR FullStation GitHub repository**. {% embed url="" %} The repository contains: * station firmware * configuration parameters * sensor interface libraries * hardware pin mappings {% hint style="info" %} Use the current GitHub repository as the primary reference for firmware behavior, supported sensors, configuration parameters, and hardware pin assignments. {% endhint %} *** #### MKR Wiring Use the wiring diagram below when connecting sensors and other station components to the MKR data logger.
{% hint style="warning" %} Verify sensor pin assignments and wiring before applying power. The connector type or data logger pin label does not necessarily identify the signal type. {% endhint %} For background on Grove, Qwiic, Dupont, I²C, digital pulse, and analog voltage connections, see **Cables and Connectors**. *** #### MKR Data Logger Architecture In a typical cellular MKR deployment, observations are collected by the data logger, stored locally, and transmitted through the cellular network to the 3D-PAWS data services. **Sensors → Arduino MKR Data Logger → Local Storage → Cellular Network → CHORDS → Grafana** Local microSD storage helps preserve observations when cellular connectivity is temporarily unavailable. *** #### Cellular Connectivity Remote data transmission requires: * a compatible MKR cellular board * an active SIM card * an appropriate cellular antenna * cellular coverage at the deployment site * correct network and firmware configuration {% hint style="info" %} Confirm cellular connectivity at or near the proposed deployment location before installing the station. Network availability can vary significantly by carrier and location. {% endhint %} *** #### Power Considerations Arduino MKR boards are designed for relatively low-power microcontroller applications and can be suitable for solar-powered 3D-PAWS deployments. Actual power consumption depends on: * the MKR board being used * cellular network conditions * connected sensors * measurement and reporting intervals * firmware configuration * cellular transmission activity --- # 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/arduino-mkr.md?ask=&goal= ``` `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.