Particle IoT
Guide to using Particle Boron and Argon boards as 3D-PAWS data loggers for local storage and cloud-connected deployments.
The Particle Data Logger is a network-enabled microcontroller platform used in 3D-PAWS deployments for environmental data collection, local storage, and cloud transmission.
3D-PAWS supports two Particle boards:
Particle Boron – LTE cellular connectivity
Particle Argon – WiFi connectivity
Both integrate with 3D-PAWS hardware and firmware to create a reliable, field-deployable weather station.
System Role in 3D-PAWS
In a 3D-PAWS station, the Particle board:
Collects measurements from connected environmental sensors
Stores time-stamped data on a microSD card
Transmits data to cloud platforms
Enables remote monitoring and diagnostics
The Boron is typically used for remote cellular deployments. The Argon is used where stable WiFi infrastructure is available.
Instruction Slides for Assembling the Data Logger
Tutorial Videos for for Assembling the Data Logger
This video playlist demonstrates the entire assembly of the instrument. You can toggle between videos using the list icon at the top right or by using the "fast forward" button at the bottom left.
Sensors Supported
Light sensor (legacy sensor)
Rain Gauge
Anemometer
Wind Vane
Radiation Shield (Temperature, Pressure, & Relative Humidity)
Black Globe Temperature
Air Quality (PM 2.5)
Distance Gauge (Stream, Storm Surge, & Snow Height)
Soil Moisture and Temperature
Leaf Wetness
Download the 3D-PAWS firmware
Click the green Code button near the top of the repository page.
Select Download ZIP from the dropdown menu to download the entire repository as a ZIP file.
Learn about Particle basics with these essential resources:
Setup your Particle device: https://setup.particle.io/
Troubleshoot with Status LED patterns and device modes
Getting to know the Particle Console: Introduction to the Console
Manage your 3D-PAWS fleet with Particle Products: Introduction to Products
Particle Data Logger Architecture
In Particle-based stations, sensor data is transmitted through the Particle cloud infrastructure before reaching the 3D-PAWS data services.
Particle devices handle:
event streaming (FS, INFO messages)
cloud communication (DoAction commands)
remote firmware updates
device management through the Particle Console
Integrate Particle Cloud data with the CHORDS data portal
Particle / CHORDS IntegrationsUse a 3rd Party SIM with the Boron
Some countries are not compatible with the Particle IoT internal SIM. Follow this document to use an external SIM with your particle data logger: 3rd Party SIM Particle Setup
Firmware Variants for Different Applications
The 3D-PAWS Particle data logger supports several firmware configurations designed for specific environmental monitoring applications. These firmware variants optimize measurement intervals, power consumption, and sensor integration for different deployment scenarios.
The most recent firmware releases are available on the 3D-PAWS GitHub repository:
Firmware for Particle-based stations follows the naming convention:
Each firmware variant is designed to support a particular monitoring application.
Storm Surge and Wind Monitoring
This firmware configuration is designed for coastal monitoring deployments and follows measurement procedures consistent with NOAA’s National Ocean Service Center for Operational Oceanographic Products and Services (CO-OPS) standards.
Key characteristics include:
water level measurements recorded every six minutes
measurements calculated using an average of discrete samples centered on the six-minute interval
compatibility with national coastal monitoring networks
This configuration supports high-quality, standardized data collection for storm surge and coastal monitoring applications.
Ultra-Low Power Stream and Snow Monitoring
This firmware configuration is designed for remote deployments where power availability is limited.
Key features include:
minimized energy consumption
optimized measurement intervals
reliable operation in battery- or solar-powered systems
This configuration is well suited for stream level or snow depth monitoring stations located in remote or difficult-to-access areas.
Regular Power Distance Monitoring
For sites where power constraints are less restrictive, this firmware supports more frequent measurements and additional sensors.
Typical characteristics include:
increased measurement frequency
support for additional radiation shield sensors
continuous monitoring of stream level or snow depth
This configuration is typically used at sites with larger solar systems or reliable power availability.
LoRa Remote Sensor Units
3D-PAWS also supports remote sensor units built with Adafruit Feather boards equipped with LoRa radios.
These units are designed for low-power distributed sensing and can be deployed with sensors such as:
soil moisture probes
rain gauges
distance sensors for stream or snow measurements
Each remote Feather unit transmits its sensor measurements using LoRa radio to a central station.
The central station (typically a Particle Boron data logger) acts as a gateway by:
receiving LoRa data from multiple remote units
forwarding the data to the Particle Cloud via cellular connectivity
This architecture enables reliable monitoring of widely distributed sensors, even when individual sensor locations do not have direct WiFi or cellular connectivity.
Particle System Power Budget
The following budget shows all available sensors that can be integrated into the particle data logger.
Component
Function
Supply Voltage
Avg. Current (mA)
Peak Current (mA)
Notes
Particle Boron
Cellular microcontroller
3.3–4.2 V
19.7
184
LTE transmit every 15 min
FeatherWing SD + RTC
Data logging & real-time clock
3.3 V
5.3
100
SD write every minute
Adafruit SHT31-D
Temp & humidity sensor
3.3 V
0.5
0.5
Always on
Adafruit BMP390
Pressure & altimeter sensor
3.3 V
0.8
0.8
Always on
Adafruit MCP9808
High-accuracy temp sensor
3.3 V
0.2
0.2
Always on
AS5600
Rotational position sensor for wind vane
3.3 V
4.5
4.5
Always on
2 × SS451A Hall Effect
Magnetic switch sensors for rain gauge & anemometer
3.3 V
9.0
9.0
Always on
SI1145
UV/IR/Visible light sensor
3.3 V
0.4
0.4
Always on
Adafruit PMSA003I
Air quality (PM2.5/PM10) sensor
3.3-5 V
100
100
Always on
MB7363 MaxSonar
Ultrasonic distance sensor
3.3 V
3.4
3.4
Always on
Tinovi SOIL-MULTI-5-I2C
5 level soil moisture & temp sensor
3.3 V
10
10
Always on
Tinovi PM-WCS-3-I2C
Soil moisture & temp sensor
3.3 V
10
10
Always on
Adafruit RFM95W LoRa
LoRa radio transceiver (RX only)
3.3 V
10
10
Receive mode only
Total System
—
—
174.3
422.8
All sensors powered continuously
System Power Profile:
Average Power Consumption: ~0.87 W (174.3 mA @ 5 V)
Peak Power Consumption: ~2.11 W (422.8 mA @ 5 V, during LTE transmit + SD write)
Battery Runtime (Voltaic V50, 13,400 mAh): ~2.3 days (no solar)
Solar Panel Needed: 5 W panel provides indefinite operation with ~4 hours of full sun per day
Notes:
Peak values reflect brief transmission and SD write events; average values represent typical continuous operation.
LoRa radio is always in receive mode (no transmit spikes).
All I2C sensors are compatible with 3.3–5 V logic and can be daisy-chained via STEMMA QT/Qwiic connectors.
3D-PAWS Particle Wiring Diagram
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