Raspberry Pi

Guide to using a Raspberry Pi as a 3D-PAWS data logger for flexible deployments with local logging and optional remote connectivity.

Overview

The Raspberry Pi is a single-board computer that can be used as a 3D-PAWS data logger when a station requires additional processing capability, local storage, or custom software.

The current 3D-PAWS configuration uses a Raspberry Pi 3B+ paired with a Grove Base Hat to connect supported sensors.

In a 3D-PAWS station, the Raspberry Pi can:

• collect measurements from connected environmental sensors

• store observations locally on an SD card

• transmit observations over WiFi or an optional cellular connection

• perform local data processing

• support custom software and sensor integrations

Because the Raspberry Pi runs a full Linux operating system, it provides more processing flexibility than microcontroller-based data loggers, but it also requires substantially more power.

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Sensors Supported

The current 3D-PAWS Raspberry Pi configuration supports:

• rain gauge

• anemometer

• wind vane

• radiation shield sensors for temperature, relative humidity, and pressure

• light sensor

Actual sensor support depends on the installed 3D-PAWS software, hardware interfaces, and available Raspberry Pi connections.

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Assemble the Raspberry Pi Data Logger

Use the instruction slides below to assemble the Raspberry Pi data logger and Grove Base Hat.

Instruction Slides for Assembling the Data Logger

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3D-PAWS Raspberry Pi Software

The software used to operate a Raspberry Pi-based 3D-PAWS station is maintained in the 3D-PAWS Raspberry Pi GitHub repository.

https://github.com/3d-paws/3D-PAWS-Raspberry-Pi

The repository contains the Python software used for sensor polling, data logging, and station operation.

Use the current GitHub repository as the primary reference for software installation, configuration, and supported functionality.

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Raspberry Pi Data Logger Architecture

Unlike Particle-based stations, which use the Particle Cloud as an intermediate communications layer, the Raspberry Pi operates as a local computer and can transmit observations directly to data services.

Sensors → Raspberry Pi → Local Storage → WiFi / Cellular → CHORDS → Grafana

The Raspberry Pi can also perform local processing and run custom software before observations are transmitted.

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Connectivity

The Raspberry Pi supports WiFi connectivity for locations with an available network.

An optional cellular modem can be added where cellular connectivity is required.

Local storage on the Raspberry Pi's SD card provides a record of observations when network connectivity is unavailable.

Communications hardware and configuration depend on the deployment. Verify WiFi or cellular availability at the site before installation.

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Power Considerations

Raspberry Pi data loggers require substantially more power than microcontroller-based platforms such as Particle, Adafruit Feather, or Arduino MKR.

Power consumption varies with:

• Raspberry Pi model

• connected sensors

• WiFi or cellular communications

• connected USB devices and peripherals

• processor activity

• software configuration

Because of these higher power requirements, Raspberry Pi stations generally require a larger solar panel and battery system for off-grid deployment.

See Solar Power for guidance on the Raspberry Pi power configuration.

Previously calculated Raspberry Pi system power values should be treated as planning estimates unless they have been verified through direct measurements on the complete station configuration.

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When to Use a Raspberry Pi

A Raspberry Pi data logger may be appropriate when a station requires:

• advanced local data processing

• custom software

• additional local storage

• specialized sensor integrations

• greater flexibility than a microcontroller-based platform provides

For remote stations where low power consumption and remote device management are the primary requirements, a Particle-based data logger may be more appropriate.