Data Logger: Measuring the current and voltage
M. A. B. Salvador
BS in Electrical Engineering
Mariano Marcos State University
Abstract— A data logger was designed to
monitor and record the data gathering of the
current and voltage for every 5 minutes within
the 1 hour period in a day. The data gathered
was stored in a sd card. An Arduino board
work for as the project's brain. Current and
voltage are measured via a ACS712.
Programming an Arduino Uno to take current
and voltage measurements from a ACS712
sensor creates a file on an SD Card. Therefore,
we are able to use the SD Card to access data
whenever it is suitable. Here, we'll import Nata
data into Excel in order to make graphs. The
date and time are maintained using the well-
known RTC module DS3231.
I. INTRODUCTION
A. Background of the Study
Data logger stores electrical data (voltage,
current, power, energy, etc.) in an SD card, with
times tamp for later analysis. A data logger is a type of
electronic device that records data over time or in
connection to a specific place using both internal or
external instruments and sensors (also known as a data
recorder or data logger). They are partially based on a
digital processor (or computer). Data loggers are the
“workhorse” of recording instruments. They can record
data for days, weeks, or even years at a time. This
process is commonly referred to as data logging. They
are frequently small, battery-powered, portable, and
equipped with a CPU, internal memory fordata storage,
sensors, and other features. Some data recorders
feature connections for computers. Data loggers range
from general-purpose types for a variety of
measurement applications to incredibly specialized
devices for measuring in one environment or
application type solely. They are activated by software,
displayed, and used to evaluate the information
obtained. Some have a local interface device and can
function independently. Technology for data loggers is
developing more swiftly than ever. The traditional
design of a stand-alone data logger is being replaced
with a device that not only records data but also has
access to wireless communications for event warning,
automatic data reporting, and remote control. Data
loggers are now beginning to provide customers with
web sites for real-time readings, email alarms, and FTP
daily findings directly into databases. (Kumar, n.d.).
XXX-X-XXXX-XXXX-X/XX/$XX.00 ©20XX IEEE
B. Objectives of the Study
1. Design a Data Logger using Arduino.
2. Write a program that will gather the data using
Arduino.
3. Store a data using Arduino.
4. Gather the current and voltage and save it on
SD Card.
C. Significance of the Study
This study will be beneficial to the researchers in
conducting their study and other researchers to
embrace more modern technology. In addition, those
aware of this kind of development want to pursue
further studies in improving the system. This study
may also help future researchers by taking or using
this as their basis/guide or reference in their future
related studies.
D. Scope and Limitation of the Study
This study's primary focus will be on designing,
making, and testing the data logger to acquire
information about the current and voltage flowing
through.
II. REVIEW OF THE RELATED
LITERATURE
A. Data Logger
Electronic data loggers have replaced chart
recorders in many applications. The ability of data
loggers to automatically and continually collect data is
one of the key advantages of using them. In order to
measure and record data, data loggers are typically
turned on, deployed, and left alone for the duration of
the monitoring period. This makes it possible to
monitor environmental factors like air temperature and
relative humidity in order to provide a full and accurate
picture (Kumar, n.d.)
B. Arduino Uno
The ATmega328P is the core of the Arduino Uno
microcontroller board (Data sheet). It has a USB port, a
power connection, an ICSP header, a reset button, a 16
MHz ceramic resonator (CSTCE16M0V53-R0), 6
analog inputs, 14 digital input/output pins, and 6 of
these may be used as PWM outputs. Almost all the
components required to support the microcontroller are
included; all you need to do to get going is plug in a
USB connection, an AC-to-DC converter, or a battery.
boards for a complete list of all prior, present, and out- B. Research design
of-date models. (ArduinoUnoRev3, n.d.) This study, a data logger's design and testing were
C. RTCDS3231 examined. This was built with the objective of
collecting statistics on 9 volts battery voltage and
Real time clock or RTC is a timepiece that takes the
shape of an integrated circuit, or ic. RTC is a crucial current every 5 minutes. The design and assessment
part of many time-sensitive programs and gadgets, of the data logger used quantitative research. The
including servers, gps, and data loggers. A RTC IC research will conduct a survey analysis that is
created by maxim integrated is the DS3231. It is a very enhanced by real measurements.
affordable, very accurate RTC IC that communicates C. Research materials
over the I2C interface. The embedded crystal oscillator o Computer/Laptop (with Arduino IDE)
and temperature sensor of the DS3231 RTC IC is an o Arduino Uno
intriguing feature (Amazon.com: Geekstory 5PCS o RTC DS3231
DS3231 Real Time Clock Module RTC Sensor High o SD Card Module
Precision AT24C32 IIC Timer Alarm Clock for o Breadboard
Arduino Raspberry Pi : Everything Else, n.d.). The o Male to Female DuPont Wire
DS3231 has a built-in timer that can record seconds, o Male to Male DuPont Wire
minutes, hours, days, dates, months, and years. It o ACS712
automaticallychanges the date at the end of the month,
including leap year adjustments, for months with fewer D. Diagrams and Figures
than 31 days (valid up to 2100). It includes an AM/PM
indication and may operate in 12- or 24-hour formats.
It also features two programmable time-of-day alarms.
(Engineers, 2022)

D. SD CARD MODULE
One of the most crucial components of every
project is data storage. Depending on the kind and
amount of the data, there are several methods for Fig. 1 RTC DS3231
storing it. One of the most useful storage options are
SD and micro SD cards, which are used in products like
mobile phones, minicomputers, and others. Data
logging, data visualization, and many more
applications utilize SD cards or Micro SD cards often.
We can access these SD cards with ease thanks to
Micro SD Card Adapter modules. The Micro SD Card
Adapter module is a user-friendly device with an SPI
interface and an internal 3.3V voltage regulator to
supply the SD card with the appropriate power.
(Instructables, 2019).
Fig. 2 SD CARD
E. ACS712
MODULE
ACS712 offers affordable and accurate solutions
for industrial AC or DC current sensing, systems
for commerce and communications. Thegadget Fig. 3 Complete set up of the data logger with ACS712
package enables simple customer
implementation. Applications like load sensing,
motor control, and Overcurrent, management,
and switched-mode power supply error
prevention.

III. METHODOLOGY

A. Locale of the Study

Data logger design, evaluation, and testing were
completed on January, 6 2022, at Mariano Marcos
StateUniversity in Batac City, Ilocos Norte. The study
was carried out at Mariano Marcos State University.
E. Code Itself dataFile.print("\tC: ");
dataFile.println(I);
#include dataFile.close();
<ACS712.h> // Print the collected data in a row on the Serial
#include Monitor
<EduIntro.h> Serial.print("Date : ");
#include <Wire.h> Serial.print(t.mday);
#include <ds3231.h>
#include <SPI.h> Serial.print("/");
#include <SD.h> Serial.print(t.mon);
Serial.print("/");
ACS712 acs712(D10); // creating the object sensor on Serial.print(t.year);
pin 'D10' Serial.print("\t Time :
struct ts t; ");Serial.print(t.hour);
int I; // Current I readings are integers Serial.print(":");
float V; // Voltage V readings are returned in float Serial.print(t.min);
format Serial.print(".");
int P; // Power readings are integersvoid Serial.print(t.sec);
setup() Serial.print(" : ");
{ Serial.print("P: ");
// initialize serial communications at 9600 bps Serial.print(P);
Serial.begin(9600); Serial.print("\tC: ");
Wire.begin(); Serial.println(I);
DS3231_init(DS3231_CONTROL_ADD delay(1000); // Wait one second before get another
R); current reading
}
t.hour = 11; else{
t.min = 00; Serial.println("Error opening data.txt");
t.sec = 0; }
}
t.mday = 06;
t.mon=01;
t.year=2023;
DS3231_set(t);
while (!Serial){
;
}
Serial.print("Initializing SD card ...");
if (!SD.begin(10)){
Serial.println("Card failed, or not present");
while(1);
}
Serial.print("Card initialized data");
}
void loop()
{
DS3231_get(&t);
File dataFile =
SD.open("data.txt",FILE_WRITE);if
(dataFile){
dataFile.print("Date : ");
dataFile.print(t.mday);
dataFile.print("/");
dataFile.print(t.mon);
dataFile.print("/");
dataFile.print(t.year);
dataFile.print("\t Time : ");
dataFile.print(t.hour);
dataFile.print(":");
dataFile.print(t.min);
dataFile.print(".");
dataFile.print(t.sec);
dataFile.print(" : ");
dataFile.print("P: ");
dataFile.print(P);
F. Data Gathering Procedure TABLE 1: DATA FOR CURRENT, VOLTAGE AND
POWER AS RECORDED INTO THE SD CARD.
o Connect the RTC (Real Time Clock) DS
3231, SD Card Module and ACS712 on their Date and time Voltage Current
respective connection on the Arduino Uno. Jan.06(11:00am) 8.4 2.75
o Verify if the codes are ready to upload.
o After uploading use the serial monitor to see Jan.06(11:05am) 8.37 2.73
ifthe data logger saved a data to the Sd card Jan.06(11:10am) 8.34 2.71
o Set the delay on the program to 1000 to gather
the battery voltage and current every 5 Jan.06(11:15am) 8.31 2.69
minutes. Jan.06(11:20am) 8.28 2.67
o Enter the specific time and date on the codes Jan.06(11:25am) 8.25 2.65
for us to have a precise output after gathering
and upload the code. Jan.06(11:30am) 8.22 2.63
o Place the data logger on the safest part of the Jan.06(11:35am) 8.19 2.61
room to prevent disconnection of the data
Jan.06(11:40am) 8.16 2.59
logger
Jan.06(11:45am) 8.13 2.57
IV. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Jan.06(11:50am) 8.1 2.55
Jan.06(11:55am) 8.07 2.53
Jan.06(12:00noon) 8.04 2.51
Average 8.205 2.62

V. SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND

Fig.4
It shows in figure 4 the data gathered in
performing the experiment. We used a battery in
performing the task. On January 6 at 11:00 am, we’ve
got 8.4 volts, and 2.75 ampere. However, we met the
total amount of time and attempt in performing the
experiment. At 12:00 pm, we’ve got a result of 8.04
volts, 2.51 ampere (current). The table below shows
that the average current was 8.205 Volts and 2.62
Ampere respectively.
RECOMMENDATIONS
A. Summary
A data logger was designed, constructed, and tested
to gather data on the battery voltage and current. Within
the 1 hour of a day, the data recorder stored the battery
current every 5 minutes. The experiment was carried
out at Mariano Marcos State University's Electrical
Engineering Department in the College of Engineering
in the City of Batac, Ilocos Norte. The data logger is
composed of an Arduino IDE-equipped computer or
laptop, Arduino hardware, an SD card module, a
breadboard, male-to-female and male-to-male DuPont
wire, and an ACS712. The findings of this inquiry will
aid in identifying the voltage and current that will
operate or flow in the battery. In addition, keep an eye
on the battery's voltage and current at both its highest
and lowest points.
B. Conclusion
To conclude, we were able to design an Arduino-
based data logger. Create an Arduino program to collect
the data. Utilize an Arduino to store data. Every 5
minutes, collect the battery voltage and current and save
it on an SD card. Voltage and current sensors have been
successfully installed in this project using Arduino. The
ACS712, which has a capacitive sensor to check the
current and measure voltage, is connected to an
Arduino microcontroller to detect the force produced by
the water stream in the environment. This project will
be helpful to our group because we can use and apply to
our thesis requirement entitled “Evaluation of Solar
Powered Aquatic life support system”.
 C. Recommendation
o Monitor the data logger using IOT to keep an
eye on the information acquired there.
o During the data gathering process, we
commonly discover that the date and time of
the texts we read are inaccurate.
o Examine and confirm the code that will be
immediately entered into the data that has been
gathered.

References:
• https://www.slideshare.net/NiranjanKumar17
5/dataloggers-seminar-report
• https://lastminuteengineers.com/ds3231-rtc-
arduino-tutorial/
• https://www.electronicshub.org/arduino-
ds3231-rtc-module-tutorial/
• https://www.instructables.com/SD-Card-
Module-With-Arduino-How-to-ReadWrite-Data/.
• https://store.arduino.cc/products/arduino-uno
-rev3