CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Introduction

Data collection process is a crucial work for any scientific research [1]. The method of data
collection can be different according to the need of the researcher, and typically generalized
into two categories: quantitative or qualitative. In the context of data collection, data logging
is a method of quantitative data collection method. And it is typically defined as the process of
measure and record any physical or electrical parameter signal over a certain period [2]. Thus,
the data logging process can be a time-consuming work and it will be not efficient to deploy
an operator at the research site for long period only for the purpose of data measurement and
data recording. Hence, an electrical instrument that able to perform such work automatically
with minimum or without the attendant of operator is developed and typically called as Data
Logger or Data Recorder.

There is variety type of data logger available in the market to suit any type of purpose of use.
Yet, numerous work to implement new technology on the data logger is carried out to expend
the capabilities of the data logger. But, generally the data logger will consist of 4 basic
components [3], which is the control unit, ADC (Analog to Digital Converter), memory storage
unit and sensor unit. All the possible functionality of the data logger is directly related with the
hardware and software construction [1-10]. Expansion of the functionality of data logger such
as increases the precision of measurement with multichannel input can be done by utilizing a
high resolution and multichannel ADC.

The development of wireless communication provided an alternative approach for operator to

retrieve the stored data on data logger remotely. Where the traditional wire connection to
retrieve the data is replaced by connecting the computer with the data logger through the
wireless communication network such as radio frequency (RF), WiFi or Bluetooth.
Nevertheless, an interface software will be needed in order to control the communicate
transmission between the data logger and the computer. The interface software in nowadays
can be developed by using different type of graphical programming platform compiler, and this
type of interface is called as Graphical User Interface (GUI).

In the interest of developed a data logger with wireless data retrieve features, an PIC based data
logger with graphical user interface with wireless communication is developed in this project.

1.2 Problem statement

Scientist and research often facing hassle to collect the data in remote area or certain area that
is hard to access by people. And, the conventional control method and data retrace process
for data logger, which required physical interactions with an operator is ineffective in
nowadays. The rapid development of technology provided a batter solution for perform such
process. In addition, the rapid development of wireless communication technology able to
improve the functionally of the data logger in many applications. Hence, in this project a data
logger with graphical user interface accommodate with wireless communication technology
is proposed.

1.3 Objective

The objective will be achieved at the end of the project are:

1. To design and develop a data logger accommodate with wireless

communication features.

2. To design and develop a Graphical User Interface for control and data retrieve

purpose.
1.4 Project Scope

In this project, the graphical user interface will be developed by using Visual Basic
2010 based on VB.Net framework 4.0 for Window operating system only. The control unit for
the data logger will use PIC18F4550 from Microchip company to fulfil the project title. The
wireless communication feature will use a 433Mhz wireless module available in the market to
accomplish. Next, the storage of the data logger will be utilizing the internal EEPROM of
PIC18F4550. The selected ADC will be the internal build ADC of the microcontroller.

A simulation on computer will be carry out to test the functionality of circuit connection
as well as to test the software program with the GUI developed. Proteus 8.0 is use to simulation
the data logger on computer. Lastly, a LM35 temperature sensor unit will be used to test the
functionality of the data logger in real application. A laboratory test will be carried out to test
the performance of the data logger in the aspect of accuracy and wireless transmission
performance.

1.5 Thesis Layout

Will be added after others chapter is complete