This page is a sub-page of the Milwaukee Makerspace Sensor Array project.

The purpose of this page is to discuss the sensor nodes that will be used in the sensor array. Feel free to make suggestions or comments below.

The sensor nodes are small, low power devices that collect one or more types of data and transmit the data back to the central device. Each sensor node will have the same basic components:

• some kind of microcontroller
• radio
• power source
• one or more sensors
• circuit board to tie it all together

Every sensor node will monitor the power on the power supply and transmit the latest power level to the base.

At this point, we are gathering ideas for what microcontroller to use. The current idea is to use the Atmel Microcontrollers (MCU) 32KB In-system Flash 20MHz 1.8V-5.5V

An Arduino would work too. It would be more expensive than a pure microcontroller but it will be easier to program and setup.

A mix of microcontrollers could be used as long as the radio is the same.

One idea for the radio is the RFM69HW ISM TRANSCEIVER MODULE V1.3 from HopeRF Electronic.

• Github code for the RFM69.
• Arduino page with some good examples using the RFM69.
• Wiki page about building mesh networks with the RFM69.

If needed, the MCP1700 power regulator can be used to ensure a consistent voltage input to the microcontroller.