Thursday, December 22, 2011

Data Logging Part 2 - A User Interface

My first attempt at a micro controller user interface -
I am pretty happy with it, its a thousand times better than the horrible interfaces you get on your average Electronic Speed Controller. Take the example of a Tamiya TEU104BK, the user interface consists of a single 1*2 mm grey button hidden in a 4mm recess in the case. The button and indicator light are in highlighted area in the pic below, a 10mm push button is included for size comparison.


While I have used a great big bright red 10mm push button, I haven't completely broken away from tradition, the interface still relies on the users ability to count and interpret a sequence of flashing lights. The reason for this is that mirco controllers provide a limited number of inputs and outputs. Each of these inputs/outputs can be extremely powerful so using them up with indicators, displays and multiple push buttons is an unacceptable waste of resources.

The data logger user interface


1 Big Red 10mm Push Button
1 Bright Red LED to signal 'Recording'
1 Bright Green LED to signal 'Sending recorded data over the serial interface'

The system has 5 states -

StateMeaningRecord IndicatorSerial Indicator
IdleNot currently doing anythingBrief flash every 2 secondsAs Record
RecordRecording Data to SD CardOnOff
SerialReading SD Data and writing to serialOffOn
Memory FullNo more data can be recordedOn 1 Second/Off 1 SecondAs Record
ErrorSomething is wrongRapid Alternate with SerialRapid Alternate with Record


To move between states the push button must be held for 1 second or more. To enter record from idle 1 Second, to enter Serial from idle 4 Seconds, to exit either record or idle 1 second.

All I need now is a Micro SD Card and the data logger is up and running.

1 comment:

  1. Would you Please! post your code to help those of us who are trying to learn from all the information you have provided about your project. The whole purpose of reading about a project is to learn techniques for improving all aspects and the most important is the Code which is the heart of your project.

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