DAS v1.0 User Manual
Figure 1: The Data Acquisition System
The Data Acquisition System (DAS) allows us to collect and store data from various sensors attached to the bike. The DAS consists of a Raspberry Pi which serves as the main ‘brain’ of the system, and a Teensy LC in which the sensors interface with. This manual acts as an operating guide to use the DAS.
- Setting up the Local Area Network
- Turning on the DAS
- Recording data on the DAS
- Collecting data
- Troubleshooting
One of the main features of the DAS is the web server that runs on the Raspberry Pi which allows us to collect data from the Raspberry Pi with any device connected to the same network as the DAS. To achieve this, we use a Telstra USB Dongle as our router.
Figure 2: USB Dongle
To get the dongle up and running, you will need to plug the Telstra USB Dongle to any USB port that is powered (Power bank, wall adapter, laptop etc. is fine).
Figure 3: Lights indicating that it is on
Once the USB is up and running, you should be able to view the MHP_MobileNet wifi network that the Telstra USB Dongle has created.
To connect to the network, using the password provided on the Google Docs. Once connected, the device that you are using is on the same network as the DAS!
Figure 4: DAS from the rider’s point of view
To turn on the DAS, all you need to do is flick the switch, located at the bottom of Figure 5, to the left. Flicking the switch to the right will turn the DAS off.
Once you turn on the DAS, you will see LEDs blinking. The LEDs will keep blinking for around 1-2 minutes in order to wait for the Raspberry Pi to boot up.
Figure 5: LED blinking
Once the LEDs stop blinking, you are ready to record data!
At this point, you will have:
- Set up the Telstra USB dongle
- Logged into the MHP_MOBILENET network
- Turn on the DAS
- Lights have stopped blinking
To record data, all you need to do is press the red button.
Figure 6: Red button to start/stop recording
As a form of user feedback, the DAS will shine a green LED when recording. The red LED will turn on as well if the GPS module is unable to collect data.
To stop recording, press the red button again. Once stopped recording, the LEDs will turn off as well.
To get the data off the Raspberry Pi, go onto any web browser and type the following into the address bar: http://192.168.100.100:5000
Important: Make sure you are on the MHP_MOBILENET network!!!
Once you are able to see this web page, you will have followed every step correctly so far.
- To collect a list of files on the DAS type: 192.168.100.100:5000/files
- To download the latest csv file from the DAS: 192.168.100.100:5000/files/recent
- To download a specific file from the DAS: 192.168.100.100:5000/files/
All commands can be found in the README file on the repository https://github.com/monash-human-power/MHP-DAS-Web-Server
When I press the red button (record), the light doesn’t turn on! Have you tried turning it off and on again?
I can’t connect to the web server There are many reasons why, here are some fixes:
- Is the Telstra USB dongle plugged in and have lights switched on?
- Are you logged into MHP_MOBILENET?
- Did you turn on the DAS?
- Did the LEDs stop blinking after you turned it on?
- Did you connect to the IP address of the Raspberry Pi?
- Did you also add the :5000 (To signify port 5000) to the end of the IP address?
The DAS didn’t record data
- Try pressing the record button and see if the LED turns on.
- Check if a new file has been created on the web server when you press the record button by typing :5000/files
- Otherwise, just turn it off and on again.
The LED keeps blinking help!! You have to wait at least a minute for the Raspberry Pi to boot up!