Evolution of a Blog

This blog has evolved as I have as a maker. It starts at the beginning of my journey where I began to re-tread my tires in the useful lore of micro electronics and the open-source software that can drive them. While building solutions around micro-electronics are still an occasional topic my more recent focus has been on the 3D Printing side of making.

Thursday, October 5, 2017

DxP Mask Meter (DxPMM) - The Meter

Following is an overview of the major components that comprise the DxP Mask Meter.
Early Prototype in Case
Test Platform for Componen

The meter is based on an Arduino Nano that can be connected to three sensors, a VEML6070 UV Sensor, a GL5288 Photo Resistor, and an optional thermistor for measuring heat at the GL5288.  The user interface is via an OLED display and two LEDs with a single push button for user input.  Readings can be transcribed manually from the OLED, collected via the Arduino IDE with the meter connected to a PC, or through a bluetooth terminal session (more on the terminal options below).

The meter can be connected to one of two probes, one for the VEML6070 and one for the GL5288 with the optional thermistor.  It will recognize which is attached and read from the appropriate sensor.  Readings are taken every 50 milliseconds and averaged on a rolling basis over a second.  A deviation is calculated that results in a quality metric from zero to greater than ten.  Greater than ten will not be recorded.  The deviation metric is transmitted via bluetooth and can be used to screen for data quality.  The temperature reading is not used at this time.

Initial Screen
Sent Measurement Screen
















There are three jumpers on the bottom of the meter that can be used to configure its operation as below:

        000 - UV - Dumb 
       001 - UV - Auto 
       010 - UV - Manual  
       011 - Photo - Dumb
       100 - Photo - Auto
       101 - Photo - Manual
       110 - Not used
       111 - Config via Menu

The configuration menu, activated when all jumpers are on, presents options that are selected by pressing the button on startup (since there is only one button)!  

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