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Serial Data Collector

Unlock data from your serial-based devices and sensors with Machinechat JEDI's Serial Data Collector. Effortlessly integrate legacy equipment, custom sensor arrays, and development boards sending comma-separated values (CSV) over RS232, RS485, 4-20mA, or USB serial interfaces.

Real-World Applications

  • Industrial Automation: Collect data from PLCs, flow meters, temperature controllers, and other serial-based industrial equipment.

  • Environmental Monitoring: Capture real-time measurements from Arduino-based sensor networks or USB-connected data loggers.

  • Development Prototyping: Stream sensor readings from your development boards to visualize data, prototype dashboards, and trigger actions during testing

How It Works

  1. Establish Serial Connection: JEDI establishes a connection with your serial device.
  2. Data Reception: JEDI receives data in CSV format (e.g., "temperature,25.5,humidity,68").
  3. Data Parsing: Based on your configuration, JEDI extracts individual metrics from the CSV data.
  4. Data Availability: Metrics become immediately available for dashboards, visualizations, rules, and automation within JEDI.

Configuration

JEDI Serial Data Collector Configuration
JEDI Serial Data Collector Configuration
  1. Navigate to Settings -> Data Collectors in the JEDI web interface.
  2. Click the ADD CONNECTOR button to create a new data collector.
  3. Select "Serial" as the Collector Type.
  4. Configure the Following:
  5. Collector Name: A meaningful name for your data collector.
  6. Port: Select the serial port (e.g., /dev/ttyUSB0 on Linux, COM1 on Windows).
  7. Tip: Use the "CU" interface if both "CU" and "TTY" options exist.
  8. Baud Rate, Parity, Stop Bits, Data Bits: Match these settings to your serial device's configuration.
  9. Data Format:
JEDI Serial Data Format
JEDI Serial Data Format
- Delimiter: The character marking the end of each CSV record (e.g., newline \n).

- Fields:

    - Name: The metric name.
    - Type: Select "number," "string," or "bool."
    - Target ID (Optional): Designate a field to uniquely identify the device.
    - Timestamp (Optional): Specify a field containing an ISO 8601-formatted timestamp.

Troubleshooting

  • Device Not Found: Ensure your device is plugged in and has the correct drivers.

  • Debug Mode: Enable the "Debug" option in the collector settings for detailed logs (found in JEDI's debug subdirectory).

Example: Arduino Sensor Monitoring

Assuming an Arduino sketch sending data like 

"temp,27.2,humidity,65" over USB serial:

  1. Configure the Serial Data Collector:

    • Port: Select the Arduino's port.
    • Baud rate: Match the Arduino's sketch.
    • Data Format:
    • Delimiter: \n
    • Fields:
      • temp: number
      • humidity: number

  2. Start Visualizing: Create charts and dashboards in JEDI to monitor your sensor readings in real time!

Expand your IoT capabilities with the Serial Data Collector!

Need help? Contact our support team: support@machinechat.io