Build Your Own Data Logger - Module 3.4: Real Time Clocks and setting the date and time

Module 3.4: Real Time Clocks

In Module 3.4, we learn about how real time clocks (RTCs) are used in instrumentation. Timekeeping plays a central role in scientific field instrumentation. It’s used to timestamp data, synchronize multiple standalone devices, and also controls power management. We discuss how RTCs work, how outdoor conditions affect clock accuracy, and the different types of clocks and their accuracy. We also learn how to access and control the real time clock on the WildLogger board, set the date and time, and read it in different formats.

3:4: Real Time Clock
3.4.1: What Time Is It? – Lab 1
3.4.2: Command Line Date and Time – Lab 2
Module 3.4 Discussion (forum thread)

Click here for video slides, terminology, downloads and additional references

3.4 Real Time Clock (RTC)

In this video we cover:

real time clocks and how they work
how we’ll be using the real time clock
clock drift
real time clock accuracy

3.4.1: What Time Is It? – Lab 1

In this video we dive straight into Lab 1. We’ll install the library for our RTC, and look at the functions that let us set and read the date and time on our WildLogger .

3.4.2: Command Line Time and Date – Lab 2

In this video we dive straight into Lab 2. Now we’ll create commands that let us set and read the data and time on our WildLogger via the serial monitor (instead of hard coding it in our application).