The application of a low-cost microcomputer logger with pressure-temperature based sensor for coastal observations: A preliminary study
Mona Batubara, Johan Risandi, Yaya Ulumuddin, Agus Sufyan, Khusnul Setia Wardhani, Wahyu Hendriyono, Semeidi Husrin, Aditya Pamungkas, Rahman Hidayat

1. Informatic Engineering Department, Lampung University, Lampung, Indonesia
2. Research Center for Oceanography, National Research and Innovation Agency, Jakarta, Indonesia
3. Research Center for Conservation of Marine and Inland Water Resources, National Research and Innovation Agency, Cibinong, Indonesia
4. Research Center for Hydrodynamics Technology, National Research and Innovation Agency, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
5. Research Center for Geological Disaster, National Research and Innovation Agency, Bandung, Indonesia
6. Marine Science Department, Bangka Belitung University, Kampus Terpadu UBB, Bangka, Indonesia
7. Assistant Deputy for Basic, Urban, and Water Resources Infrastructure, Deputy for Infrastructure and Transportation Coordination, Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Investment.

Abstract

Nearshore hydrodynamics, such as water level, observation, plays a crucial role in understanding and monitoring the dynamics of the coastal region. The observed parameters provide insight into oceanographic processes, climate change impacts, and the behavior of marine ecosystems that could be valuable for coastal management and infrastructure planning. To date, most of the available hydrodynamic loggers are provided by companies with relatively high prices. Due to limited budgets, many areas, including Indonesia, have limited hydrodynamic observation data. In this paper, we presented a prototype of a simple (DIY-Do It Yourself) and low-cost water level logger with a microcomputer that could be applied in coastal regions. The system consists of water level and temperature sensors, a single-board microcomputer and data logger, and a power supply with different sampling frequencies for various coastal applications. The result showed the ability of the microcomputer system to measure high-resolution water levels and temperatures applicable for non-directional waves, tides and non-tides observations, and ecological monitoring. The microcomputer^s low power consumption makes it suitable for long-term coastal observations, even in remote or battery-powered applications. Moreover, the flexibility of the microcomputer system allows for customization and adaptation to specific research requirements at relatively affordable prices.

Keywords: microcomputer, pressure, temperature, water level, sensor, monitoring, low-cost

Topic: Ocean Remote Sensing and Marine Technology