Agricultural monitoring with Atmel AVR

Calibit is a digital caliper equipped with an AVR-powered data logger that allows the device to efficiently monitor hectares of orchards.

The datalogger – based on an 8-bit Atmel microcontroller (MCU) – features 128Kb EEPROM memory, LCD display, USB/UART slots, watch/calendar, as well as a rechargeable lithium battery with integrated safety system and temperature control.

“[This] new technology promotes the monitoring of fruit growth as it simplifies data collection – 15-20 minutes is all it takes to gather enough data to monitor each hectare,” a FreshPlaza writer explained in a recent article.

“[Plus, users can] create multiple measuring sessions to group data and improve management, [with] the USB cable and software enabling data downloads in CSV format.”

Although Calibit was originally designed to monitor fruit growth, the platform is capable of supporting a wide-range of applications including:

• Cooperatives and collection warehouses to sample fruit before processing
• Plant nurseries to verify the diameter of striplings, branches and trunks
• Mechanical and carpentry workshops
• Scientific laboratories

Interested in learning more? You can check out Calibit’s official product site here. Readers may also want to browse through some of our previous stories on technology and farming including “The Internet of Things, Stalk by Stalk,” “Smart Urban Aquaponics in West Oakland“, “DIY Farming with Atmel and Arduino” and “Open Source Aquaponics with APDuino.”