Introduction

In collaboration with Diverse Montenegro, I led the development of the Meteora system, an advanced network of four meteorological stations. This project was part of the EU Project Grant Scheme “High Technology for Sustainable Development of Indigenous Olive Varieties and Innovation in the Traditional Food Value Chain.” Meteora, short for Meteorological Research and Analysis, was designed to monitor critical environmental parameters across four strategic locations in the town of Bar. This innovative project aims to support sustainable agricultural practices and contribute to environmental research by providing precise and real-time data.

Client’s Requirements

Our client required a comprehensive system to monitor a variety of atmospheric and terrestrial parameters. The goal was to gather accurate data to support agricultural research and development, particularly for indigenous olive varieties. The specific parameters to be tracked included:

• Atmospheric Parameters: Air temperature, air humidity, atmospheric pressure, rain amount, wind direction, wind speed, and solar radiation.
• Terrestrial Parameters: Earth humidity and earth temperature, measured at two different points for increased accuracy.

These measurements would provide invaluable data for understanding the local climate and soil conditions, aiding in the development of sustainable agricultural practices.

Technical Stack and Architecture

To meet these requirements, we designed a robust hardware and software system. The hardware architecture included a custom-designed controller board and various sensors. The software component involved real-time data collection, transmission, and analysis through a web application.

Hardware Architecture

The core of the hardware system was the controller board, which we developed to integrate multiple components seamlessly:

• ESP8266 Module: Used for WiFi communication with the main air sensor island.
• A9 SIM Module: Facilitated data transmission over the internet via a SIM card.
• ADC (Analog-to-Digital Converter): Measured power levels from the solar panel and battery.
• I2C MUX IC: Enabled communication with multiple I2C sensors used for earth measurements.

Power management was a critical aspect of the design, as different components required different power supplies. The controller board regulated power distribution to ensure stable operation. The system was powered by a 50W solar panel and a 7Ah lead-acid battery, with a regulator to manage battery charging.

Software Development

The software on the controller board was designed to continuously measure environmental parameters in real-time. Key features included:

• Real-Time Data Collection: The system collected data from various sensors and processed it on the board.
• Data Transmission: Data was sent to our server for further analysis using the HTTP protocol over the A9 SIM module.
• Power Monitoring: The ADC on the board monitored the power levels of the battery and solar panel to ensure uninterrupted operation.

Data Analysis and Monitoring

The data collected by the Meteora system was transmitted to a central server for analysis. We developed a secure web application to provide users with access to this data.

Web Application Features

The web application was designed to be user-friendly and secure, allowing authorized users to access and analyze the data. Our web-based technical stack included:

• Backend: Express.js
• Frontend: React.js
• Database: MySQL

The web application featured:

• User Authentication: Access to the web application was protected by a username and password to ensure data privacy.
• Real-Time Data Visualization: Users could view real-time data for all measured parameters.
• Historical Data Analysis: The application provided tools to analyze data over various periods, including the last 24 hours, 7 days, and 30 days.
• Internal System Monitoring: The application monitored internal system parameters such as signal strength, voltage levels, and the internal temperature and humidity of the system.

Notification System

To enhance user engagement and ensure timely updates, we implemented a notification system developed from the ground up on our backend. This system allows users to receive notifications on their phones from all four meteorological stations. Key features of the notification system include:

• Real-Time Alerts: Instant notifications for significant parameter changes or system alerts.
• Customizable Settings: Users can customize the types of notifications they receive based on their preferences.
• Reliable Delivery: Notifications are sent via a robust system deployed on the VPS, ensuring reliable and timely delivery.

Planning and Design

The development process began with detailed planning and design. We collaborated closely with our client to understand their specific needs and translate them into technical requirements. Our team conducted a thorough analysis of the environmental parameters to be measured and designed the system accordingly.

Hardware Development

We developed and tested the controller board, ensuring that all components integrated seamlessly. The ESP8266, A9 SIM module, ADC, and I2C MUX IC were configured to work together efficiently. The power management system was carefully designed to handle the varying power requirements of the different components.

Software Development

The software for the controller board was developed to ensure accurate and real-time data collection and transmission. Extensive testing was conducted to ensure that the system could reliably collect and transmit data under various environmental conditions.

Deployment and Maintenance

Once the system was fully developed and tested, it was deployed at four strategic locations in the town of Bar. The deployment process involved setting up the hardware at each location, ensuring proper calibration of the sensors, and configuring the power management system.

We continue to provide maintenance and support for the Meteora system, ensuring that it operates smoothly and efficiently. Regular updates and maintenance checks are performed to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the data collected.

The successful development of the Meteora meteorological system with Diverse Montenegro highlights our expertise in creating advanced technological solutions for environmental monitoring. By integrating state-of-the-art hardware and software, we delivered a comprehensive system that provides valuable insights for sustainable agricultural practices and environmental research.

The Meteora project demonstrates our ability to manage complex projects and deliver innovative solutions that meet our clients’ needs. For more information on how we can assist with your technological projects, please feel free to contact us. Let’s work together to bring your vision to life!