Development of a Wireless Sensor Node Test Bed for Real-Time Environmental Monitoring

Ayobami O. Adedokun, Folasade M. Dahunsi, Jide J. Popoola

Abstract


This paper presents the design and implementation of a low-cost, wireless environmental monitoring system using an ATmega328P microcontroller and nRF24L01 RF module. The system comprises distributed sensor nodes capable of measuring temperature, humidity, light intensity, and dust density using DHT22, BH1750, and GP2Y1010AU0F sensors. Sensor data is wirelessly transmitted to a central base station, which logs the received data onto an SD card using the SPI communication protocol and provides visual feedback via an LED indicator. The system incorporates power-saving features, including sleep modes, to extend battery life. A mathematical battery consumption model was developed to estimate energy usage per transmission and predict battery longevity. Experimental results showed stable performance, with consistent voltage supply, accurate sensor readings, and effective data transmission across all environmental parameters. The system offers a scalable and energy-efficient solution for real-time environmental monitoring in both indoor and outdoor settings, making it suitable for smart agriculture, air quality assessment, and climate research applications.

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