Do I need to buy hardware for this tutorial?

No. Everything runs in the browser: Circuitly simulates the board, the components and the code. Real hardware is optional if you want to rebuild the circuit afterwards.

Which components are used?

Arduino UNO board, DS3231 real-time clock. They are already available in the simulator library.

How long does it take?

About 40 minutes, expert level, in 4 guided steps.

What should I know before starting?

The previous tutorial in the series, “Project: intrusion alarm”, is enough preparation. No software install is required.

Is the code provided and checked?

The simulator checks your wiring and your code automatically at every step, and shows the commented solution if you get stuck.

All tutorials

6 · Full projects

Project: data logger

Expert40 min

Goal

Sample a sensor at a steady rate, timestamp it and store it.

Why it matters

Every scientific experiment starts with a reliable, timestamped acquisition.

What you need

Arduino UNO board
DS3231 real-time clock

Nothing to buy: every component below is simulated in the browser.

Steps

01Read the sensor exactly every second (millis()).
02Timestamp with the DS3231.
03Output the lines as CSV.
04Store the sample count in EEPROM to survive a reset.

This tutorial runs inside the Circuitly simulator: your wiring and your code are checked automatically at every step.

Run this tutorial in the simulator Free 30-day classroom trial

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to buy hardware for this tutorial?: No. Everything runs in the browser: Circuitly simulates the board, the components and the code. Real hardware is optional if you want to rebuild the circuit afterwards.
Which components are used?: Arduino UNO board, DS3231 real-time clock. They are already available in the simulator library.
How long does it take?: About 40 minutes, expert level, in 4 guided steps.
What should I know before starting?: The previous tutorial in the series, “Project: intrusion alarm”, is enough preparation. No software install is required.
Is the code provided and checked?: The simulator checks your wiring and your code automatically at every step, and shows the commented solution if you get stuck.

For teachers

Get the teaching pack: 6 ready-to-run sessions

Full progression, objectives, student steps and an assessment grid — printable, free.

One address, no spam: just the pack and classroom updates.