Serial2CSV

Author: Sukarna Jana
Version: 0.0.1V
Last Update: 13-09-2023

Introduction

Serial2CSV is a Python-based tool designed to simplify the process of logging data from Arduino or other devices connected via a serial port and saving it into a CSV (Comma-Separated Values) file. This tool automates the data logging process and helps you organize and analyze your data more efficiently.

Prerequisites

Before using Serial2CSV, ensure you have the following prerequisites installed:

1. Python: Serial2CSV is a Python script, so you need to have Python installed on your computer. You can download Python from the official website: Python Downloads.

Usage

Windows Users

Windows users can set up Serial2CSV by following these steps:

1. Clone the Repository: Start by cloning this repository to your local machine:

   git clone https://github.com/Sukarnascience/Serial2CSV.git

2. Navigate to the Project Directory: Change your current directory to the project directory:

   cd Serial2CSV

3. Run the Setup Script: Execute the setup script to check for Python, install required packages, and set up the environment for data logging:

   setup.bat

   The script will guide you through the process, ensuring that Python is installed and any potential errors are handled gracefully.

Linux and macOS Users

For users of Linux and macOS, follow these steps to set up Serial2CSV:

1. Clone the Repository: Start by cloning this repository to your local machine:

   git clone https://github.com/Sukarnascience/Serial2CSV.git

2. Navigate to the Project Directory: Change your current directory to the project directory:

   cd Serial2CSV

3. Install Required Packages: Manually install the required Python packages using pip:

   pip install -r requirements.txt

Logging Data

Once you've set up Serial2CSV, you can log data from your Arduino by running the following command:

python serial2csv.py -p COMX -b 9600 -f output.csv

• -p or --port: Specify the serial port to which your Arduino is connected (e.g., COM3).
• -b or --baud: Set the baud rate (e.g., 9600) to match your Arduino's communication settings.
• -f or --filename: Choose the name for the output CSV file.

example:

• Windows

  python serial2csv.py -p COM3 -b 9600 -f output.csv

• Linux and macOS

  python3 serial2csv.py -p /dev/ttyACM0 -b 9600 -f output.csv

• Data Logging: Serial2CSV will continuously log data from the serial port and save it into the specified CSV file.

• Stop Logging: To stop data logging, press Ctrl+C in the terminal where Serial2CSV is running.

• Data Analysis: Once data logging is complete, you can use tools like Microsoft Excel or Python's data analysis libraries to analyze and visualize your data from the CSV file.

Example Arduino Code

Here's an example Arduino code snippet to send data to Serial2CSV:

void setup() {
    Serial.begin(9600);  // Set the baud rate to match Serial2CSV
}

void loop() {
    // Your code to collect data
    int sensorValue = analogRead(A0);
    
    // Send data over serial
    Serial.print(sensorValue);
    Serial.print(",");
    
    // Add more data if needed, separated by ","
    
    Serial.println();
    // Delay if necessary to control data rate
    delay(1000);
}

Dummy Code to Upload on Arduino to test

void setup() {
  Serial.begin(9600);  // Set the baud rate to match your receiving device
  randomSeed(analogRead(0));  // Initialize the random number generator with a seed
}

void loop() {
  static int SNo = 0;  // Initialize the serial number counter

  // Print SNo as the first value in the CSV format
  Serial.print(SNo);

  // Generate and print 8 random integers
  for (int i = 0; i < 8; i++) {
    int randomValue = random(0, 101);  // Generate a random integer between 0 and 100 (adjust as needed)
    
    // Print a comma and the random integer value
    Serial.print(",");
    Serial.print(randomValue);
  }

  Serial.println();  // Print a newline character to indicate the end of the CSV line

  SNo++;  // Increment the serial number counter
  delay(1000);  // Delay for a second (adjust as needed for your desired data rate)
}

License

This project is licensed under the MIT License - see the LICENSE file for details.