The purpose of the project is to provide a practical and informative approach to learning the programming of embedded systems, the Internet of Things, and the basics of website programming.
Merlin is based on a system that includes distributed nodes equipped with environmental sensors installed in classrooms and a central unit. These components communicate with each other via the LoRa wireless protocol. To enhance the amount of knowledge gained, we have also added a server on a personal computer as part of the project.
The sensors continuously monitor key air parameters, including temperature, humidity and sound. Designing new end nodes is used as a learning system for designing electrical circuits and learning embedded system programming. The data obtained from the sensors are transmitted from the end nodes via the LoRa radio protocol to the central unit, which operates in the ISM (Industrial, Scientific, and Medical) wireless band.
The central unit collects data from the sensors and displays them in a user-friendly manner on a central screen. By programming the central unit, students gain practical experience in applying theoretical concepts. In doing so, they become familiar with the features of the LoRaWAN protocol and, during signal transmission reliability testing, learn about the importance of physical transmitters (antennas). Furthermore, the central unit forwards the data to a server via the MQTT protocol.
The server decodes the received data, stores it in a database, and then displays it on its own website. Here, students become acquainted with the use and programming of a database, as well as learning higher-level programming languages by creating their own website.
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