UMT EnviroMonitor System

EnviroMonitor project demonstrates an effective and practical approach to environmental monitoring by integrating low-cost sensors, embedded systems, and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies into a single, scalable solution. By utilizing the Raspberry Pi Pico W as the core processing and communication unit, the system is able to continuously collect and transmit real-time data on key environmental parameters such as temperature, humidity, air quality, and wind speed. The use of wireless connectivity and cloud-based visualization enables remote access to environmental information without the need for complex or expensive infrastructure. Overall, EnviroMonitor highlights the potential of IoT-based systems as accessible and flexible tools for environmental monitoring, making it suitable for educational, research, and small-scale deployment applications.

Electronic Parts

1. Raspberry Pi Pico W
2. A3144 Magnetic Hall Effect Sensor
3. MQ135 Air Quality Sensor Module
4. DHT11 or DHT22 Temperature and Humidity Sensor
5. USB-C Cable and Power Connector
6. Jumper Wires and Resistors (10kΩ, etc.)
7. Breadboard or PCB
8. Power Bank (10,000 mAh)

Model Part

1. Plastic Container
2. Anemometer Wind-Speed Monitoring Sensor
3. PVC Pipe (1 Meter)

Tools

1. Hand drills
2. Double side tape

The build process begins with preparing the physical structure of the EnviroMonitor system. A durable plastic container is used as the main enclosure to protect electronic components from rain, sunlight and moisture during outdoor deployment. Small holes are carefully drilled in the container to allow sensor cables to pass through while minimizing water ingress. A one meter PVC pipe is securely attached to the container to act as a vertical stand for the anemometer, ensuring stable placement and adequate exposure to wind. The container is positioned on level ground to maintain balance and reduce vibration during operation.

The DIY anemometer is mounted at the top of the PVC pipe to maximize airflow exposure. A rotating cup assembly is used to capture wind movement. A small magnet is fixed to the rotating component, while an A3144 Hall effect sensor is mounted on the stationary part close to the magnet. As the anemometer rotates, the magnet passes the Hall sensor and generates digital pulses. These pulses are later counted by the microcontroller to calculate wind speed. The anemometer wiring is routed through the PVC pipe to protect the cables from environmental damage.

Environmental sensors are placed strategically to ensure accurate measurements. The DHT11 or DHT22 temperature and humidity sensor and the MQ135 air quality sensor are installed inside small ventilated plastic covers attached to the exterior of the enclosure. These covers allow airflow while protecting the sensors from direct rain and debris. Sensor cables are guided into the enclosure through sealed openings to maintain weather resistance.

Inside the enclosure, all electronic components are assembled on a breadboard or prototype PCB. The Raspberry Pi Pico W is mounted securely and connected to the sensors using jumper wires and appropriate resistors. The MQ135 sensor is connected to an analog input pin, while the DHT sensor and Hall effect sensor are connected to digital GPIO pins. Wiring is arranged neatly to reduce noise, avoid loose connections and simplify maintenance or troubleshooting. The code embedded in the Raspberry Pi Pico W is as follows:

The system is powered using a 10,000 mAh power bank connected to the Raspberry Pi Pico W via a USB C cable. The power bank is placed securely inside the enclosure to prevent movement during outdoor operation. This power configuration allows the system to operate continuously for approximately two days without requiring access to mains power, making it suitable for temporary or mobile deployments.

Once assembly is complete, the enclosure is sealed and the system is deployed in an open outdoor area around Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT). Initial testing is performed to ensure all sensors are functioning correctly, wind speed pulses are detected and data is successfully transmitted to the cloud platform. The dashboard is checked to verify real-time updates and system stability before leaving the device for continuous monitoring.