Need a free Data Logger (Correct term?) to interface Arduino to OpenOffice Calc - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: t1d
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 13, 2022, 08:39:46 pm
content: I want to create a Calc spreadsheet to integrate barometric pressure (weather) data with pain medication usage =BMP280 sensor to Arduino (I have various models) to laptop to Calc spreadsheetI do not seem to be able to find any streaming software (free, or not) that says it will interface with Calc.Things I already have discovered:MS Data Steamer - only works with Excel. I do not have Excel and do not want to buy it.Calc has a "Steamer" button. However, the function has not been fully developed, is considered experimental and not proven reliable. Therefore, the function button is grayed out and not available, without further installation.Web searches = Zero direct topic hits.Source Forge didn't seem to have anything compatible with Calc, but I may not know the right search terms.So, I am hopeful that someone knows what I need, where to find it and how to get it installed and integrated. Thank you for your help.

author: t1d
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 13, 2022, 08:44:41 pm
content: I have just found this, however the software is not inexpensive.https://www.aggsoft.com/serial-data-logger/tutorials/openoffice-real-time-charting-export.htm

author: Ian.M
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 13, 2022, 08:53:14 pm
content: Are you scared of a bit of script coding?You need the ability to *either* access the serial port the Arduino presents as from an OpenOffice script (I understand Calc macros are written inOpenOffice Basic), *or* to use a third-party terminal program for comms and script that + Calc (e.g.https://realterm.sourceforge.io/realterm_from_openoffice.html), *or* possibly log to SD card in a timestamped CSV file, then at intervals (e.g. weekly), swap SD cards, pop the previous one in the laptop's card reader and run a macro that imports the file into Calc and reconciles it with your medication usage data.There are a few other possible solutions, (e.g. make the Arduino control Calc by sending keystrokes) but they are generally kludgier and more fragile.

author: NiHaoMike
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 14, 2022, 04:14:49 am
content: Just have the Arduino generate CSV and send it over the serial interface. Then use any program that logs serial traffic.

author: t1d
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 14, 2022, 05:24:22 am
content: Thanks, guys, for your fast replies.Re: Scripting... No, I am just learning to code. I would not know how to tie the Arduino to Calc. So, the third party terminal program is what I am looking for in freeware. I am trying to avoid the SD route, because I want to coordinate the logging of my meds usage to the barometric pressure via real time in a single spreadsheet.Re: Serial Traffic Logger... I am sure that there are tutorials on how to have the Arduino generate the CSV and to send it over the serial interface. So, what are the details and terms that I need to be able to find a freeware serial traffic logger? I take it that the logger would tie to Calc in some manner?Thank you for your generous help.

author: ledtester
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 14, 2022, 06:50:41 am
content: What's your workflow with the data?That is, do you need to graph it in real-time and have this graph updating all the time? Or, is it ok to generate the graph and analysis only when you're interested in looking at it?In any case, I'd look at the TestController program discussed in this thread:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/program-that-can-log-from-many-multimeters/You'll get real-time collection and graphing of the data. Ask the thread if there is an option to export the collected data to a CSV file. You might even be able to do your analysis in TestController itself.

author: mariush
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 14, 2022, 07:43:49 am
content: Lots of terminal software free or shareware that can show the serial port communication on the screen and also log everything to a file.Then it would be a simple issue of copy pasting your values from the log to another file.I prefer to use TAB separated values instead of CSV ... basically instead of using "," to separate numbers in a line, i use the TAB character (0x09) because in some countries , is used as decimal separator and in other countries it's used for digit grouping.TAB also has the secondary benefit of making the readings easier to see in a console/terminal - if it's a nice terminal application, it may format the tabs on screen as 2-4 spaces so your numbers would be nicely formatted on screen.Both Excel and Calc should have no problems reading the file as a CSV file you just say TAB is used instead of comma. Particularly in Excel I simply open an excel spreadsheet and from the DATA menu, I select "Import from text file" , select the text file and the wizard then detects tab or lets me choose tab as separator and go from there.

author: t1d
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 14, 2022, 10:37:44 am
content: Excellent information. Thanks!

author: voltsandjolts
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 14, 2022, 11:02:48 am
content: Loads of arduino data logger examples out there. e.g.https://www.electronics-lab.com/project/simple-arduino-data-logger/

author: Whales
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 14, 2022, 11:33:39 am
content: Sidenote: Openoffice was bought by Oracle, then it was given to the Apache foundation and hasn't had an update in almost ten years (last release: 2014). Most of the developers fled Oracle and instead setup Libreoffice as the spiritual successor, I recommend checking it out.Using the search keywords "Libreoffice calc arduino" seems to yield some different search results.I also recommend the "print CSV over the serial port" and then "log serial port to file" route. It's simple and gives you the most flexibility.