The Bee Data Logger ESP32-S3 board comes with RTC, microSD slot, and two Qwiic connectors for sensors

A few months ago, SparkFun released the “Datalogger IoT – 9DoF” no-code platform based on ESP32 with some built-in sensors, a microSD card, and two Qwiic connectors to add sensors in order to perform data logging with minimal to no coding.

Smart Bee Designs looks to have shrunk the design, removing the built-in sensors in the processor, with the Bee data logger ESP32-S3 board that offers most of the same features plus a built-in DS3231 RTC and back battery for timekeeping, and the ability to leverage the vector extension in the ESP32-S3 for machine learning applications.

Bee data logger specifications:

• Wireless module – Espressif Systems ESP32-S3-MINI-1 module
  • CPU – ESP32-S3 dual-core Xtensa LX7 microcontroller with vector extensions with 512KB SRAM, 384KB ROM, WiFi 4 and Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity
  • Storage – 8MB of QSPI flash
  • PCB antenna
• Storage – MicroSD card slot up to 16GB capacity
• USB – 1x USB Type-C port for power and programming
• Expansion
  • 2x Stemma QT/Qwiic connectors for Adafruit/Sparkfun sensor breakout boards: Note: one always-on, one disabled in deep sleep
  • 2x 10-pin headers with up to 13x GPIO, 7x ADC, I2C, UART, 5V, 3.3V, VBAT, and GND
• Misc – Boot and Reset buttons, battery on/off switch, DS3231 RTC with a backup battery
• Power Supply
  • 5V DC input via USB-C port
  • 1S LiPo battery support via 2-pin JST connector, charging circuitry, battery voltage monitoring
  • Dual 600 mA LDO design for extra power headroom for powering external sensors
• Power consumption – Deep sleep: around 21uA
• Dimensions – Breadboard-compatible

 

Optional I2C expansion boards are also offered to enable further expansion. There’s no no-code firmware that I could find, and instead, you can program the board with Arduino or CircuitPython with several code samples provided on GitHub along with schematics, 3D models, and charts showing the power consumption under various conditions.

The Bee Data Logger ESP32-S3 board is sold on Tindie for $29.99, but you may consider adding an “I2C Extender” or “I2C Extender XL” board for neater projects as shown in the photo below. Users in Europe and the UK may prefer purchasing the board on Lectronz instead to avoid customs duties and/or VAT surprises.

Support CNX Software! Donate via cryptocurrencies, become a Patron on Patreon, or purchase goods on Amazon or Aliexpress