The main objective of our project was to develop a proof-of-concept for a Raspberry Pi 4 based data acquisition platform, with support for three sensors. Based on our results, we were able to satisfy our objective: all three sensors can be operated and manipulated through a single platform.
For the GPIO evaluation circuit, we were able to record and analyze both DC and AC signals. DC signals were processed and analyzed without a hitch. This was not the case for AC signals; at higher frequencies i.e. input signals exceeding a frequency of 10 kHz, the waveform broke down, and we were unable to glean meaningful results. Radio transmissions recorded from the RTL-SDR did not experience this issue.
The GUI appears to be functional, and is easily usable. We have no comments here — perhaps testing from other users will provide us with the feedback needed to improve the design.
For the RTL-SDR, our only standard was that the recorded audio was of a reasonable quality, and of course modifiable using our data acquisition platform. We are happy to report that Brian Johnson screaming “Thunderstruck”, among other audio snippets (such as an AutoZone commercial) can be clearly heard over our host computer’s speakers. As shown from our results above, we could also accurately manipulate the gain and filter the signal using our modifiable filter implementations.
In the case of the Pi Camera, we also only expected reasonable quality video and images which were modifiable. After seeing our beautiful selves displayed on one of the GUI axes and the subsequent successful edge detection, we are satisfied with the outcome.
View our concluding thoughts and next steps here.