Blackout Logger keeps track of power outages
[Dmytro Panin] lives in Kyiv, Ukraine, where there have been power outages to stabilize the power grid. To help keep track of when outages might occur, whether planned or urgent, and to get more information on how long outages last, [Dmytro] has created an outage logger.
The build consists of a Raspberry Pi Pico that connects to a DS3231 real-time clock (RTC) with a 3.7-inch Waveshare eInk display that [Dmytro] places in a custom 3D-printed case. The RTC has its own small power supply, often from a coin cell battery attached to the module, which allows it to keep time when the module and other devices attached to it are turned off.
The Raspberry Pi Pico is programmed to "poll" every 30 seconds, writing the current time to a file. If the unit loses power, the last time in a 30 second window is available when power is restored and the unit wakes up again. Since the RTC has retained the current time, there is enough information to show the duration of the outage. The eInk display ensures that information is readily available, even when there is no power.
War isn't the only reason power outages can occur and we've covered some power outage issues in Texas and California in the US.
[Dmytro Panin] lives in Kyiv, Ukraine, where there have been power outages to stabilize the power grid. To help keep track of when outages might occur, whether planned or urgent, and to get more information on how long outages last, [Dmytro] has created an outage logger.
The build consists of a Raspberry Pi Pico that connects to a DS3231 real-time clock (RTC) with a 3.7-inch Waveshare eInk display that [Dmytro] places in a custom 3D-printed case. The RTC has its own small power supply, often from a coin cell battery attached to the module, which allows it to keep time when the module and other devices attached to it are turned off.
The Raspberry Pi Pico is programmed to "poll" every 30 seconds, writing the current time to a file. If the unit loses power, the last time in a 30 second window is available when power is restored and the unit wakes up again. Since the RTC has retained the current time, there is enough information to show the duration of the outage. The eInk display ensures that information is readily available, even when there is no power.
War isn't the only reason power outages can occur and we've covered some power outage issues in Texas and California in the US.
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