A second prototype IoT system is now set-up outside in our resilience garden.
Kim set this system up for our BioSignals project using the same hardware and sensor configuration as our setup in our studio at The Strand Arcade, Whangarei (with an ESP32 microcontroller at the core).
This system will use 12vt power delivered via a cable from Kim’s nearby studio or a battery. He is investigating solar.
Kim has added signal data from this site to his data visualisation page.
The eventual goal is to transmit from multiple sensors across the garden, representing a mini ecosystem.

Live Signals
Key to having a successful outcome for this project for AwhiWorld is the need for real-time raw data signals to be sent and received across the globe. This means generating signals for 24 hours so those in different time zones can receive and visualise during their main working hours.
Considerations include the type of data collected and how useful this is to other sites worldwide, e.g. humidity may be relatively stable. Still, light levels will constantly change and may be problematic across time zones (we are in unchanging darkness for hours while others are operating in the light). If this feeds into an installation, does the data need to be highly dynamic? Or is authenticity important at each site? Is the authenticity of visualisation important, or can we do what we like with what we receive?
The soil’s moisture level is an authentic area of data collection as it relates directly to the impact of climate change in our region (i.e. extraordinarily wet or extremely dry). It is not necessarily a dynamic real-time data stream as it changes slowly.
Autonomy is essential in this project, so its site is free to express its own culture and artistic preferences, but it is also essential to share and exchange knowledge and ideas on the signal protocol itself so everyone’s work has a successful outcome and fully expresses the culture of each site.
More BioSignals

The British Council funds BioSignals via the #ConnectionsThroughCulture programme.




























