A Research Quality, Low Power and Cost Magnetometer Package for use in Citizen Science (Demonstration)

A high precision low cost magnetometer package combining GPS time keeping, data logging, real time graphing, and wifi data distribution is under development by the Moldwin Magnetics Laboratory at the University of Michigan. The prototype collects data for use in geomagnetic sensing. The system includes a Solar panel, a 12V lead acid battery, and a charge controller. All electronics are enclosed in a weatherproof plastic case, except for the magnetometer, which is housed separately to reduce noise. Data is processed by a raspberry pi and displayed on a color HDMI LCD screen. Our goal of keeping costs low helps distribute the system to citizens to form a network of magnetometers to better monitor our environment.