The ACROBOARDLOG board is the electronic heart of each ACRONET Configuration. A microcontroller element constantly communicates with the mobile communication module (GSM/GPRS/LTE), and with the module for managing the planned power sources (mains, solar panel, rechargeable buffer battery, back-up battery, if any). The ‘datalogging’ functions are operated by means of a series of serial, digital and analogue ports, which allow the simultaneous connection of a large number of sensors and actuators, even those relating to different technologies. On the board are the SIM card slot, and a series of LED controls for instantaneous monitoring of operating conditions. On the communications front, the board is connected to an external antenna, through which each station communicates with the ACRONETWORK infrastructure both via HTTP protocol for exchanging data, and via MQTT protocol for sending its own operating parameters. Through the installation of a dedicated firmware, the board is programmed to manage all specific functionalities. A configuration file also finalises the parameters for data collection and real-time alignment. The board also allows bi-directional communication to the station, both for remote firmware updates and for sending specific commands to control lamps, sirens or other actuators.
