Understanding the growth of new technologies and keeping in mind the need to add value to its eStorm-L1 product, Embien launched an android data logger and controller named DAQ Suite. With experience developing Android apps across IoT, healthcare, and automotive segments, the android data logger and controller was built to enhance user experience in multiple industrial applications — including remote control, remote data acquisition, and data logging. Embien's Digital Transformation Services team applies this android data logger and controller expertise to industrial automation and connected product projects. This blog is the sequel to eStorm-L1 as GSM based remote switch — demonstrating relay control and sensor monitoring via an Android app.
The following video shows the remote monitoring and control application, demonstrating relay control and sensor monitoring via SMS command through the GSM-based remote switch:
Data Acquisition Device: Demo Hardware Setup
For the demo, two LEDs and two switches demonstrate relay control and sensor monitoring respectively. In real applications, the LED represents a relay with suitable external DC supply for coil excitation, and the switch represents a sensor/transducer — a digital high/low or pulse-type output. The data acquisition device stores all configuration settings (user, IO, etc.) in EEPROM, preserving them across power cycles. The device also supports on-site memory erase and factory reset. As a data acquisition device, eStorm-L1 bridges physical sensors to cloud-ready Android reporting — making it a practical embedded IoT solution for industrial deployments.
Data Acquisition Systems: DAQ Suite Menu Options
As an android data logger and controller, the DAQ Suite app provides full configuration and control of the data acquisition systems interface. The app menu includes:
- Device type selection — select the type of device to monitor or control; available devices are listed in the Device model list.
- User settings — set user details: name, phone number, password, device description, and phone numbers for call actions.
- Relay settings — set ON duration, ON/OFF delay, and relay names for multiple relays.
- Update settings — set update interval for receiving SMS status updates: on change, periodic, both, or none.
- Call actions settings — configure relay action (ON/OFF) triggered by incoming calls.
The main screen of the android data logger and controller displays SMS command status, time of last received/sent SMS, relay control switches, and digital input status LEDs. Upon every operation, an SMS is sent to the device with the predefined command; the relay/input status is updated on the main screen based on the acknowledgement SMS — making the data acquisition systems feedback loop fully visible to the operator.
Mobile App for Hardware: Android-to-Embedded Communication
As a mobile app for hardware, DAQ Suite bridges Android UX with embedded firmware. The app sends SMS commands formatted to a predefined command set; the device responds with structured SMS status messages. This mobile app for hardware pattern — using SMS as the transport — works reliably in areas with 2G coverage where data connectivity may be absent. The Embedded Android expertise at Embien covers the full stack: firmware, GSM modem interface, and Android app development.
Mobile Embedded Apps: Scalability and Customization
The DAQ Suite design demonstrates a broader pattern for mobile embedded apps in industrial IoT. Mobile embedded apps like this can be adapted for water well pump control, irrigation systems, HVAC management, remote server power-cycling, and many other automation scenarios — anywhere that remote switch control with real-time status reporting is needed.
About Embien: Primary focus of Embien technologies lies in the Industrial Automation segment. We have rich experience in industrial automation and control systems — developing protocol stacks, HMI systems, and M2M services for remote monitoring and control. Our android data logger and controller and data acquisition systems expertise spans IoT, healthcare, and automotive segments across geographies.