b'FeatureDIY geophysicistglasses, then a magnifier is handy too (many parts are tiny and delicate to work with). A small portable oscilloscope (can be found online for $500 or less brand new) is invaluable to assist in understanding mystery circuits. The initial capital outlay to begin exploring what can be done yourself is relatively modest, the cost of a hobby rather than the cost of setting up a small business, and can be almost nothing other than the parts purchased.Most geophysicists are trained as scientists and are taught some form of programming. Python (the language) is currently the most adopted tool and is relatively easy to use and learn. Engineers tend to be trained in C language and variants because C is a language designed to be put onto bare metal directly (i.e. hard programmed into computing systems as it was originally designed to create Unix operating systems). In our present era a C language compiler exists for every type of microprocessor and the Python interpreter is coded in C itself.Figure 2.A STM embedded microcontroller evaluation board, Nucleo H743 C or C may be used to implement and refine a conceptrunning MicroPython interpreter with a 480MHz ARM M7. This board has had tested with Python. If there is a commercial outcome for theminor modifications including adding a microSD card and to improve the 16 bit ADC noise. It is capable of measuring 8 x Analog channels with 16-bits and DIY geophysicist then an engineer can easily take the Pythonstoring the results to a microSD card at data rates of 20kS/s.(or MicroPython) code and, for a fee, turn it into a propriety embedded code, if need be. However, in many cases this willMicroPython started as a Kickstarter crowd-funded project not be needed. MicroPython code can be partially compiledby Damien George (www.microphython.com) to remove the into m-code with a little extra effort using the mpy cross- added complexity of a largely unneeded Linux operating compiler; thus, requiring less space in flash memory andsystem in embedded systems and rarely used Python language executing more quickly. elements to produce a very small python kernel stored in the flash inside the microchip that directly run Python scripts with a standardised library of hardware access to microcontroller Embedded computers for data acquisition and control functions; such as Analog-to-Digital conversion (ADC), Timers, Good examples of a modern foundation tool for the DIYInterrupts, Pulse-width-modulation (PWM), standard digital geophysicist are the new MicroPython embedded systems.interfaces such as I2C, SPI and SD Card access. In practice, These single board systems (pictured in Figures 1, 2 and 3)Python code is saved onto flash memory that often appears are focussed upon allowing access to analog signals andas a USB drive while simultaneously the USB interfaces as a hardware pins on the microcontroller with standardisedremote terminal to a PC to run and test the code, or the terminal high-level software. Previous microcontrollers such as theinterface is used to run MicroPython scripts interactively.popular Raspberry Pi series (www.raspberrypi.org) and ArduinoThe popularity of the MicroPython approach has been (www.arduino.cc) require reasonable knowledge of Linuximplemented by the Raspberry Pi organisation with their own and a C compiler and multiple code-build-flash cycles incustom integrated circuit, the RP2040, released in March 2021 developing code. Both Rasberry Pi and Arduino have recentlyto meet the needs for simple embedded sense, compute and embraced MicroPython-based embedded computing and invested considerably into it by collaborating to develop an independent microcontroller, the RP2040.Figure 1.The relatively new Arduino Portenta H7 (66 mm x 25.4 mm) with WiFi/BT mounted upon a larger expansion card that adds easier access to many pins and ports plus a microSD card socket that appears as flash drive when connected to a Windows PC. The H7 has two processors, one running at 480 MHz the other at 240 MHz, that perform independently and untethered tasks such as collecting sensor data with numeric transformation at multi-kilohertzFigure 3.The new Raspberry Pi Pico, tiny at 22 mm x 50 mm, the current rates and then to storage or re-communication with a power consumption oflowest cost option at about $10 with or without WiFi/BT. Perfect for a small about 200-500mW. This system could serve as a master controller for hundredsnodal sensor systemwired or wireless, or transmitter controller for a resistivity/of sensors, which is exactly what is planned for this unit. TEM transmitter.51 PREVIEW DECEMBER 2022'