{"id":869,"date":"2026-06-04T18:47:40","date_gmt":"2026-06-04T17:47:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/odonodesign.com\/blog\/?p=869"},"modified":"2026-06-06T20:12:53","modified_gmt":"2026-06-06T19:12:53","slug":"tinytherm-v3-remote-online-temperature-logger-using-thingspeak","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/odonodesign.com\/blog\/2026\/06\/04\/tinytherm-v3-remote-online-temperature-logger-using-thingspeak\/","title":{"rendered":"DIY Long-Range Wireless Temperature Monitor (LoRa + PIC + NodeMCU + ThingSpeak IoT System)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>\ud83d\udce1 Overview<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In this project, we build a <strong>long-range wireless temperature monitoring system<\/strong> using LoRa radio communication, a PIC microcontroller, and a NodeMCU ESP8266.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The system allows you to monitor temperature from remote locations such as a garden, shed, greenhouse, or outdoor enclosure \u2014 and view live data anywhere in the world using the ThingSpeak cloud platform.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Unlike typical WiFi-based sensors, this system does <strong>not require WiFi at the sensor location<\/strong>, making it significantly more secure and much higher range.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>\ud83e\udde0 System Architecture<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The project is split into two main parts:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">[ Sensor Node (Outdoor) ]<br \/>PIC16F628 \u2192 DS18B20 Temperature Sensor \u2192 LoRa Transmitter<br \/>\u2193<br \/>Wireless Long-Range Link (LoRa)<br \/>\u2193<br \/>[ Base Station (Indoor) ]<br \/>LoRa Receiver \u2192 NodeMCU ESP8266 \u2192 ThingSpeak Cloud<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>\ud83c\udf0d How It Works<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>1. Sensor Node (Outdoor Unit)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The outdoor unit is built around a <strong>PIC16F628 microcontroller<\/strong> connected to a DS18B20 temperature sensor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The PIC reads temperature data and formats it into a simple packet structure:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">T24E<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Where:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>T = start of packet<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>24 = temperature value (\u00b0C)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>E = end of packet<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This data is transmitted via LoRa at a fixed interval (e.g. every 5 minutes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To conserve power, the microcontroller spends most of its time in a low-power state between transmissions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>2. Receiver Node (Indoor Unit)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The base station uses a <strong>NodeMCU ESP8266<\/strong> connected to a LoRa receiver module.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Receives incoming LoRa packets<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Extracts the temperature value between T and E<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Validates and processes the data<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once decoded, the value is passed to the WiFi stage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>3. Cloud Upload (ThingSpeak IoT)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The NodeMCU uploads the processed temperature value to <strong>ThingSpeak<\/strong>, allowing:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Real-time graphs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Historical data logging<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Remote access from any device with internet<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No custom app is required \u2014 just open your ThingSpeak channel in a browser.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>\ud83d\udcca ThingSpeak Dashboard<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">ThingSpeak provides:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Live updating temperature graph<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Automatic data logging<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mobile and desktop access<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Long-term data storage (ideal for monitoring trends)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once configured, the system continuously logs sensor data at your chosen interval.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>\u26a1 Power &amp; Efficiency Design<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To make the system suitable for outdoor battery operation:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>PIC microcontroller sleeps between transmissions<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>LoRa module remains inactive when not sending data<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>System wakes periodically to transmit readings<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This approach significantly reduces power consumption and allows long-term battery operation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>\ud83e\udde9 Key Features<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Long-range wireless communication using LoRa<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>No WiFi required at the sensor node<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Secure remote sensing (no exposed credentials outdoors)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cloud-based monitoring via ThingSpeak<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Low-power design for battery operation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Simple and reliable packet protocol (TxxE)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Easily expandable to multiple sensor types<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>\ud83d\udd27 Possible Upgrades<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This system can be expanded to include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Humidity monitoring<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Soil moisture sensing<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Battery voltage tracking<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Multi-node sensor networks<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Alerts via ThingSpeak webhooks or email<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>\ud83d\udca1 Why This System Is Useful<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Most off-the-shelf IoT sensors rely entirely on WiFi, which limits range to a typical home network and requires storing credentials on the device.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This design solves that problem:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The sensor node does <strong>not store WiFi credentials<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Communication range is significantly extended using LoRa<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The system can operate in remote outdoor environments<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Data is still accessible globally via the cloud<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>\ud83c\udfd7\ufe0f Hardware Overview<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Sensor Node:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>DS18B20 temperature sensor<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>PIC16F628 microcontroller<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>LoRa transmitter module<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Base Station:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>LoRa receiver module<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>NodeMCU ESP8266 (ESP-12E)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>WiFi connection to ThingSpeak<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>\ud83d\udd17 Build Process<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can assemble this project using a breadboard or prototype setup by following the schematics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">PCB design files will be added in a future update.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>\u2699\ufe0f Setup Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Create a ThingSpeak account<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Create a new channel and enable Field 1 (Temperature)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Copy your Channel ID and API Key<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Flash the PIC with the provided HEX firmware<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Upload the NodeMCU Arduino sketch (insert WiFi + API credentials)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Power both units and begin logging data<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>\ud83d\udce6 What\u2019s Included in the Download<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This project pack includes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>PIC assembly source code (for reference)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pre-compiled PIC HEX firmware (ready to flash)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>NodeMCU Arduino IDE sketch<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Full wiring diagrams (both nodes)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>ThingSpeak setup guide<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Packet format documentation (TxxE)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Step-by-step build instructions<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>\ud83d\ude80 Real-World Applications<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A temperature data logger like this is widely used in:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Cold chain logistics<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pharmaceutical storage monitoring<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Food safety (HACCP compliance)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Laboratory temperature mapping<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>HVAC system optimisation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Agricultural and greenhouse monitoring<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>\ud83d\udccc Final Notes<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This project demonstrates how low-cost embedded systems can be combined to create a <strong>long-range IoT monitoring solution<\/strong> without relying on WiFi at the sensor location.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">By combining:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>PIC microcontroller processing<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>LoRa long-range communication<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>ESP8266 cloud connectivity<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u2026you get a flexible, scalable remote monitoring system that can be deployed almost anywhere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.etsy.com\/listing\/4516509478\/tinytherm-v30-pic15f628-hex-code-and\" class=\"broken_link\">Download the full project here<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/odonodesign.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/img_6599-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-881\" srcset=\"https:\/\/odonodesign.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/img_6599-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/odonodesign.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/img_6599-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/odonodesign.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/img_6599-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/odonodesign.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/img_6599-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/odonodesign.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/img_6599.jpg 2000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/odonodesign.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/image-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-867\" srcset=\"https:\/\/odonodesign.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/image-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/odonodesign.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/image-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/odonodesign.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/image-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/odonodesign.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/image-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/odonodesign.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/image.jpg 2000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/odonodesign.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/img_6603-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-868\" srcset=\"https:\/\/odonodesign.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/img_6603-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/odonodesign.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/img_6603-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/odonodesign.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/img_6603-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/odonodesign.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/img_6603-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/odonodesign.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/img_6603.jpg 2000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/odonodesign.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/img_6604-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-865\" srcset=\"https:\/\/odonodesign.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/img_6604-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/odonodesign.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/img_6604-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/odonodesign.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/img_6604-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/odonodesign.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/img_6604-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/odonodesign.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/img_6604.jpg 2000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">What is a temperature logger?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A temperature data logger is a portable device used&nbsp;<mark>to automatically measure and record environmental temperatures over a specific period<\/mark>. It ensures that sensitive goods remain within safe limits by providing a reliable, automated alternative to manual thermometer checks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">They are essential tools across various industries, fulfilling the following primary uses:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Cold Chain Shipment Monitoring:<\/strong>&nbsp;Tracking perishable goods (e.g., produce, dairy) and pharmaceuticals in transit to guarantee that conditions remain within safe parameters.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Pharmaceutical and Vaccine Storage:<\/strong>&nbsp;Ensuring drugs, blood samples, and vaccines are kept at required temperatures (e.g., +2\u00b0C to +8\u00b0C) to prevent spoilage and maintain their efficacy.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Food Safety and HACCP Compliance:<\/strong>&nbsp;Monitoring refrigerators, freezers, and processing facilities to ensure strict food safety regulations are continuously met.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Laboratory and Equipment Mapping:<\/strong>&nbsp;Performing temperature mapping in scientific environments, incubators, or industrial ovens to identify hot and cold spots.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Building Management &amp; HVAC:<\/strong>&nbsp;Optimizing climate control systems in commercial and agricultural buildings for efficiency and product quality.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>\ud83d\udce1 Overview In this project, we build a long-range wireless temperature monitoring system using LoRa radio communication, a PIC microcontroller, and a NodeMCU ESP8266. The system allows you to monitor temperature from remote locations such as a garden, shed, greenhouse, or outdoor enclosure \u2014 and view live data anywhere in the world using the ThingSpeak [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-869","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-tutorials"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/odonodesign.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/869","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/odonodesign.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/odonodesign.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/odonodesign.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/odonodesign.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=869"}],"version-history":[{"count":25,"href":"https:\/\/odonodesign.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/869\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":903,"href":"https:\/\/odonodesign.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/869\/revisions\/903"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/odonodesign.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=869"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/odonodesign.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=869"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/odonodesign.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=869"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}