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ThingSpeak Add-on for Android

Mobile IoT data logging to ThingSpeak. Cloud charts, MATLAB analytics, real-time alerts.

ThingSpeak Integration

⬆️ New to ThingSpeak? See Overview Guide for platform-agnostic concepts, use cases, initial setup, and FAQ.

Quick Start (3 Steps)

Prerequisites

  • ✅ Modbus Monitor Advanced installed
  • ✅ ThingSpeak Add-on purchased
  • ✅ ThingSpeak channel created with Write API Key (see Overview Guide)

Step 1: Enter Your API Key

  1. Open Hamburger Menu → Settings → ThingSpeak
  2. Toggle Enable ThingSpeak ON
  3. Paste your Write API Key (from ThingSpeak)
  4. Tap OK

Android ThingSpeak Setup

Step 2: Start Logging

  1. Return to main screen
  2. Tap Link icon to start Client Mode
  3. Your monitor points automatically upload to ThingSpeak

Step 3: View Your Data

  1. Open ThingSpeak
  2. Go to your channel → Private View
  3. See live charts updating with your Modbus data

Done! Your data is now logging to the cloud.

How It Works

Automatic Field Mapping

Monitor points from your Modbus configuration automatically map to ThingSpeak Fields 1–8 in the order they appear:

Your Monitor Points:    ThingSpeak Channel:
1. Tank Level      →    Field 1
2. Motor Speed     →    Field 2
3. Temperature     →    Field 3
4. Pressure        →    Field 4
5. Flow Rate       →    Field 5
6. Humidity        →    Field 6
7. Voltage         →    Field 7
8. Current         →    Field 8

⚠️ Limit: ThingSpeak supports 8 fields maximum. Only your first 8 monitor points upload.

To change what uploads: Reorder your monitor points in the app. Changes take effect on the next upload cycle.

Upload Interval

Data uploads to ThingSpeak based on your polling interval. Configure timing in Settings → Timing tab.

Key Settings: - Inter-Packet Time (ms): Delay between Modbus requests (lower = faster polling) - Interval (ms): Time between complete polling cycles (this determines ThingSpeak upload frequency)

For detailed configuration help, see Advanced Guide → Timing Settings.

ThingSpeak Requirements:

  • Minimum: 15 seconds (15,000 ms) for free tier
  • Recommended: 30–60 seconds for balanced performance

Android-Specific Features

Mobile Features

Start/Stop Logging: - Tap Link icon to start or Stop - Data uploads automatically after each poll cycle

Battery Savings: - Frequent polling drains battery - Recommended: 30–60 second intervals on battery - Use USB power for continuous monitoring

Background Monitoring: - App continues uploading while in background - Requires internet connection (WiFi or mobile data) - Pauses uploads when offline, resumes when connected

Verification & Testing

Check if it's working

  1. Enable ThingSpeak in app settings
  2. Start Client Mode on main screen
  3. Open ThingSpeak → Your Channel → Private View
  4. Look for new data points with recent timestamps

Troubleshooting

Issue Solution
No data uploaded Check Write API Key is correct and copied exactly
Internet required Verify WiFi or mobile data connection
Rate limit error Increase interval to at least 15 seconds
Only seeing some fields Only first 8 monitor points upload
Wrong values uploading Verify monitor points are reading correct Modbus addresses

Common Tasks

How do I view my data?
Open ThingSpeak → Your Channel → Private View (or Public View if shared)

Can I make my data public?
Yes: Channel Settings → Sharing → "Share channel view with everyone"

How do I export data?
ThingSpeak → Data Import/Export → Choose format (CSV, JSON, XML) → Download

How many days of data does ThingSpeak keep?
Free tier: 3 months of history (rollover after 3 months)

Can I see alerts?
Yes: Set up React Apps in ThingSpeak for email/SMS on threshold breach

Cross-Platform Reference

Feature comparison between Android and Windows versions of the ThingSpeak Add-on.

Feature Android Windows
Basic Setup [← You are here] Windows Setup
ThingSpeak Concepts Overview Guide Overview Guide
MATLAB Integration Supported Supported
Max Fields 8 8
Min Update Interval 15s (free) 15s (free)

FAQ

Short answers to practical, real-world questions—rate limits, mapping, offline use, sensors, and alerts.

What if I have more than 8 monitor points?

ThingSpeak supports 8 fields max. Only the first 8 points upload. For more data: - Create multiple channels - Use MQTT or Google Sheets add-ons - Upgrade ThingSpeak plan

Does it work offline?

No—ThingSpeak requires internet. The app stores data locally, but you must upload later.

What's the battery impact?

Frequent uploads consume power. For battery devices, use 30-60 second intervals or connect USB power.

Can I change field mapping?

No automatic mapping. Fields are assigned by monitor point order. Reorder points to change mapping.

Does Android Sensor Server work?

Yes! Sensor values upload alongside Modbus data as long as you have free ThingSpeak fields.

Can I see real-time notifications?

Yes. Set up React Apps in ThingSpeak for email/SMS alerts when data exceeds thresholds.

Resources

Official links for further reading, MATLAB integration, community help, and support.

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