This study implemented a Very Low Frequency (VLF) data logger for monitoring the local ionosphere. The VLF data logger was built around a Raspberry Pi 3B+. A 1 m^2 loop antenna with a sensitivity of 5.86 ×〖10〗^(-4) V/s^(1⁄2) m^(-1) was built to receive the VLF signal. The system records three frequencies- 19.2 kHz, 19.58 kHz and 19.8 kHz from South Vijayanarayanam (India), Anthorn (UK) and Exmouth (Australia) respectively at Ibadan-Nigeria. Three months (June August 2019) of data were reported in this study. The results revealed that the data logger saves up to 83% energy compared to an average laptop. The system was able to characterize the diurnal morphology of the D-layer. The diurnal morphology shows the sunrise and the sunset effect (signature). It was noticed that variation exists in the average signal strength on quiet days, therefore; further study is recommended to investigate the geophysical conditions that are responsible for the variations.
Key words: Space weather, ionosphere, Raspberry pi, instrumentation, sudden ionospheric disturbance (SID)
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