An Introduction To Data Logger Devices

Until fairly recent years, you would have used some sort of a chart recorder to record a set of ever-changing data for a given time interval. These mechanical devices can work with either a wind-up spring motor, or with an electrical motor. Sometimes, these devices may still be the most suitable for a given job. Largely, though, they’ve been replaced by data logger devices.

A data logger is an electronic device that can either have its own built-in sensors, or that can retrieve data from external sensors. In general, they’re small, battery-powered, and contain a microprocessor. They can be stand-alone devices, either with their own keyboards and displays, or that would hold data in memory for later retrieval via a normal computer. On computers, data may be either displayed by a proprietary program, or by Excel graph or spreadsheet. Newer models can also have wireless capabilities, enabling them to send a constant stream of data back to a base station.

Take a look on the web, and you’ll find a wide range of data loggers, from the very inexpensive to ones that cost thousands of dollars. You’ll find many different vendors, selling devices for just about any type of data that you can imagine.

Many sellers have prominent store-fronts on the web, and sell a large range of logging devices. Network technicians, weather researchers, electricians, homeowners, and more can find something that they can use. There’s something to be found for pretty much everybody and his brother.

A homeowner might be interested in energy audit and monitoring devices. There are several different types, including one type that can measure the power draw of an electrical appliance. Then, it’ll automatically calculate the annual energy cost for that appliance. Another type of monitoring kit will allow a homeowner to keep an eye on room temperature throughout the house.

Industrial outfits and small businesses might need to use data loggers to monitor greenhouses, air quality, refrigeration units, or HVAC. An air quality monitor can constantly check levels of atmospheric carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, or certain other gasses. You’d want to use these in closed spaces, any time that there’s a danger that hazardous gasses may accumulate.

Taxi cab companies, trucking companies, or any other fleet operator, could benefit from using automotive data loggers. These small devices, when connected to a vehicle’s OBD-II port, can track many different data. They can monitor fuel economy, engine performance, and how the driver is operating the vehicle. Devices with wireless capabilities can allow an operator at a base station to view real-time data as a vehicle is being driven. An auto mechanic can use OBD-II devices to help diagnose engine problems.

Weather researchers can choose from a number of different monitoring solutions. You can purchase loggers for specific weather data, such as humidity, temperature, wind, rainfall, or soil moisture. Complete weather monitoring stations allow monitoring many different types of weather data.

In mines and grain elevators, combustible gas or dust may be present. In these situations, you’d need to use a logging device that’s classified as “intrinsically safe”. These devices are built so that they won’t emit sparks, eliminating a possible cause of explosions.

When shopping for a monitoring solution, be aware of what’s included in your purchase. Oftentimes, the price of the data logger device doesn’t include the required sensors. So, you’ll need to purchase them separately.

Our qualified technicians have over 30 years of experience in providing instrument calibration services and full service repair. We provide a wide range innovative technical solutions, including data logger, humidity sensors, and pressure transducer.

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Comments on An Introduction To Data Logger Devices Leave a Comment

May 6, 2011

Sime Sirim @ 9:32 am #

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