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 Largely, though, they’ve been replaced by data logger devices.
Data loggers are electronic devices that can have either their own built-in sensors, or the capability to connect to external sensors. Generally, they’re battery-powered, small, and have an on-board microprocessor. Some can stand alone, with their own displays and keyboards. Others can hold data in memory for later retrieval, usually by connecting it to a computer. On a computer, data may be either displayed via proprietary software, or via an Excel spreadsheet or graph. Newer devices may also have capabilities for wireless communications, allowing them to send constant streams of data 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.
Homeowners may be interested in purchasing an energy audit or monitoring device. Several types are available, including one that can measure the power draw of an electrical appliance, and automatically calculate its annual energy cost. There’s also a monitoring kit that enables you to constantly monitor 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.
Fleet operators, such as taxi cab or trucking companies, may benefit from the automotive logging devices. These are small devices, which can be connected to a vehicle’s OBD-II port. They can monitor engine performance, fuel economy, and how the vehicle is being driven. Some of these devices have wireless capabilities, allowing operators at a base station to see real-time data as vehicles are being driven. Auto mechanics can also make use of OBD-II devices when trying to diagnose engine problems.
Weather researchers will find several different monitoring solutions. There are devices for measuring specific weather data, such as temperature, soil moisture content, rainfall, or wind. Complete weather monitoring stations can log many different kinds of weather data.
Operators of mines or grain elevators, where combustible gas or dust may be a problem, would want to use an “intrinsically safe” monitoring device. These devices are guaranteed not to produce sparks that could cause an explosion.
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.
