Taking A Look At Data Logger Devices
Not so many years ago, if you wanted to record a set of changing data over a given time period, you would need to use a chart recorder. These are mechanical devices that work either with or without electrical power. Although these are still sometimes the best type of device for the job, they have been largely replaced by data logger devices.
Data loggers are purely electronic devices that can gather data via their own built-in sensors, or via external sensors. Generally speaking, they’re portable, battery-powered, and make use of an on-board microprocessor. Stand-alone logging devices could have built-in keyboards and displays. Alternatively, they could hold data in memory, so that they may be later retrieved via a regular computer. Data may be displayed on a computer either via an Excel spreadsheet or graph, or via the logger’s own proprietary software. Some models have wireless capabilities, which would enable them to send constant streams of data back to the home base.
Search on the web, and you’ll see a wide range of data logger. Prices range from the inexpensive, to thousands of dollars. There are lots of vendors, selling devices for almost any type of data that can be measured.
Many vendors have prominent web-front stores, and sell a very large range of devices. There are devices for use by homeowners, electricians, weather researchers, network technicians, etc. It would seem that there’s something there for pretty much everyone.
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.
Logging devices for industrial or small business use include monitors for HVAC, greenhouses, refrigeration units, or air quality. Air quality monitors can keep a constant check on levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, or other gasses. Use these in closed spaces, where there may be a danger that these gasses may accumulate.
The use of automotive data loggers may benefit fleet operators, such as trucking or taxi cab companies. These compact devices can be connected to a vehicles’s OBD-II port. They’re useful for monitoring engine performance, fuel economy, and how the vehicle is being operated. Devices with built-in wireless capabilities allow operators at the home base to see real-time data on how the vehicles are being operated. There’s also a class OBD-II devices for auto mechanics, to help them 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.
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.
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