Taking A Look At Data Logger Devices
June 10th, 2010Until fairly recently, chart recorders were used to create a record of varying data over a specified period of time. These mechanical devices can operate either with electrical power or via wind-up spring motors. Sometimes, these are still the best devices for the job. But, in large part, they have been replaced by data logger devices.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.
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 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.
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.
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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