Data Logger
A data logger is a solid state device used to measure and record
analogue and / or digital inputs from sensors or other
instruments. Typically these sensors or other instruments will
themselves be measuring environmental or process parameters such
as temperature, humidity, pressure, flow, level, wind speed,
wind direction, and many other physical properties.
A data logger is a stand alone recording device. It does not
need a PC to store it's data. There are many types of data
logger. However they fall into two broad categories.
1) Small compact battery powered data logger for use in remote
locations or in application where weight and space available is
critical
2) Large multi channel data logger, usually mains powered to
store large amounts of data from many external sensors and
inputs.
Data logger design has improved exponentially over the last few
years. A typical small data logger for single channel
temperature measurement will be no larger than a matchbox, and
can store up to 32,000 temperature readings. Utilizing flash
memory some 4 and 8 channel data logger types are still small
enough to fit in your pocket, with battery life of up to 2 years.
Most types of data logger come with custom software to download
data to a PC, show the results in graph and table format, and
export data to MS Excel and other applications. The proprietary
software is also used to program the data logger for sample
rate, and logging duration. Data is usually downloaded directly
from the data logger to the PC. However with many types of data
logger data download can also be achieved remotely using
Ethernet, low power radio, GSM, GPRS or telephone lines. Some
data logger models also publish their data direct to websites.
Due to it's versatility in measurement applications the data
logger has become an indispensable tool for academic and medical
research, biologists, physicists, process engineers, civil
engineers, electrical engineers and environmental scientists. A
wide range of data logger types are used across a whole spectrum
of industries, including power generation, oil and gas
exploration, general manufacturing, civil construction,
aerospace, horticultural and medical science.
Omni Instruments has been actively involved in the data logger
market for over 10 years and has supplied all data logger types
for a vast range of applications. They include:
Temperature data logger - for use in offices, factories and
hospitals Temperature and humidity data logger for measurement
in museums and warehouses
Temperature, rainfall, wind speed and
direction, solar radiation and barometric pressure data logger
for measurement in remote weather stations
Multiple input data
logger units for vibration, orientation and movement measurement
in robots and remotely controlled vehicles
Process data logger
units for pressure, flow and level measurement in factories and
plants
Vibration data logger for goods in transit
In short a data logger in many applications is a far more
effective means of recording measurements and activity than a
man with a clip board or traditional recording instruments such
as chart recorders.
About the author:
Jim Furness is CEO of Omniinstruments Ltd, specialists in
data loggers
and other instrumentation solutions
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