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 Largely, though, they’ve been replaced by data logger devices.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.
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.
For homeowners, an energy audit or monitoring device may be useful. Several different types are on the market, including a type that can measure how much power that an electrical appliance draws, and then calculate its annual cost of operation. Another type of monitoring kit will let a homeowner to keep a constant surveillance on rooms temperatures 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 grain elevators or mines, where combustible dust or gas may be present, would have to use monitoring devices that are “intrinsically safe”. These devices are designed so that they won’t create sparks that could cause explosions.
When you shop for a logging solution, be aware of what the purchase price includes. Many times, the required sensors are sold separately from the data logger device itself.
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