Datalogger (Humidity and Temperature Loggers)

What is Datalogger?

A datalogger is an electronic device or computer program that continuously records location-related data over time using a built-in tool or an externally interfaced tool.

Data loggers are basically based on digital processors and often look like a small portable box containing batteries, wires, internal memory storage, sensors, and a programmable module. A few of the data loggers interface with a PC to display the data via special software, while some connect directly to a device (LCD, PC, Mobile Phone) and display the data as a standalone device.

The datalogger automatically collects real-time data from sensors and enables data to be viewed via a mobile device or an interface. It is possible to leave the data loggers unattended and still retrieve all data at any time.

What Does Datalogger Do?

Datalogger is an electronic device that records information at a specific time. The type of information to be saved is determined by the user. Ideal for fieldwork, transport monitoring, heating/cooling/ventilation (HVAC) testing, problem detection, quality studies, general research and educational sciences. Data loggers are devices with a wide variety of applications. Because they are small, they are considered ideal devices to place in difficult places.

How Does Data Logger Operate?

Data loggers use a microprocessor, an internal memory for data storage, and a sensor for collecting data. They are usually small and battery-powered devices. Data loggers can interface with a computer, use software to view and analyze collected data, or be used as a stand-alone device with a local interface, or they can be connected wirelessly to a device.

The advantage of data loggers is that they can operate independently of a computer, unlike many other types of data acquisition devices. Data loggers are available in a variety of shapes and sizes. The product range includes simple affordable single-channel fixed function recorders to more powerful programmable devices capable of handling hundreds of inputs.

What are the Benefits of Datalogger?

Dataloggers are electronic devices designed to record one or more physical property variables found in a given environment. Typically, data loggers are compact, battery-powered, portable devices that contain an internal sensor and memory for data storage. There is a wide variety of loggers that can measure various types of data, including humidity, temperature, pH level, voltage, shock, water level, pressure, movement, carbon dioxide and much more. Common industries benefit from the use of data loggers on a daily basis, although their importance is often not realized.

Data logging can be done manually with continuous human observation. An example of this would be to record temperature changes over an hour in a centrally heated room using a timer, thermometer, pen and paper. However, using an electronic data logger is much more effective, accurate, and reliable than performing periodic manual readings. It saves time and expense by doing the work of all the tools mentioned above.

The time it takes to see the benefits of using a datalogger will depend on how the units are used. However, measurable benefits from using loggers can often be seen in a very short period of time. Typically, it only takes one or two logging runs to pinpoint areas that would benefit from the extra attention.

Where is Datalogger Used?

Datalogger is used wherever there is some advantage in recording conditions for a certain period of time. Applications range from obtaining a wind speed recording to monitoring the temperature in refrigerated storage containers to monitoring the flow rate at a remote pump station. At the end of the acquisition period, the instrument is retrieved and the data is downloaded to a PC for analysis. Alternatively, data loggers are available to wirelessly transmit the measurement results to a PC with a data logger software installed.

It is not surprising that food is more prone to spoilage if not handled and stored properly. This is why food related businesses around the world rely on the use of dataloggers to track and trace their perishable products. Loggers are used in every step of the production process, from cooking food to storage and shipping tracking. Using a datalogger allows the processor to monitor temperature and humidity at every step to verify proper conditions and ensure safety regulations are met.

In the field of medicine, there are strict regulations that must be followed to ensure the safety of patients, facilities and products, and to ensure that medical devices and vaccines are properly cleaned and stored. Dataloggers provide assurance that medical freezers and refrigerators are operating at the correct temperatures. Besides cold storage monitoring, datalogger is used for autoclave verification to ensure medical equipment and supplies are properly sterilized.

There are many benefits when dataloggers are used in the field in a variety of demanding applications, environments and industries. They offer a practical way to collect large amounts of performance, environmental or process data over time. This can be extremely important in retrospectively identifying or demonstrating behavior patterns or performance, as well as creating much more meaningful and usable datasets. Due to their compact size and generally rugged exterior, certain models can be placed in a wide variety of difficult and remote locations and left to automatically record measurements at regular intervals as long as they remain open. Processes and conditions can be measured, documented, analyzed, and verified over a much larger timeframe than practical (or cost-effective) with continuous control or input.