Until 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 But, in large part, they have been replaced by data logger devices.

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.

Perform a web search, and you’ll be able to find a wide range of data logger. Prices range from the very inexpensive, to the very big-budget. There are plenty of vendors, peddling devices for pretty near any type of data that you’d like to track.

Vendors with prominent web-front stores sell a large range of logging devices. You’ll find devices for use by electricians, network technicians, weather researchers, home owners, etc. It seems that there’s something there for almost anyone.

Homeowners may be interested in purchasing an energy audit or monitoring device. Several types are available, including one that can measure the power draw of an electrical appliance, and automatically calculate its annual energy cost. There’s also a monitoring kit that enables you to constantly monitor 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.

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.

For weather researchers, there are several types of monitoring solutions. Some are monitors for specific weather data, such as wind, temperature, humidity, soil moisture content, or rainfall. There are also complete weather monitoring stations, which can monitor multiple 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.

Our qualified technicians have over 30 years of experience in providing instrument calibration services and full service repair. We provide a wide range innovative technical solutions, including data logger, humidity sensors, and pressure transducer.