Not so many years ago, if you wanted to record a set of changing data over a given time period, you would need to use a chart recorder. These are mechanical devices that work either with or without electrical power. Although these are still sometimes the best type of device for the job, they have been largely 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.

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.

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.

For small businesses and industrial concerns, there are monitors for greenhouses, air quality, HVAC, or refrigeration units. An air quality monitor will keep a constant check on levels of hazardous gasses such as carbon dioxide or carbon monoxide. You’d want to have these in confined spaces, wherever these gasses might accumulate.

Fleet operators, such as taxi cab or trucking companies, may benefit from the automotive logging devices. These are small devices, which can be connected to a vehicle’s OBD-II port. They can monitor engine performance, fuel economy, and how the vehicle is being driven. Some of these devices have wireless capabilities, allowing operators at a base station to see real-time data as vehicles are being driven. Auto mechanics can also make use of OBD-II devices when trying to 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.

In mines and grain elevators, combustible gas or dust may be present. In these situations, you’d need to use a logging device that’s classified as “intrinsically safe”. These devices are built so that they won’t emit sparks, eliminating a possible cause of explosions.

When purchasing a monitoring solution, you’ll need to inquire about what is included in the purchase price. Often, the required sensors aren’t included in the price of the logging device itself. So, you’d have to buy them separately.

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.