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Data Loggers

Data loggers record measurements over time, from any kind of sensor - temperature, humidity, pressure, electrical power etc.

Temperature / Humidity Loggers

Data loggers for measuring and recording temperature and/or humidity only

Electrical Power Loggers

Data loggers for measuring and recording electrical power: AC voltage, current, kW, power-factor etc

General Purpose Data Loggers

Data loggers designed for general purpose use, supporting multiple different sensor types

Specific Purpose Data Loggers

Data loggers designed for specific purposes, including mains power monitoring, pressure, time-of-use, etc

A data logger is a battery-powered, compact device that records measurements over time. It contains an internal microprocessor, one or more sensors or sensor ports, and data storage. You’ll find a broad range of quality data loggers at Esis, and they’re excellent for personal or business use. You can deploy your USB data logger in a range of environments to record your measurements at set times for years without having to attend to them.

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Depending on the type of data logger, your measurements can include relative humidity, temperature, differential pressure, AC/DC  currents and voltage, kWh energy usage, light intensity, water temperature, time-of-use for motors or lights, water level, soil moisture, dissolved oxygen, wind speed, rainfall, wind direction, pulse signals, leaf wetness, plug load, room occupancy and much more.

Data loggers can be small single channel units, multi-channel data collection units or a stand-alone device that fits neatly into the palm of your hand. They all use some type of sensor, either external or built in. While most data loggers are designed for long term repeated use, some small temperature data loggers are single use or single trip, suitable for monitoring sensitive shipments. Single trip loggers can be helpful as the receiver does not need to ship the logger back to the sender each time goods are received.

How Do You Use a Data Logger?

No matter the type of data logger you choose to get, almost all function much the same way. You’ll use accompanying configuration and graphing software to connect to your data logger. The software lets you configure settings such as how and when to start it, which sensors to use, and how often to take measurements. Then, you deploy your USB data logger to the location you want to monitor. The logger will start recording every time-stamped measurement you set and store it so you can look back at it later.

After your data logger works for your desired length of time, you can connect it to your computer and use the software to download and analyse your data. You’ll get a readout with data and display measurements in graphs that give you the area’s profile over your set time frame. You can check tabular data and export everything out into spreadsheets as well.

Hence the six steps for using a data logger are:

  1. Download the logger software and install it into your laptop or device. 
  2. Connect your USB data logger and set your chosen parameters. 
  3. Take your data logger out to your desired location and set it up to record your data. 
  4. Leave the data logger to record for the desired amount of time.
  5. Reconnect your data logger to your device either through USB or a mobile device. 
  6. Download your data and analyse it with the included software. 

Another style of data logger becoming more popular is the wireless data logger. These data loggers can eliminate the manual steps of bringing the data logger to the PC to unload the data regularly. Instead the data logger stays connected wirelessly all the time, sending its recorded data to your PC or to a cloud service. In addition to saving the effort of manually unloading the data, wireless data loggers have the amazing benefit that they can instantly send you alerts of unexpected conditions. For example if your data logger is monitoring fridge temperature, and the fridge temperature starts to go higher and higher indicating a fault, you will be notified immediately. This means you can save your refrigerated stock from being ruined. Much better than having to throw out stock because you only discovered the problem 1 week later when you downloaded the data from your logger!

What do I need to consider when choosing a Data Logger?

There are so many different types of data logger on the market, it can be confusing to figure out which one is best for your application. Options to consider include: Built-in or External Sensors, USB / Serial / Ethernet Connections, Wireless via Zigbee / WiFi / 4G / Cat.M1, Battery / Mains / Solar power, LCD / LED Displays, Waterproof IP Ratings, Memory capacity, Math calculations, Single Use or Multi-Use, Alarms, Calibration Certificates, etc.

To make it easy for you to choose, simply contact Esis and tell us what you want to achieve. We’ll ask you some questions, and figure out which products are the best options for you.

Questions we’ll ask include:

  • What are you trying to achieve once the data logger is up and running, ie. what is the overall goal?
  • What do you need to measure, e.g. temperature, humidity, electric power, electric energy usage (kWh), pressure, water flow, etc
  • What range of measurement do the sensors need to cover? eg. temperature -20 to +60C
  • What accuracy do you require? (Note that high accuracy sensors and loggers are often much more expensive)
  • What environment will the sensors and data logger be in?
  • How often do you need to take measurements? (ie. sampling interval)
  • How often would you want to download data from the data logger? Or do you want it connected up all the time for real time results?
  • Do you need remote access to the data without having to visit the site?
  • How will you power the data logger? (mains, existing DC, battery, solar etc)
  • Is a specific calibration certificate required?

Expert Support Can Be Critical

With the inherent complexity of data logger equipment, and the scientific nature of measurements, end users often find themselves in need of a bit of technical support. When you purchase from Esis, we’ll not only help you choose the right system, but we’ll also give you free technical support after purchase. We’ve been able to help thousands of clients with setting up their loggers, downloading results, and analysing the data to get the information they need. Our experienced engineers can help you at every step.

Esis Has a Wide Range of Data Loggers and USB Data Loggers Available

If you need high-quality USB data loggers, look no further than Esis. Our expert staff will discuss your needs and help choose the best solution. We offer an extensive range of temperature and humidity loggers, electrical power loggers, general purpose data loggers and specific-purpose data loggers to clients in government, health, defence, education, industry, research, and business.

If you’d like to find out how data loggers can help you save money and avoid disaster, reach out and contact us today.

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General Purpose Data Loggers

Data loggers designed for general purpose use. These are loggers that can take various different sensor types, including temperature, humidity, pressure, 4-20mA current loop, voltage, pulse, etc. Most offer multiple input channels so you can record several sensors at once.

Temperature / Humidity Loggers

Data loggers for recording temperature and/or humidity. Ranging from small single channel temperature loggers up to multi channel wireless systems. Also includes high temperature sealed data loggers for autoclaves / dishwashers, as well as single trip disposable data loggers.

Electrical Power Loggers

Data loggers for measuring and recording electrical power: AC voltage, current, power (kW), energy (kWh), KVA, power-factor etc

Specific Purpose Data Loggers

Data loggers designed for specific purposes, including mains power monitoring, pressure, time-of-use, etc

FAQs

What is meant by data logging?

Data logging is the process of automatically recording measurements over time. This is done for a variety of reasons:

  • To ensure goods are stored and transported in the right conditions;
  • To optimise industrial processes;
  • To provide input towards good decision making;
  • To provide early warning of problems about to happen;
  • To troubleshoot issues in electrical and industrial systems;
  • And countless other applications.

The data collected usually comes from the output of one or more sensors, and a hardware device (the data logger) monitors these sensors and records their changes over time. Data logging can be done by a huge variety of data loggers and devices, from highly specific loggers for single purpose applications to general purpose data loggers, and even computing devices.

How does a temperature data logger work?

Data loggers that measure and record temperature are the most common type of data logger, used in a vast array of commercial and industrial applications.  Temperature data loggers can either have a built in temperature sensor, or connections for external temperature probes, or both. Signals from these temperature sensors feed into the data logger which converts this into the digital domain, in a precise way, referenced to real world units (usually degrees C/F). These measurements are then stored in memory along with a time stamp. This is done automatically at regular intervals by the data logger, giving a complete record of how the temperature varied over time.

Temperature has a profound influence on almost every aspect of human existence, from food and medications to machine operations. Temperature and humidity also directly influence the health and safety of every person and the viability of built working environments.

Can the data logger be damaged by wiring the sensors to the wrong ports?

Data loggers come in a variety of types and are designed to connect to many different kinds of sensor. Examples include electrical power data loggers, temperature data loggers, and general purpose data loggers. Due to the large variety of sensor connections possible, some devices can be damaged by wiring certain sensors to the wrong ports. For example if you have a powerful mains voltage that would normally connect to an electrical data logger, that voltage must not be connected to a temperature sensor input, which is designed to detect tiny voltages – such a connection would definitely damage the logger. It’s important to note, however, that data loggers are generally designed to minimise the chance of incorrect connections, so damage is rare in real world use.

Can external devices be switched on and off using a data logger?

Some data loggers feature additional functionality, including the ability to switch external devices on and off. While this feature is not included in all data loggers, it can add usability and functionality to many designs. Along with standard sensor connections, analog inputs, pulse counters, and power terminals, some data loggers also connect to analog outputs, communication peripherals, and external control devices. However for serious or more critical control applications, it’s recommended to use a device designed for controlling, such as a PLC, as data loggers are primarily designed for recording, not controlling.

How many sensors can a data logger measure?

Data loggers in Australia have the capacity to measure multiple sensors simultaneously, with some models much more expandable than others. The variety and quantity of sensor terminals is a major distinguishing factor between units. Options with fewer sensors, such as small USB data loggers, enable focused usability and cost savings. Devices with multiple inputs enable combinations of sensor points to be monitored and compared simultaneously.  Wireless data loggers offer the maximum in expandability, allowing extra loggers to be added to a wireless system almost indefinitely. Some advanced data loggers are designed to scan almost any kind of sensor that has an electrical response, while others are limited to specific types of inputs.

If you have any questions about data loggers or would like to make an order — please contact us today.

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