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 Largely, though, they’ve been replaced by data logger devices.

Data loggers are purely electronic devices that can gather data via their own built-in sensors, or via external sensors. Generally speaking, they’re portable, battery-powered, and make use of an on-board microprocessor. Stand-alone logging devices could have built-in keyboards and displays. Alternatively, they could hold data in memory, so that they may be later retrieved via a regular computer. Data may be displayed on a computer either via an Excel spreadsheet or graph, or via the logger’s own proprietary software. Some models have wireless capabilities, which would enable them to send constant streams of data back to the home base.

Take a look on the web, and you’ll find a wide range of data loggers, from the very inexpensive to ones that cost thousands of dollars. You’ll find many different vendors, selling devices for just about any type of data that you can imagine.

Many sellers have prominent store-fronts on the web, and sell a large range of logging devices. Network technicians, weather researchers, electricians, homeowners, and more can find something that they can use. There’s something to be found for pretty much everybody and his brother.

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.

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.

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 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.

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