What is a data logger? Why buy one

What Is a Data Logger? The nature of data loggers leaves a lot of consumers completely confused about what they are, how they are used, and what benefits they bring. For the average consumer a data logger is something that will never actually be used, but for others, a tool that can be extremely helpful in providing important data information for analysis.
In simple terms a data logger is an electronic device that collects and records data or information over a period of time. The information that is recorded could be as simple as a single temperature or humidity measurement, or it could be as complex as the shift in air quality, or a measurement of flow in a liquid. Regardless of exactly what is being logged, a data logger typically gathers information from the source using sensors connected to it.


Data is collected and stored to the data logger’s memory area making data readily available for analysis at a later date or in real time depending on the requirements of the user. Data can be viewed in many ways, in raw form or in graphs and charts format.


There are many types of data logger available, each designed for specific tasks, from large pc based machines to customized bespoke portable data loggers. Typically, in the past larger systems were used most often by laboratories and researchers to carry out extensive testing and data collection of large-scale projects. In general this was an expensive process and data collection was only used in the most important areas of industry.


With new advances in technology such as surface mount components and multi layered circuit boards it is now possible to further reduce the size of complex data loggers into useful portable hand held instruments, giving greater flexibility and lower power consumption, allowing data collection and monitoring to be carried out in even the most inhospitable areas such as Antarctica where instruments may be left logging for many months before collection is required.


What was once a large and expensive piece of equipment which was difficult to transport, time consuming to setup and expensive to retrieve can now be done at a fraction of the cost. Wireless data loggers such as Bluetooth, 802.11b/g and LAN systems have become the norm and an indispensable tool many researchers and industry specialists now use.

Loggers are being used in industry over a broad spectrum of companies such as water-boards, oil refineries, aircraft and aviation, car manufacturers, hospitals, in fact virtually everything we do is being recorded in some form or another.

A data logger maybe required to log as many as 32 channels, each channel able to monitor and store different types of parameter ready for retrieval through LAN or wireless connectivity further reducing downtime and man hours. Other advantages of a wireless data collection system are the ability to change logging periods, parameters to be collected and system calibration. Setting for intelligent logging means only logging when the criteria falls within preset boundaries saving even further expense and memory.

Portable loggers can be connected to mains through small transformers or used with high-energy lithium cells for extended battery duration if remote deployment is required. The average domestic consumer has no real need for a data logger, however many families are starting to see a purpose for them associated with environmental monitoring.

With a greater number of families home schooling their children the amount of scientific equipment that is needed in the home is growing. For families who are conducting extensive science experiments for science class this can be a great investment since it will expose children to tools and resources that are typically neglected in schools which will be used in an ever growing sector of the market.

The use of data loggers has become increasingly popular amongst researchers and with a wide variety of usages, it is apparent that they will remain for a good period of time. Finding the right data logger for the specific needs of the researcher is not always simple, but with new technology almost all applications can be catered for at a realistic price.

It is very important to make it clear that a data logger is a tool and like any machine or computer used in the data acquisition process. It is only as reliable as the user who installs and sets the logging parameters. More information and different types of data logger can be seen at dataloggers-UK.com and pelago.com


This Article was written by: David Brett who has been involved with the design and development of data logging systems for more than 10 years Please feel free to contact me regarding any technical queries you may have regarding Data Loggers or Data Logging.