What is a Data Logger ?

A data logger is a solid state device used to measureGSM, GPRS or telephone lines. Some data logger
and record analogue and / or digital inputs frommodels also publish their data direct to websites.
sensors or other instruments. Typically these sensorsDue to it's versatility in measurement applications the
or other instruments will themselves be measuringdata logger has become an indispensable tool for
environmental or process parameters such asacademic and medical research, biologists, physicists,
temperature, humidity, pressure, flow, level, wind speed,process engineers, civil engineers, electrical engineers
wind direction, and many other physical properties.and environmental scientists. A wide range of data
A data logger is a stand alone recording device. Itlogger types are used across a whole spectrum of
does not need a PC to store it's data. There are manyindustries, including power generation, oil and gas
types of data logger. However they fall into two broadexploration, general manufacturing, civil construction,
categories.aerospace, horticultural and medical science.
1) Small compact battery powered data logger for useOmni Instruments has been actively involved in the
in remote locations or in application where weight anddata logger market for over 10 years and has supplied
space available is criticalall data logger types for a vast range of applications.
2) Large multi channel data logger, usually mainsThey include:
powered to store large amounts of data from manyTemperature data logger - for use in offices, factories
external sensors and inputs.and hospitals
Data logger design has improved exponentially overTemperature and humidity data logger for
the last few years. A typical small data logger formeasurement in museums and warehouses
single channel temperature measurement will be noTemperature, rainfall, wind speed and direction, solar
larger than a matchbox, and can store up to 32,000radiation and barometric pressure data logger for
temperature readings. Utilising flash memory some 4measurement in remote weather stations
and 8 channel data logger types are still small enoughMultiple input data logger units for vibration, orientation
to fit in your pocket, with battery life of up to 2 years.and movement measurement in robots and remotely
Most types of data logger come with customcontrolled vehicles
software to download data to a PC, show the resultsProcess data logger units for pressure, flow and level
in graph and table format, and export data to MSmeasurement in factories and plants
Excel and other applications. The proprietary softwareVibration data logger for goods in transit
is also used to program the data logger for sampleIn short a data logger in many applications is a far
rate, and logging duration. Data is usually downloadedmore effective means of recording measurements
directly from the data logger to the PC. However withand activity than a man with a clip board or traditional
many types of data logger data download can also berecording instruments such as chart recorders.
achieved remotely using Ethernet, low power radio,