Saturday, August 12, 2017

Tips When Buying Data Logging Sensors

By Harold Cook


Data loggers are electronic devices that, over time, records information with an instrument or sensor which are either built in or external ones. They are usually portable, battery powered and small which are equipped with internal memory used for info storage and microprocessor. Some use personal computers with a software that interface and activates them or have a local interface.

They have various purposes for specific or general measurement applications and would be left unattended for a particular time after activation. Data logging sensors are programmable though others might be static and allows limited changes only for their parameters. The following are tips when purchasing one for your certain need.

Determine what measurement accuracy is needed for the info you would be monitoring such as room or storage temperature. They have various specifications and understanding requirements will help to avoid paying more for unnecessary accuracy. Resolution is another essential factor though having a higher one does not guarantee that its accuracy is better.

Information can be accessed in these devices in various ways such as using a USB interface connected to computers directly. Though bringing back the device to office or computer to the site is an activity that is inconvenient and impractical. You can instead use data shuttles that can retrieve the collected info without moving or interrupting the logger.

There are many software packages used in graphing and analysis though search for intuitive ones which have a minimal learning curve. Tasks such as launching the logger, configuring parameters and offloading data must be quickly and easily done. They must have capabilities in cropping, appending, merging and plotting information which could be exported easily.

Make sure when buying them that their enclosure could withstand the environmental conditions of where you will place them. Hard plastic is enough for monitoring office hallways while a moisture protective one is needed for non condensing areas. Inquire if any protective cases are available for situations that require increased durability and protection.

These devices consume very low energy but their battery life varies greatly because their sample rates might not be similar with the environmental conditions. Make sure to select one which has a battery that will last for one year at least. Inquire if their batteries could be easily replaced by users and if specialized batteries are used or standard household ones only.

Loggers generally are easy to use with technical assistance being rare required even during the first phases of using them. But because this product is highly technological, you may want to ask some questions regarding them so check if your supplier offers support services. These preferably should include resources based on telephone and internet and these services could be enjoyed longer if they have financial stability as well.

Find a supplier offering reliable performance in various monitoring environment like indoors, underwater, or outdoors. This would be your assurance about how knowledgeable and expert they are in assessing, meeting and understand your future and current needs. Ask about alarm capabilities if ever the environmental conditions would not meet the tolerance range you set.




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