What Are Data Loggers and How Do They Work

People working in construction or a factory need to have various tools and equipment to get the job done. One particular tool that they need to have is a device that can instantly record and store data changes. Most of the time, this type of instrument is critical for their jobs as no human can record changes in conditions such as wind or heat. Using only a wind gauge or temperature to record changes quickly is not adequate. 

This is the perfect time to use an instrument called a data logger. There are different types of data loggers that one can use to calculate and record all sorts of changes in conditions. Not too many people know about this instrument since it is not commonly used for everyday use. As long as it is a condition change that no average person can mentally measure, data loggers will get it done. 

What Are Data Loggers?

As mentioned, a data logger’s primary responsibility is to simply keep track and record changes in various conditions. You can find these instruments as a single, stand-alone unit or comprise several channels. Most of the stand-alone units you find are battery-operated, allowing them to use it for over long periods. 

It calculates all of the recorded data through its internal microprocessor. All of the data it processed gets stored in its data storage, and depending on the model, it may have one or two sensor ports to collect the data. Most data loggers are portable, making it easy to bring around for specific jobs. 

How Do Data Loggers Work?

Whenever you want something measured instantly, the data logger can do it exponentially fast. After using it to measure a specific condition change, you can interface it with a computer and use software to study the collected data. In some cases, you can have a stand-alone unit that has a built-in interface or create a wireless connection to your device. In short, it is a simple device that lets you measure anything. 

Data loggers can also accept different kinds of input types. Even data loggers have multi-input, letting you take two or even all types of input. Most of the standard input types are: 

  • Temperature – They can collect data in extreme hot or cold temperatures 
  • Voltage – They can measure voltage and even load to force and pressure to torque
  • Pressure – They can measure high amounts of pressure from both liquids and gases such as water and atmospheric temperature
  • Current – They usually have an array of DC and AC data loggers and are used to keep track of all kinds of building equipment
  • Humidity – They can collect any data related to humidity, including water vapour concentration in both standard and metric units

How Lengthy Can Data Loggers Measure and Record?

How long you can record and measure data will depend on the data logger’s memory capacity and sample rate. You can find out your data logger’s duration by dividing the memory capacity (the number of samples recorded) by its sample rate. This should help you determine how many samples you can register within a number of days. 

When looking for data loggers to use for your industry, ensure you get them from reliable companies to do their job correctly. You would not want to use a data logger that will suddenly break while measuring condition changes. 

Author Bio: Ellen Hollington is a freelance writer who offers ghostwriting, copywriting, and blogging services. She works closely with B2C and B2B businesses providing digital marketing content that gains social media attention and increases their search engine visibility.