Data Loggers and Data Recorders

GlobalSpec has asked its users about the latest design trends and features related to Data Loggers and Data Recorders. They have also shared their product applications and tips on how to buy and use these products.
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What would your design or feature "wish list" be for this product?

59 answers

Answers:

More datapoints, faster scan time. Would be nice if the price were lower, each unit and license is fairly expensive, well worth it, but hard to justify to accounting. Since our last purchase they have added lots more features that we haven't yet explored, so I wouldn't classify myself as an expert on their systems, but I absolutely love the ones we have at this point in time.

~GS, Electrician, TN

Wireless or GSM transmission, Low power consumption, Power backup, Intelligent central server software for controlling a number of loggers remotely, Enable activation of circuits through relays or active electronics.

~Fernando M, Project Manager, Madrid, Spain

Scalable, low power consumption, TCP/IP enabled, flexible programmability. Multiple counter and analog inputs, sampling rates up to 1/30 second, SD or other removable card for memory and program files

~Engineering, Other, MAGILL, Australia

A base unit with a NEMA 12 rating Quick wire connections similar to wire landings on a speaker Wireless transducers and base units CT's that supply power back to the base unit to keep batteries charged Automatic transducer configuration

~John W, Engineering Consultant, Walla Walla, WA

24 bits / 256 KS/s / Wireless communication to PC / Flexible software suit for Data Logging, sequencing, timing, Easy to set-up ATE, Automatic Test Equipment/

~Math P, Lead Scientist, Maastricht, Netherlands

Accuracy API for s/w integration, flexibility, s/w application, option for wireless connectivity, ease of calibration, support multi channel (cost effective through one main frame and multiple sensors), robust mechanical construction, robust electronic construction (ESD, power surge, battery replacement cabinet).

~Ron W, Q&R and Product Eng., Israel

Low cost handheld (built-in sensing device), direct reading/display to pc monitor via usb. Like plug and play type which can be used and operated even by primary students.

~Armando T, Chairperson, Research Department, Tarlac, Philippines

I would build a temperature logger for a remote location without power where the average daily temperature is -10C. I probably wouldn't buy one though; I am cheap.

~Roland B, retired, Vancouver, Canada

The Elsys specs plus a few wonderful analysis functions LeCroy has such as the Jitter Analysis tool and a streaming at about 100 MS/s total transfer rate.

~Marketing/Sales, Baden, Switzerland

Bluetooth communication, 100K 16bit registers, Configuration and Download software in the most common platforms (Iphone, Palm, Windows mobile)

~Alberto I, Engineer, Mexico, Mexico

A manufacturer that listens to my requirements for a particular project, and doesn't try to sell me a "one size fits all" solution.

~Charlie W, Engineering Consultant, Panama, Panama

Built-in 900 MHz radio for both uplink and sensor communication 8 I/O ports that could be configured for analog or digital use.

~Tom W, Engineering Consultant, Henrico, VA

16 / 32 Channel, 16 bit, Modular patch pad, Ethernet (Preferably Wireless Comm), Battery powered / Intrinsically safe

~Srinivasa Raghavan R, Indian Instt of Plant Engineers, Secunderabad, India

1. economical 2. compact 3. wireless 4. rugged (-10 deg to 200 deg C) 5. compatibility with other T/C

~John Joseph M, Engineer, Manila, Philippines

Sounder front end design that allows faster use of the product, for even the most computer illiterate.

~Becket S, unemployed technologist

Easy remote transfer of log data to a computer device, and configuration as well of the totalizer.

~Fernando V, Engineer, Monterrey, Mexico

A selection of scalable wireless transducers to interface with a datalogger.

~Technical Support/Services, Jacksonville, FL

A Data logger that doesn't receive interference reading temperatures during a bonding test.

~Debra T, Lab Technician, Elmira, Canada

A lot data space, connectivity, maybe wireless, low power consumption, remote access.

~Marco C, Engineer, São Carlos, Brazil

To be smaller in size and more heat resistant, with less requirement of insulation.

~Manufacturer

Increasing accuracy, a great capacity of data storage, software as friendly as possible

~Adrian S, General Management, Bucharest, Romania

16 bits accuracy (minimum), expansion of channels capability, user friendly

~Leroy V, Process Engineer, New Bedford, MA

Remote control (Internet, Wireless) Automatic check of the inputs Alarms

~Nick G, Marketing/Sales, Dulles, VA

Flexibility. Types of inputs, sampling rates and anti-aliasing filtering.

~Rolf Kahrs H, Research & Development, Bergen, Norway

Flexibility on channel inputs - universal inputs wireless communication

~Engineering, Other, BARUERI, Brazil

Easy setup, long battery time, good software for read out and reports

~Einar A, Technical Support, Reykjavik, Iceland

Accuracy, Sampling speed, Storage mem, Soft for data process

~Mihai R, Engineer, Turda, Romania

More user friendly and more specialised software

~Ingars R, Assistant, Riga, Latvia

Easy set up for vehicle monitoring...racing with telemetry

~Clifton P, Aircraft Engineer, Christ Church, Barbados

Low cost. Last for years on 1 battery. Simple software.

~Tom D, Marketing/Sales, Goffstown, NH

Least cost. Options for semi-permanent installation.

~John D, Engineer, Kennett Square, PA

Six channel, 50 Hz, 100 microvolt sensitivity, 12 bits

~John L, Research & Development, Blenheim, NE

High capacity, stand alone software, remote access

~Carlos V, Engineer, Arequipa, Peru

Plug and play, web base, adaptable to military, HLS.

~Paul M, Project Manager, Menifee, CA

Ease of use, connectivity options, power constraints

~Mike H, Quality Control, Gainesville, TX

Ethernet communication fieldbus intelligent i/o

~Jack K, General Management, Amman, Jordan

8 channel, 2 each for pressure and flow, IP 68

~Aneez V, Engineer, Dubai, UAE

Wireless data transmission with multi-channel.

~Eldon M, R&D Machinist, SLC, UT

Low cost, low power consumption, small size

~Research & Development, Oslo, Norway

Just keep it simple, robust and reliable.

~Lucio G, Student, Barcelona, Venezuela

Cheap, easy and modular characteristics

~João C, Research & Development, The Hague, The Netherlands

Small size, Very light, Large autonomy

~Research & Development, La Paz, Bolivia

Add on module for Wireless 802.11n.

~John L, Senior Combustion Turbine Technician, Hendersonville, NC

Easier long-term remote operation.

~Steven H, Research & Development, Gilbertsville, PA

More memory and a fast sampling.

~Engineering, Design, Mexico D.F, Mexico

A more reliable wireless system.

~Jesse M, Collections manager, Calgary, Canada

Download on the web in batches.

~Technical Support, FL

Nice software, graphic display

~Petar V, General Management, S, Bulgaria

Sample rate and signal type

~Frank C, Engineer, VA

Power, sampling rate, memory

~Eric H, Engineering Consultant, Taipei, Taiwan

Easy application development

~Frieder H, Engineer, Rayton, South Africa

Sturdy design, bullet proof

~Engineering, Consulting, COIMBRA, Portugal

Cheap, simple, fast usable

~Ennio R, Research & Development, Rome, Italy

More ultra low power

~Dornik, Process Engineer, Ljubljana, Slovenia

Ease of use software

~Research & Development, kingston, Canada

Throw away loggers

~Henry M, Purchaser, Johannesburg,

Latest Technology

~Engineering, Design, Bangalroe, India

Add on memory

~Engineer, CA

Less wattage

~Tahir R, Engineer, Islamabad, Pakistan

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Is there any advice you want to share with users to help them avoid common errors in selection or usage of data loggers?

32 answers

Answers:

If you have more than one system that's being monitored, be sure to get the files synchronized. Our systems run on different PC's and the PC times aren't synchronized; This can lead to some false assumptions if you don't take that into account.

~GS, Electrician, TN

Check software and the ability to integrate the hardware with homemade software, Check simultaneous data view and the ability to download while system is still logging, Check idiot proof operation, Check if external power is used, that the data logger moves to battery when power fails. Long life battery.

~Ron W, Q&R and Product Eng., Israel

Ensure transducer output (ie 1-10 V, 4-20 mAmp, 1-333 mVDC) matches with the base unit expected input. Use shielded communications wiring to connect transducers, electromagnetic noise from motors and starters will give erroneous data. Do not install CTs on output of a VFD. For accurate current readings install CTs on the input of the VFD.

~John W, Engineering Consultant, Walla Walla, WA

DO NOT USE DATALOGGERS FOR CLOSED LOOP CONTROL. ONLY DATA CAPTURE. DO USE TO CONTROL ANY SAFETY SYSTEMS. Once you have identified a need for closed loop control then install an engineer system dedicated just for that process. SAFETY FIRST.

~John L, Senior Combustion Turbine Technician, Hendersonville, NC

Make sure events you want to measure are within the sensitivity and memory capabilities of device. For example, if you are looking for events on a circuit and you size the CT for full load, you will miss the events on a low loaded circuit.

~John D, Engineer, Kennett Square, PA

DMM should have the dynamic range and flexibility to handle your weakest and strongest signals. AC & DC. Maybe timing and frequency too. Built-in programmable current-source is needed when using 4 point resistance testing.

~Math P, Lead Scientist, Maastricht, Netherlands

The easier to work with. When you are in the field, you must be quick setting it. If it's complicated to set, you are going to fail setting it. Bad weather, no light available, etc, all work together against you.

~Engineering, Consulting, COIMBRA, Portugal

Remember the need for anti-aliasing filtering prior to ad conversion. Don't over sample the data - find out about the bandwidth of the physical problem at hand. Always consider noise sensitivity.

~Rolf Kahrs H, Research & Development, Bergen, Norway

Check the place where you are going to use it, it's not the same the field, inside a lab, near sea.

~Lucio G, Student, Barcelona, Venezuela

if they run on batteries, make sure you monitor the power levels. Nothing's more frustrating than wanting to see some data only to find out the battery failed.

~Mike H, Quality Control, Gainesville, TX

Yes, put your hands on the instrument. Trust what you see, the way you see your signals on the instrument to purchase, no catalog sale.

~Marketing/Sales, Baden, Switzerland

When changing the batteries always reset the logger! It will not start collecting the readings by just pressing start.

~Manufacturer

Check the specifications of the sensing device if it matches the data logger that they are planning to acquire.

~Armando T, Chairperson, Research Department, Tarlac, Philippines

Get ones with a display. Better for set up and evaluation. Stay away from wireless. Most apps don't need it.

~Tom D, Marketing/Sales, Goffstown, NH

Understand the requirements and the constraints of the problem being addressed BEFORE looking for a solution.

~Charlie W, Engineering Consultant, Panama, Panama

Make sure the data logger's measurement precision is sufficient for your application.

~Tom W, Engineering Consultant, Henrico, VA

Pay attention to the compatibility (electrical, connectors) with your transducers.

~Nick G, Marketing/Sales, Dulles, VA

Check expansion possibilities, you will increase the number of sensors later!

~João C, Research & Development, The Hague, The Netherlands

Yes, there, are not slaves to fashion, but not the price. I bought five data loggers from USA, elementary, work anymore 6 years flawlessly under severe weather conditions!

~Zhivko Z, General Manager, Sofia, Bulgaria

Don't buy more than you need. Define your needs well before shopping.

~Leroy V, Process Engineer, New Bedford, MA

Data logger should take care of future development in the system.

~Tahir R, Engineer, Islamabad, Pakistan

Choose appropriate sensors and range for a certain application.

~John Joseph M, Engineer, Manila, Philippines

Review programmable elements for remote or USB type loggers.

~Debra T, Lab Technician, Elmira, Canada

Buy data loggers with 10% extra channels

~Aneez V, Engineer, Dubai, UAE

Number of bits needed, speed of collection

~John L, Research & Development, Blenheim, NE

Double/multiple check before buying.

~Mihai R, Engineer, Turda, Romania

Get enough memory or be upgradable

~Engineer, CA

Check wire carefully

~Frank C, Engineer, VA

Need to be web based

~Paul M, Project Manager, Menifee, CA

Go multi-channel

~Eldon M, R&D Machinist, SLC, UT

Sampling rate

~Eric H, Engineering Consultant, Taipei, Taiwan

Input signal

~Mridul Kumar S, Director & Ph D student, Kolkata, India

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Data Loggers and Data Recorders - Features

Results of a Poll of GlobalSpec subscribers