Strip Chart Chart Recorders
Reviewed by: Jon Lowy, consulting engineer
Description
Strip chart recorders are devices used to generate a continuous plot of data over time on a strip of paper. They are designed to record various types of data such as temperature, pressure, and electrical signals, providing a physical hardcopy of the recorded information.
Working Principle
Strip chart recorders work by moving a strip of paper at a constant speed while one or more pens move across the paper to record data. The data is typically collected from sensors or transducers that convert physical parameters into electrical signals. These signals are then amplified and used to drive the pen mechanisms. The continuous movement of the paper and the pen's response to the data create a time-based graph. This method is useful for real-time monitoring and historical data analysis, as it provides a visual representation of changes over time.
Applications
Strip chart recorders are used in a variety of specific applications: - Refrigeration and Air Conditioning: Monitoring temperature and humidity levels to ensure optimal conditions. - Storage and Transport: Recording environmental conditions during the transport of sensitive goods. - Workplace Monitoring: Keeping track of environmental parameters in industrial settings to ensure safety and compliance. - Home Monitoring: Used in residential settings to monitor and record environmental conditions.
Advantages over other Chart Recorders
Strip chart recorders offer several advantages over other types of chart recorders: - Real-time Output: They provide immediate visual feedback, which is crucial for monitoring and troubleshooting. - Standardized Output: The physical hardcopy is easy to interpret and can be standardized across different systems and applications.
Limitations
Despite their advantages, strip chart recorders have some limitations: - Consumables Needed: They require paper and ink, which adds to the operating costs. - Costly to Maintain and Operate: Regular maintenance is needed to ensure accuracy and reliability, which can be expensive. - Lack of Flexibility: They are less adaptable to changes in data recording requirements compared to digital systems. - Space Requirements: The physical storage of paper records can be cumbersome and require significant space.
Considerations
When considering the use of strip chart recorders, several factors should be taken into account: - Initial Costs: The upfront cost of purchasing a strip chart recorder can be lower than digital systems, but this can vary based on the complexity and features of the device. - Operating Expense: Ongoing costs include consumables like paper and ink, as well as maintenance expenses. - Durability: Strip chart recorders are generally robust but can be prone to mechanical wear and tear. - Accuracy: They provide reliable data recording, but the accuracy can degrade over time if not properly maintained. - Replacement and Maintenance Costs: Regular maintenance is essential to ensure long-term accuracy and reliability, which can add to the overall cost of ownership.
from OMEGA Engineering, Inc.
The RD45A single channel and RD46A dual channel flatbed recorders are ideal instruments for use in research, development and production, as well as in service and education applications. Designed for ease of use, these recorders have an ergonomic shape which allows the user to easily write comments... [See More]
- Recorder Data Format: Strip
- Accuracy: 0.3000
- Channels: 2
- DC Voltage: 1 mV - 20V
from CHINO Works America Inc.
EL3000 series is a dot printing type analog recorder sized 144x144mm with 100mm width chart. The unit starts recording as soon as the power supply and input are connected and it is also easy to operate. Scale plate, input range and function of the recorder can be selected for various purpose and... [See More]
- Recorder Data Format: Strip
- Data Acquisition: Datalogger
- Channels: 6
- DC Voltage: +/-13.8mV to 50V
from Linseis Inc.
1 Pen Flatbed Recorder (120mm chart width), Features: Chart width 120 mm, 1 channel version, 1mV-50V ranges, 16 chart speeds from 0,1-20 mm/sec or mm/min, Separate electric penlift per channel, Ergonomic design, Single chip hybrid technology, Longlife fibre tip pens, Pen holder with capping... [See More]
- Recorder Data Format: Strip
- Channels: 1
- Number of Plots: 1
- DC Voltage: 1mV - 50V
from Traceable® Products
Monitor refrigerators, supply rooms, food storage, chemical warehouses, animal quarters, incubators, goods-in-transit, walk-in chambers, biological materials, and manufacturing plants. Single-use, disposable recorder displays temperatures on a 36-inch strip chart. Records for 10 or 40 days. [See More]
- Recorder Data Format: Strip
- Inputs: Bimetallic
- Number of Plots: 1
- Auxiliary Outputs: Chart
from O. I. Analytical
Integrates to all OI Analytical GPC systems. [See More]
- Recorder Data Format: Strip
- Digital I/O Channels: 0
- Channels: 1
- Accuracy: 0.5000
from OMEGA Engineering, Inc.
The RD100B 100 mm (4") and RD1800B 180 mm (7") Series programmable chart recorders are easy to use. They feature universal thermocouple, RTD, and DC voltage (mV or V) inputs, as well as an analog bar graph and a digital display. Each recorder can print out —at programmed intervals or on demand... [See More]
- Recorder Data Format: Strip
- Accuracy: 0.1000
- Channels: 6
- DC Voltage: 20 mV - 5V
from CHINO Works America Inc.
AH4000 series is a hybrid recorder which employs bright and clear, easy to view LCD display. Measuring value display is prepared as 1 point display, multi-points simultaneous display and digital display + bar graph display. Various measuring and recording settings can be easily done by front key... [See More]
- Recorder Data Format: Strip
- Data Acquisition: Datalogger
- Channels: 24
- DC Voltage: +/-13.8mV to 50V
from Linseis Inc.
1 Pen Flatbed Recorder (200mm chart width), Chart width 200 mm, 1 channel version, 1mV-50V ranges, 16 chart speeds from 0,1-20 mm/sec or mm/min, Separate electric penlift per channel, Ergonomic design, Single chip hybrid technology, Longlife fibre tip pens, Pen holder with capping (prevents pen... [See More]
- Recorder Data Format: Strip
- Channels: 1
- Number of Plots: 1
- DC Voltage: 1mV - 50V
from OMEGA Engineering, Inc.
The OMEGA ® iTHX transmitter lets you monitor and record temperature, relative humidity, and dew point over an Ethernet network or the Internet with no special software except a web browser. The iTHX serves active web pages to display real-time readings, charts of temperature and humidity, or... [See More]
- Recorder Data Format: X-Y; Strip
- Temperature: -40 to 255
- Inputs: Temp. Prob
- User Interface: Front Panel; Computer Programmable
from CHINO Works America Inc.
AH3000 series conforming to CE-marking, UL and CSA is 180mm multi-point type hybrid recorders with a simultaneous display of multi-channel data, alarm display/printings and other unique features. A package software "KIDS" for data processing of measured values is available. [See More]
- Recorder Data Format: Strip
- Channels: 6
- Number of Plots: 6
- Differential Channels: Yes
from Linseis Inc.
1 Pen Flatbed Recorder (250mm chart width), Features: Chart width 250 mm, 1 channel version, 1mV - 50 V ranges, 16 chart speeds from 0,1-20 mm/sec or mm/min, Separate electric penlift per channel, Ergonomic design, Single chip hybrid technology, Longlife fibre tip pens, Pen holder with capping... [See More]
- Recorder Data Format: Strip
- Channels: 1
- Number of Plots: 1
- DC Voltage: 1mV - 50V
from OMEGA Engineering, Inc.
The OMEGA ® iTHX transmitter lets you monitor and record temperature, relative humidity, and dew point over an Ethernet network or the Internet with no special software except a web browser. The iTHX serves active web pages to display real-time readings, charts of temperature and humidity, or... [See More]
- Recorder Data Format: X-Y; Strip
- Temperature: -40 to 255
- Inputs: Temp. Prob
- User Interface: Front Panel; Computer Programmable
from CHINO Works America Inc.
The AL3000 series conforming to CE-marking, UL and CSA is 100mm multi-point type hybrid recorders with a simultaneous display of multi-channel data, alarm display/printings and other unique features. A package software "KIDS" for data processing of measured values is available. [See More]
- Recorder Data Format: Strip
- Channels: 6
- Number of Plots: 6
- Differential Channels: Yes
from Linseis Inc.
3 Pen Flatbed Recorder (250mm chart width), Features: Chart width 250 mm, 3 channel version, mV/V ranges, 1mV-50V ranges, 16 chart speeds 0,1 mm/sec or mm/min, Paper advance/rewind knob [See More]
- Recorder Data Format: Strip
- Channels: 3
- Number of Plots: 3
- DC Voltage: 1mV - 50V
from CHINO Works America Inc.
LE5000 series are 250mm hybrid recorders with multi-range input. Innovative design high performance recorder provides high accuracy, ±0.05%; high speed scanning, 0.1second for 36 points and high speed recording, 1 line in 3 seconds. Simple operational keys and PC setting functions drastically... [See More]
- Recorder Data Format: Strip
- Channels: 10
- Number of Plots: 10
- Accuracy: 0.0500
from Linseis Inc.
Low Cost Single pen Temperature Recorder with temperature probe. Temperature range -40°F to150°F (-40°C to 60°C) [See More]
- Recorder Data Format: Strip
- Channels: 1
- Number of Plots: 2
- User Interface: Front Panel