samedi 12 août 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 different purposes for general or specific measurement applications and when activated, are left for a certain time. Data logging sensors can be programmed but there are those that are static and their parameters are allowed limited changes only. Here are a few tips when you buy one for the need you particularly have.

Determine the necessary measurement accuracy which depends upon the info you will be monitoring like the temperature inside the room or storage. They have varying specifications and it will help you avoid to pay more unnecessary accuracy when the requirements are understood. Another essential factor is resolution though the accuracy is not guaranteed with a higher resolution.

Accessing information in these devices can be done in different ways with some having USB interface directly connected to computers. But bringing a computer to a site or bringing the device back to your office is impractical and inconvenient. You can use a data shuttle that could retrieve the info they collected without interrupting or moving the logger.

Many software packages are there for analysis and graphing but find an intuitive one with minimal learning curve. Their tasks could be done easily and quickly such as configuring parameters, offloading data and launching the logger. They should be capable in appending, merging, plotting and cropping information that could be exported easily.

When you buy them, make sure their enclosure can withstand environment conditions of the area you are placing them. For office hallways monitoring, hard plastic will be enough while one with moisture protection is needed in areas that are non condensing. Inquire if they have available protective cases suitable for situations where an increase of durability and protection is required.

These are very low energy consuming devices but the battery life greatly varies because sample rates may actually differ from environmental conditions. Select one which you are sure that their battery will last for a year at minimum. Inquire if users could easily replace their batteries and if they use specialized or standard household batteries.

Loggers are generally easy to use and technical assistance is rarely required even when you have just started using them. But due to it being a highly technological product, you may have questions about them so find out if your supplier have support services. These should preferably include telephone and internet based resources and their financial stability would indicate they may last long and can help you longer too.

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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