Well, this is not a negative review on this useful gadget, the Data Logger. Anyway, we want you to invest money in the right device that will do more for you in the long run. Data logging has been there for a long time, but the process has changed a lot over the past few decades. In fact, it has changed a lot thanks to the modern technology. Now, we use electronic tech gadgets to measure and record the data. Of course, people used to do it manually by writing down the data on a piece of paper. Anyway, those days are long gone now. In this 21st century, we can’t afford to waste our precious time by following manual methods.
The importance of data logging — well, it is mandatory by the law (most of the time.) For example, if you are a food manufacturer; you should keep a track record of the food manufacturing process, so the officials from the government or relevant authorities can monitor what you do. Failing to stick with these regulations is not advisable as the relevant authorities will take legal actions against you. Which means you should invest money in a quality Data Logger that will do for more you in the long run (as mentioned, at the beginning of the article.) Still, some people hesitate to buy a logging device. The initial cost that they have to afford to buy a logging device is the reason for this hesitation. Remember, a Data Logger can cost you a few hundreds of dollars to buy, but it will protect you and your employees from getting prosecuted.
OK, let’s understand how a logging device works. Well, the process is not rocket science. Anyway, this small tech gadget does more than one thing at once, which we can’t do. For example, monitoring the temperature fluctuations of heavy machinery. You can set a Data Logger on your most expensive heavy machinery and monitor temperature fluctuations. Or, you can hand over the task to one of your employees where he/she will measure the temperature fluctuations with a measuring device and write down the readings on a piece of paper (a manual method.) Who will do a better job? The Data Logger or the employee. The employee can’t even get close to the logging device in terms of efficiency, reliability, and accuracy.
We can’t blame the employee for not doing a “good job.” We, humans, make mistakes when we are forced to do repetitive tasks such as measuring the temperature fluctuations every five minutes and recording the values on a piece of paper. Our brains get tired of doing the same task again and again, opening doors to tons of mistakes. The Data Logger, on the hand; is an electronic device that is developed to monitor parameters. An electronic device will not make any mistake until its system runs well. Of course, the logging device will stop what it does if the batteries die or the electronic system gets jammed. But, the chance that an automatic/electronic monitoring process fail is a minimum.
What are the factors you should look for when shopping for a Data Logger? The features or what the device can do depends on the price, manufacturer, and construction. For example, an underwater device is designed to withstand water. A long-probed device is designed to monitor high-temperature. A wireless device lets you connect it to your PC or the laptop without any cables. The price of the device will vary with such features. Should you buy a device that suits your budget or your purpose? Well, if you want to monitor the temperature in your commercial freezer, and you want to do it while you are in your home; you should buy a Data Logger that supports the cloud. Which means you should buy a device that suits your application the most; not according to your budget.
Fulfilling your specific requirements should be your top aim. So, don’t invest money in a cheap logging device. Instead, save more money and buy a device that suits your specific requirements the most. The price range of a Data Logger can range from $50-$5000. You can buy the logger that will fulfil all your requirements within this price range. It depends on your application too. Let’s say you shop for a humidity logging device to monitor humidity changes in your home; buying a general humidity logger is more than enough in this case. Or, you are a museum keeper, and you want to ensure the safety of antique items by controlling humidity; you should buy a robust humidity logger that will monitor even the smallest humidity change.
The software/hardware
These two are two important factors to consider when shopping for a Data Logger. The software lets you analyze the data. The hardware determines the things that the device can do. A quick tip: more the features higher the price. The software lets you analyze the process in detail, also; easily. Graphing, summarizing, and so on.
The sample rate
Well, we should talk about this important factor here. The sample rate is the measurement that how often the Data Logger will take a measurement. You can set the sample rate accordingly. For example, you can set the sample rate to every five minutes, or to every hour. Anyway, the sample rate that you can set will depend on the device’s capabilities. Also, the battery life and the internal memory will run out sooner at a higher sample rate. Your data won’t get lost though. Modern logging device manufacturers have invented methods to save the data in case of a device failure and a battery power failure. The data will be saved automatically onto the device’s internal memory. Which means you should keep an eye on the device if you have set a high sample rate.
From where should you buy your Data Logger?
Would you buy it from an unknown seller on eBay? Or, you would do your online research and choose the best supplier or the distributor in the city. You can buy a general device from the local hardware shop or the house improvement store. Anyway, if you look for a robust device for commercial and industrial applications; make sure you buy it from a reputable manufacturer. Of course, be ready to spend a few hundreds of dollars if you want to buy a robust Data logger that has more features.
Some final words
Contact us today for more information on our logging device product range. Our affordable prices and quality will satisfy you 100%.