Saturday, August 12, 2017

Tips When You Buy 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 various purposes for specific or general measurement applications and would be left unattended for a particular time after activation. Data logging sensors are programmable though others might be static and allows limited changes only for their parameters. The following are tips when purchasing one for your certain need.

Determine what measurement accuracy is needed for the info you would be monitoring such as room or storage temperature. They have various specifications and understanding requirements will help to avoid paying more for unnecessary accuracy. Resolution is another essential factor though having a higher one does not guarantee that its accuracy is better.

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.

There are many software packages used in graphing and analysis though search for intuitive ones which have a minimal learning curve. Tasks such as launching the logger, configuring parameters and offloading data must be quickly and easily done. They must have capabilities in cropping, appending, merging and plotting information which could be exported easily.

When you purchase them, make sure environmental conditions of that area you would place them can be withstood by their enclosure. Hard plastic would be enough to monitor office hallways while non condensing areas need one that has moisture protection. Inquire the availability of protective cases that suits situations which require increased protection and durability.

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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