DATA LOGGER GUIDE SERIES

Important Considerations
in Buying a Data Logger
B
attery-powered data loggers are widely used by per- data logger is capable of reporting. For example, a data
formance contractors, service technicians and engi- logger with 12-bit resolution can report 4,096 values over
neers responsible for monitoring indoor air quality, a given temperature range. While a 12-bit data logger may
evaluating HVAC/R (Heating/Ventilation/Air Conditioning/ offer more resolution than an 8-bit model, it’s important to
Refrigeration) systems, and monitoring energy efficiency point out that higher resolution does not necessarily mean
and usage. Data loggers, in most cases, are easy to de- better measurements.
ploy, and can be used as standalone devices without a
PC. More importantly, the measurement accuracy offered If you’re unsure about the data logger accuracy and reso-
by today’s most advanced data loggers rivals the perfor- lution requirements of your application, an experienced
mance of many higher priced, PC-based data acquisition data logger supplier should be able to help you determine
systems. which product will be meet your needs.

However, not all data loggers are created equal, and with Data offload options
so many choices available today, it can be challenging to When evaluating data loggers, it’s a good idea to ask about
know which one is right for your application. Do you need the available options for offloading data at field sites. In
to measure a range of conditions, or just a single parame- many instances, it’s not practical to bring a PC out to the
ter? Does your application require alarm notification when site to offload collected data, nor is it convenient to bring
conditions go beyond a certain threshold? Will the data a data logger back to an office PC. For that reason, some
logger withstand harsh environments? How often will you data loggers can be offloaded using a data shuttle. This is
need to offload data? a pocket-sized device that enables technicians to quickly
and easily offload and store the data from a logger without
Whether you are an experienced data logger user, or just interrupting or having to move the logger. The shuttle can
getting started, this article can help you during your data then be linked to a PC for downloading and analyzing the
logger selection process. It points out some of the most data.
important considerations to make, and offers tips on spe-
cific features to look for. Software capabilities
Just as there are many different types of data loggers avail-
Measurement accuracy able, there are also many different types of data graphing
No matter what you need to measure, job one is under- and analysis software packages to choose from. In gen-
standing your measurement accuracy requirements. For eral, look for software that is Windows®-based and highly
example, if you’re monitoring air conditioning temperature intuitive so the learning curve is minimal. The software
in an office space, you may only require a temperature should enable you to quickly and easily perform tasks
measurement accuracy of +/- 2 degrees, while monitoring such as configuring parameters, launching the logger, and
conditions in a research lab may require accuracy that is offloading data, with point-and-click simplicity. At the same
far greater. time, it should offer powerful data plotting capabilities, and
enable you to easily export data to other programs, such
Accuracy specifications vary widely among different types as Microsoft Excel, for analysis.
of data loggers, and a good understanding of specific ac-
curacy requirements will help you avoid paying for accu- It is also a good idea to make sure that the supplier offers a
racy that you may not need. When looking at the accuracy range of software options so that your needs are covered
specifications for a given data logger, be sure to look for whether your application requires only very basic functionality,
charts that indicate accuracy over an entire measurement or a software program with highly advanced features.
range, not just a single value. The accuracy a data logger
can achieve at the high or low end of a given range may be Durability
far different from the accuracy at the middle of the range. While some data loggers may sit comfortably in office hall-
ways, others may be placed in environmental conditions
Another important factor is data logger resolution, which that are far more harsh. From sub-zero freezers to fur-
basically refers to the number of increments of a value a nace combustion chambers, data loggers often must con-

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 DATA LOGGER GUIDE SERIES
tinue to work under the toughest conditions. When evaluating data loggers, look for a supplier that of-
fers a range of product support services. These services
When buying a data logger, make sure the product’s en- often start with the initial assessment of your application
closure is designed to withstand the conditions it will be requirements, and should include both telephone support
subject to. For example, if you need to monitor conditions as well as internet-based support resources.
in an office hallway, a hard plastic enclosure should suf-
fice. On the other hand, if the data logger needs to work It’s also a good idea to find out if the supplier has a track
in a non-condensing environment, you will want to choose record and financial stability to maintain their role as a
a product with a moisture-protective enclosure. It’s also a long-term solutions provider. That way you can be as-
good idea to ask about the availability of protective cases sured that the company will be there to meet your future
and other enclosure accessories for situations where in- data logging requirements. Finally, you may want to ask
creased durability and/or protection may be necessary. the supplier for application notes and other references to
gain a sense for how the data loggers performed in appli-
Battery life cations similar to yours.
Data loggers in general are extremely low-power devices.
However, because they are used in a variety of environ- Range of solutions
mental conditions and sample at different rates, battery life While standalone data loggers are suitable for a broad
can vary widely. As a general rule of thumb, make sure range of applications, there may be situations where you
the data logger you select has a battery life of at least one need more of a centralized data gathering mechanism for
year. measuring a number of parameters. For this reason, it’s a
good idea to ask your supplier if they offer systems-based
You may also want to ask your supplier about whether or data logging solutions.
not the data logger battery is user-replaceable, as this can
eliminate the time and expense of having to ship the logger Today’s most advanced systems-based data loggers are
back to the manufacturer for battery replacement. Finally, based on “smart sensor” technology, which means that
data loggers that run off standard household batteries of- you can simply plug in individual sensors to measure vari-
fer greater convenience than those requiring specialized ous parameters and the system recognizes each one with-
batteries. out complicated wiring, programming or calibration. Most
are also battery powered, and allow you to configure the
Cost of ownership system with any combination of available sensors.
The lower cost of microprocessors and sensors in recent Finally, if you require immediate notification when environ-
years has helped push down the cost of battery-powered mental conditions fall outside of set tolerances, be sure to
data loggers. However, while many data products avail- ask your supplier about data loggers with alarm capabili-
able today are attractively priced, it is important to look ties.
closely at the total cost of ownership when shopping
around. Here are some questions you may want to ask Conclusion
your supplier: While there are several specific features to look for
• Will the logger need to be calibrated by the manufac- when buying a data logger, the important consideration
turer periodically, and if so, what are the cost implica- is whether a particular logger will give you the data you
tions over time? need, when you need it, with a high degree of reliability.
• Will you need to invest in a pricey software package to However, because every application is different and in-
analyze your results? volves a different set of variables, it’s a good idea to part-
• Will you be able to use the AA batteries in your kitchen ner with an experienced data logger supplier for expert
drawer, or will the logger require a proprietary or hard- advice. A supplier with in-depth data logging application
to-find power source? experience can offer valuable guidance in helping you
• Are cables included with the logger? not only understand features and benefits of a particular
Answers to these questions will help you understand the logger, but also help you understand how certain factors
true cost of owning the data logger over the long-term. in your own application may affect logging performance.

Product support For more information about data loggers, please contact
Data loggers should be easy to use and should not ne- Onset Computer Corporation at www.onsetcomp.com or
cessitate a great deal of technical assistance, even during call 1-800-564-4377.
the initial phases of use. However, as with any high-tech
product, there will always be questions.

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 DATA LOGGER GUIDE SERIES
About Onset
Onset Computer Corporation has been producing
small, inexpensive, battery-powered data loggers and
embedded controllers since 1981, and has sold over
one million loggers that are used around the world by
over 50,000 customers. The company manufactures a
broad range of data logger and weather station products
that are used to measure temperature, humidity, light
intensity, voltage, and a broad range of other parameters.
Onset products are used widely in research, commercial,
industrial, and educational applications.

Onset Computer Corporation

Copyright © 2007 Onset Computer Corporation. All rights reserved. Onset is a registered trademark of Onset Computer Corporation.

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