Data Logger Basics

Introduction
In today’s data-driven world of satellite uplinks, wireless networks, and the
Internet, it is common to hear the terms “data logging” and “data loggers”
and not really have a firm grasp of what they are.

Most people have a vague idea that data logging involves electronically
collecting information about the status of something in the environment,
such as temperature, relative humidity, or energy use. They’re right, but
that’s just a small view of what data logging is.

In the fields of building performance and environmental

research, everyone seems to be using data loggers. But
what are they, and why are they useful?

This guide will introduce you to the wide world of elec-

tronic data loggers and data logging, and will help to
clarify your understanding, whether you:

• are a new hire embarking on a project or career where data

loggers are required
• have been asked by a supervisor or team member to purchase data
loggers
• must persuade a decision-maker that data loggers will be useful for your
work (for starters, they can save labor costs and increase efficiency by
reducing travel time)
• have heard about data loggers and are just curious about their
applications, or,
• are a longtime user of the devices and want to refresh your understanding
and stay up-to-date with the technology and capabilities offered today.

In the following pages, we’ll cover data logger basics (the what, where, and
why); explain the steps involved in using a data logger; outline important
considerations to keep in mind when selecting data loggers; and finish with
real-world examples of data loggers being used by professionals in fields
ranging from building energy efficiency to water quality management to basic
scientific research.

Throughout you’ll find examples, resources, and helpful information for you to
use in evaluating data loggers for your work, and you’ll have a solid sense of
why professionals worldwide rely on electronic data loggers more than ever as
part of their toolkit.

1
Data logger basics
What is a data logger?

A data logger is an electronic instrument that records measurements at set

intervals over a period of time. Depending on the particular data logger, such
measurements can include:

• Air temperature • Soil moisture

• Relative humidity • Rainfall
• AC/DC current and voltage • Wind speed and direction
• Differential pressure • Leaf wetness
• Time-of-use (lights, motors, etc.) • Pulse signals
• Light intensity • Room occupancy
• Water temperature • Plug load
• Dissolved oxygen …and many more

Data loggers are typically compact, battery-powered devices equipped with

an internal microprocessor, data storage, and one or more sensors. They
can be deployed indoors, outdoors, and underwater, and can record data
for up to months at a time, unattended. A data logger may be a single-unit,
stand-alone device with internal sensors, which fits in the palm of a hand,
or it may be a multi-channel data collection instrument equipped with one or
more external sensors.

Why use data loggers?

Data loggers are valuable tools for anyone who wants to continuously
monitor conditions without having to be on site. Environmental consultants,
building managers, energy auditors, research scientists, and many more
professionals all rely on data loggers because of their:

Low cost

The price of data loggers has come down with advances in microprocessors
in recent years, and a single, one-sensor logger can cost less than $100.
Users save time and money by launching and leaving a logger unattended
to take time-stamped measurements, rather than having to be on site
themselves. The low cost of data loggers also allows for deployment of
multiple loggers at a time, in some cases reducing project length and
enhancing the volume of data available for analysis.

Because of the long battery life characteristic of many portable data loggers,
they can be deployed for long periods of time, meaning less time spent
traveling to and from the logger to download data. For remotely-placed
loggers, or in situations where many loggers are used, that can be a huge
savings in time and money.

2
 Ease of use

Once configured and deployed, Data loggers are certainly used by engineers and research technicians, but
you can rely on a battery- they’re also used by elementary schoolchildren in science projects. It can
be a mere 15 minutes from opening the box to deployment of a data logger;
powered data logger to gather for some models, simply connect the logger to a computer, use the data
the information you need, for as logger’s software to configure the sampling frequency and start/stop times,
long as you need. and you’re ready to go. Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) enabled loggers don’t
even require a computer, only a mobile device and app.

Downloading data is simple as well, and it can be easily analyzed, graphed,

and formatted for presentation or export to other applications. We’ll cover
this in more detail in another section.

Reliability

Once configured and deployed, you can rely on a battery-powered data

logger to gather the information you need, for as long as you need. No
human error, schedule conflict, inclement weather, bad handwriting, or data
entry errors will affect your data collection. And whether indoors or out,
data loggers are rugged instruments designed to withstand a wide range of
environmental conditions, including salt water, refrigeration, strong winds,
and constant sunlight.

Time-stamped data

Collection of data is, of course, at the core of these devices, and their
purpose is to provide objective, time-stamped proof of conditions over time,
which can be used to test theories, confirm operations, provide a record
for supervisors or regulatory agencies, and supply information to decision-
makers. The data they collect allows for better interpretations and choices,
and can save time and money in the long run.

Where are data loggers used?

Data loggers are used in a broad range of indoor, outdoor, and underwater
environments, from high-rise buildings to the Arctic – essentially anywhere
data is needed and the convenience of battery power is preferred

3
Common data logging applications

Building Performance

• Track building electricity usage to understand energy profiles and manage

peak demand
• Verify energy cost savings to determine ROI of new equipment
• Monitor equipment runtimes to ensure efficient operation
• Monitor equipment for leaks to cut wasteful energy consumption
• Diagnose causes of occupant comfort complaints
• Ensure healthy indoor air quality
• Track room occupancy and light use patterns
• Optimize HVAC system performance
• Better manage peak energy demand

Environmental Research

• Perform ecological studies that provide a detailed picture of the habitat

• Conduct agricultural research that reveals opportunities for improving yields
• Set up animal studies that verify the impact of climate on species
• Perform soil studies to understand the effects of climate on soil quality
• Gather essential data for more effective stormwater management
• Perform detailed water quality studies
• Conduct rigorous oceanographic research
• Run long-term climate change studies
• Study and measure environmental impact
• Do in-depth hydrology research that reveals the movement, distribution,
and quality of water – even across a broad area

4
 Anatomy of a data logger
When most people use the term Let’s dig a bit deeper into what the device actually is and does. A data logger,
“data logger,” they’re usually at its most basic, is a small device with an internal microprocessor, data
referring to the whole device, storage, and one or more sensors, all housed in a hard plastic casing that is
weatherproof and/or tamper resistant, depending on the model.
which is comprised of a data
logger, which does the logging, When most people use the term “data logger,” they’re usually referring to the
and sensors, which measure whole device, which is comprised of a data logger that does the logging, and
the parameters. sensors that measure the parameters. The sensor or sensors may be housed
inside the data logger’s case, or they may be attached to the logger’s sensor
ports via a cable. Data loggers also have either a cable port or an optical
sensor, through which data can be transmitted to the user. Finally, some
models have LCD screens that provide operating information, while others
have simple light indicators.

All data loggers share these basic parts and characteristics; where they diverge
is in exactly how data can be downloaded to the user. To this end, there are
3 main types of data loggers: stand-alone USB data loggers, web-based data
logging systems, and Bluetooth Low Energy data loggers.

Stand-alone USB data loggers are compact, reusable, and portable, and offer
low cost and easy setup and deployment. Internal-sensor models are used for
monitoring at the logger location, while external-sensor models (with flexible
input channels for a range of external sensors) can be used for monitoring at
some distance from the logger. Most stand-alone loggers communicate with a
computer via a USB interface. For greater convenience, a data shuttle device
can be used to offload data from the logger for transport back to a computer.

Web-based data logging systems enable remote, around-the-clock

internet-based access to data via GSM cellular, Wi-Fi, or Ethernet commou
knounications. These systems can be configured with a variety of external
plug-in sensors and transmit collected data to a secure web server for
accessing the data.

Data loggers that utilize Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology measure and
transmit temperature and relative humidity data wirelessly to mobile devices
over a 100-foot range.
Battery Mounting magnets
LCD screen Mounting loop
Temperature sensor USB port Depending on the scope of your data logging needs, your budget, the
Start/stop button Alarm/status button distances involved, and the time you have to access sites, you can choose
among these four types of data logging systems for your application.

5
Using a data logger
Today’s data loggers are easy to use, and require only a computer with a USB
port for configuration and launch, or a mobile device and app, as well as a few
simple hand tools for securing the units in place.

1. Configure and launch - First, connect the data logger to a computer via
a USB interface. Next, use the accompanying data logger software to select
logging parameters (sampling intervals, start time, etc.) and activate the logger.
Some software allows for configuring large numbers of data loggers at the
same time, which can be a huge time savings. (BLE data loggers
can be configured and launched wirelessly, after deployment.)

2. Secure in place – Next, deploy the data logger in the desired location.
Securing it in place can be as simple as using a magnet, screw, or lanyard
to fasten it to a wall. In other instances, installation can be more complex,
particularly when dealing with multi-channel data logging systems such as
a weather station, where the user needs to assemble and secure a weather
station tripod, arrange and protect sensors from elements and animals, plug
everything in, and weatherproof all connections.

3. Download or access data - After the desired monitoring period, reconnect

the data logger to the computer, and launch the software to read out the data.
In the case of web-based data logging systems, data are pushed to the Internet
for access; and with BLE loggers, data are downloaded directly to your mobile
device.

4. Process/analyze/present data – The data logger’s software allows you

to combine and compare data, and display the measurements in graphs that
show profiles over time. Alternatively, tabular data can be viewed as well, or
exported to a spreadsheet for further manipulation.

6
 Considerations for evaluating data loggers
Now that you have an overview of what data loggers are and how they
work, you can make some educated choices about them for your particular
application. Before you start to look around or contact any data logger
manufacturers, it’s a good idea to have a clear understanding of your
requirements and preferences. Here are some questions to consider:

• What do you need to measure? Where? For how long? This will help to
identify which sensors you need, as well as the type of housing the logger
requires.
• Is yours a one-time data-logging situation, or will it be part of an ongoing
project or toolkit? This will inform whether you choose data loggers with
internal, hard-wired sensors, or more flexible multi-channel loggers that
can accept a range of sensors.
• How often would you like to access data? Will you collect the logger
and plug it into your laptop, or would you rather save the travel time and
expense and access the data on the Internet, or opt for the convenience
of downloading data directly to a mobile device?

We’ll touch on these in more detail below, but having the answers to these
questions will help narrow down your choices.

Measurement accuracy
No matter what you need to measure, understanding your measurement
accuracy requirements is essential. For example, if you’re monitoring
air-conditioning temperature in an office space, you may only require a
temperature measurement accuracy of +/- 2 degrees, while monitoring
conditions in a research lab may require far greater accuracy. Or when
monitoring streams for suitability for certain fish species, for example,
accuracy on the order of 0.2C is typically required.

Accuracy specifications vary widely among different types of data loggers,

and a good understanding of specific accuracy requirements will help you
avoid paying for accuracy you might not need. When looking at the accuracy
specifications for a given data logger, be sure to look for charts that indicate
accuracy over an entire measurement 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 far different from the accuracy at the middle of the range.

Another important factor is data logger resolution; that is, the number of
increments of a value a data logger is capable of reporting. For example,
a data logger with 12-bit resolution can report 4,096 values over a given
temperature range. While a 12-bit data logger may offer more resolution than
an 8-bit model, it’s important to keep in mind that higher resolution does not
necessarily mean better measurements.

If you’re unsure about the data logger accuracy and resolution requirements
of your application, an experienced data logger supplier should be able to help
you determine which product will best meet your needs.

7
Data access options
With the simplest stand-alone data loggers, data are directly offloaded to a
computer via a USB interface. In many instances, however, it’s not practical to
bring a computer out to a site, nor is it always convenient to bring a data logger
back to the office. In such cases, data retrieval from stand-alone loggers can
instead be easily and quickly accomplished using a pocket-sized device called
a data shuttle. With a shuttle (or waterproof shuttle) you can download and
store the collected data without having to interrupt or move the logger, and later
link the shuttle to a computer for downloading and analyzing the data.

Web-based data logging systems can be used in both indoor and outdoor
environments. They enable real-time remote access to data via GSM cellular,
Wi-Fi, or Ethernet communications, and can be configured with a wide range
of plug-and-play sensors for monitoring everything from weather conditions
to building energy consumption. Data can be accessed easily through a
secure web site or integrated into custom systems with a relatively simple-to-
implement set of web services

BLE data loggers, which measure and transmit temperature and relative
humidity data wirelessly to mobile devices over a 100-foot range, are
particularly useful in applications where data loggers need to be deployed in
hard-to-reach spaces or in limited-access areas within a facility.

USB Loggers Web-Based Systems Bluetooth Loggers

Short or long-term trend logging with Long-range wireless internet access Wireless data access via mobile
manual offload devices
Internet

8
 Software capabilities
The software should enable you Just as there are many different types of data loggers available, there are
to quickly and easily perform also many different types of data graphing and analysis software packages.
In general, look for software that is Windows- or Mac-based, depending
tasks such as configuring on your requirements, and highly intuitive so the learning curve is minimal.
parameters, launching the data The software should enable you to quickly and easily perform tasks such as
logger, and offloading data, configuring parameters, launching the data logger, and offloading data, with
with point-and-click simplicity. point-and-click simplicity. Certain packages allow you to batch-configure and
read out hundreds of loggers very quickly.

The data logging software package should also offer powerful data plotting
capabilities, with an ability to easily merge, append, and crop data, and enable
you to easily export data to other programs, such as Microsoft® Excel®, for
analysis.

Durability
When buying a data logger, make sure the product’s enclosure is designed
to withstand the conditions of the environment where it will be located. For
example, if you plan to conduct monitoring in an office hallway, a hard plastic
enclosure should suffice. If the data logger needs to work in a condensing
environment, however, you would want to choose a product with a moisture-
protective enclosure. It’s also a good idea to ask about the availability of
protective cases and other enclosure accessories for situations where
increased durability and/or protection may be necessary.

9
Battery life
Overall, data loggers are extremely low-power devices. However, because
they are used in a variety of environmental conditions and sample at different
rates, battery life can vary widely. As a general rule of thumb, make sure the
data logger you select has a battery life of at least one year. For some remote
situations, you may want to investigate whether a solar-powered option is
available.

You may also ask a supplier about whether or not the data logger battery is
user-replaceable, as this can eliminate the time and expense of having to
ship the logger back to the manufacturer for battery replacement. Finally, data
loggers that run off standard household batteries offer greater convenience
than those requiring specialized batteries.

Cost of ownership
The lower cost of microprocessors and sensors in recent years has helped
push down the price of battery-powered data loggers. Although many data
products available today are attractively priced, it’s important to look closely
at the total cost of ownership before making your purchase. Here are some
questions you may want to ask your potential supplier:

• Will the logger need to be calibrated by the manufacturer periodically, and

if so, what are the cost implications over time?
• Will I need to invest in a pricey software package to analyze my results?
• Will I be able to use AA batteries, or will the logger require a proprietary or
hard-to-find power source?
• Are cables included with the logger?
• Will I need to purchase a data plan for my web-based system, and if so,
what types of plans are available?

Answers to these questions will help you understand the true cost of owning
the data logger over the long term.

Product support
In general, data loggers should be easy to use, without requiring a great deal In general, data loggers
of technical assistance, even during the initial phases of use. Nevertheless, as should be easy to use, without
with any high-tech product, there will always be questions. When evaluating
data loggers, look for a supplier that offers a range of product support services.
requiring a great deal of
These services often start with a preliminary assessment of your application technical assistance, even
requirements, and should include both telephone support and Internet-based during the initial phases of use.
support resources.

It’s also a good idea to find out if the supplier has the track record and stability
to maintain the role of a long-term solutions provider; after all, you will have
these data loggers for years. Then you can be assured that the company will
be there to meet your future data logging requirements. Finally, you may want
to ask the supplier for application notes and other references to gain a sense
for how the data loggers performed in applications similar to yours.

10
Building Performance

Indoor Environmental Monitoring

Challenge:

• Prevent deterioration of irreplaceable natural history museum

collection
• Comply with restrictions associated with historical landmarks
• Monitor and maintain stable temperature/RH levels throughout
420,000 sf of museum space

Solution:

• 50 wireless data loggers with integrated

temperature and RH sensors
• Discreet deployment of data nodes via non-marking 3M adhesive strips
• Real-time data, instant notification potential, and onboard buffer memory to ensure no data are lost

Results:

• Convenient data offload from multiple locations

• Prompt identification, diagnosis, and resolution of HVAC equipment dysfunction

Energy Monitoring

Challenge:

• Reduce energy costs associated with 9,000 sf facility that generates

$25K in utility bills annually and decrease its carbon footprint
• Determine which energy-saving equipment best fits the needs of
the facility
• Calculate potential return-on-investment of the new equipment

Solution:

• Data-driven approach involving the deployment of portable data

loggers throughout the facility
• Collection of large quantities of diverse data in a short amount of time
• Motor On/Off data loggers deployed directly on loop motors
• Temperature data loggers deployed discreetly in office areas to log zone temperatures

Results:

• Based on data analysis, recommended actions to install new HVAC controls and a web-enabled system for centralized/
automated control of HVAC system, install energy recovery ventilation system, install a solar photovoltaic energy
solution, and implement building shell improvements
• Estimated energy cost savings of $215K over the next 15 years

11
Environmental Research

Climate Monitoring

Challenge:

• Manage agricultural risks related to weather and pests;

minimize use of pesticides
• Fully utilize the power of weather-based models
• Provide a user-friendly decision support tool that doesn’t
involve additional work for growers

Solution:

• Deployment of on-site web-based weather stations

• Transmittal of live weather data to the Internet via integrated Wi-Fi communication modules

Results:

• Accessible, accurate, farm-specific weather data

• Information helps growers with actionable pest management decisions

Water Monitoring

Challenge:

• Restore and preserve freshwater ecosystem

• Decrease stream temperature to increase pool habitat for native fish
• Support healthier fish populations and a larger beaver population

Solution:

• Create active connections between three natural springs and the

creek to provide new sources of cool water and additional stream-flow
• Install water temperature data loggers above and below each spring confluence with the creek to collect pre- and post-
project stream temperature data

Results:

• Charted stream-flow and temperature information from data collected at 30-minute intervals and download
approximately four times per year via HOBO Waterproof Shuttle
• Data helped determine how effective the connection of the springs to the creek was in lowering stream temperature

12
Other informational resources available from Onset:

Choosing an Occupancy and Light On/Off Data Monitoring Green Roof Performance with Weather
Logger – 5 Important Considerations Stations

This paper provides guidance on features to consider when Data logging weather stations are the ideal tools for
choosing an occupancy and light on/off data logger, including documenting green roof performance. A weather station can
calibration, LCD display, logger accuracy and range, speed of measure weather parameters such as rainfall, stormwater
deployment, and time-saving software. Learn how to select the runoff, temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, and solar
right logger for identifying ideal locations in your building where radiation. This paper explains how a weather station can be a
changes in lighting could result in cost savings up to 80%. valuable component of a green roof project.
Using Data Loggers Beyond Equipment Scheduling
Utility Incentive Programs: How to Get More Money
Quickly and Easily While data loggers are a great tool for identifying equipment-
scheduling opportunities in buildings, their usefulness far
“Utility Incentive Programs: How to Get More Money Quickly exceeds just that one function. This paper discusses how the
and Easily,” is aimed at making the process of applying for use of inexpensive data loggers and some spreadsheet analysis
and receiving energy efficiency incentives and rebates faster, can provide all the evidence needed to make powerful building-
easier, and more rewarding. Authored by Carbon Lighthouse, an specific cases for saving money by replacing failed air-handler
energy firm that makes it profitable for commercial and industrial economizers. It also describes how information from data
buildings to eliminate their carbon footprint, the paper discusses loggers can be used to accurately calculate the energy savings
the two main types of incentive and rebate programs, how utility that can be realized from variable frequency drives (VFDs) on
efficiency program managers think, and how to use data to get pumps and fans, supply air resets, and boiler lockouts
more incentive dollars for your projects.
Monitoring Wetlands with Data Loggers: A Best
Deploying Weather Stations: A Best Practices Guide Practices Guide

From the tropics to the poles, climate, agriculture and other While a variety of factors have decreased the number of
researchers rely on unattended research-grade, data logging wetlands in the U.S. by half since 1950, many organizations are
weather stations. restoring wetlands back to their original flourishing ecosystems.
To ensure success, it is necessary to monitor wetland factors
This paper provides field-proven tips and techniques for such as water level, temperature, and rainfall.
installing research-grade weather stations in a variety of
environments. This paper provides field-proven best practices for configuring,
launching, and deploying portable data loggers in wetland
Data Logger Basics monitoring applications.

In today’s data-driven world of satellite uplinks, wireless Finding Hidden Energy Waste with Data Loggers: 8
networks, and the Internet, it is common to hear the terms “data Cost-Saving Opportunities
logging” and “data loggers” and not really have a firm grasp of
what they are. The first step to reducing building energy costs is identifying
energy waste. Statistics on utility bills or name plates on
This guide will help you explore the wide world of electronic equipment, while useful, are not enough to identify what
data loggers, find out what they are and how they’re used for practices and equipment are contributing to high energy use.
building performance and environmental research. Portable data loggers can be used to obtain critical energy use
information in a wide range of commercial building types – from
Addressing Comfort Complaints With Data Loggers manufacturing plants to office buildings.

This paper offers facility managers, HVAC contractors, and This paper explains the kind of data logging equipment
others with valuable tips on how low-cost data loggers can be you need to obtain information on energy consumption and
used to validate temperature-related comfort complaints. environmental conditions in commercial buildings.

Monitoring HVAC Performance with Data Loggers

This paper is for building operators and managers who have

Access our full resources library at: the difficult job of providing comfortable working conditions
and coaxing aging mechanical equipment to operate at peak
www.onsetcomp.com/learning performance while minimizing energy costs.
About Onset
Onset is a leading supplier of data logger and monitoring solutions used to measure,
record and manage data for improving the environment and preserving the quality of
temperature-sensitive products. Based on Cape Cod, Massachusetts, Onset has been
designing and manufacturing its products on site since the company’s founding in 1981.

Visit Onset on the web at www.onsetcomp.com.

Onset headquarters, Cape Cod, MA

Contact Us

Our goal is to make your data logging project a success. Our product application specialists are available to discuss your
needs and recommend the right solution for your project.

Sales (8am to 5pm ET, Monday through Friday) Onset Computer Corporation
Email [email protected] 470 MacArthur Blvd.
Call 508-759-9500 Bourne, MA 02532
In US call toll free 800-564-4377
Fax 508-759-9100

Technical Support (8am to 8pm ET, Monday through Friday)

Email [email protected]
Call 508-759-9500
In US call toll free 877-564-4377

Copyright© 2016, Onset Computer Corporation. All information in this document is subject to change without notice. Onset and HOBO are registered trademarks of Onset Computer Corporation.
All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA. Lit. No. MKT1183-1216
Onset Computer
Corporation

470 MacArthur Blvd.

Bourne, MA 02532

Fax: 508-759-9100
1-800-LOGGERS
(1-800-564-4377)

www.onsetcomp.com