Data logger

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

A data logger (also datalogger or Data recorder) is an electronic device that records data over time or in relation to location either with a built in instrument or sensor or via external instruments and sensors. Increasingly, but not entirely, they are based on a digital processor (or computer). They generally are small, battery powered, portable, and equipped with a microprocessor, internal memory for data storage, and sensors. Some data loggers interface with a personal computer and utilize software to activate the data logger and view and analyze the collected data, while others have a local interface device (keypad, LCD) and can be used as a stand-alone device.

Data loggers vary between general purpose types for a range of measurement applications to very specific devices for measuring in one environment only. It is common for general purpose types to be programmable however many remain as static machines with only a limited number of changeable parameters. Electronic dataloggers have replaced chart recorders in many applications.

A special variant of the autonomous data logger is the PDF-logger. This is creating, when plugging into a USB interface, automatically a PDF file with a text and a graphic part of the current measurement data. The PC operating system recognizes the unit then as a standard USB mass storage. This makes it possible for the recipient worldwide, to generate a report without additional software. These devices are used for the worldwide delivery of drugs (Cold Chain) or other sensitive products.

One of the primary benefits of using data loggers is the ability to automatically collect data on a 24-hour basis. Upon activation, data loggers are typically deployed and left unattended to measure and record information for the duration of the monitoring period. This allows for a comprehensive, accurate picture of the environmental conditions being monitored, such as air temperature and relative humidity.

DAN data loggers offer a number of benefits over more conventional data logging systems and more than often do so at a fraction of the cost. DAN data loggers are most applicable wherre:

1. There is a need to make routine or regular site visits to a remote location in order to maintain or adjust on site monitoring equipment
2. There is a need to gather information from and/or change control parameters in geographically remote locations or in locations which are difficult to access
3. There is the need to respond to alarm conditions if a site is unattended
4. There is a need to maintain records or log equipment performance due to legislated requirements
5. There is a need for production supervisors to monitor processes where the process is continuous
6. There is a need by senior management of multi-site organisations to compare performance between sites
7. There is a need to gather data from sites where access is restricted
8. There is a need to gather data from a vehicle that is constantly on the move 

The need for gathering information from remote sites has been growing steadily.  Around the world, the use of outsourced managed services, or in the context of DAN’s development ‘HOSTED MANAGED SERVICES” is clearly on the increase.  A recent survey conducted by IDC a large US based survey organisation, showed that the use of hosted managed services in the VOIP market is increasing at 282% per year and by 2008 will be worth US$7.8 Billion in the US market alone.

Unlike those that develop more capable systems by adding to existing technology, DAN has developed a new technology from the ground up while incorporating those elements of existing technology which fit the structure and provide a level of reliability.

The DAN Website communicates directly with the Data Control Centre located in the field. The DAN website hosts all necessary software enabling end users to set up and maintain their measurement or control application, specify alarm conditions, SMS and email addresses for alarm notification and to view measured data. Communication between the DCC and the website occurs via commercial networks including CDMA, Satellite or landline whichever is most appropriate for the particular situation. Within this innovative monitoring system, DAN has incorporated significant novel concepts and technological advancements over existing competitive products. The incorporation of these items has required significant research and testing prior to their release.

When you buy a product you need to know there is a strong support team behind it with problem-solving and ’support’ capabilities.Data Acquisition Networks has very strong technical leadership that is able to custom design solutions for almost any industry. Heading up this team is Bruce Davis and Ian Schmahmann. Bruce has a strong industrial marketing background.  He has worked in senior management roles requiring “hands on” expertise in construction, project management, manufacturing, warehousing, logistics, technical development and sales marketing.  Bruce is a Degree qualified electrical engineer BSc Eng (EE), and a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (MAICD).  Recent senior management appointments have seen Bruce involved in implementing change in technically sophisticated and financially difficult environments. Ian Schmahmann graduated from Natal University in South Africa in 1976 with a B-Sc Electrical Engineering (Light Current). Since 1978, Ian has been professionally involved in the design and implementation of industrial measurement and control products and systems.  He has had the full range of experience in this field from hands-on bread-boarding and developing circuits through to leading teams of hardware and software design engineers as well as marketing products nationally and internationally. The DAN team can design your solution and provide the back-up support necessary to give you the confidence you need that your data logger will always deliver the data you need when you need it. 

Data acquisition over the centuries has taken many forms. Today you can still see people collecting data for personal and commercial use with pencil and paper in hand as you will see people travelling routinely to a remote location to retrieve collected data that needs to be processed in some form in order for it to be suitable for its intended use.

The challenge with collecting data has always been that the things we need to monitor are not always where we live. Quite often they are remote to where we live. Some of the things we need to monitor are at our place of work and we are not there 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Collecting and retrieving data from remote locations wherever we happen to be in the world at a time when the data is urgently needed has always posed a challenge and for many years was simply not possible.

Data Acquisition Networks Pty Ltd (DAN) and the products it supplies were born out of an acute understanding of people’s needs for real-time, accurate information that is delivered to wherever they may happen to be. Monitoring units supplied by DAN have many existing and potential applications. DAN units collect data and transmit it routinely to a secure website where it can be accessed by customers from anywhere in the world at any time of the day or night. Instantaneous data can also be delivered to a mobile phone within seconds of an enquiry being made. Alarms are sent by DAN units when ‘things go wrong’ and DAN units are also able to take limited corrective local action where that is appropriate.

Data Acquisition Networks has developed wireless transmitters and receivers for local data transfer.  Not just hardware, but intelligent combinations able to produce various outputs including via a RS232 port in a human readable format.  For probes that are located at distance from the gathering point or are located where wiring is too difficult, the DAN wireless system may provide the ideal answer.  Designed to link with the DAN data logging product, with an on site system or with both simultaneously, DAN wireless technology has advanced the transmission of data from where it is gathered to where it is needed to new heights.  And as is typical with DAN products, simplicity of operation is the key.

As the world moves forward into 2010, carbon emissions will have a significant impact on every company’s financial performance.  There is no doubt that monitoring and controlling the amount of carbon produced will become an important function.  It will be imperative that organisations from the largest to the smallest measure, calculate and record emissions.  Using DAN technology, the recording of inputs can be automatic, gathered from any point (even from moving vehicles) the data is sent to a web site where it is secure and available for viewing via the internet from any location.  In addition, inputs can be inserted into formulas providing final meaningful data as the raw inputs are received.

Conventional thinking about data loggers was to place a logger at a site and let it record the data. This was revolutionary for its time but not so now!

Data Acquisition Networks supplies a range of data loggers that capture data on a site and then transmit that data over the GPRS or satellite networks to a website where it can be instantly viewed by those with password access. This means data no longer needs to be retrieved from a site and it means data cannot be tampered with by those that might have reason to do so. It also means multiple people can view the data instantly from the comfort of their work desk.

Talk to Data Acquisition Networks today about how new-generation data loggers can add value to data monitoring.