The first thing you must acknowledge when you’re about to purchase a new data logger is that there are several varieties out there. Not all data loggers are created equal, and there is a possibility of buying something that does not address your data measurement and recording needs. The truth is that it’s quite a challenge to buy the right InstrumentChoice datalogger if you don’t know what you’re looking for. Are you going to measure a range of conditions or just one parameter? Do you need an alarm or notification? Those are just some questions you must address.
So, before you start shopping, be sure to follow these tips:
Accuracy
No matter what you need to measure; figuring out your measurement precision requirements are necessary. For instance, if you’re keeping track of the air-conditioning temperature in a workplace, you might require a temperature level measurement precision of +/- 2 degrees, while keeping track of storage conditions for temperature-sensitive products or in a research lab might require far greater accuracy. Or when keeping an eye on streams for viability for certain fish types, for example, precision on the order of 0.2 C is usually needed.
Precision specifications differ widely amongst different kinds of data loggers, and a mutual understanding of specific precision requirements will help you prevent spending for accuracy you might not need.
When looking at the accuracy specs for a data logger, make sure to try to find charts that suggest accuracy over a whole measurement range, not just a single worth. The precision a data logger can achieve at the high or low end of a range may vary from the accuracy at the middle of the variety.
Data Access
When examining data loggers, it’s a good idea to find out about the available options when it comes to accessing the data. With USB stand-alone data loggers, you will offload the data to a computer system through a USB user interface. In numerous circumstances, nevertheless, it’s not practical to bring a computer system out to a site, nor is it always useful to bring a data logger back to the office to connect to a PC. In those instances, data retrieval from stand-alone loggers is achieved using a pocket-sized device called a data shuttle.
Software
Just as there are various types of data loggers available, there are likewise many different kinds of data graphing and analysis software packages. You must focus on finding software that is Windows ®- and MAC-based and extremely intuitive so the learning curve won’t overwhelm you. The software ought to allow you to rapidly and efficiently carry out jobs such as configuring parameters and that of the capability of releasing the data logger and offloading data.
The data logging software package should likewise use powerful data outlining abilities, with an ability to easily combine, add and crop data, and enable you to export data to other programs, for analysis easily.
The ideal InstrumentChoice datalogger is a low-power device. But then again, because they are used in a variety of ecological conditions and sample at various rates, battery life can vary extensively. As a rule of thumb, ensure the data logger you pick has a battery life of a minimum of one year.