Data Logger [Farmer]
Introduction
A data logger is an electronic device that records measurements at set intervals over a period of time. 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.
All data loggers share the same basic parts they diverge on how data can be downloaded. To this end, there are 3 main types of data loggers:[2]
Stand-alone USB data loggers: they are compact, reusable and portable and offer low cost and easy setup and deployment
Web-based data logging systems: enable remote, around-the-clock internet based access to data via GSM cellular, Wi-Fi or Ethernet communications
Bluetooth low energy data loggers: measure and transmit temperature and relative humidity data wirelessly to mobile devices over 100-foot range
Medium sized data loggers typically range from 213€ to 436€ per channel. Two to four channels is typical for the majority of portable equipment.[3]
Data loggers combine analog and digital measurements with programming methodology to sense temperature, relative humidity and other sensors. This data is then passed to the database and analysis software for storing and analysing the monitored data.[4]
- They work 24 hours a day and 365 days of year while some logs data only during its predefined period
- Once it is setup, it performs data logging automatically and does not require presence of human and can transmit all the data automatically to the computer
- It is accurate as likelihood of human errors is not there
- It is easier to understand scientific experiments and scientific concept with the help of better graphs/plots[6]
More information about data loggers:
Reference
[1] testo.com/en-AE/products/datalogger-humidity
[2] onsetcomp.com/files/data-logger-basics.pdf
[4] Sagarkumar S. et al., (2011), Data Logger System: A survey, International Journal of Computer Technology and Electronics pages 24-26 published on the National Conference on Emerging Trends in Computer Science and Information Technology
[5] Brinkhoff, James & Hornbuckle, John & Dowling, Thomas. (2017). Multisensor Capacitance Probes for Simultaneously Monitoring Rice Field Soil-Water- Crop-Ambient Conditions. Sensors. 18. 53. 10.3390/s18010053
[6] rfwireless-world.com/Terminology/Advantages-and-Disadvantages-of-Data-Loggers.html