Dataloggers

Data loggers are electronic devices that record measurements over time for later analysis. They combine sensors, a processing unit, non-volatile memory, a clock, a power source, and an interface for data retrieval. Common measurements include temperature, humidity, pressure, light, voltage, and other environmental or physical signals. Loggers may be standalone with internal storage or networked to transmit data to a computer or cloud service.

Operation and formats: The user programs a sampling interval, sensor ranges, and calibration parameters. The device periodically samples inputs, timestamps each reading, and stores the data in internal memory or on removable media. Data can be exported via USB or SD card, or transmitted wirelessly (Bluetooth, Wi‑Fi, Ethernet). Typical output formats are CSV or other structured files that can be read by standard analysis tools.

Types and form factors: Loggers range from single-channel devices to multi-channel models that can monitor many sensors simultaneously. Specialized variants exist for environmental monitoring, industrial process control, agriculture, building automation, or medical and laboratory use. Power options include replaceable batteries, rechargeable cells, and solar panels for long-term deployments; rugged and weather-resistant designs are common for field use.

Applications and considerations: Dataloggers are used in environmental surveys, weather stations, energy and HVAC monitoring, agricultural irrigation, transport and infrastructure maintenance, and scientific research. Important considerations include measurement accuracy and calibration, sampling rate and memory capacity, data integrity, timestamp reliability, and compatibility with data-analysis software.