Several industries have the requirement of tracking events, conducting observations and taking measurements systematically and all of which comes under the term Data Logging. The device which carries out the activities of data logging is known as Datalogger.

Dataloggers are primarily used when there’s a need for consistent reading for an instrument. It is used mainly in geotechnical monitoring and instrumentation applications. A major part of data logger applications involve remote or unattended location monitoring.

To know more about datalogger device, keep reading till the end.

What is a Datalogger?

Datalogger is an electronic device or a computer program that consistently records data over time with the help of a built-in instrument or via external interface in relation to a specified location.

This device is based upon digital processors and appears quite similar to a portable small-sized box case with wires, batteries, sensors, internal memory storage and a programmable module. Some dataloggers are interfaced with a PC in order to present data via a dedicated software.

There are other dataloggers that are connected to a device directly and present data as a standalone device. This device is used in large scale applications since it has the capacity to collect real-time data continuously with the help of sensors and show it over the connected device.

Datalogger Recording Capacity

If you are wondering how long can the datalogger consistently record data then that depends upon two major parameters. One is the battery back up of the device and the other is its memory capacity.

While the majority of dataloggers are durable and have a long life span, there are a few that function only for a short period.

Retrieving the Recorded Data

The retrieval process of recorded data differs from one device to another. One of the ways in which data can be retrieved is by telemetry via GSM/GPRS modem or Data retrieval using a laptop.

Reasons Why Dataloggers are Used

Dataloggers are used for quite a few purposes and they are –

  • For long term tunnel safety, the dataloggers are used to conduct comprehensive monitoring of tunnel. The data recorded with the help of datalogger can provide information to study the behavior of tunnel over time.
  • Structural health monitoring of buildings in order to know the overall condition of the building’s structural integrity. It also helps in studying the impact of nearby excavation or constructional impact upon the building.
  • For rainfall management and groundwater monitoring in order to conserve water and prevent fresh water depletion.
  • Helps in conducting landslide monitoring and prevent any potential mishap of property or life.
  • Deformities of bridges can be monitored with the help of dataloggers.

There are plenty of ways where dataloggers can be applied. Make sure to know the sample rate of your hardware when it comes to the application of datalogger.