Until fairly recently, chart recorders were used to create a record of varying data over a specified period of time. These mechanical devices can operate either with electrical power or via wind-up spring motors. Sometimes, these are still the best devices for the job. But, in large part, they have been replaced by data logger devices.

Data loggers are electronic devices that can have either their own built-in sensors, or the capability to connect to external sensors. Generally, they’re battery-powered, small, and have an on-board microprocessor. Some can stand alone, with their own displays and keyboards. Others can hold data in memory for later retrieval, usually by connecting it to a computer. On a computer, data may be either displayed via proprietary software, or via an Excel spreadsheet or graph. Newer devices may also have capabilities for wireless communications, allowing them to send constant streams of data to a base station.

Take a look on the web, and you’ll find a wide range of data loggers, from the very inexpensive to ones that cost thousands of dollars. You’ll find many different vendors, selling devices for just about any type of data that you can imagine.

Vendors with prominent web-front stores sell a large range of logging devices. You’ll find devices for use by electricians, network technicians, weather researchers, home owners, etc. It seems that there’s something there for almost anyone.

Homeowners may be interested in purchasing an energy audit or monitoring device. Several types are available, including one that can measure the power draw of an electrical appliance, and automatically calculate its annual energy cost. There’s also a monitoring kit that enables you to constantly monitor room temperature throughout the house.

Logging devices for industrial or small business use include monitors for HVAC, greenhouses, refrigeration units, or air quality. Air quality monitors can keep a constant check on levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, or other gasses. Use these in closed spaces, where there may be a danger that these gasses may accumulate.

The use of automotive data loggers may benefit fleet operators, such as trucking or taxi cab companies. These compact devices can be connected to a vehicles’s OBD-II port. They’re useful for monitoring engine performance, fuel economy, and how the vehicle is being operated. Devices with built-in wireless capabilities allow operators at the home base to see real-time data on how the vehicles are being operated. There’s also a class OBD-II devices for auto mechanics, to help them diagnose engine problems.

Weather researchers will find several different monitoring solutions. There are devices for measuring specific weather data, such as temperature, soil moisture content, rainfall, or wind. Complete weather monitoring stations can log many different kinds of weather data.

Operators of mines or grain elevators, where combustible gas or dust may be a problem, would want to use an “intrinsically safe” monitoring device. These devices are guaranteed not to produce sparks that could cause an explosion.

When purchasing a monitoring solution, you’ll need to inquire about what is included in the purchase price. Often, the required sensors aren’t included in the price of the logging device itself. So, you’d have to buy them separately.

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