What
is a datalogger?
A
datalogger is an electronic instrument that records measurements of
temperature, relative humidity, light intensity, voltage, pressure,
on/off and open/closed state changes etc. over time. Typically, dataloggers
are small, battery-powered devices that are equipped with a microprocessor,
memory for data storage and sensors. Most dataloggers interface with
a personal computer and utilise software to activate the logger and
view/analyse the collected data.
Data-logging
implies data collection with storage for later data processing. A data-logging
system has three main components: an interface
to link to a computer, sensors
and software. While planning
to purchase a data-logging system, the following points need to be considered
as well: purchasing strategy,
organising resources,
features and prices.
How does a datalogger
work? 
The datalogger is first connected to a personal computer. Specific
software is then used to select logging parameters (sampling intervals, start
time, etc.) and initiate the logger. The logger records each measurement
and stores it in memory along with the time and date. The logger is then
reconnected to the personal computer and the software is used again to
readout the data and view the measurements as a graph or table showing
the profile over time. The data collected can be exported to a spreadsheet
for further manipulation.
