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Dickson Data Loggers are electronic recording instruments that monitor environmental conditions over time. They can monitor Temperature, Humidity, Pressure, Event and more.
Selecting the data logger that's right for you!
With over 30 Dickson data logger models to choose from, and a wide variety of options and features that allow us to do more than ever with data loggers, finding the right data logger for your application can sometimes be a bit overwhelming. Here we discuss different data logger features to help you select the Dickson data logger that's right for you.
What variable(s) are you monitoring?
What range are you monitoring?
How often to you need to collect data?
Where will the data logger be placed?
Do you need to spot check data without downloading?
Additional features to consider
1. What variable(s) are you monitoring?
Dickson offers data loggers that monitor several variables including: Temperature, Temperature and Humidity, Pressure, On/Off Event and Power Quality. Our Universal Input Data Loggers use powered voltage or current transmitters giving them a wide variety of applications including, Ph, moisture, pressure and more.
2. What range are you monitoring?
Temperature, Temperature & Humidity and Pressure loggers all operate within a specific range. For example some temperature data loggers monitor only from -4 to 158°F, while other models with remote probes can monitor from -300 to +2000°F. Our Pressure loggers record pressure from 0 to 100, 300 or 500 PSI. While you want to make sure that the range you are monitoring fits within the specified range of the data logger, there is no need to worry about the range being too wide.
3. How often to you need to collect data?
There are two features you need to consider when determining data collection capacity: Sample Rate and Sample Storage.
Sample Rate is a user selectable feature that lets you determine how frequently the data logger takes a reading. Some data loggers let you sample every second, while others start sampling at every 10 seconds in 10 second increments. Depending on your application you might only need a sample every 10 minutes to monitor storage conditions, while process monitoring and testing might require continuous detailed sampling every second.
Sample Storage is the number of samples that can be stored in a data logger's memory before it needs to download or begins to write over old data. Depending on how often data is downloaded and upon the sample rate selected, you may require a logger with a large sample storage capacity. For example, a single channel data logger that stores 32,512 sample points that is set to a sample rate of one minute will run for 22.5 days before the memory is full. If the same data logger is set to a sample rate of every 5 minutes, it will run for 112 days before the memory is full.
4. Where will the data logger be placed?
The Dickson data logger line features, waterproof units, stainless steel models and models designed to withstand extreme temperatures. In addition, probe models give you the flexibility to monitor remote locations and extreme temperatures while keeping the data logger at a safe distance.
5. Do you need to spot check data without downloading?
Several data logger models feature current/min/max displays giving you on the spot information. Other models feature graphing displays allowing you to view a detailed graph of data without downloading.
6. Additional features to consider:
- Size: Make sure the logger will fit the location you wish to use it in. Some logger models are slightly larger than a quarter making them perfect for tight locations and monitoring goods in transportation.
- USB/Serial: Do you require a USB connection?
- Audio/Visual Alarm: Do you require an alarm?
- Flash Memory: Some models now allow for One Step Data Transfer using removable SD Flash Memory Cards.
- User Calibration: Do you require the ability to calibrate while in the field?
- Push to Start: This feature lets you start recording data with the push of a button.
- Networking: Using Dickson MP100's you can create a network of Dickson Data Loggers that let you setup and download logger data without leaving your PC.
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