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About Data Loggers
Logger Facts
What is a Temperature Logger?
Temperature loggers are like simple probe thermometers, but they take and remember the readings. The whole time-series of readings can then be recovered later, usually by using a serial interface that connects to a PC computer. Generally, temperature data loggers are portable battery-operated monitors that take a time-based "history" of sensor data. They provide a simple yet powerful solution for analysis and documentation for research, process monitoring, in-transit monitoring, QC testing, HAACP plans, warehouse monitoring and laboratory and environmental studies.
What about Humidity Logging?
This works the same as temperature logging, but incorporates a humidity sensor. It is important to realize that humidity loggers are always temperature loggers, as well, since humidity sensors require accurate measurements of temperature to quantify humidity. So, every humidity logger is a "dual temperature and humidity logger". Humidity sensors drift over time (temperature sensors also, but not as quickly or as severely). For proper results, humidity loggers should be recalibrated every six months.
Using Loggers in Transit Monitoring
Temperature loggers are becoming the standard for transit temperature monitoring in the food and drug industries. Loggers have the advantage of superior accuracy in demanding applications, and the convenience of digital data storage and processing.
Logger Accuracy and Transit Monitoring
Typically, you can trust the record of an accurate logger to ±0.5°C under the best of circumstances. It should be noted that there are many factors that can influence the temperature as sensed by the logger, such as recorder placement, packing geometry, outside temperatures and air leaks. Nonetheless, loggers perform an invaluable service to record temperatures alongside the product, which is the best method of obtaining the true temperatures in which the product is being exposed.
Software Importance
Most loggers are paired with software of some kind. Some loggers can be used with online data storage and reporting (this is important if there are IT limitations on software installation on corporate workstations or if wide data availability to multiple users is required). Make sure that your application takes into consideration the capabilities of the software that is used with the logger hardware. Often the software will make your life easier by automating data analysis or distribution tasks...ask us to point out the differences.
Starting, Stopping and Marking
One important aspect of data logging in general is the control of stopping and starting and making "event" marks on a time based record. Some loggers have a "start button". Others rely on magnetic activators or starter devices. In some instances, a logger can be always running, so that they simply need to be stopped or interrogated when data is needed. All of these options are possible with the different types of loggers we sell.
Important Extra Stuff
Many applications are highly technical. Gathering data in special situations requires a more extensive suite of adaptable and complementary "parts" to your logging system. Global Temperature Monitoring can provide accessories for your logger system: readers, special probes and application-specific logger options. Please contact us to discuss your specific requirements.
Why is wireless data gathering important?
Some applications require quick or "unattended" data gathering. Wireless systems allow the data gathered by the logger to be remotely reported to a data terminal (a computer or other device). Wireless data monitoring is very affordable and offers some real advantages. Global Temperature Monitoring is a leader in wireless monitoring for warehouse or retail operations, for HACCP or supply chain solutions. Please contact us to discuss your specialized application
Why is an integral USB logger a big deal?
Many of our customers use loggers to ship to hundreds of different locations. The recipient returns the logger to the shipper after reading the recorded data. With so many locations to ship to, providing all of these locations with hardware interfaces would not only be too expensive, it has logistic difficulties. Software is free and universally available, so having built-in interface capability makes the logger "hardware free" when it travels to different locations.