Understanding The Basics Of A Data Logger

By:Peter Bishop

When the meteorologist reads the local forecast, it is because of his/her accurate assessment of the data logging factors. In addition, water levels, depths and flow can be measured this way. If you have ever read the newspaper and see a listing for how many people traveled on a certain highway over the weekend, perhaps you wonder how that assessment was made. Did someone stand outside and count each individual car or truck that passed by? Well, no, but a computer did. Road traffic counting is another example of data logging.

A data logger is defined as an electronic computerized device that records data over a predetermined amount of time. Depending on the job, some data loggers are small while larger machines are used for more extensive research. These units acquire data according to the programming and store it into memory or a storage unit. This memory can be set to accommodate days, weeks or even months without ever having human intervention. Modern data loggers use a battery to promote storage in the units memory Older models use paper or disks, but technology has all but rendered these earlier models extinct.

Data loggers are so accurate that, in addition to recording detailed information, they often provide a time and date indicator to ensure that all of the recorded data can be broken down and associated with a specific date and time for informational research purposes. This is possible because of their built in clocks, which easily provide an accurate reading.

From the simplest of device to a complex unit, data loggers offer a wide range of flexibility for nearly any data retrieval job. The more simple devices are, as expected, easier to program. The more complex the unit, the more work that is involved. Some of the most modern data loggers offer website capabilities, which allow individuals to surf onto a website and monitor the tracking system. This works well for users who enjoy real time information, including weather data, web cams, etc.

During harsh weather conditions, troublesome water levels or other concerns, a data logger can be linked to devices, including modems, cell phones or satellites. This capability can keep individuals updated on the status of weather conditions, but also alert them if immediate attention is required. If you ever notice a weather warning interrupt a radio station or television broadcast, that information is coming from a data logger that is responsible for monitoring weather conditions. The information is then relayed to the meteorologist, who gets the information out to the public.

As individuals, it is difficult to realize the complex nature of data loggers and their responsibilities. But, without them, we would certainly become aware of their absence. Without a way to measure such important data factors, without an efficient way to report them and research certain data, we would be forever uninformed.

Digg del.icio.us Blink Stumble Spurl Reddit Netscape Furl

Article keywords: data logger, usb

Article Source: http://www.articles2k.com

Peter Bishop manages the Info portal at www.dataloggerpluscom and writes about data entry, data recovery and data loggers.

Top Hardware Articles
1). Acer Aspire 3004WLCi - A Quick Review By : James Morris I recently found myself in need of a new laptop. With a tight budget and moderate needs, I knew it wasn't going to be easy to find a product that would do what I wanted and still be in my price range. As a Network Technician and a Web Designer, I needed a machine that would have enough storage to store all my software, projects for my clients, and still be able to handle an occasional temporary operating system backup from a client's machine.
2). A market study of colour printers By : John Sollars The printer manufacturing market seems to be a booming one. Manufacturers are no doubt eyeing expansion and coming up with newer products to capture the burgeoning market. The manufacturers are interested in the colour -printer sector for purely reasons of expansion. There is stiff competition between the makers as all are concentrating to keep the prices low to capture the market.
3). Read This Before You Buy A Laptop. By : Robert Michael Looking to buy a laptop? Congratulations! So, do you want a thin-and-light notebook, a mainstream notebook, an ultra portable notebook, or a business notebook? And do you want that in a Dell, a Gateway, an IBM, a Sony, or a Toshiba, to name just a few of your options? Confused yet? It really can be overwhelming. But buying a laptop doesn’t have to mean learning a whole new language.
4). The Types Of Computer Memory By : Robert Thatcher How can a computer be such an amazing gadget? To many people they just can’t be so amazed on how computers have changed the way we live. Computers can now be found in many sizes and shapes. Almost every home appliance seems to have their own mini computer located somewhere. From cars to buildings to almost every gadget there is, most of the time each one has a computer working to make them run and change the very way we live life.
5). Find your laptop drivers easily! By : Mohammad Abdullatif Many people, especially beginners, struggle in finding drivers for their laptops. In this article, I will illustrate two ways to help you find your laptop drivers quickly, and easily. The first method we will consider is to visit a company's website, and attempt to find a 'Drivers' or 'downloads' link. If a similar link is not immediately apparent, look for a search box.
6). Tips Before You Buy a Scanner By : James Hunt When buying a scanner or printer, it is always a good idea to look for advice if you are not sure what you are looking for or what you need. All too often people...
7). Computer Consulting 101 PC Troubleshooting Advice By : Joshua Feinberg While most small businesses really do need to find a good local computer consulting business to take care of their computer problems, there are some computer problems that are simple enough for even a technophobe to handle. At Computer Consulting 101, we've found there's one very simple piece of advice that often doesn't get communicated to non-technical small business end users: When in doubt, reboot first.
8). Building A Computer Introduction By : Chris Silop If you are reading this article, you are probably wondernig, why and how do you build a computer. Building your own computer is more simple than you think and has many benefits. Why Build A Computer? Building a computer has many benefits over buying a premade. First of all, it is generally cheaper if you build your own than buying one. If you shop your components, your DIY(Do it yourself) computer will be cheaper than its premade equivalent.
9). History of Hewlett Packard and Ink By : John Sollars Hewlett Packard’s tryst with ink took off when it acquired a company named F.L Mosley based in California in 1958. Mosley was manufacturing recorders and plotters for industrial applications such as continuous process monitoring systems, data loggers and the like in the 1950’s. Hewlett Packard was the pioneer in imaging and printing technologies. It was the first in the market during the 1980’s to come up with inkjet and laser technology used in printers until date.
10). Laptop Accessories By : Dave Klein Finally! You’ve managed to get that long-promised vacation. While enjoying the lazy sea breeze and coconut drinks at your tropical hideout, you decide to finish that closing report and mail it back to the home office, before really getting down to party. Luckily, you don’t have to depend on antiquated hotel computer systems. You clever man, you have your own computer laptop! The advantages of having a laptop are very obvious.

New Hardware Articles
1). Pocket PC Shareware Can Make Your PDA Both Useful And Fun By : Ron Heller Pocket PC Shareware is exploding on the new, as a part of the PDA revolution. Before you download any of that good stuff, you should be aware of some of the pitfalls. And this article will lay them down for you.
2). PDA Phone - Why Are They The Next Trend In The Mobile Computers World? By : Ron Heller The PDA-Phone combination is the latest trend in the PDA world, which had to happen in order to compete with the raising popularity of notebook computer. Is a PDA-phone the eight thing for you? Read the article to find out
3). Computer Consultant Skills: Do You Have to Have 20 Certifications? By : Joshua Feinberg I've had more than one person tell me, "Well, I’m a MCP or I’m a CNA and I’ve got this one cert but I’m working on like 15 more certs and as soon as I get my 19th cert, five years from now, I’ll be all set to be a computer consultant." That’s just a hunk of bologna. Know why? Small Business Aren't Using Cutting-Edge Technology Most small businesses don’t care how many certifications you have.
4). Xerox - Its Journey with Ink By : John Sollars Chester Carlson inventor of xerography founded the Haloid Company on April 18, 1935. The company manufactured and sold photographic paper! It was based in Rochester New York. In the year 1942 Carlson received U.S. patent No. 2,297,691 on Oct. 6 for electrophotography, later called xerography, the technology that revolutionized the world of imaging.
5). The History of Canon - From an Optical Lab to a Multimedia Giant! By : John Sollars Canon, according to the dictionary means is a general law, rule, principle or criterion; church decree or law; member of cathedral chapter; body of writings accepted as genuine. Now what I am talking about is a company that manufactures user-friendly products! Canon the camera making company that now gives varied other products and services to the world such as printers, inks and fax machines and copiers! Canon’s Roots Canon’s roots were laid in 1933 with very few employees as a precision optical instruments lab.
6). Four Power System Problems Common in Colocation Facilities By : RobertAIS The primary factor that determines uptime for servers in a colocation facility is power. Power outages will knock a network offline and even damage hardware such as motherboards, memory, and hard drives. Despite how intrinsic power is to keeping businesses connected to their networks, only 2% to 3% of colocation facilities have the right power systems in place.
7). Epson Yesterday and Today By : John Sollars Epson started as watch making company Seiko Epson Corporation, Japan. Epson was established in 1961 to manufacture precision parts for Seiko watches, back then it was called Shinsu Precision Manufacturing Company. Epson’s first foray into the printing and imaging business was the Olympics of 1964 held in Tokyo. The company was awarded a contract to develop a precision timer for the Games.
8). Konica Minolta By : John Sollars Konica Minolta, the name usually brings to mind their camera or their photographic materials. However, it is also one of the top players in the printing and ink manufacturing business. The lines below will take you through a brief history of the company and touch upon their all-new environment friendly polymerized toner. Konica’s Humble Beginnings Like all other big names in the printing business Konica Minolta too has roots way back in the past and forayed into the printing business due to the potential of printers and inks in the market.
9). Lexmark - Relatively new to the market but already on top! By : John Sollars Lexmark does not have the advantage of the proverbial long history in its kitty of printing and imaging solutions like its competitors to bank on; however it has managed to make a mark on the imaging and printing industry. One of its important technologies is the Photo Cartridge and PrecisionSense Technology. Its Brief Glorious History Lexmark was established fairly recently in 1991 previously a printing and imaging division of technology giant IBM.
10). Computer Consulting: Use Your Time Wisely By : Joshua Feinberg Time is money. If you're not careful in your computer consulting business, you'll waste both. With a little discipline and structure, you can maximize the return on your time. Journal Your Time One way to determine your computer consulting time is by journaling. Write down everything you do for a couple of weeks to determine what you do with your time, where the time wasters are, and what you could do to improve your time management.