Data logging can be done by constant human observation, for example recording the temperature changes over the course of an hour in a centrally heated room using a timer, thermometer, pen and paper. However data logging as we know it today is a much simpler event performed by a data logger, which does the job of all the tools mentioned above, saving great time and expense.

What is a data logger?

A data logger (also datalogger or data recorder) is an electronic device that records information over a period of time for later reference. You choose what information you need to gather and the data logger collects it. Tinytag data loggers can log temperature, relative humidity, mV, mA, voltage, pulses or counts, shocks or vibration to name a few. The data logger contains a sensor to receive the information and a computer chip to store it. Then the information stored in the data logger can be transferred to computer for further analysis.

Where are data loggers used?

Data loggers are used in virtually all industries, for example:

The growing, preparation, storage and transportation of food.
Internal environmental monitoring of houses, offices, warehouses or museums.
External environmental monitoring of oceans, rivers, aquaculture, climate and general research into the natural world.
In agriculture and horticulture.
The transportation of easily damaged food, plants, instruments, computers, etc
In laboratories and healthcare for: sterilization processes; the transportation of vaccines and blood products; fridge, freezer and culture rooms.

Why are data loggers used / what are data loggers used for?

Data loggers are used for a multitude of reasons, for instance to ensure compliance with industry regulations, to help save costs, to ensure quality of product and process or for research purposes.
Here are some practical examples:

The food industry EC Directive 92/1 indicates that any organisation involved in the preparation, storage or transportation of food should be able to verify that the temperatures have been maintained at the specified levels (Due Diligence). Data logging can give total traceability from the moment the food is received to the time it is delivered to the customer or supermarket. For shippers, data logging verifies that conditions within the transporting vehicles are maintained within the required levels.
Accurate environmental monitoring help companies ensure that heating and ventilation systems are used to maximum advantage, keeping energy use and costs to a minimum.
For growers of fresh produce, data logging provides an accurate record of temperatures experienced during the growth, preparation and transportation of their produce, thus helping to ensure its quality.

How do I use a data logger?

Data loggers (Tinytags) are very easy to use, simply:

Connect the logger to your PC using a USB or serial cable. Use the data logging software to configure and activate the logger.
Place the logger where the desired data will be recorded, leave it.
When the required recording time has elapsed, retrieve your data by re-connecting the data logger to your PC and use the software to view in a convenient graph format. The data can then be saved and exported to other applications.

Why should I choose Tinytag data loggers?

Because Tinytags are extremely compact and battery powered data loggers, they can measure and record a number of parameters in a variety of locations. Furthermore they can be rugged, waterproof, have large memory size or a combination of these to meet your demands for data logging temperature, humidity or other. External sensors in the form of probes access places a standard logger cannot. Also available are dual channel data loggers, that log two parameters simultaneously (like temperature and humidity). All Tinytag units can be accessed by one software package, Tinytag Explorer, to enable you to access and display data from different loggers at your will.
Gemini data loggers UK Ltd. is the designer and manufacturer of Tinytags and so can offer bespoke solutions when appropriate.

How does Tinytag Explorer data logging software work?

The entire Tinytag range of data loggers is launched and offloaded using one software package - Tinytag Explorer. This means that whether a customer is using just one temperature logger, or whether they have many different types of units, the same process is used. The software is Windows based, user friendly and has a valuable help section. The buttons on the toolbar at the top of the screen guide users through the process of setting up loggers and retrieving data.

Using Tinytag Explorer software it is possible to display the information in any of the three methods indicated above, i.e. graph, statistics, or tabulated data. Since the screens are dynamically linked, when the user zooms into a narrower range of information on the graph, the data shown on the other screens will reflect the range displayed on the graph. Graphs may be overlaid and manipulated to show the relationship between different events and properties. Data may also be exported into word-processing or spreadsheet packages, which makes transferring information into reports very straightforward.

How much will a data logger cost?

It is possible to start data logging for a minimal investment. The Tinytag Transit is our basic logger and costs £35, the most expensive products in the Tinytag range cost £250
One logger, Tinytag Explorer software and a PC download cable will start you logging. Tinytag Explorer is sold on a site licence basis, so adding extra loggers does not mean buying extra software.

How soon can I expect to see any benefits from using Tinytag data loggers?

That will depend on the way in which the units are used. However, it is more than possible to start seeing quantifiable benefits from the use of data logging within a very short time. Usually, only one or two logging runs are required to pinpoint areas that would benefit from extra attention. This additional focus normally results in cost savings, an overall increase in quality of product/process and an enhanced trust and reputation with customers.

Where can I buy a Tinytag data logger?

Tinytag products can be purchased from your local distributor.
Or contact Gemini Data Loggers UK Ltd., manufacturer of Tinytag on +44 1243813000 or e-mail info@tinytag.info

Can I get calibration certificates with the loggers?

Yes, for an additional charge you can get calibration certificates, traceable to national standards, for validation purposes.

What is data acquisition?

Data acquisition is the sampling of the real world to generate data that can be manipulated by a computer. Sometimes abbreviated DAQ, data acquisition typically involves acquisition of signals and waveforms and processing of the signals to obtain desired information. The components of data acquisition systems include appropriate sensors that convert any measurement parameter to an electrical signal, which is acquired by data acquisition hardware. Acquired data typically is displayed, analysed, and stored on a PC.

Am I looking for a data logger?

Data loggers are referred to by a whole range of names such as:

Data loger, datalogger, dataloger, data-logger, data-loger, Tinytag, Tiny Tag, Tiny Tags, Tiny loggers, Tinyview, Mini loggers, Gemini Dataloggers, Gemini, Hobo, Testo, tag; temperature tag, i-button, temperature logger, temperature loger, recording thermometer, humidity logger, humidity loger, humidity tag, etc

If you want one of the above, then a data logger is what you need.

Where can I find support information?

Support information for Tinytag data loggers can be found here: Tinytag Knowledgebase.

Can I download more than one logger at once?

Yes, thanks to the 'Bulk Offload Tool' in Tinytag Explorer software, If you have multiple USB ports on you computer or a USB hub then it is possible to re-launch, download and get current readings from multiple loggers. Simply create a shortcut to bulk.exe in your Tinytag Explorer installation directory and run the tool. Just plug each logger in and then unplug it when the bar reaches 100% and plug in the next. All the data files are automatically dropped into one directory for later analysis.

Contact help@tinytag.info for more information.

Faqs

Data Loggers FAQs