Choosing a USB Temperature Logger

A USB temperature logger is a small, portable sensor designed to monitor the temperature of a selected environment. Designed to communicate easily with a computer via USB, temperatureloggers come in all shapes and sizes and with varying attributes, and to suit all needs and budgets. Temperature monitoring is becoming an increasingly important issue for both cold chain logistics and quality management systems, which makes these devices an essential tool. Common applications for USB temperature loggers include fridge monitoring, cold chain management, warehouse and environmental monitoring.

Selection Criteria

When choosing the right USB temperature logger for your application, the most important considerations are:

1.Measurement accuracy

2.Battery Life

3.Cost

4.Data Access and software requirements

5.Adjustable start time

6.Adjustable logging rate

7.Durability of design

8.Is the logger a single-use or reusable device?

9.Is there ongoing product support?

This article profiles some of the most popular USB temperature loggers in the Instrument Choice online store to demonstrate how you can use the selection criteria that’s provided above to choose the best possible USB temperature logger for your needs.

TempMate Single-Use USB Temperature Logger

Tempmate USB temperature loggers are specially designed for monitoring in pharmaceutical and food cold chain logistical environments. Each device is supplied pre-programmed for immediate deployment in temperature-sensitive shipping environments.

Here’s how you can evaluate this instrument:

• Measurement accuracy: The Tempmate measures a temperature range from -30 to + 70°C with an accuracy of ±0.5°C. 
• Battery life: Each single use has a 2 year shelf life from the date of production that is shown clearly on the logger. 
• Cost: Supplied in minimum orders of 10 units, each device sells for an extremely cost-effective price that’s less than $A30! 
• Data access and software requirements: To retrieve information, the pre-configured logger (done at the time of production to a set sampling rate, with set alarms) simply needs to be plugged into a computer USB port and a PDF will display information about the shipment – no computer software is required! The PDF report that’s generated contains comprehensive information about the monitored shipment conditions - including a data graph, statistical information - like minimum, maximum, average, mean kinetic temperature – as well as any time outside the pre-set temperature thresholds, along with a table of every single measurement.
• Adjustable start time: This USB temperature logger starts once you press the push button, and will begin once the start button is pressed.
• Adjustable logging rate: Our stocked model comes with a 10 minute sampling rate, however, other models are available to order.
• Durability of design: The credit card-sized logger is waterproof and food safe. 
• Single-use or reusable: While this USB temperature logger is programmed for single-use; that is, one shipment at a time, at the conclusion of each consignment it can be reprogrammed for additional journeys up to the limit of the logger (Our stocked unit is 120 days).

EL USB Temperature Logger with LDC Screen and Battery

 
This unit is designed to perform in situations such as pharmaceutical fridges, food storage and any role where a daily check is required, and the logger must remain in situ to gather critical data.

Here’s the vital facts for this product:

• Measurement accuracy: This USB temperature logger can measure 16,379 temperature readings from 
  
• -35 to +80°C with an error range of ±0.5°C.
• Battery life: 2-year battery life with continuous logging.
• Cost: Less than $A130.
  
• Data access and software requirements: The initial set up of the logger is performed using Lascars EL-WIN-USB software (runs on Windows 7, 8 and 10 (32- and 64-bit versions). Software is downloadable from the product page on the Instrument Choice website. Using this software, data can be easily graphed, printed and exported to other applications. The high contrast LCD screen shows a variety of both real-time and stored information. At the touch of a button, the user can easily cycle through the current temperature as well as the stored minimum and maximum temperature values.
• Adjustable start time: Yes – it’s possible to adjust the start time.
• Adjustable logging rate: Yes – Between 10 seconds and 12 Hours.
• Durability of design: This model USB temperature logger is protected against moisture to IP67 standard when the protective cap is fitted, which makes it ideal for deployment in humid environments.
• Single-use or reusable: Reusable

Thermocouple Data Logger with Probe, USB, Battery

This logger is designed to operate at extreme temperatures, to monitor conditions in hard-to-reach places, or where a thermocouple can be lodged in temperature-sensitive areas with the observer outside the measured environment. This allows data to be collected from the logger in difficult places with the added advantage of avoiding having to open a space/storage unit and exposing both the logger and any temperature-sensitive items to an unwanted change in temperature.

The key information you need to compare this logger with others is:

• Measurement accuracy: This USB temperature logger measures and stores over 32,000 temperature readings from either a K, J or T type thermocouple with an error range of ±0.5°C.
• Battery life: 2-year battery life under continuous logging.
• Cost: Less than $A140.
  
• Data access and software requirements: The user can easily set up the thermocouple type, logging rate, start-time, logging mode, and download the stored data by plugging the module straight into a PC's USB port. Initial configuration of the data logger is done with Lascar's EL-WIN-USB software running on Windows (compatible with 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Windows 7, 8 and 10). Software is downloadable from the product page on the Instrument Choice website. Data can then be graphed, printed and exported to other applications.
• Adjustable start time: Yes
• Adjustable logging rate: Yes – Between 1 second and 2-hour intervals.
• Durability of design: Case is made from durable plastic, however, as this features a miniplug connection, it is not waterproof or dustproof and as such is only suited to indoor environments.
• Single-use or reusable: Reusable

USB Temperature Data Logger, IP67, -40C to +125C

This USB temperature logger is perfect for challenging environments and for monitoring temperature-sensitive products such as pharmaceuticals, food or chemicals.

• Measurement accuracy: This USB temperature logger can measure is very accurate, capable of up to 32,510 temperature readings over the -40 to +125C temperature range with an error range of ±0.2°C
• Battery life: 2-year battery life under continuous logging.
• Cost: Less than $A250
  
• Data access and software requirements: Initial configuration of the data logger is done with Lascar's EL-WIN-USB software running on Windows (compatible with 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Windows 7, 8 and 10). Software is downloadable from the product page on the Instrument Choice website Data can then be graphed, printed and exported to other applications.
  
• Durability of design: Stainless steel (316 grade) construction and environmental protection to IP67. This makes this logger ideal for deployment in environments where protection from corrosion, moisture ingress and damage from impact is necessary.
• Single-use or reusable: Reusable

On-going Product Support from Instrument Choice

Instrument Choice stands by all its products. Instrument Choice scientists provide customers fast and accurate assistance (quotes within 1 business hour and 3 business hour reply for email inquiries) together with the best possible advice before, during and after your USB temperature logger purchase. We are also proud of our product guarantees and warranties. For more information see Why Us on our website.

USB Temperature Logger Specifications at a Glance

When considering alternative products, it’s often helpful to table your key selection criteria or specifications, so you make a quick comparison. Check out the table below for the USB temperature loggers we have profiled in this article.

This article profiles just a few of our wide range of USB temperature loggers at Instrument Choice. See our website for more. Need help choosing the best product for your application? Call one of our friendly scientists on 1300 964 137 or email [email protected]