What Type of Wireless Data Logger is Right for You?
Data loggers are the perfect choice for long-term environmental monitoring in situations where other forms of observation would be either too impractical or too expensive. They can collect and record data on temperature, humidity, sound, pressure, pH and much, much more. Generally, wireless data loggers make accessing and storing your data faster, easier and cheaper. For example, you can easily find loggers that you can leave in a set location, that record data and provide you almost instantaneous access, sending updates directly from your logger to a PC, tablet or device via radio frequency, Bluetooth and/or WIFI.
What types of Wireless Data Loggers are available today?
The most practical way to start evaluating wireless data loggers is to group them according to the way they communicate data. There are three options:
- Radio Frequency (RF)
- Bluetooth
- WIFI
Radio Frequency Wireless Data Loggers
Description
Radiofrequency wireless data loggers use the logger as a transmitter and a base station to send data via radiofrequency. The base station receives and converts the received information into usable data.
Benefits
- Set up and use multiple sensors to transmit back to a singular location
- Fabulous for use in areas with no WIFI connection
- Generally, have a better battery life compared to Bluetooth and WIFI loggers.
Popular Applications
Suitable anywhere you need data relayed back to a single central location. For example (but not limited to):
- Laboratories
- Warehouses
- Hospitals
- Vehicles (E.g. to monitor movements in and out of range)
Example of product
For an excellent radio frequency, wireless data logger check out the Precision Wireless Humidity and Temperature Data Logger. This model is ideal using one or multiple wireless data loggers in various locations to transmit temperature and humidity information back to the base station (sold separately). Upload your information to a PC using Madgetech Data Logger software.
Bluetooth Wireless Data Loggers
Description
Able to transmit a variety of data collected by the data logger via Bluetooth to any compatible device.
Useful as a short-range, real-time wireless link between a logger and either phone, tablet or PC.
Benefits
- Transfer data to phone, tablet or PC
- No internet access required for use
- Generally simple to set up
Popular applications
Use anywhere real-time data or an alarm is required. Not limited to:
- Monitoring of HVAC units
- Laboratories
- Warehouses
- Offices
- Fridge and freezers
Example of product
The HOBO MX2305 Bluetooth wireless temperature logger utilises smart low energy Bluetooth to send data within a range of up to 30 meters line of sight. Information is easily transferred to the HOBO mobile app. From there it can be downloaded to your device, making it easy to graph, trend or share the collected data.
WIFI Wireless Data Loggers
Description
WIFI data loggers transmit wirelessly transmit data back to a PC or a cloud-based application, depending on the type of logger used.
Benefits
- Access data anywhere, anytime from a cloud-based application so you can.
- Does not require a device such a phone or PC to be on or in range to transmit data.
- Some devices can send email alerts to predefined users.
Popular applications
Useful anywhere real-time data is needed. E.g. 24-hour real-time alarms for temperature deviations. Not limited to:
- Laboratories
- Fridge and freezer monitoring
- Hospitals
- Warehouses
- Offices
- Agriculture
Example of product
The EL-WIFI-TH is an easy-to-use WIFI-enabled wireless data logger that transmits data from the logger to a PC, phone or tablet.
Use the free app ‘FilesThruTheAir’ for on-the-go monitoring and live alarms sent to your email.
Simply graph, trend and share data collected straight from your phone. You can also view data from multiple stations at the touch of a button.
Conclusion
Take the stress out and hard work out of data logging by removing unnecessary cables and automating the process. Wireless data loggers are fabulous for accessing and storing your data faster, easier and cheaper. Simply decide what type of connectivity you need then head to the Instrument Choice website where you’ll find a comprehensive range of wireless data loggers that have been selected for every imaginable application and price point.
Need help finding the best wireless data logger? Speak to one of our friendly scientists on 1300 737 871 or email [email protected]
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