Datalogging in Science

Terminology

Sensors
A sensor is a device that senses surrounding data which is then recorded by a datalogger.
A sensor is a type of transducer, i.e. they change one form of energy into another. Most sensors convert various forms of energy into electrical energy.
Several sensors may be connected to a datalogger and function simultaneously. Many different sensors are now available, including light, temperature, pressure, conductivity, motion, humidity, current, oxygen, Carbon dioxide, pH, magnetic field strength.

Dataloggers
The modern data logger is typically a hand-held battery-operated device with a large memory, powered by the latest microprocessor technology and capable of acquiring, processing, storing and analysing electrical signals at high speed from a wide range of sensors. A datalogger is a basic box capable of picking up and storing signals from sensors. For ease of use they generally have a minimum number of displays and controls and their portability enables remote datalogging, i.e., logging data away from the computer. Most data loggers store data in non-volatile memory, which means the data will not be lost if the power supply fails.
Dataloggers can also make use of Bluetooth or Infra red communication to transfer data.

Software
Typically, datalogging units include software, which allow data to be transferred from the datalogger to a computer (or other hardware) in order to be analysed, presented graphically or manipulated. Software also allows the datalogger to be programmed for remote use.
Issues such as ease of use and installation, quality of graph production and analysis, data transferral and manual input of data depend on the quality of the software.

Additional Hardware
Graphing calculators and personal digital assistants (PDA's) offer a high level of “hands-on” opportunity for students. They are also portable for ease of use out-doors. However laptops and desktops offer a modern and authentic way to do datalogging in a classroom or laboratory where they facilitate group work.
Data may be stored using traditional storage methods, i.e., hard drive, USB pen drives. Extension cables may be required in order to transfer data from hand held systems to other hardware.