How to Select the Right Data Logger or Remote Monitoring System for You

Whether you’re experienced with data loggers or just getting started, considering these important factors will help you choose the monitoring solution that’s right for you. 

1. What accuracy and resolution do you need?

Accuracy is different than resolution. Accuracy means how close to the actual value a measurement is. Resolution refers to what degree the sensor or data logger can detect and display a change. (e.g. .01 vs. .1).

Understand the accuracy required

Don’t pay for accuracy you don’t need. Monitoring temperature in a research lab may require far greater accuracy than monitoring temperature in an office space

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magnifying glass to research data logger measurement accuracy and resolution

Accuracy specifications vary widely

Look for a logger that offers accuracy over an entire measurement range, not just for a single value. The accuracy a logger achieves at the high or low end of a given range may be far different from a single, mid-range accuracy point. 

More measurements aren't necessarily better

Higher resolution (how many digits of a value a data logger is capable of reporting) doesn’t necessarily mean better measurements. You may want a data logger with high accuracy, but not need the specificity, measured in "bits." For example, for water level monitoring, a logger with 8-bit resolution, rather than 12-bit, may be just what you need.

 

2. How can you access the data?

Data Loggers with USB Access 

For optic data loggers like HOBO water temperature loggers, a waterproof data shuttle eliminates the need to bring your computer into the field to download data.

Bluetooth Wireless Data Loggers

Ideal for monitoring storage or hard-to-reach areas, wireless loggers let you download data to mobile devices from within a 100-foot line-of-sight. An added gateway device can transmit data to the cloud for remote access. 

Web-Based Remote Monitoring Systems 

For remote access to data and real-time alarm notifications, web-based systems work with a wide range of sensors, letting you use any web browser to access data from weather stations and entire sensor networks with remote stations. 

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3. Consider the Monitoring Environment

Make sure the logger’s enclosure can withstand the conditions of the environment where you plan to deploy it. For indoor applications, you may want to consider a lockable security case to prevent people from tampering with your data logger. When deploying your logger in a harsh outdoor environment, a rugged weatherproof enclosure is your best option. For underwater deployments, make sure your waterproof case is rated for the depth range for your application.

 

4. What software capabilities and features do you need for your monitoring application? 

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HOBO software shows laptop ipad and mobile phone with weather station in field

The monitoring software you choose will depend on several factors, like the monitoring environment/location, scale of your project, or what you want to do with your data. For example, do you need software that gives you intuitive features for configuring loggers and offloading data in the field? Measuring soil moisture for farming and irrigation? Maybe you need powerful plotting and data exporting tools so you can perform further analysis. If you want to interface your data with an industry-leading analytical software platform (like NEWA), look for an IoT solution that uses API keys, which provide a seamless and secure integration.

5. Check the battery! Longevity, location & replaceability

Data loggers are extremely low-power devices, but since they’re used in a variety of environmental conditions and sample at different rates, battery life can vary widely. As a general rule, make sure the logger you select has a battery life of at least one year. For extreme and/or remote environments, choosing solar-powered stations and using lithium batteries are excellent solutions for reliable, long-term monitoring. Look for a user-replaceable battery vs. a specialized manufacturer's battery, which eliminates the hassle of shipping the logger back for battery replacement. 

6. How much will the data logger cost over time?

It's important to understand the true cost of ownership over the long term. When talking with a potential supplier, you should ask about unforeseen costs like: the frequency and cost of calibration, what type of software and additional equipment is needed, as well as the cost of data plans needed for remote access to data.

When you factor in all of these considerations, you'll likely find a data logger and solution that will make your monitoring easier, more efficient, and—most importantly—give you the information you need to make better decisions. Start your data logging journey by exploring just some of applications supported by our remote monitoring and software solutions. Ultimately, if you have something that needs to be monitored, HOBO tools can do it!

Agricultural Monitoring Solutions
Building Performance Monitoring
Environmental Research & Protection
Water Resource Management

 

HAPPY MONITORING!