{"id":25332,"date":"2018-08-24T10:32:35","date_gmt":"2018-08-24T17:32:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.digilentinc.com\/?p=25332"},"modified":"2025-11-24T03:16:49","modified_gmt":"2025-11-24T11:16:49","slug":"what-is-a-data-logger","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/digilent.com\/blog\/what-is-a-data-logger\/","title":{"rendered":"What is a Data Logger?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A <\/span><b>data logger<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is an electronic device designed to record measurements such as temperature, pressure, voltage, or humidity over time. Unlike traditional data acquisition systems that require a computer, a data logger is a compact, often portable, all-in-one device that automatically monitors and stores data.<\/p>\n<p><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In simple terms, a data logger is like a tireless assistant that continuously tracks environmental or industrial conditions 24\/7 without supervision.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Learn more about data loggers and explore our full range of options <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/digilent.com\/shop\/data-loggers\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">here<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What Does a Data Logger Do?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A data logger continuously measures signals from connected sensors and saves the information for later analysis. Depending on the model, it can:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Log data to an internal memory or SD card<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Transmit data wirelessly via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or cellular networks<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stream data to a live dashboard for real-time monitoring<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In essence, what a logger does is capture accurate data at regular intervals, helping engineers, researchers, and technicians make informed decisions.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For more in-depth knowledge on how to monitor and control your data, check out this guide on <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/digilent.com\/reference\/test-and-measurement\/guides\/waveforms-data-logger\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">WaveForms Data Logger.<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What is a Data Logger Used For?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Data loggers are used in industries where accurate, long-term measurements are crucial. Here are some common applications:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Environmental monitoring \u2013<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Recording temperature, humidity, rainfall, or air quality in field studies<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Industrial processes \u2013<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Measuring vibration, voltage, or pressure to optimize efficiency and reduce downtime<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Transportation and Logistics \u2013<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Monitoring cold chain shipments to ensure perishable goods stay within safe temperature ranges<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Research and Education \u2013<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Capturing experimental data in laboratories or student projects<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>IoT projects \u2013<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Sending live data from remote locations for automation or analysis.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These examples show that the uses of data loggers vary widely\u2014from scientific research to day-to-day industrial maintenance.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Types of Data Loggers<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Data loggers come in different forms depending on how you plan to set them up and use them. Some are compact and standalone, others connect directly to a computer, while newer models can be managed entirely online. Here are the main types by design and setup:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Standalone data loggers<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u2013 Compact devices that record data directly to internal memory or an SD card. Ideal for simple applications like temperature tracking.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Wireless or IoT data loggers<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u2013 Transmit logged data over Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, making them perfect for remote or mobile monitoring.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Computer-based data loggers<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u2013 Connect directly to a PC for real-time recording and analysis. Suited for labs or controlled environments.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Web-based data loggers<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u2013 Configured and accessed entirely through a web browser without extra software (e.g., Digilent WebDAQ). Excellent for cross-platform use (Windows, Mac, Linux).<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Explore <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/digilent.com\/shop\/products\/data-acquisition-daq\/ethernet-remote-data-loggers\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Digilent\u2019s WebDAQ Ethernet Remote Data Loggers<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Key Specifications to Consider When Choosing a Data Logger<\/span><\/h2>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Feature<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Why It Matters<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Digilent Example<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sampling Rate<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Defines how frequently data is captured<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">OpenScope MZ \u2013 up to 50kS\/s (note: maximum rate may vary based on Wi-Fi, USB, and SD card speed)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Storage Capacity<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Determines how long you can log before downloading<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">WebDAQ \u2013 3GB internal + FTP, SD\/USB for additional storage<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sensor Compatibility<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ensures the logger works with the sensors you need<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">DAQHats with Raspberry Pi<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Connectivity<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Enables data transfer or remote monitoring<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">USB, Wi-Fi, cellular options<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Portability<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Important for field projects and mobility<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">OpenScope MZ \u2013 portable + Wi-Fi<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Knowing these specs helps you understand how to use a data logger effectively for your specific application.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re looking for a reliable and versatile data acquisition solution, check out <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/digilent.com\/shop\/products\/data-acquisition-daq\/usb-data-acquisition\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Digilent&#8217;s data acquisition systems<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to Use a Data Logger?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Learning <\/span><b>how to use a data logger<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is straightforward. Most models follow these steps:<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Connect the sensors<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (temperature probes, accelerometers, etc.).<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Configure the logger<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> using software like WaveForms Live or a web interface.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Set logging parameters<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> such as sample rate, channels, and duration.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Start recording<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to internal storage, SD card, or cloud server.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Retrieve and analyze the data<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> through charts, tables, or export files.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For Digilent\u2019s WebDAQ series, all you need is a browser\u2014no additional software required.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Benefits of Using Data Loggers<\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Accuracy and reliability \u2013<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Automates data collection without human error<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Remote monitoring \u2013<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Wireless and IoT loggers can transmit from anywhere<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Efficiency \u2013 <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Saves time and reduces the need for manual checks<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Versatility\u2013<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Works across industries, from environmental monitoring to crash testing<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Cost savings \u2013<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Prevents equipment failure with predictive maintenance<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What is the difference between a data logger and a data recorder?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A data recorder typically captures short-term signals and displays them visually, often on paper or a screen. A data logger records measurements over long periods and stores them digitally for later analysis.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What are other names for a data logger?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They are also known as dataloggers, electronic loggers, or logging devices.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What are the disadvantages of data loggers?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some models may have limited storage, slower sampling rates, or require external software. Ruggedized or high-performance loggers may also be more expensive.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How many types of data loggers are there?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The main types include standalone, wireless, computer-based, and web-based data loggers.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Why would you use a data logger?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You would use a data logger to automate and simplify long-term data collection, ensuring accurate and reliable monitoring in environments where manual checks aren\u2019t practical.<\/span><\/p>\n<div class='watch-action'><div class='watch-position align-left'><div class='action-like'><a class='lbg-style6 like-25332 jlk' data-task='like' data-post_id='25332' data-nonce='e18fa772db' rel='nofollow'><img src='https:\/\/digilent.com\/blog\/wp-content\/plugins\/wti-like-post-pro\/images\/pixel.gif' title='Like' \/><span class='lc-25332 lc'>0<\/span><\/a><\/div><div class='action-unlike'><a class='unlbg-style6 unlike-25332 jlk' data-task='unlike' data-post_id='25332' data-nonce='e18fa772db' rel='nofollow'><img src='https:\/\/digilent.com\/blog\/wp-content\/plugins\/wti-like-post-pro\/images\/pixel.gif' title='Unlike' \/><span class='unlc-25332 unlc'>0<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div> <div class='status-25332 status align-left'>Be the 1st to vote.<\/div><\/div><div class='wti-clear'><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Get started with the Data Logger on the OpenScope MZ!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":64,"featured_media":32122,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4323,4312,1563],"tags":[],"ppma_author":[4458],"class_list":["post-25332","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-software","category-usb-scopes-analyzers-generators","category-guide"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/digilent.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/data-logger-MAIN.jpg","authors":[{"term_id":4458,"user_id":64,"is_guest":0,"slug":"kdokes","display_name":"Kyli Dokes","avatar_url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/fc7baf2430001248188e564ea9d7d1ae?s=96&d=mm&r=g","author_category":"","user_url":"","last_name":"Dokes","last_name_2":"","first_name":"Kyli","first_name_2":"","job_title":"","description":""}],"post_mailing_queue_ids":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/digilent.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25332","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/digilent.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/digilent.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/digilent.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/64"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/digilent.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=25332"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/digilent.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25332\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":32124,"href":"https:\/\/digilent.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25332\/revisions\/32124"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/digilent.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/32122"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/digilent.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=25332"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/digilent.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=25332"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/digilent.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=25332"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/digilent.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/ppma_author?post=25332"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}