Feature Data acquisition
Recording the history of data logging
Over time, temperature controllers and recorders have become
increasingly sophisticated. Ian Collins, product manager at West Control Solutions, looks at how data logging has evolved into an easy to use technology suitable for a range of applications
O
ver the last forty years, temperature controllers and recorders changed considerably. Back in 1963, moving coil 1 DIN (192 x 192mm) temperature controllers were an industry standard, but the adoption and progression of electronics would soon change the way controllers were designed and manufactured.
Open frame PCB controllers followed, incorporating On/Off or proportional control, set by dials on the controller. While analogue controllers continued to reduce in size during the 1970’s from ¼ DIN (96 x 96mnn) to 1/16 DIN (48 x 48mm), the introduction of digital controllers in the 1980’s repre- sented a major step change in tempera- ture control technology. The guesswork that had previously been involved with setting controllers was eliminated as dials were replaced by simple push- button controls and digital displays. As with controllers, today’s end users require robust and easy-to-use paperless recorders. These also need to be flexible so they can be integrated within applications that require precision data monitoring, and they
of observation also noted. Technicians manually plotted measurements on graph paper to record trends. Strip charts followed, analogue instruments that translated electrical impulses from sensors into the mechanical movement of an arm that traced pat- terns with a pen. Although this was a positive improvement, the data consumed a lot of paper.
The next major change was ushered in during the 1970s and ‘80s, when businesses began to use computers in earnest for the analysis of data, data storage, and report generation. This hastened the development of data loggers – stand-alone, self-contained devices that measure signals, then convert and store the digital data. These devices proved powerful allies but required a certain degree of technical knowledge from the operator, and so the next progression saw improvements in streamlining data between recorders and PCs.
must be affordable. With technology advancing, manu- facturers have developed even entry level products that offer a surprising range of data display options. Crucially, these options are concealed behind intuitive interfaces that allow a more basic level of operation to be carried out easily, even by those who may not be technical experts.
Improvements over the years In the past, gathering information involved taking manual measurements from instruments and recording them into a written log, with the time
Instrumentation monitoring software
he latest version of Mantracourt’s T24LOG100 instrumentation monitoring software includes advanced features such as a graphical/mapping capability and the facility for remote viewing via a web server. The new mapping facility will enable engineers to create a visual representation of their channels, explains the company. Once the display channels are defined, the user can quickly build graphical pages showing the data in a variety of formats including digital display or bars. Up to eight pages can be defined, and the pages can be easily navigated between. The software also enables a variety of image formats to be imported, including JPG, GIF, PDF and DXF. Capable of handling up to 100 channels of wireless instrumentation data simultaneously, the software enables users to optimise system monitoring and control. The company’s T24 wireless telemetry range is a flexible low power radio system designed to enable the transmission of high accuracy measurement data from load cells, inclinometers, accelerometers, temperature, displacement and pressure sensors. With a combination of transmitter and receiver technologies, engineers are able to remotely monitor instrumentation readings. Mantracourt
www.mantracourt.com Enter 661
T Instrumentation NOVEMBER 2013
The DataVU 5 paperless data recorder features an intuitive user interface
Data monitoring The best of today’s paper- less recorders are designed for adaptability and can be seamlessly incorporated within a wide range of applications that require preci- sion data monitoring, such as food and beverage facilities and laboratories. West Control Solutions’ DataVU 5 model, for example, has been specially designed to provide customers with an affordable entry-level paperless recorder option that offers customers a number of data display options whilst ensuring the interface is intu- itive. Through the use of menu-led soft key buttons, the DataVU 5 can be configured by personnel of all experience levels, making it suitable for a basic recorder.
Also available is the DataVU 7, which offers users a more sophisticated range of data monitoring and recording functions such as batch reporting. The data analysis process can be further enhanced with the PC evaluation software that allows for custom reports to be created. This also enables users to add annotations to reports to make the data more meaningful. Today, paperless recorders offer customers greater insight and control over their applications through different options which give the ability to moni- tor and record data, providing robust products that are valuable tools for businesses working in industrial and scientific markets around the globe.
West Control Solutions T: 01273 810116
www.West-CS.co.uk 21 Enter 660
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