Automated Monitoring and Intelligent Alarming Systems
At CAS DataLoggers we frequently supply data logging systems for customers who need a solution for product verification and safety/reliability testing. The summer season is an ideal time for many outdoor materials testing applications: for example, roofing materials can simply be left out in the heat to see how they perform in the most punishing conditions. Heat penetration is an important value showing how products or packaging materials behave under various temperature levels. It’s also vital to log and analyze all defects/failures the products experience during processing or packaging under these stressful conditions. As dataTaker’s master distributor for North America, CAS DataLoggers offers the new Series 4 dataTaker Intelligent Data Loggers for materials testing applications, a few of which are detailed here:
Construction Materials Testing
Whether users are testing siding, shingles, or other construction materials, heat penetration is often used as a quality indicator, derived from temperature measurements and subsequent data analysis. Naturally, the temperature readings are affected by the accuracy and precision of the data logger being used. With this in mind, our dataTaker Series 4 upgrades include improved cold junction compensation using a high-precision RTD sensor accurate to 0.1%, allowing up to 5x more accurate thermocouple measurements than Series 2 loggers. For extended testing runs, our dataTaker models can each store up to 10 million data points in non-volatile memory, featuring independent control of schedules to log only as long as needed.
Given the demands of these outdoor applications, every dataTaker logger is built to last even in the face of harsh environments. The stand-alone data loggers feature a built-in display and are renowned for their robust construction–one of our dataTakers was even installed inside a metal box in the middle of the Mojave Desert (that was the workhorse, the DT80).
Research and Development/Lab Testing
Materials testing applications are also common in R&D and laboratory environments, involving process and product materials testing for failure analysis, product verification and more. Typical materials under test include plastics and polymers, food packaging and cans, composites and metals. Here again, heat penetration is a significant parameter to log along with temperature, for example when materials are alternately heated and then cooled. Featuring a built-in web server and extensive communications capabilities including Ethernet, USB, Serial and cellular models, Series 4 dataTakers offer facilities several connection choices and data transfer options.
Our dataTaker data loggers also offer powerful alarm and programming capabilities allowing them to take measurements and perform actions on their own, freeing up users for more important tasks. For example, they can archive data on alarm event, copy to USB memory or transfer data over FTP if needed, or provide data directly to a remote office over the Internet or mobile phone network.
DT80
The dataTaker DT80 Intelligent Data Logger is a smart system designed for flexibility, accuracy, and reliability, delivering a wide variety of data logging features combined with high-precision measurements. 5 to 15 universal analog and 12 digital channels, 4 high-speed counter inputs, phase encoder inputs, Modbus and programmable serial sensor channels all allow DT80 data loggers to connect to most sensors and data measurement sources.
Designed for a wide variety of applications and focusing on versatility across many different measurement types, the Series 4 DT80’s communications suite makes it an ideal solution for real-time data acquisition and remote monitoring needs.
DT85
The dataTaker DT85 Intelligent Data Logger has all the functionality of the DT80 and is designed with size in mind, featuring 16 to 48 universal analog sensor channels and 12 digital channels, 4 high-speed counter inputs, phase encoder inputs, and programmable serial sensor channels. This high channel count makes it able to connect to a large number of inputs simultaneously for more demanding data logging projects such as when monitoring several products at once.
Built-In Software
Additionally, free user-friendly dEX software is included with all of our Series 4 dataTakers, featuring an intuitive graphical interface that allows quick configuration of the data logger. The software also displays real-time sensor measurements, calculations, and diagnostic information in an easy-to-use browser-based interface. Users can view this data in mimics, trend charts, or tables, and retrieve historical data for analysis. Additionally, dEX can be accessed either locally or remotely anywhere that a TCP/IP connection is available including worldwide over the Internet.
Adding Channels
You can easily increase the channel capacity of the dataTaker DT8x range by adding a Channel Expansion Module (CEM20). These compact modules are a cost-effective way to turn one analog channel on the logger into 20 universal input channels. This effectively expands the total channel capacity of the DT80 to 320 analog inputs and the DT85 to 960 inputs for high channel count applications. Incorporating the same dual isolation technology as the DT8x range of data loggers, each channel of the CEM20 can be used for two isolated inputs or three common reference inputs so the maximum inputs increase further.
For easy setup and connection, the CEM20 is powered directly from the dataTaker’s 12V source.
Summary
Given their many advanced capabilities, dataTaker data loggers form the complete standalone solution for many different materials testing applications. The system’s universal inputs give users flexible sensor connection, while alarming and control functionality enables quick failure detections and responses. Since users have their choice of sending data via serial, FTP or Internet, these data loggers are ready to be rolled out into construction, industrial and laboratory projects. Take advantage of the incredible reliability and functionality of our dataTakers!
For further information on dataTaker Intelligent Data Loggers, materials testing or to find the ideal solution for your application-specific needs, contact a CAS Data Logger Application Specialist at (800) 956-4437 or request more information.