Performance Monitoring System for Design Validation

Log it All with dataTaker!

Whether startups or large manufacturers, companies need data in order to ensure that new products and systems perform to design specifications. “You can’t manage what you don’t measure” holds true when performing device or system validation and proof of concept for prototype devices. dataTaker Universal Input Data Loggers can collect data from almost any sensor type, making them ideal for system performance monitoring and device validation. These versatile loggers enable connection to virtually any type of physical measurement sensor. Whether you need to record electrical, environmental, or weather data, dataTaker will log it all!

performance monitoringRecording Data for Proof of Scale:

CAS DataLoggers provided the dataTaker as the core of the environmental monitoring solution for Sulas Industries, a solar energy startup that has patented an innovative passive solar tracking device that works without any motors or gears. Sulas is using a dataTaker DT85 Universal Data Logger which has been configured and connected to a wide range of sensors.

Sulas Industries Founder Fin Doyle explains: “When you’re planning a new process, you know you need to gather enough data–all the information benefits your company in a multitude of ways. We’re using the dataTaker for our multi-value data collection and process validation.” The Sulas team is using three thermocouple temperature sensors measuring ambient air temperature and internal temperature, with another three sensors monitoring the hydraulic cylinder pressure in the device. A pyranometer measures solar irradiance while an anemometer measures wind speed and direction. Additional tilt sensors track solar panel angle.  All of these sensors are directly connected to the versatile logger.

The dataTaker DT85 features up to 48 universal analog sensor channels, recording the signals from all these sensors and automatically scaling the data into engineering units. The Sulas team has also configured their dataTaker to generate and send out a nightly report containing the last 24 hours of recorded data. The dataTaker DT85 serves provides a complete solution monitoring all the required parameters device monitoring, weather, and environmental values. Fin Doyle explains: “The dataTaker plays a key role in our validation process, collecting information on our solar process and giving us hard data for our proof of scale. The DT85’s data is also a sales tool for us to show to customers.”

dataTaker DT85 Features:

  • 16 Universal Analog Channels for up to 48 Sensors
  • 8 Bi-Directional Digital Channels
  • 4 High-Speed Counter Channels
  • Advanced Alarming & Mathematical Capabilities
  • Ethernet, USB, or RS-232 Communication with PC
  • SDI-12, Modbus, and Serial Sensor Support
  • Expendable up to 900 Analog Inputs

Performance Monitoring Systems:

The dataTaker is a full-featured, ruggedized instrument that can stand up to extreme temperatures and demanding industrial environments. The internal memory can store 10 million data points in non-volatile, industrial-rated flash memory. For remote data access, users can set the dataTaker to automatically transmit readings using email or File Transfer Protocol (FTP) over internal networks or via the Internet across the world.

Software Generates Mimics and Reports:

The dataTaker is supplied with Windows-based dEX software for quick logger setup, real-time monitoring and data download. Users can create customized dashboards with indicators, charts, and graphs to display the collected data. Regarding the software, Fin Doyle comments, “We’ve been working with the software for a while now. We’re fans of the dEX interface: it’s easy to set up a sensor and a logging schedule. We view the data in dashboard mimic form so it’s all there at a glance.” At CAS DataLoggers, we can also incorporate dataTaker loggers into custom portable or fixed installations with sensors or graphical displays.

For more information on how the dataTaker DT85 Universal Input Data Logger, can help with your performance monitoring, or to find the ideal solution for your performance monitoring needs, contact a CAS Data Logger Applications Specialist at (800) 956-4437 or request more information.