Cheap USB stand alone voltage data logger - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: Seekonk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 26, 2019, 02:24:51 pm
content: I've been looking for a cheap USB stand alone single voltage data logger for getting some data at camp. There are lots of temperature data loggers for $25 and was expecting the same for voltage. It is all the same hardware, just voltage instead. The ones I find are nearly $100 and just one channel. I expected more channels for that price. Would like it USB (or memory card) and operate alone or with external battery. Doesn't have to be any better than 2%. Not interested in getting another meter. Any suggestions?

author: sotos
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 26, 2019, 02:40:49 pm
content: Here you are.https://www.lascarelectronics.com/data-loggers/voltage-current/?type=usb

author: maxwell3e10
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 27, 2019, 09:29:28 pm
content: There are several possible arduino-based solutions. For example:https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-feather-m0-adalogger/

author: Seekonk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 28, 2019, 05:19:15 pm
content: I looked at the Lascar OEM board early on, but that is still pricey. Temp loggers with a display are under $10. It is the same hardware. Can't believe someone doesn't make one for voltage in the $20 price range. I've just grown to think everything is a commodity.

author: The Soulman
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 28, 2019, 05:48:30 pm
content: Also likely more than you are willing to spend:https://www.peaktech.de/productdetail/kategorie/datenlogger-elektronische-messwerte/produkt/peaktech-5186.htmlMaybe you can find the oem for these.

author: sotos
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 28, 2019, 06:00:08 pm
content: Quote from: The Soulman on June 28, 2019, 05:48:30 pmThis one is more expensive than the Lascar one.

author: Seekonk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 29, 2019, 09:31:06 pm
content: I think I'll get a cheap $10 temperature logger and try and do a conversion to voltage for fun.

author: tanveerriaz
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 30, 2019, 04:23:07 am
content: i make this voltage data logger working well.http://www.vermontficks.org/pic/datalogd.htm

author: Kean
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 30, 2019, 10:57:39 am
content: Quote from: Seekonk on June 29, 2019, 09:31:06 pmThere is quite a large market for temperature loggers (storage and shipping of foodstufs, medicines, etc), so they are mass produced and cheap. They are generally not hackable in any useful way.There is a small market for low/medium accuracy voltage loggers... either single- or multi-channel. so they're less common and relatively expensive.Most applications involving voltage measurement will require higher precision, or have more complex requirements (voltage ranges, interval, programmability), so something more expensive or custom will be required. I use a PC with a LabJack for most of my data logging on the bench. I've also put together custom loggers using a Teensy or an Adafruit Feather (as suggested by maxwell3e10).

author: Seekonk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 30, 2019, 12:21:52 pm
content: We will see. Just bought a couple RC-5 temp loggers cheap. These at least say resistive sensor. Might be a bear to get into. I probably would use a temp logger more than voltage anyway. I would just need a limited range in voltage and just an interval on logger would be useful. Amazing you can get 20 shipped for $40.

author: Kean
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 30, 2019, 12:26:54 pm
content: Quote from: Seekonk on June 30, 2019, 12:21:52 pmLink?

author: Seekonk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 30, 2019, 04:59:18 pm
content: It was a one time auction of two used real EL-5. They weren't that cheap, but l wont have to wait 6-6 weeks to get them. Those 20 for under $40 are probably cheap knock offs. What a deal if you find some friends. A simple search brought up a couple.

author: sotos
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 30, 2019, 06:57:20 pm
content: Although not a USB and cheap but it may do what you need.https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32294004514.htmlhttps://www.tme.com/us/en-us/details/ut181a/portable-digital-multimeters/uni-t/#and more.

author: Jester
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 01, 2019, 05:41:29 pm
content: I picked up a used USB-1208LS on eBay for $5012bit 8 channels, plus DAC and digitial I/OSoftware is free for a while and after that works however no longer logs data to a csv file, I think it was $50 to purchase the software. GUI is decent with strip chart, as well as live analog readings etc. Easy to dump the data to excel and plot as desired. Over all I'm happy with it. Wish it had higher input impedance for some measurements. I did find a S/W bug related to time stamps in relative mode, however it's okay in real time mode.

author: Seekonk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 09, 2019, 06:41:45 pm
content: I just cracked the Elitech RC-5 open. Thought it would be harder to do. The USB end has some silicone sealant and a O-ring holding it together and is easy to pry open. Lanyard end is ultrasonic welded or small amount of glue. Just spreading from USB end would deform the back. Pry from about 3/4 inch from the end and it will pop open. Board secured with screws and you won't have to fool with display or push buttons. Glass sealed thermistor is at USB end and not hard to get out. About 100K at room temp, common and pullup resistor to ref. I extended wires about 2 feet with a connector between. Drilled a small hole in the back of the case for the wires. I put it back together with just scotch tape on the sides, good fit. I'm using for bout a week to log some temps that this device would never fit in and I don't like keeping batteries at 55C. I'll try some event and voltage monitoring with it in another week or so. I'm quite pleased and the factory charting program is quite nice.

author: ledtester
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 10, 2019, 02:47:33 am
content: In case you like to roll your own software there's a python library to interact with those devices:https://pypi.org/project/elitech-datareader/