Data Logging

Data Logging

1. Remote Logging

   • Data that is sent from one place to another where computers are sent e.g. space shuttles. Data is sent to a portable logger
   • Planetary observer 'Curiosity' sent to Mars, packed with sophisticated sensors. Data collected is sent back to Earth via a satellite link

2. Examples of Data Logging

   • Hospitals- Used in Intensive Care Units Heart Rates, Blood Pressure & Temperature are measured
   • Water Companies- Monitor Acidity of water, Chemicals Contained & Bacteria
   • Race Cars- Millions invested to monitor Fue Consumption, Top Speeds etcl

3. Analogue & Digital

   • Analogue is used to describe something that changes value smoothly.
   • Digital is used to describe something that changes value in steps
   • Data is collected in an analogue format & is then converted into a digital format by an ADC ( Analogue- Digital Converter so that the computer can read it

4. Time Interval

   • A specific time delay between each reading
   • Sound Recording - Thousandth of a second
     • Heart Beats - Tenth of a second
       • Oven Temperature - Minutes
         • Outdoor Temperature - Hours
           • Soil Dampness - Days
             • Growth of Plants - Weeks
               • Destruction of Rain-forests - Months
                 • Growth of Cities - Years
                   • Global Warming - Decades

5. Analysis of Data

   • Analysis of data is a process of inspecting, cleaning, transforming, and modeling data with the goal of discovering useful information, suggesting conclusions, and supporting decision-making.

6. Sensors

   • A device which detects or measures a physical property and records, indicates, or otherwise responds to it.
   • Light, motion, temperature, magnetic fields, gravity, humidity, moisture, vibration, pressure, electrical fields, sound

7. Advantages & Disadvantages

   • Advantages
     • Data Logging can be used in remote/ dangerous situations
       • Can be carried out 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year
         • Time intervals for collecting data can be very frequent & regular, e.g. 100's of measurements per second
           • Can be set up to start a time in the future
             • No need to have a person present
               • More accurate as there is no likelihood of human error
   • Disadvantages
     • If equipment breaks down/ malfunctions, data could be lost/ not recorded
       • Equipment can be expensive for small tasks
         • Will only take readings at the logging interval which has been set up
           • Sensors must be calibrated or they could take the wrong readings