Grant Instruments claims that its new Datataker DT81 is the world's first data logger with USB Flash drive support, which allows the user to unload, control or re-programme multiple loggers using low-cosy USB memory sticks. With support for SDI-12 sensor networks and Modbus, plus web-enabling features, this robust instrument can store up to five million data points, and offers user control of multiple data files, overwrite modes, alarm histories and automatically archived event records. Additional networking capabilities include RS232, Ethernet, dial-in and dial-out modem and TCP/IP for LAN or WAN.
The DT81's universal isolated analogue input channels can automatically select measurement ranges based on the signal level. A variety of input types are supported, including temperature, dc volts, 4-20mA current loops, resistance, strain gauges and frequency - all returned in engineering units of the user's choice. Switched excitation and triggering are also available on all channels to keep circuit complexity to a minimum. The digital channels include 100kHz counters, input, output and a phase encoder. There are triggers for conditional or event logging and a latching relay output for controlling external devices.