reccommend a cheap temp data logger

[paul_h]

Anyone know of a cheap temperature logger?
One that is fully self contained with battery power and it's own memory and doesn't need expensive software?

I just need one to test a domestic refrigerator for a warranty claim (so there's no money in it for me).

Customer complains that fresh fruit and vege goes off and wilts within two days. Unfortunately when I went out there, the thing was on defrost, after an hour running the freezer was still only -10C and the fridge 9C.
I gave up waiting and left after turning the thermostats up, she called the next day and said everything in the fridge was frozen.
It seems to me the thermostat work OK and the fridge gets cold etc, because she turned the t/stats down and the fridge went back to normal temps the next day.

[eggs]

I picked something like one of these (http://www.omega.co.uk/ppt/pptsc.asp?ref=OM-EL-USB-1) from the wholesalers recently.

Just leave it in the fridge over night and in the morning plug it into the PC.
You can tell instantly how many times you opened the fridge door to get a beer through out the night. :D

eggs

[paul_h]

Is it any good?

I've seen one that looks eactly like that in the RS catalog, same model number but branded " Lascar" EL-USB-1 for au$110.

Cheers.

[eggs]

"Is it any good?"

It does what it says on the tin. Logs data.
Only had mine for a week or so, not much to say about it really, it just works.

It's just like a chart recorder, but on your screen instead.

So for covert operations, like restaurateurs who swear blind they shut the cold room door properly, or retailers who say they dont turn their multidecks off at night. Hide one of these babies in there and you have the evidence.

eggs

[desA]

Incredibly cunning devices - amazing how things have scaled down.

[Temprite]

G'day Paul.

I use the hobo from actrol and are very happy with it. In fact just put it into a coolroom today. Great for showing customers that think there is a problem, that there is no problem at all.

[paul_h]

"Is it any good?"

It does what it says on the tin. Logs data.
Only had mine for a week or so, not much to say about it really, it just works.

It's just like a chart recorder, but on your screen instead.

So for covert operations, like restaurateurs who swear blind they shut the cold room door properly, or retailers who say they dont turn their multidecks off at night. Hide one of these babies in there and you have the evidence.

eggsThanks for your reply, I was lazy when asking you "is it any good", sorry. I was going to come back and edit asking for info but had to take off.
I got the answer I deserved I guess.
What I meant was is the temperature recorded accurate.

[Gwyn]

http://www.omega.co.uk/ppt/pptsc.asp?ref=OM-63&Nav=dase01
cut and paste this link, I have two and both give same read out and correctly does what it says on the tin. :)

[Magoo]

Hi Paul, I purchased an MA- Line one yesterday, have not figured it out yet, but was inexpenive [ 90 NZD ] , the www contact is ma-line.com Similar thing as posted earlier, small, USB connect, set up mini disc included. At the other end of the scale is the "escort system data logger ", but you will have to sell your ute to fund it
I got mine from Realcold components, they operate in Auz. Check the web site Realcold components. co .nz
magoo

[r134junkie]

We use a few of these at work: "Center SE-309".
It's a 4 channel handheld thermocouple logger. About the same size as a multimeter (battery powered). Can log 16000 samples and you can set the logging rate up to 1 sample per sec.
It comes with serial cable to download data to a pc and graphing software too.
Warning: when the batteries start to go flat, the readings drift a lot...

(I'd post a link, but since I'm a newbie, I'm not allowed to!)

[Sledge]

http://www.control3.com/4220p.htm

http://www.microdaq.com/****son/chart-recorders/disposable_chartrecorder.php,

[aaron_k]

I've used these quite a bit and they are OK. Resolution is 0.5 degrees. They are very easy to use and the included software is good enough for quick surveys. The data can easily be brought into Excel for further manipulation.

Regards,

Aaron_K



Thanks for your reply, I was lazy when asking you "is it any good", sorry. I was going to come back and edit asking for info but had to take off.
I got the answer I deserved I guess.
What I meant was is the temperature recorded accurate.