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Wireless Loggers for Real-Time Data Acquisition and Analysis Rafic Bachnak and Mike Englert Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi Corpus Christi, TX 78412

Abstract

Data acquisition is a very important aspect in the engineering world of today. There is constantly a need for new data to be logged and analyzed. This paper describes the use of wireless data loggers in an application where data is transferred wirelessly through a portable device to a base station for analysis and storage. The data is transmitted wirelessly through a modem, received by a personal computer, and analyzed through the use of different software programs. The paper also presents test results of a practical example.

Introduction

Data logger units are versatile equipment used in today’s industry and is being taught in many engineering and engineering technology curricula [1-4]. Such units provide useful information that allows an analyst to perform a variety of tasks, including: (a) Creating models, testing prototypes, analyzing results, and adapting to changing test and measurement needs, (b) Validating product concepts and ensuring product durability, functionality and safety, (c) Performing industrial control, networking, alarm management, and historical trends, (d) Ensuring product function and physical attributes by automating tests, taking faster measurements and increasing quality, (e) Evaluating maintenance needs, calibrating equipment and repairing products, and (f) Simplifying business tasks such as connecting databases and publishing information.

A user friendly wireless logger allows a sensor to be installed and connected directly to it. The data can then be sent through a wireless modem to another modem connected to a personal computer where the data is stored and analyzed. Data is recorded in a pre-set time manner or in a real-time manner for watch monitoring. This type of wireless data acquisition and analysis is applicable in a variety of situations and used in many different types of industry [5]. One manufacturer of this type of product is the Fluke Corporation. Fluke manufactures the Hydra Series Data Loggers, which are very portable and user friendly. Once the units are set up and functioning properly, operation is simple. They can accept inputs from almost any IEEE approved measurement device and send data to a base station [6] within a relatively long distance. This paper shows how one of these devices was used to simulate a real world situation. Data was transmitted wirelessly, recorded, and analyzed. A J-type thermocouple and a set of testing leads were used to measure temperature and voltage. The thermocouple is not extremely accurate; however, it proved to be just fine for the experiment.

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Bachnak, R., & Englert, M. (2006, June), Wireless Loggers For Real Time Data Acquisition And Analysis Paper presented at 2006 Annual Conference & Exposition, Chicago, Illinois. 10.18260/1-2--27