Data Loggers are devices that measure weather conditions, environmental factors, and other vital metrics that affect the growth and harvest of your cannabis plants. These devices help track information about the plants’ environment and growth, and assist in monitoring and maintaining optimal growing cycles. Data loggers can be useful tools for both indoor and outdoor growers. As a result, the market for these devices continues to grow at a rate of approximately 20% annually over the past two decades.
How does a data logger work?
The first step in using a data logger is to choose the device’s sensor type (e.g., temperature, humidity, light). In addition, it is best to select a device that includes a display screen to allow users to view readings and alerts. Some loggers have motion sensors that alert users of changes in temperature and humidity levels. Other loggers with integrated GPS sensors provide location-based alerts. Finally, some devices are equipped with a soil moisture probe that gives real-time soil moisture status reports. A few of the most popular pieces of equipment that fall under this category include the iGrow SmartpHire™ pH Wireless Soil Moisture System, the PlantLogger ™ Temperature Humidity Light Sensor, and the Growlogics ™ GrowBoxTM Climate Controller.
Basic categories of data loggers:
– Speed/Speedometers
– Temperature
– Humidity
– Pressure
– Voltage
– Light Sensor
– Air Quality
– Weather Station
– Water Meter
– Flow Rate
What do data loggers measure?
In general, data loggers measure four key variables: air temperature, relative humidity, light level, and soil moisture. Air temperature and relative humidity are indicators of climate change, while light intensity is indicative of the amount of energy that hits the plant canopy. Both air temperature and relative humidity vary depending on external elements, including rainfall, wind speed, and cloud cover. On the other hand, light intensity varies based on the time of day, season, and proximity to natural sunlight. Thus, these four variables are critical to the proper care of cannabis plants.
Why use a data logger?
A Data Logger uses sensors to collect information about the environment around the plant. In many cases, these sensors are temperature probes, humidity probes, CO2 probes, and moisture probes. A data logger connects to each sensor wirelessly, stores the collected data, and then sends it to the cloud where it can be accessed by growers or researchers using software programs. The information they store includes environmental conditions, plant activity, and even the genetics of the plant. Data loggers are used to measuring environmental parameters like temperature and humidity. They’re also used in a variety of industries, such as mining and construction.
What is a temperature data logger?
A temperature data logger (also called a thermometer) records the external environment around a device. Temperature data loggers continuously measure ambient air temperature and store those readings in a memory chip. You don’t have to physically plug in the data logger to use it; it automatically connects to your computer each time you turn it on.
Uses of temperature data logger?
Temperature data loggers tell the room’s microclimate and e what the weather outside is doing. Knowing the ambient conditions helps growers choose the correct irrigation schedule, determine optimal conditions for flowering, and predict the number of buds that will develop on their plants. Some types of microclimates require different temperatures and humidity levels than others and knowing the current conditions gives you the information you need to find the right balance.
Digital Thermometer.
A digital thermometer is a small device capable of taking extremely accurate temperature monitoring device. Many times this function is combined with other features, like timekeeping, display, alarm clock, etc. Most of these devices use liquid crystal diode technology and can read temperatures between -40°C and +250°C (-40°F and 500°F). There are two different ways that sensors operate; they can ei powered by batteries or plugged into a power outlet. Battery-powered models tend to be less expensive than their wall-plugged counterparts, however, the power supply may not last as long or the accuracy may vary depending on how much power is being consumed.
Humidity Gauge.
Humidity gauges are used to measure water vapor concentrations in ambient air. Measuring the amount of moisture present in the air helps determine the relative humidity of the environment and influences the comfort of people who live in humid climates. Relative humidity refers to the ratio of the actual amount of water vapor in the air compared to the maximum possible number of molecules in a given volume of air. For example, if you were standing inside a room with no windows and the relative humidity was 60%, then the actual amount of water in the air would be 60% of the total number of water molecules in the air. In contrast, when the relative humidity is 100%, there is 100% of the total number of water molecules in the air, meaning that the air could hold twice as many water molecules.
Barometric Pressure Meter.
Barometric pressure meters are used to measure atmospheric pressure. The measurement is taken using a weighted column of mercury held at a constant height above sea level. The reading is recorded in millibars.
Sound Level Meter.
Sound level meters help determine the noise pollution in a specific area. An audio signal is sent from the microphone to a sound amplifier and then to a meter that displays decibel values. Decibel levels range from 0 dB (which means no noise) to 140 dB (which is equivalent to an explosion). The value of decibel is higher and sounds.
Light Sensor (Light Meter).
Light sensors measure the intensity of light coming from a particular direction. These instruments are used primarily to control lighting fixtures and can be used in combination with other light sensing instruments to create complex lighting schemes.
Conclusion.
A data logger is a type of instrument used to monitor and record data in environments that require long-term data storage. Data loggers can be used to monitor the quality of water, air quality, and other environmental factors like temperature or humidity.