Water Temperature Data Logger Range

Water Temperature Data Logger Facts

Water plays a fundamental role in our world’s industries, ecosystems, and communities. By monitoring water temperature, researcher can protect the health of aquatic life, engineers can determine critical process temperatures, and aquaculture farmers can identify optimal growing conditions.

Most researchers today rely on electronic underwater temperature logging devices for their monitoring needs, rather than on human data collection. The latest of these loggers are small, rugged, inexpensive, and easy to use. These battery-powered devices can be programmed to gather data for months or years at a time and can withstand an extensive range of environmental conditions, including wide temperature fluctuations, rushing rocky streams, and ocean storms.

Data loggers for water temperature monitoring

Most researchers turn to underwater temperature data loggers to address their monitoring needs. These devices are low-cost, compact instruments with built-in
processors, high-accuracy temperature sensing, and battery power in a rugged enclosure designed for long-term underwater deployment. They range from cigar-sized units to units the size of a short stack of coins, typically with anchoring holes at one end.

The latest models feature precision sensors that can measure water temperatures ranging from 0°C to 50°C (32°F to 122°F) in plastic housings and from 0°C to 125°C (32°F to 257°F) in stainless steel or titanium housings.

Typically, underwater data loggers are deployed for months at a time, collecting temperature data at user-defined intervals and storing it digitally into logger memory. By operating in a continuous, 24/7 monitoring mode, underwater loggers eliminate many of the hassles of traditional monitoring methods. And, because the devices are typically inexpensive, users are often able to deploy loggers at more points in a water body.

Underwater data loggers also simplify the process of reporting data. Instead of having to manually record times and temperatures, users can simply offload the logger data to a laptop computer and create detailed graphs or tables with the click of a mouse button. The charts can be easily printed or the data can be exported to other software applications as necessary.

Using underwater temperature data loggers

While specific logger operating procedures vary among manufacturers, the process of using underwater temperature loggers is relatively straightforward and involves three main phases: logger configuration and launch; deployment; and data processing (data retrieval, QA/QC, integration into a database, and analysis).

Data retrieval and analysis

After temperature data has been collected for a period of time, the next steps involve retrieving, offloading, and analysing the collected data.
In the past, retrieving data from underwater temperature loggers meant bringing the loggers back to an office computer, or taking a laptop into the field and risking water damage. Today there are loggers available that transmit data optically to a waterproof pocket-sized data shuttle, or wirelessly via Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) to deliver accurate water temperature measurements straight to your mobile device. 

Once the data is uploaded to a computer, it can be QA/QC’d, combined with other data, and then analyzed using the data logger software, or exported into another program, such as Excel. Typically, logger software applications allow the user to quickly and easily generate graphs over the given data collection period.

Capabilities to look for in a water temperature logger

There are a number of features and capabilities to look for when evaluating water temperature loggers.

It is important to make sure that the logger has a rugged, fully-sealed enclosure that will withstand years of use in challenging conditions. Check device temperature and depth ranges, and ask about saltwater deployment, if applicable. For example, stainless steel will corrode when used for long-term saltwater deployment. Protective boots are available from some manufacturers.

Depending on temperature measurement accuracy requirements and legal requirements, it may be important to choose an underwater data logger from a supplier that offers calibration and certification services. 

It’s also a good idea to look for loggers that use non-volatile memory that retains data even if battery-power is lost.

Finally, the supplied data logger software/web platform/mobile app should enable you to quickly and easily perform tasks such as configuring the logger, and offloading data. If you have multiple loggers to deploy, software features that allow you to batch configure and export data can save a lot of time. The software should also offer powerful data plotting capabilities,
and enable you to easily export data to other programs for analysis.

Reliable, long-term water data collection, simplified

Known for their ease-of-use and years of reliable performance, HOBO water temperature data loggers are the most widely used in the world for accurate monitoring of temperature - the most critical factor in aquatic ecosystem health.

From ocean depths of up to 11,000 metres, to shallow streams, affordable, easy-to-deploy HOBO water temperature data loggers remain the trusted tool for monitoring this most critical parameter.

The HOBO MX2200 Series water temperature loggers bring convenient wireless setup and download to Onset's field-proven TidbiT and Pendant water temp loggers. These models feature the power of Bluetooth to deliver high-accuracy temperature measurements straight to your iOS or Android mobile device, or Windows computer! With their rugged case design, expanded memory, and both temperature and temperature/light models, these loggers are ideal for measuring temperature in streams, lakes, oceans, and soil environments.

Why Tempcon is the Answer

Whether you require a single water temperature logger or a complete remote water temperature monitoring system - we can assist you. The friendly team at Tempcon are water temperature monitoring experts. Call us on +44 (0)1243 558270, or alternatively fill out our contact form.