You will discover a seemingly endless range of temperature data loggers
available because monitoring temperature is one of the most important
environmental parameters. What’s more, these instruments come in all
shapes and sizes, to cater to an equally extensive range of applications.
For this assignment, Instrument Choice’s team of scientists had to
think small - very small - to select the best, and tiniest data loggers for
the most common temperature data logger requirements. The size (or lack
thereof) of these little beauties will surprise you!
Read on to view Instrument Choices’ big list of the world’s
smallest data loggers
What is a Data Logger?
A data logger is a name given to an electronic device that monitors and
records data over time. For the most part, data loggers are portable and
battery-powered. These gadgets are very popular because they provide a
wealth of information about their surrounding environment and require
minimal human effort or intervention. Who wants to spend hours, days, months
or even years to record data manually? No thanks!
Temperature data loggers have interminable uses in research, education,
R&D and quality assurance programs. There are models to suit either very
specific or general applications.
Uses for Micro Data Loggers
Size matters for many temperature monitoring applications. Here are some
common applications for the smallest data loggers:
-
Animal science
- implantation, agricultural research, small fish, bird and mammal
tagging
-
Quality assurance
- heat studies or temperature monitoring of products in small packages or
vials
-
Aquatic environments
– where temperature loggers are attached to deployment lines,
moorings or equipment
-
Preclinical research – for stability and toxicology studies
-
Pharmaceutical research – where there is a never-ending list of uses
-
Packing, distribution and storage (logistics)
– particularly cold chain distribution, monitoring the temperature
conditions – for quality control, to prevent, alert and tag
spoilage
-
Autoclave validation; and
-
Any temperature-sensitive environments or applications where space is at
a premium, where non-invasive temperature recording is essential.
The “BIG List” of the Smallest Temperature Data
Loggers!
The Instrument Choice Scientists have assembled a list of some of the
world’s smallest temperature data loggers - all under 10cm! Check them
out below.
Size: 66mm x 18mm
Weight: 50g
The MicroTemp is a miniature, submersible, self-contained
temperature data logger. Measuring a mere 66mm tall and 18mm in
diameter, this logger fits easily into tiny spaces – like down
the neck of a beverage bottle!
Specifications
Temperature Range: -40°C to
+80°C
Accuracy:
±0.5°C
Data Storage:
32,767 readings
|
Size: 55mm x 37.5mm x 15mm
The IC-NOD0050 is a small, portable and waterproof temperature
logger built with an internal temperature sensor. Logged data is
easily uploaded to a PC using a USB connection to
LogChart. When plugged into a computer, you can monitor
temperature data in real-time. Perfect for general use temperature
monitoring and quality assurance.
Specifications
Temperature Range: –20.0°C
to 70.0°C
Accuracy: ±
0.1°C at 25 ºC, ±1 °C max remaining measured
range
Data Storage: 32,000
readings
|
Size: 53mm x 33mm x 15mm
Compact and featuring an impressive logging capacity, the
Minnow-1.0T can measure and store 65,520 time-stamped temperature
samples. The Minnow-1.0T’s CR2450 battery allows the logger to
run continuously for up to four years. The circuit assembly’s
coating protects the electronics – so it’s ideal for
wet, damp environments.
Specifications
Temperature Range: -30°C to
80°C Accuracy: ±0.3°C (+5°C to 60°C ) Data Storage: 65,520 samples of two channels
|
Size: 50.2 mm x 24.6 mm x 24.6
mm
Weight: 90g
The PRTemp140 is a high-temperature, and pressure data logger
all-in-one that fits very discreetly into small spaces. This unit is
purpose-built for autoclave validations, mapping studies and
pressurised processes.
Specifications
Temperature Range:
-20°C to +140°C
Accuracy: ±0.1°C
Data Storage: 32,767 readings
|
Size: 41 mm x 0.3 mm x 17 mm
Weight:
19.6g
The mighty UTBI-001 is the smallest temperature data logger built by
Onset. This model makes our list for its precise readings, low
price, waterproofing (up to 100 metres), and lightning-fast data
readout times (less than 30-seconds via the
optic USB base station).
The UTBI-001 data logger supports measurements for ambient
temperature and water temperature.
Specifications
Temperature Range: -20 to 30°C in
water; -20 to 70°C in air
Accuracy:
±0.2°C at 25°C
Data Storage: 42,000 12-bit measurements
|
Size: 15mm x 46mm
Weight: 19g
DST centi-T is a small, ultra-lightweight, submersible,
stand-alone logger with flexible mounting options, a protective
housing, and long battery life. Often used for sampling temperature
for various research applications. Common examples include;
capturing temperature values in underwater environments, animals,
pharmaceutical research or any application requiring the monitoring
and recording of water, soil or air temperatures.
Specifications
Temperature Range: -1°C to
+40°C
Accuracy: ±0.1°C
Data Storage: 174,000 measurements
|
Size: 12.5mm x 38.4mm
Weight:
9.2g
Also made by
Star Oddi, this instrument is a smaller temperature data logger than the
DST centi-T. The DST-Milli-T is biocompatible and hermetically
sealed. The model’s size and overall design guarantee
simple implantations and retrievals in animal studies.
Features a long battery life and two sampling modes - single
intervals or multiple intervals.
Specifications
Temperature Range: -1°C to +40°C
Accuracy:
0.1°C
Data Storage: 43,000 measurements
|
Size: 8.3mm x 25.4mm
Weight: 3.3g
The DST-micro-T is the third smallest logger on our “Big
List” of the world’s smallest data loggers. Built by the
leader in micro data-logger technology,
Star Oddi, the DST-micro-T measures and records temperature
automatically in user-defined intervals. Recorded data
is stored in the logger‘s internal memory with a real-time
clock reference for each measurement and is retrieved after each
study using a
Communication Box.
Specifications
Temperature Range: 0 to +45°C
Accuracy:
±0.2 °C
Data Storage:
43,000 measurements
|
|
Size: 6mm x 17mm
Weight: 1g
The DST nano-T is the world's smallest temperature data logger.
The logger’s internal memory stores temperature data with a
real-time clock reference for each measurement.
Mercury
or
SeaStar
software and a
Communication Box
(required) provide a wireless interface between the logger and a PC.
The DST nano-T is ideal for implantation in small animals due to its
size, shape, waterproof housing and biocompatible, heat and
corrosion-resistant construction materials.
Other applications include monitoring temperature and heat studies in
tight spaces, small packages or vials, immersed in water or
other liquids. The DST nano-T even tolerates exposure to
chemicals.
|
Conclusion
There are hundreds of applications which require some seriously small,
non-invasive, powerful temperature data loggers. Instrument Choice
Scientists have combed the world to find the best-of-the-best. If you know
of any devices that you believe should have made the list, or if our
selection doesn’t offer a solution for your application, please let us
know.
Want more information on any smallest data loggers? Speak with an
Instrument Choice Scientist! We're here to help! Call 1300 737 871 or email
customer-service@instrumentchoice.com.au.
