MadgeTech Bridge110 User Manual

110 Series Product Note

The 110 series data loggers are specified with up to a 10 year battery life, while continuing to use
the same battery as our previously available 101 series data loggers (1 year typical battery life).
This product note will explain the differences in technology between the two series, demonstrate
how to optimize the battery life of the 110 series to achieve the 10 year life specified, and help
users select the appropriate type of product for their application.

Features

The following chart shows some of the similar and different features of the two types of logger.

The major differences between the loggers are download speed, battery life, size, and price.

Tech Note

MadgeTech, Inc.
[phone] Phone
[phone] Fax
www.madgetech.com
[e-mail]

201 Route 103 West
PO Box 50
Warner NH 03278

Download Speed

The 110 series communicates with the PC at a speed of 57,600 baud, compared with a speed of
2400 baud for the 101 series. This means that a 110 series logger can potentially download
about 24 times faster than the 101 series. In practice, the Temp101 downloads a full run (32,767
temperature readings) in about 9 minutes of sustained communication. The Temp110 downloads
the same amount of data in about 30 seconds. This can be a major advantage if the user
is collecting and downloading large amounts of data. Higher download speed is
always an advantage.

REV A 2006.09.08

Battery Life

The following chart compares battery life at different reading rates for the two types of logger.
These are estimated typical values, and may not apply to a specific type of logger.

The chart shows that battery life can be significantly better for the 110 series loggers when they
are used at long reading intervals, 1 reading per minute or above. An important consideration not
reflected in the chart is download or communication frequency. The 110 series is designed with a
higher communication speed, which means a 110 series device uses more battery power
than a 101 series device when it is communicating with a PC. The chart assumes that the
devices are deployed for a full run (e.g. 32,767 temperature readings), then downloaded once
and relaunched.

Since most long-term logging applications are recording at intervals between 1 minute and 1
hour, and they are downloaded infrequently, the 110 series is an excellent choice for these
applications. For very long-term applications, where the logger will only be serviced yearly or at
even longer intervals, the 110 series is the only choice. The 101 series battery life tops out at
around 2 years of sustained operation. Under these circumstances, the 101 battery would have
to be replaced every year to maintain proper operation.

Short-term logging applications may be better served with either type of device. The
determination is usually made based on the user’s preferences for battery life and download
speed. Typically, larger amounts of data make higher download speed more attractive.

Fault logging is a common application where the user needs the most recent data available after
a fault has occurred, but otherwise does not need the data at all. This typically involves a logger
running continuously at a fairly short recording interval in wraparound mode.

The Volt101 or Volt110 series logger running at a 2 second rate would store enough data for 18
hours of information before the fault appeared. At a short recording interval, the 101 series is
preferred because the battery will typically last for several months before needing to be changed.
At a long recording interval, such as 1 minute, the logger will provide weeks or months of data
before the fault, and the 110 series is preferred.

Tech Note

MadgeTech, Inc.
[phone] Phone
[phone] Fax
www.madgetech.com
[e-mail]

201 Route 103 West
PO Box 50
Warner NH 03278