Onset MX2300 User Manual
Bluetooth or USB Field
Temp/RH Data Loggers:
Which is Right for You?
A decision-making guide to choosing the
most suitable temp/RH data logger for
monitoring outdoor environments
Introduction
Common to most outdoor
eld research is the need to
systematically collect vital
temperature and relative
humidity (RH) data that
can be used to formulate
results and shape
conclusions.
Field research conducted in outdoor environments comprises a diversity of
methods and incorporates several disciplines and scientic areas. Typical
areas of study are agricultural research, forestry surveys, and ecological
investigations. Common to most outdoor eld research is the need to
systematically collect vital temperature and relative humidity (RH) data that
can be used to formulate results and shape conclusions.
In the eld of ecology, for example, data obtained from outdoor eld research
allows investigators to better understand how natural systems respond to
changing environmental conditions, providing insights for better protecting
valuable ecosystems. Likewise, data obtained from outdoor research can
provide environmental scientists with the means to analyze natural processes
and evaluate the impacts of human actions on the environment. Additionally,
data gathered from outdoor eld research can be used to help improve
agricultural practices, leading to more sustainable growing methods, higher
crop qualities, and greater productivity.
To ensure thorough and accurate results—and rigorous investigative
conclusions—emphasis in outdoor eld research needs to be placed on the
collection of quality data. For this reason, the use of robust and effective
monitoring instruments is a very important consideration.
Data loggers that measure eld temperature and RH are vital tools for
supporting efforts in this eld. Offering the capacity to automatically collect
data on a 24-hour basis, eld temp/RH data loggers are deployed in
outdoor locations to measure and record information over time, providing a
comprehensive and accurate picture of changing environmental conditions.
Generally, two categories of eld temp/RH data
loggers are available on the market: traditional USB
options and newer models that utilize Bluetooth
technology.
With USB eld temp/RH data loggers, users must
physically connect the data logger to the USB port
of a computer or handheld device (a shuttle) to
retrieve and download data—a task that is often
routine, but one that can also become burdensome
or challenging, depending on the environment or the
specic location where the data logger is deployed.
USB loggers can have either a USB connector built
into them, or some other form of communication
such as optical, in which case they use a base
station that plugs into a USB port in the computer. Because loggers with
optical communication don’t have electrical connections, which can be
unreliable in the eld, they can provide better reliability in eld applications
than loggers with USB connectors. If you are looking at loggers with optical
communication, look for ones that can work with an optical data shuttle to
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ofoad data, without having to take a laptop into the eld.
Data loggers with Bluetooth communication allow
data to be transferred wirelessly to a mobile
device. When looking at Bluetooth data loggers,
keep in mind that there are different versions
of Bluetooth. Loggers that use older versions
of Bluetooth require “pairing” with the mobile
devices, which means having to push a button on
the logger to enable communications between it
and the mobile device. This may not be practical
for loggers in hard-to-access locations.
Data loggers with Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE)
technology, also known as Bluetooth Smart
or Bluetooth 4.0, allow data to be transferred
wirelessly without having to connect cables or
push a button on the logger. This means that you do not have to physically
access the logger to ofoad data. Instead, you simply use an app on your
mobile device to connect to any logger within range. The time savings when
deploying loggers or retrieving data can be dramatic.
BLE is particularly well-suited to data loggers, as it uses less battery power.
In addition, with a well-written app, Bluetooth loggers allow you to take
advantage of the power and connectivity of today’s smartphones and other
mobile devices.
The purpose of this white paper is to provide an unbiased comparison of
USB and BLE eld temp/RH data loggers for outdoor eld research. In doing
so, this analysis will seek to offer practical advice and objective guidance for
determining which option is best for your unique application.
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