Onset UA-004-64 Operating Manual

HOBO® Pendant® G Acceleration Data Logger (UA-004-64) Manual

The HOBO Pendant G Acceleration Data Logger is a waterproof, three-channel logger with 8-bit
resolution and can record up to approximately 21,800 combined x-, y-, and z-axis acceleration
readings or internal logger events. The logger uses a coupler and optical base station with USB
interface for launching and data readout by a computer.

The logger can be used for a wide variety of experiments, demonstrations and field studies by
measuring dynamic acceleration resulting from motion, shock, or vibration. It can also detect

HOBO Pendant Event
Data Logger

Model: UA-004-64

Included Items:

• Mounting Bracket

• Screw

Required Items:

• HOBOware 2.x or later (go to
www.onsetcomp.com/
hoboware-free-download)

• USB cable

• Pendant Optic USB Base

Station & Coupler (BASE-U-1)

• Optic USB Base Station
(BASE-U-4) or HOBO
Waterproof Shuttle
(U-DTW-1) & Coupler
(COUPLER2-A)

Timebase Error (p pm)

25

-25

-50

-75

-100

-125

static acceleration of gravity, making it possible to measure tilt, activity, and inclination.

The logger uses an internal three-axis accelerometer with a range of ± 3 g based on micro­machined silicon sensors consisting of beams that deflect with acceleration. These beams are
arranged to act as a variable capacitor. As the beams move, the capacitance changes
proportionately. This capacitance change is converted to voltage, filtered and measured by the
logger, and displayed in the software in units of g-force.

Specifications

Measurement Range ±3 g; 29.4 m/s² (96.5 ft/s²)

Accuracy

Resolution 0.025 g; 0.245 m/s² (0.8 ft/s²)

Logging Interval

Time Accuracy ±1 minute per month at 25°C (77°F), see Plot A

Operating Range

Water Depth Rating 30 m from -20° to 20°C (100 ft from -4° to 68°F), see Plot B

Battery Life 1 year typical use in Normal mode;

Memory 64K bytes (approximately 21.8K combined x-, y-, and z-axis readings or

Materials Polypropylene case; stainless steel screws; Buna-N o-ring

Weight 18 g (0.6 oz)

Dimensions 58 x 33 x 23 mm (2.3 x 1.3 x 0.9 inches)

Environmental Rating IP68

0

-20 0 20 40 60

Temperature (°C)

Plot A Plot B

±0.075 g; 0.735 m/s² (2.41 ft/s²) at 25°C (77°F)

±0.105 g; 1.03 m/s² (3.38 ft/s²) from -20°C to 70°C (-4°F to 158°F)

1 second to 18 hours, 12minutes, 15 seconds in Normal mode

0.01 seconds (100 Hz) to 0.99 seconds (1.01 Hz) in Fast mode

In water/ice: -20° to 50°C (-4° to 122°F)

In air: -20° to 70°C (-4° to 158°F)

7 days logging at 0.01 seconds (100 Hz) in Fast mode

events)

The CE Marking identifies this product as complying with all relevant
directives in the European Union (EU).

40

30

20

Depth (m)

10

0

-20 0 20 40 60

Waterpro of

range

Temperature (°C)

10872-H

HOBO Pendant G Acceleration Data Logger (UA-004) Manual

Connecting the Logger to a Computer

The HOBO Pendant G logger requires HOBOware Pro or
HOBOware Lite and either of the following to connect to the
computer:

• Pendant Optic USB Base Station & Coupler (BASE-U-1);

OR

• Optic USB Base Station (BASE-U-4) or HOBO Waterproof
Shuttle (U-DTW-1); coupler (COUPLER2A)

If possible, avoid connecting at temperatures below 0°C (32°F)
or above 50°C (122°F).

1. Plug the USB connector on the base station into an available

USB port on your computer.

2. Insert the logger and the base station into the coupler, as

shown in the following diagrams.

For BASE-U-1, make sure that the logger is inserted in the
end of the coupler that has the magnet, and that the ridges
on the base station and logger are aligned with the grooves
in the coupler.

BASE-U-1 & COUPLER

Ridge

memory is full. Refer to the software user’s guide for complete
details on launching, reading out, and viewing data from the
logger.

Important: Do not cover the optical communication window in
the logger (shown in diagram above) with a label or sticker as
that may interfere with the communications with the base
station or shuttle.

Triggered Start

This logger can be configured to start at your command, using
the magnet in the coupler to trigger a start. (To log in Fast
mode, this is the only way to launch the logger.)

1. Use HOBOware to launch the logger with Using Coupler
selected. Remove the logger from the coupler.

2. Bring the logger and an empty coupler or strong magnet to
the deployment location.

Important: Any magnet can trigger a start. This can be helpful,
but it can also cause a premature start. Keep the logger away
from strong magnetic fields until you are ready to begin
logging.

3. When you are ready for the logger to start logging, insert
the logger into the empty coupler (or place it next to a
strong magnet) and remove it after three seconds.

LOGGER

Magnet

For BASE-U-4 or the HOBO Waterproof Shuttle, firmly insert
the optical end of the base station into the D-shaped end of
the coupler, and make sure that the ridge on the logger is
aligned with the groove in the coupler.

To BASE-U-4 or
HOBO Waterproof Shuttle

COUPLER2-A

Coupler lever (for use with
HOBO Waterproof Shuttle)

Optical

communication

window

LOGGER

Ridge side down

3. If you are using the HOBO Waterproof Shuttle, briefly press
the coupler lever to put the shuttle into base station mode.

4. If the logger has never been connected to the computer
before, it may take a few seconds for the new hardware to
be detected.

5. Use the logger software to set up the alarms, launch, and
read out the logger.

You can read out the logger or check its status while it
continues to log (in Normal logging mode only), stop it
manually with the software, or let it record data until the

Important: The logger will not launch if the base station is in
the coupler.

4. Verify that the logger’s light is blinking at least every four
seconds.

Sample and Event Logging

While logging in Normal mode, the logger can record two types
of data: samples and internal logger events. Samples are the
measurements recorded at each logging interval (for example,
x-axis acceleration every minute). Events are independent
occurrences triggered by a logger activity, such as Bad Battery
or Host Connected. Events help you determine what was
happening while the logger was logging.

Events are not logged in Fast mode.

Normal vs. Fast Logging Modes

When you launch the logger, you can choose between Normal
mode and Fast mode. In Normal mode, the logger’s fastest
logging interval is once per second. Normal mode is ideal for
applications involving tilt, activity, and inclination. These
applications do not require information about the dynamics of
the acceleration events, but rely more on the static
acceleration of gravity.

Fast mode allows logging intervals between 0.01 and 0.99
seconds (100 to 1.01 Hz), making it ideal for applications
involving vibration and shock. These applications are more
concerned with the dynamics of the acceleration events over
short periods, and would not be captured in Normal mode.

Important: Connecting the logger to the computer (or a
shuttle) when logging in Fast mode will stop the logger.

1-800-LOGGERS 2 www.onsetcomp.com

HOBO Pendant G Acceleration Data Logger (UA-004) Manual

The logger’s memory can store roughly 60,000 measurements.
The time required to fill this memory depends on how many
channels and events are being logged, as well as the logging
interval. For example, if you log x-, y-, and z-axis acceleration at
100 Hz, the logger’s memory will fill up in less than four
minutes. An estimated duration, based on the logging interval
and channels you select, is displayed in the Launch Logger
window in HOBOware.

Operation

A light (LED) on the front of the logger confirms logger
operation. The following table explains when the light blinks
during logger operation.

When: The light:

The logger is awaiting a start
because it was configured to
start logging At Interval, On
Date/Time, or Using Coupler

Logger is subjected to a
magnetic field

Logger is logging in Normal
mode

The logger is logging in Fast
mode

Mounting the Logger

The provided mounting bracket offers two orientation options
for securing the logger to a rigid surface.

Secure the bracket to the object of interest, then use the
mounting screw provided to attach the logger to the bracket.

Blinks once every eight seconds until
logging begins

Blinks once every second when the
magnet is present, then (Normal
mode only) blinks rapidly three times
when logging begins.

Blinks once every one to four seconds
(the shorter the logging interval, the
faster the light blinks); blinks when
logging a sample

Blinks once every quarter-second

Keep the logger away from magnets. Being near a magnet can
cause false coupler events to be logged. It can also launch the
logger prematurely if it is waiting for a trigger start.

Note! Static electricity may cause the logger to stop logging.

To avoid electrostatic discharge, transport the logger in an anti­static bag, and ground yourself by touching an unpainted metal
surface before handling the logger. For more information,
search for “static discharge” on www.onsetcomp.com.

Periodically inspect the desiccant and dry it if it is not bright
blue. The desiccant pack is located in the cap of the logger. To
dry the desiccant, remove the desiccant pack from the cap and
leave the pack in a warm, dry location until the bright blue
color is restored. (Refer to the Battery section for instructions
on removing and replacing the logger cap.)

Temperature Range Desiccant Maintenance Schedule

Less than 30°C (86°F) Approximately once per year

30° to 40°C (86° to
104°F)

Over 40°C (104°F) Approximately every three months

Approximately every six months

Factory Calibration

The logger is factory-calibrated and does not require any
additional calibration. To verify proper calibration, check the
logger’s status (when it is not logging) in the HOBOware
software to check the logger’s response to gravity. When any of
the axes are held horizontally, you should see a reading close to
zero. When held vertically, with the arrow facing downwards,
the response should be close to 1 g.

Battery

The logger requires one 3-Volt CR-2032 lithium battery. Battery
life varies based on the temperature and the frequency at
which the logger is recording data (the logging interval). A new
battery typically lasts one year with logging intervals greater
than one minute. Deployments in extremely cold or hot
temperatures, or logging intervals faster than one minute, may
significantly reduce battery life. Continuous logging at the
fastest logging rate of 0.01 seconds (100 Hz) will deplete the
battery in as little as one week.

Replacing the Battery

Before you begin: You will need a small Philips head
screwdriver and silicone-based O-ring grease, such as Parker
Super-O-Lube, to complete these steps (no petroleum-based

Protecting the Logger

The logger can be damaged if the water depth rating is
exceeded. The depth rating is approximately 30 m (100 ft) at
temperatures below 20°C (68°F), but is less in warmer water.
Refer to Plot B for details.

Do not store the logger in the coupler. Remove the logger from
the coupler when you are not using it. When the logger is in the
coupler or near a magnet, it consumes more power and will
drain the battery prematurely.

1-800-LOGGERS 3 www.onsetcomp.com

lubricants). The logger should be wiped clean and dried
completely before opening it.

To replace the battery:

1. Avoid electrostatic discharge while handling the logger and
internal circuit board; ground yourself by touching an
unpainted metal surface. Hold the circuit board by its edges
and avoid touching electronics.

2. Working on a clean, dry surface, remove the two screws
that secure the end cap to the case and remove the cap.

HOBO Pendant G Acceleration Data Logger (UA-004) Manual

3. Examine the desiccant pack that is tucked into the cap. If
the desiccant is not bright blue, put the desiccant pack in a
warm, dry place until the blue color is restored. Or, for
faster drying, the desiccant can be dried for two hours in a
70°C (160°F) oven.

4. Gently tap the case to loosen the circuit board and remove
it from the case.

Battery

O-ring on end cap, with
desiccant tucked inside

Circuit board

Logger case

5. Carefully push the battery out of the holder with a small,
nonmetallic blunt instrument.

6. Insert a new battery, positive side facing up.

7. Return the circuit board and label to the case, carefully
aligning the circuit board with the grooves in the case so
that the battery faces the ridged side of the case.

8. Remove the O-ring from the end cap. Use the thumb and
finger of one hand to hold the cap from the top and
bottom, and use the thumb and fingers on your other hand
to slide the O-ring to form a loop as shown. Use this loop to
roll the O-ring off the cap.

enough to moisten the inside edges without touching any
circuitry. Make sure that there is no excess lubricant that
could get onto the logger electronics or label. Make sure
there is no debris on this surface.

13. Check that the desiccant pack is tucked into the cap.

14. Carefully push the end cap into the lubricated case until the
screw holes are aligned. Visually check that the O-ring forms
a uniform seal all around.

15. Re-fasten the screws. Tighten the screws until you feel
them hit the bottom of the screw holes, but not so tight
that they distort the clear housing.

WARNING: Do not cut open, incinerate, heat above 85°C
(185°F), or recharge the lithium battery. The battery may
explode if the logger is exposed to extreme heat or conditions
that could damage or destroy the battery case. Do not dispose
of the logger or battery in fire. Do not expose the contents of
the battery to water. Dispose of the battery according to local
regulations for lithium batteries.

9. Inspect the O-ring for cracks or cuts and replace it if any are
detected (the O-ring is included in the Pendant replacement
parts kit, UA-PARTSKIT).

10. Using your fingers (not cloth or paper), spread a small dot of
silicone-based grease on the O-ring, just enough to moisten
it all the way around and making sure that the entire O-ring
surface is completely coated with grease. As you work the
grease into the O-ring, make sure there is no grit or debris
on the O-ring.

11. Place the O-ring back on the end cap, making sure it is fully
seated and level in the groove. Make sure the O-ring is not
pinched or twisted and that no dirt, lint, hair, or any debris
is trapped on the O-ring. This is necessary to maintain a
waterproof seal.

12. Very slightly grease the inside rim of the case, especially
around the screw holes with the silicone grease, just

© 2009–2018 Onset Computer Corporation. All rights reserved. Onset, HOBO, Pendant, and HOBOware are trademarks

1-800-LOGGERS (564-4377) • 508-759-9500
www.onsetcomp.com/support/contact

or registered trademarks of Onset Computer Corporation. All other trademarks are the property of their respective
companies.
Patent # 6,826,664 10872-H