Onset Guide: Bluetooth or USB Field Temp/RH Data Loggers

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Introduction Common to most outdoor field 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 scientific areas. Typical areas of study are agricultural research, forestry surveys, and ecological investigations. Common to most outdoor field 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 field of ecology, for example, data obtained from outdoor field 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 field 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 field 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 field temperature and RH are vital tools for supporting efforts in this field. Offering the capacity to automatically collect data on a 24-hour basis, field 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 field temp/RH data loggers are available on the market: traditional USB options and newer models that utilize Bluetooth technology. 2 With USB field 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 specific 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 field, they can provide better reliability in field 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 offload data, without having to take a laptop into the field.
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 offload 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 field temp/RH data loggers for outdoor field 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. 3
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Onset Guide: Bluetooth or USB Field Temp/RH Data Loggers

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