Any suggestions for a data logger?

[Balaur]

Hello all,

Collecting a set of physical data could be really interesting and helpful for a lot of activities and I was thinking of building/buying a data logger. Thus, I would like to ask your opinion, any hints and pointers.

I'm familiar (in the sense that I've used & built custom solutions for my work) with computer-supported data acquisition, but this time I would like an autonomous data logger with storage & power for my hobbies (i.e. not too expensive).

The planned applications could be the logging of:
- solar panel output (voltage/current)
- power consumption
- temperature values
- light
- UART data

The ideal solution could be a nice device with a few (up to 4?) analog inputs, sampling intervals from 1 sec to 1 hour and storage and power of up to a few days of continuous operation, including RTC time stamping. Relevant sensors  (temperature, current, light) could be built and connected to the analog inputs.

I'm aware of the http://www.sparkfun.com/products/10216 Logomatic data logger. While not too bad, some changes are required: modify the maximal sampling interval of 1 second (too fast), provide an enclosure, etc.

I'm perfectly able to build my own device, but I would really like to spend my free time on the other stuff.

Other commercial products seems to be very limited (1 analog input) for low cost devices or too expensive for my taste.

If you have other suggestions, I would be happy to hear them.

Thank you,
Dan

[Uncle Vernon]

I haven't checked this exactly meets your specs, but it may be of interest. http://www.altronics.com.au/index.asp?area=item&id=K2572

[Balaur]

I haven't checked this exactly meets your specs, but it may be of interest. http://www.altronics.com.au/index.asp?area=item&id=K2572

Hey, it looks quite promising. A bit too recent though and with some issues to correct, according to the this forum http://www.thebackshed.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=3611 but definitely interesting.

Thanks!

[HLA-27b]

Here is a little software used to display the data.
http://www.windmillsoft.com/daqshop/rs232-modbus.html#aWM7COM

The trial version is free.
http://www.windmillsoft.com/daqshop/licence.html#aWMLicenc

[IanB]

I came across this recently, that looks interesting:

http://www.ladyada.net/make/logshield/
http://www.adafruit.com/products/243

[Balaur]

I came across this recently, that looks interesting:

http://www.ladyada.net/make/logshield/
http://www.adafruit.com/products/243

Thank you for the suggestion. Cheaper and more straightforward than the Logomatic. I can definitely see a working scenario for this.
 

Here is a little software used to display the data.
http://www.windmillsoft.com/daqshop/rs232-modbus.html#aWM7COM

The trial version is free.
http://www.windmillsoft.com/daqshop/licence.html#aWMLicenc

Could be very useful. I asked for a trial license. Thanks!

Cheers,
Dan