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DataTaker

DT80G GeoLogger

The DataTaker DT80G is a rugged, low-power, standalone data logger designed specifically for geotechnical and specialised engineering applications. The “G” in the model name stands for Geotechnical, signifying its built-in support for vibrating wire sensors commonly used in civil engineering, mining, and structural health monitoring. DataTaker DT80G is specifically suited to geotechnical applications such as slope stability, subsidence, dam wall monitoring, tunnel and mining excavation, ground water, tunnel wall monitoring and site assessment. DT80G supports vibrating wire sensors and other geotechnical sensors.

An overview of its core capabilities, features, and technical specifications includes the following:

Key Geotechnical Focus

Unlike general-purpose DT80 data logger, the DT80G is tailored to interface directly with major geotechnical sensor brands (such as Geokon, RST Instruments, Slope Indicator, and Soil Instruments).

  • Vibrating Wire Support: It has specialised onboard circuitry to pluck and read vibrating wire sensors (measuring strain, pressure, or displacement) over a frequency range of 500 Hz to 5 kHz.
  • Capacity: It features 5 analogue channels capable of reading up to 5 vibrating wire sensors with temperature compensation (thermistors), or up to 15 vibrating wire sensors if temperature compensation isn’t required.
  • Sensor Compatibility: Direct support for Extensometers, Piezometers, Inclinometers, Strain Gauges, Pressure Cells, Crack Meters, and Tiltmeters, as well as Carlson, Electrolevel, and LVDT devices.

Universal Analogue & Digital Channels

Beyond geotechnical sensors, the DT80G functions as a highly flexible universal logger:

  • Analogue Inputs: Supports up to 15 single-ended (common reference) or 5 isolated 3- or 4-wire analogue inputs. It natively measures voltage (±50V max), current (4-20mA loops via internal shunts), resistance, and frequency.
  • Expandability: If 5 to 15 channels aren’t enough, it can be expanded up to 300 analogue inputs using DataTaker Channel Expansion Modules (CEM20).
  • Digital I/O: Features 8 bi-directional digital channels, high-speed counters, and 1 latching relay output to trigger external alarms or control hardware.

Data Storage & Communication

The logger is designed to operate reliably in remote environments where consistent physical oversight isn’t possible.

  • Massive Memory: Can store up to 10 million data points in its internal non-volatile memory, which can be configured to overwrite older data or stop logging once full.
  • Connectivity: Equipped with RS232, USB, and Ethernet ports.
  • Networking Protocols: Built-in Web and FTP client/server functionality allows it to automatically push data to an office server or email reports on a scheduled basis. It also supports Modbus (master/slave) for easy integration into SCADA systems and SDI-12 for environmental sensor networks.

Software & Usability

  • dEX 2.0 Web Interface: The DT80G features a pre-installed, built-in browser interface. There is no proprietary software to install; you simply connect via USB or Ethernet, open a web browser, and configure your logging schedules, view live charts, mimic diagrams, or download CSV files.
  • Calculated Channels: Allows users to program complex mathematical expressions, polynomials, and statistical calculations directly onto the logger so data is linearised and scaled before storage.

Physical & Environmental Specs

  • Robust Construction: Housed in a powder-coated steel and anodised aluminium chassis.
  • Operating Temperature: Extremely wide operational threshold from -45°C to 70°C (though the integrated LCD screen’s functionality reduces outside of -15°C to 50°C).
  • Power: Highly power-efficient with internal battery options and smart sleep modes, making it ideal for solar-powered setups in remote areas like dams, tunnels, landslides, and open-pit mines.

Applications

Continuous telemetry monitoring of pore water pressure, seepage, and structural deformation using vibrating wire piezometers and crack meters.
Real-time tracking of convergence, rock stress, and ground settlement using multi-point extensometers and load cells compatible with major geotechnical brands.
Deployable as a remote telemetry node tracking tilt, lateral displacement via in-place inclinometers, and soil moisture variations over FTP networks.
Precision monitoring of strain, concrete curing temperatures, and joint gaps in bridges, highways, and historical structures using vibrating wire strain gauges with integrated thermistors.
Ruggedised, low-power data logging of groundwater levels and deep strata movement to support safety profiles in extreme mine environments.

Frequently Asked Questions

▶ Q: What is the main structural difference between the DataTaker DT80G and the DT85G?
A: The core difference lies in native hardware capacity. The DT80G features 5 analogue channels supporting up to 5 vibrating wire sensors with temperature compensation (or up to 15 without). The DT85G scales this up significantly, offering 16 analogue channels that handle up to 16 vibrating wire sensors with temperature compensation (or up to 48 without). Both systems utilise the same 18-bit resolution and dEX software infrastructure, but the DT85G is built for high-density sensor grids.
▶ Q: How many total channels can the DT80G expand to using the CEM-20 module?
A: Using the external 20-channel Channel Expansion Module (CEM-20), the compact DT80G can scale up to a maximum of 300 analogue channels (100 if isolation is required). Making it ideal for dams, mining operations, and extensive tunnel infrastructure projects.
▶ Q: Which geotechnical sensor types and brands are compatible with the DT80G series?
A: The GeoLogger series features universal analogue inputs that interface with the majority of commercially available geotechnical sensors. It natively reads Vibrating Wire (VW) sensors, Carlson instruments, Electro-level sensors, LVDTs, Strain Gauges, Thermistors, and RTDs. This includes full compatibility with major industry manufacturers such as Geokon, Soil Instruments, RST Instruments, and Slope Indicator.
▶ Q: Do I need to buy specialised software to configure and download data from the DT80G?
A: No software purchases or licenses are required. The DT80G feature the built-in, browser-based dEX / dEX 2.0 configuration and charting platform. The software runs completely standalone from the data logger's internal web server, allowing you to build sensor schedules, visualise real-time data mimics, and download files using standard web browsers over Ethernet, USB, or integrated serial networks.
▶ Q: How does the DT80G guarantee sensor health and data accuracy in the field?
A: The DT80G features an automated, built-in sensor integrity test. It applies a single-pulse pluck stimulation to the vibrating wire coil and actively reads the coil resistance. If a sensor cable degrades or a coil faults, the system generates targeted system warnings or alarms. Coupled with an 18-bit effective resolution, auto-ranging scales, and isolated industrial relay switching, it filters out high-frequency field noise common to underground engineering environments.
DT80G

DT80G

Datataker DT80G GeoLogger data logger which is expandable to 300 Channels using CEM20 Modules. 5 Isolated analogue channels capable of measuring up to 5 vibrating wire strain gauges with thermistors, or 15 vibrating wire strain gauges without thermistors. Analogue inputs are universal input type (so, can be used for current or voltage channels), plus 12 digital I/O’s, expandable up to 300 channels via CEM-20 modules. Serial input suitable for Modbus, NMEA, ASCII or SDI-12 serial input. The logger has an internal non volatile memory for up to 10,000,000 readings which can be expanded with a USB memory stick. Logging rates 25 Hz to 99 days. DT80G can be mains powered via plug in power supply, 10-30vDC external supply, or via...

£4,205.00
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CEM-20

CEM-20

The CEM20 is the Channel Expansion Module for DT80 and DT85 data loggers Series 2 and above. This allows a further 60 single ended inputs (voltage, current or Thermocouple) or 20 fully differential inputs (PT100 or bridge) to be added to the DT80 or DT85. One full analogue input channel on the logger is used to connect the CEM 20.

£1,100.00
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