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DataTaker

DT80 Data Logger

The dataTaker DT80 is a highly versatile, robust, and low-power standalone data logger often referred to as the “Swiss Army knife” of data acquisition. It is widely used in industrial, environmental, agricultural, and structural monitoring due to its ability to connect to almost any sensor type.

An overview of its key features, capabilities, and specifications includes:

Universal Analogue Inputs & “Dual Channel” Concept

The standout feature of the DT80 is its flexible channel configuration.

  • Base Unit Capacity: Out of the box, it features a unique dual-channel isolation technology that allows you to configure its inputs based on your wiring needs:
    • Up to 15 common-referenced (2-wire) analog inputs.
    • Up to 10 isolated (2-wire) analog inputs.
    • Up to 5 isolated (3-wire or 4-wire) analogue inputs.
  • Sensor Compatibility: It natively scales and linearises data from a massive variety of sensors, including thermocouples (Types B, C, D, E, G, J, K, N, R, S, T), RTDs (PT, Ni, Cu), thermistors, strain gauges, full/half/quarter bridges, 4-20mA current loops, and DC voltage (±30V to ±50V depending on the series).
  • High Resolution: It features a high-precision 18-bit analogue-to-digital converter (ADC) with excellent noise rejection.

Digital, Counter, and Smart Sensor Interfaces

Beyond basic analogue logging, the DT80 serves as a comprehensive control and communication hub:

  • Digital I/O: Features 8 bi-directional digital channels used to detect state changes (switches) or control low-power external relays.
  • High-Speed Counters: Includes 4 dedicated high-speed counter inputs (up to 100 kHz) supporting pulse counting and shaft/rotary encoders.
  • Serial Sensor Ports: Features 2 serial ports for “smart sensors” supporting protocols like Modbus (Master/Slave), SDI-12 (for environmental sensors), and general ASCII serial input.

Data Storage & Management

  • Internal Memory: Capable of storing up to 10 million data points in non-volatile internal memory.
  • Expandability: If the onboard channels aren’t enough, you can daisy-chain CEM20 (Channel Expansion Modules) to expand a single logger up to 300 analog inputs.
  • USB Offloading: Includes a USB host port for easy, manual data offloading or firmware/program uploads via a standard flash drive.

Connectivity and Software

  • Built-in Web Interface: The DT80 runs an internal web server featuring dEX (or dEX 2.0) software. You don’t need proprietary software installed on a PC; you simply connect via an Ethernet or USB cable, open a web browser, and configure channels, view real-time data mimics, or download files.
  • Networking Capabilities: It natively supports FTP and email. You can program the logger to automatically email data logs or upload them to an FTP server on a schedule or when a specific alarm condition is tripped.
Physical & Power Specifications
  • Power Efficiency: Highly efficient power consumption (ranging from 60mW up to 1350mW depending on sample speed). It features an internal 6V rechargeable backup battery and accepts an external 10–30VDC power source, making it ideal for solar-powered remote stations.
  • Industrial Build: Enclosed in a rugged, powder-coated steel and anodised aluminium chassis. It operates in extreme environments with a temperature rating of -45°C to 70°C (though the LCD display screen function reduces outside of -15°C to 50°C).

DT80 vs. DT85 Summary
Internally, they run the same brain, software, and programming logic. Choosing between them simply comes down to scale: if your sensor count is under 10–15, the DT80 keeps your footprint tight. If you are tracking a massive array of sensors or planning heavy future expansion, the DT85 is the appropriate hardware foundation.

Are you looking to deploy the DT80 for a specific application, like weather monitoring, structural testing, or industrial automation, or do you need help deciding on which model is best for your application? Omni Instruments can supply the DT80 logger on a weekly hire basis to let you ensure it works for you. 

DT80 Hire Unit

Applications

Serving as an on-site monitoring hub or Modbus gateway to continuously log process loops (4-20mA), machine voltage fluctuations, and thermal performance parameters.
Long-term autonomous environmental logging matching weather sensor stations, tracking soil moisture profiles, solar radiation indices, and wind vectors via SDI-12 smart sensor networks.
Real-time efficiency tracking of multi-point air handling units, industrial chillers, and boiler systems by mapping extensive thermocouple and RTD arrays.
Monitoring operational metrics in solar farms and wind turbine subsystems, capturing power generation analytics alongside structural stress and ambient temperatures.
Deployable in remote infrastructure setups to capture real-time physical displacements, joint gaps, and concrete curing temperatures using vibrating wire adapters or traditional strain gauges.
Automating precision growth chamber logs, tracking humidity fluctuations, ambient carbon dioxide levels, and water quality metrics.

Frequently Asked Questions

▶ Q: How does the 'Dual Channel' isolation technology operate on the DT80 Series 4?
A: The dataTaker DT80 utilises a unique internal relay-switching array that allows its physical inputs to reconfigure based on wiring requirements. It can accept up to 10 fully isolated differential analogue inputs (2-wire setup) for excellent channel-to-channel noise rejection up to 100V. Alternatively, if sensors share a common return pathway, it can be expanded on-page to accept up to 15 single-ended universal inputs.
▶ Q: Can the DT80 function as both a Modbus Master and a Modbus Slave simultaneously?
A: Yes. The DT80 Series 4 possesses independent internal registers running over its concurrent RS485 serial and Ethernet communication modules. This architecture allows the data logger to operate as a Modbus Master to poll external smart digital sensors or power meters while concurrently acting as a Modbus Slave to feed compiled data arrays directly into an industrial SCADA environment or PLC network.
▶ Q: What is the benefit of the built-in dEX 2.0 software compared to previous platform variants?
A: The dEX 2.0 platform is pre-installed directly onto the data logger's internal Linux web server, removing the need for software licenses, installers, or specific operating system profiles. Because it loads as a standard web page over an Ethernet or USB connection, it delivers cross-platform operation across Windows, macOS, and Linux, enabling users to construct complex logical schedules and display up to 16 custom real-time mirrors.
▶ Q: What sensor excitation options are natively supported within the DT80's analogue block?
A: To eliminate the requirement for external power boxes, the DT80 includes programmable sensor excitation options. Its analogue input deck features a selectable internal precision current source supplying 2muA, 213muA, or 2.5mA for driving RTDs and thermistors, along with an independent, regulated 12V DC output channel capable of powering external industrial 4-20mA sensor loops.
▶ Q: How does memory allocation work when the internal 10 million point threshold is reached?
A: The DT80 features an adjustable internal memory manager. Through the dEX 2.0 control panel, users can set the system to either 'Overwrite' (acting as a continuous ring-buffer that replaces the oldest records when full) or 'Stop on Full'. Additionally, logged datasets can be configured to automatically backup onto a standard external USB flash drive or archive data by initiating independent FTP/Email scheduled routines upon custom alarm event triggers.
DT80

DT80

Datataker DT80 series standalone data logger with 5-15 analogue inputs (universal input type) and 12 digital I/O's, expandable up to 300 channels via CEM-20 modules. Serial input suitable for Modbus, NMEA, ASCII 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. DT80 can be mains powered via plug in power supply, 10-30vDC external supply, or via internal battery (6V. 1.2Ah lead acid internal battery).

£3,675.00
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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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