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DataTaker

DT85 Data Logger

The dataTaker DT85 is the high-capacity “big brother” to the DT80. It features the exact same rugged build quality, low-power processing, internal dEX web software, and extensive communication capabilities as the DT80, but it is physically larger and packs significantly more native inputs.

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

Universal Analogue Inputs & “Dual Channel” Concept

The standout feature of the DT85 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 48 common-referenced (2-wire) analogue inputs.
    • Up to 32 isolated (2-wire) analogue inputs.
    • Up to 16 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 (±50V).
  • 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 DT85 serves as a comprehensive control and communication hub:

  • Digital I/O: Features 12 bi-directional digital channels used to detect state changes (switches) or control low-power external relays.
  • High-Speed Counters: 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 960 analogue 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 DT85 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).

Are you looking to deploy the DT85 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 DT85 logger on a weekly hire basis to let you ensure it works for you. 

DT85 Hire Unit

Applications

Interfacing natively with multi-drop 4-20mA instrumentation loops, flow transmitters, and machinery power registers while actively feeding parsed data tables to remote SCADA architectures over Modbus TCP.
Deployable across civil infrastructure arrays to measure strain-gauge bridge variations, structural displacement, concrete curing heat curves, and macro-load distributions over time.
Fulfilling rigorous pharmaceutical validation requirements by configuring comprehensive multi-point thermocouple and RTD arrays to map environmental test chambers and stability rooms.
Running as a low-power outdoor environmental station communicating directly with multi-node SDI-12 serial sensor chains to measure hydrology, meteorological shifts, and agricultural parameters.
Measuring direct current outputs, phase efficiencies, cell temperatures, and solar/wind variance tracking arrays inside electrical monitoring systems.

Frequently Asked Questions

▶ Q: How does the "Dual Channel" isolation design maximise channel availability on the DT85 Series 4?
A: The dataTaker DT85 utilises an internal high-isolation switching matrix. For configurations requiring high noise rejection, it handles up to 32 fully isolated differential sensor circuits. If multiple sensors share an electrical return or ground pathway, the firmware dynamically maps up to 48 single-ended universal measurements across the same physical terminal bank.
▶ Q: How does the DT85 manage internal register architecture when executing Modbus protocols?
A: The DT85 operates concurrently as a Modbus Master and a Modbus Slave across its discrete Ethernet and RS-485 serial ports. It can actively poll Modbus slave instruments like power analysers or smart transmitters, store those readings internally, and immediately present them via independent registers to an external plant SCADA or PLC network.
▶ Q: What configuration and licensing overhead is required to run the dEX 2.0 application?
A: The dEX 2.0 software application environment is fully self-contained and pre-installed directly on the data logger's internal Linux kernel. Because configuration runs through an standard web page via HTTP over Ethernet or USB, there are no software licenses or external installation binaries required. It works across Windows, macOS, and Linux systems.
▶ Q: What is the maximum physical distance and quantity permitted when deploying CEM20 expansion modules?
A: A single DT85 Series 4 data logger can interface with multiple CEM20 modules to achieve a maximum capacity of 960 inputs. The digital communication line allows a maximum total cable runtime distance of up to 100 meters between the primary logger chassis and the final multiplexer node in the hardware loop.
▶ Q: What automated file transmission recovery protocols are supported on the DT85 platform?
A: The system utilises internal scheduling managers that compile logs into standard CSV formats. It can be programmed to trigger automated file drops via FTP or execute email updates using an upstream SMTP server. If an alarm limit or communication fault is encountered, it can switch logging states or initiate independent event schedules.
DT85

DT85

Datataker DT85 series standalone data logger with 16-48 analogue inputs (universal input type) and 12 digital I/O's, expandable up to 800 channels via CEM-20 modules. Serial input suitable for Modbus, NMEA, ASCII and 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 25Hz to 99 days. DT85 can be mains powered via plug in power supply, 10-30vDC external supply, or via internal battery (6V. 1.2Ah lead acid internal battery).

£5,030.00
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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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