Description

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:

1. 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) analogue inputs.
  • Up to 10 isolated (2-wire) analogue 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 ($\pm$30V to $\pm$50V depending on the series).
• High Resolution: It features a high-precision 18-bit analogue-to-digital converter (ADC) with excellent noise rejection.

2. Digital, Counter, and Smart Sensor Interfaces

Beyond basic analog 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.
• (Note: Modified variants like the DT80M include an integrated cellular modem for completely remote telemetry without needing an external router).

5. 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 DT80 for a specific application—like weather monitoring, structural testing, or industrial automation—or do you need help figuring out how to wire a particular sensor to it? Give us a call to discuss your requirements.