"How long can I record data?"
The main factors that affect recording duration
This section refers to Tinytag data loggers. The Tinytag Explorer software displays the expected recording duration at the bottom of the start screen.
As different user settings are changed, this duration is automatically updated.
The most important functions and settings that determine a data logger’s recording duration are its memory capacity and the logging interval selected for recording.
Memory capacity
Our Tinytag data loggers have memory capacities ranging from 8,000 readings in the TinyTalk and Transit loggers to 64,000 readings in the Re-Ed loggers.
All Ultra, Plus, and View data loggers have a memory capacity of between 30,000 and 32,000 readings.
For dual-channel data loggers, the total memory capacity is shared between the two channels when both are set to record simultaneously.
Logging interval
Most data loggers can be configured with a logging interval ranging from 1 second up to once every 10 days (although in practice, most users do not use intervals longer than 1 hour, or in some cases once per day).
Switching between seconds mode and minutes mode does not affect the overall recording duration.
When minutes mode is selected, users can download or view current readings while the logger continues recording.
Other logger settings that affect recording duration
Measurement options
By default, data loggers are configured to record a reading at the end of each logging interval.
In loggers capable of recording more than one parameter, one channel can be switched off to maximise the recording duration on the remaining channel.
For example, this allows longer temperature-only recordings on a temperature/humidity logger when humidity data is not required.
Most data loggers in our current product range can also be configured to record minimum and/or maximum values over a logging interval*.
When minimum and/or maximum values are selected, the logger checks its inputs once per second (in seconds mode) or once per minute (in minutes mode) and stores the minimum/maximum reading at the end of the logging interval.
This means that if a user is only interested in Min/Max data, the logger can be configured to save data once per hour, but internally it still checks its inputs every second or every minute depending on the setting.
* Older, non-dual-channel data loggers can only record one function per channel (i.e. either a reading at the end of the logging interval, the minimum value, or the maximum value – but no combinations of the three).
Stop options
Most data loggers offer three stop modes:
Stop when full
By default, devices stop recording when their memory is full, but they can also be configured to run in wrap-around mode (overwriting the oldest data), or to stop after a specified number of readings.
Stop-when-full protects the earliest data in a logging session if the user has not downloaded the data before the memory fills.
Wrap-around (continuous) mode
In continuous mode, the logger keeps recording indefinitely. The newest data can be viewed, while the oldest data is overwritten once the memory is full.
Stop after … readings
Stopping a data logger after a preset number of readings directly limits the length of time it will record.
If users are only looking for fault conditions (e.g. a refrigerator becoming too warm), configuring the logger in continuous mode with latching alarms allows it to run while only requiring a download when the red LED begins blinking.
The use of latching alarms ensures that an overnight or weekend alarm is still visible when staff are not present.
The following table illustrates how long a logger will record based on its memory capacity:
| Logging interval | 8,000 | 16,000 | 32,000 | 64,000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 second | 2h 13min | 4h 31min | 9h 3min | 18h |
| 1 minute | 5d 13h | 11d 7h | 22d 15h | 45d |
| 5 minutes | 27d 21h | 56d | 113d | 226d |
| 10 minutes | 55d | 113d | 226d | 453d |
| 15 minutes | 83d | 169d | 339d | 679d |
| 30 minutes | 167d | 339d | 679d | 1359d |
| 1 hour | 334d | 679d | 1348d | 2718d |
The above table assumes that the data logger is used as supplied, with stop when full enabled and all default settings active.
For dual-channel data loggers, the memory capacity is reached in half the listed times.
If the logger is configured for minimum and/or maximum recording, the duration will change accordingly.
Battery life
Battery life is generally not a limiting factor for recording duration unless the logger is used in a long-term project where data cannot be downloaded regularly.
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When logging at intervals measured in seconds, battery life is typically over one year.
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When logging at intervals measured in minutes or longer, most data loggers run for at least 2 years
(except View 2 loggers, which typically run for 15–18 months due to the display).
Temperature effects on battery life are usually negligible as long as loggers operate within their specified temperature ranges
(see product datasheets for details).
Tinytag Radio Data Loggers
In a radio system where loggers are part of a stable network, recorded data is stored on the computer running the radio gateway.
If a logger cannot communicate with the gateway, it stores data locally in its internal memory.
The “offline” recording duration of a radio data logger depends on the number of its channels, but — as with standard loggers — Tinytag Explorer shows the offline capacity once the logger is configured.
Tinytag Energy Data Loggers
Energy loggers can be configured in various ways (from single-phase current to three-phase current with voltage and energy consumption data).
Energy loggers are designed to be started and stopped in the field, which is why Tinytag Explorer does not display the recording duration for this logger type.
An energy logger configured to record three-phase current, voltage, and energy at a 15-minute interval will record for almost 4 months before its memory fills.
If fewer parameters are recorded (e.g. single-phase current only), the logger will record for a significantly longer period.
When connected to mains power, the logger is line-powered; however, when recording only current, it runs on its internal battery, which typically lasts around 60 days.
Further information
More information on the different configuration options and their effects can be found in the Quick Start Guide and Help File
(Help >> Contents) of the Tinytag Explorer software.
Further information on memory capacity and data logger features (Min/Max recording, stop modes, etc.) can be found in our product datasheets.