USB Temp. Data Logger US$42

[XavierZ]

Hey all,

 

I was getting curious about the temperature of a little hiding

space I have under the stairs and whether is was constant enough

to store my brews for bottle conditioning and/or fermenting.

 

First thoughts were to bring home the massive 12 channel data

logger from work, but I've changed my mind from that since I

found a rather inexpensive USB Data Logger for about half the

cost of everywhere else.

 

Looking at the limited specifications, it seems rather "cheap"

and possibly only log in whole degrees. However the snapshots

of the software shows data as refined as 0.01 degrees. All things

considered, with the Aussie and US dollar almost 1 for 1 at the

moment, it wouldn't be a bad asset at all.

 

Would like to hear anyone's thoughts...

 

USB Temperature Data Logger

 

Cheers,

 

Xavier

[Andris]

I would really think 3x before ordering it, unless your temperature really fluctuates that much that it could affect outcome. 42$ would make you say almost 3 beer kits :D

 

if you leave $2 thermometer there and take readings in different time of day for week or two, you will end up with same results, spending little time, saving $40

 

then again, if you really want it, go ahead, it does look nice and you will probably end up with lots of interesting data about temp fluxes inside and outside your house! :D

[XavierZ]

Cheers for the insight Andris! [w00t]

 

I really should have added more info to my post. [crying]

 

I live in a area where the temperature fluctuates so much over a

24hour period that I have fermenting fridges to ensure constant

brewing and conditioning temps. I can have a swing of up to 15 degrees C in summer.

 

The data logger will inform me on how efficient my setups truly

are and how often heating or cooling happens. Nerdy/Geeky habits

are hard to break! [roll]

 

In high sight, $42 is pocket change considering most others are in excess of $180 and are dedicated scientific models.

 

 

[Muddy Waters]

I'm a mac user [innocent] so I'd have to fork out for a new computer [biggrin]

 

Another cheap way to check temperature is sit a softdrink bottle with a stick on fermentor temp strip on it and leave it in the spot you wish to check. Of course you may need to buy a comfy chair and a notepad and sit nearby to note fluctuations [lol]

 

On a more serious note, it takes a fair while for a fermentor to respond to temperature change. So changes fluctuations in room temp may not make a huge difference to fermentor temp. so you may need to strap the sensor to the side of a full fermentor and cover it with some foam or something so that it is more accurately reflecting the temp changes of the wort.

[Andris]

I can totally understand geeky habits - still have that GPS positioning device that came in a form of SD card for my pocket PC which I managed to squash into liquid when closing trunk of a car... :D

 

Anyway, if money isnt issue, it would be nice, especially if temp fluxes that much. Just check if its not lying about temps.

Next step might be wireless version that transmits data - say, bluetooth or something alike [innocent] nerds'r'us!

[XavierZ]

I'm a mac user

Same [alien]

 

1) Mac OSX

2) Linux(Ubuntu)

3) M$ WinBlows!

 

I'm hoping that it's only referring to the Software,

considering it exports into *.TXT and *.CSV (ie .XLS)

 

There's always the free programs to stimulate...err simulate

the Winblows programs in OSX and Linux. [bandit]

 

Back on topic, if I find out where in the house/garage I can

find a stable temp range without the use of a fridge/freezer,

I'll be pleased with the purchase none the less.

 

 

[FamilyGuy]

Here's my "spray & walk away" approach....

 

Buy 2 analouge switching thermotsats. 1 connected to the heating device & 1 to your cooling device.

 

Set each one about a degree either side of your optimum temp so they dont try to compete, giving you a 2-3 degree buffer.

 

Presto! Walk away....No computers & even better, constant temp.

[Muddy Waters]

I do a similar thing but with one device. I have a TempMate and use a fridge - the TempMate decides whether to heat the fridge or cool the fridge based on my temp setting. Easy - Sometimes I forget I even have a brew on [biggrin]

 

Xavier is trying to overcome the need for a fridge/cooling device though.

[XavierZ]

That's correct Muddy! [happy]

I'd also like to get an idea of the what the temps

are around the house too for curiosity's sake! [lol]

 

Although, I must give Kudos to FamilyGuy as his idea was similar

to my original idea before I found the STC-1000 temp controller

in the online auctions.