GPS Data Logger FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions concerning our Dataloggers...
Please note, we've made many loggers since we started in 1998 and some information will relate to older models.
Is the Datalogger waterproof?
The Datalogger has a precise, well fitting plastic case, and while it could perhaps be called 'splashproof' it is definitely not waterproof. The best idea is to place the Datalogger inside a plastic bag for wet environments.
Many manufacturers like to say that their products are waterproof. To us, 'waterproof' means a competely sealed case, sealed connectors and so on. For example, many products advertised as 'waterproof' have exposed contacts and connectors which will corrode and fail if immersed in water.
Can I power the Datalogger from a vehicle battery?
Yes. The Datalogger will safely accept external power from 10V to 32V, making it suitable for both 12V and 24V vehicle power supplies.
Can I leave the battery connected if external power is used?
Yes. The battery is isolated from the external power supply. The external power will not force-charge the battery, and the battery will not drain into the external power supply.
We recommend that the battery be left inside the Datalogger, so the Datalogger can still operate in the event of a power failure.
Will the Datalogger be damaged if I reverse the battery?
Definitely not! No damage! All of our Dataloggers have reverse polarity protection and can withstand reverse power on the battery or external power input.
We consider reverse polarity protection to be an essential requirement for any field-replaceable battery application. Many products available today have no such protection, and could be destroyed by reversing their battery.
What happens if I remove power during operation?
All of our Dataloggers will preserve data right up to the moment of power removal.
Removing power during operation will not result in loss of stored data. The Datalogger is designed to save data and shut down in a controlled fashion, in the event of a surprise power failure.
Is data preserved during power failure?
All of our Dataloggers made since July 2001 use non-volatile flash memory. Data will be retained for many years, even in the event of total power failure. Our older Dataloggers, using RAM, will preserve data for at least 10 minutes, to allow battery change.
Can I transfer tracks from the Datalogger directly to the GPS?
You'll need to download the logger to a PC, then upload to your GPS using mapping software.
There are many reasons for this, the main one being that the Datalogger track file is much larger than the track capacity of the GPS. You'll need to 'select' a portion of the file small enough for your GPS to handle.
How many days storage?
This is a good question. The total logging time depends upon capacity, save interval, memory save modes and so on.
As an example, let's take a current model, the Evo3, and do some calculations:
- Assume the Datalogger is in a vehicle.
- Assume the vehicle is actually moving for only 8 hours per day.
- We'll activate the Speed Check function, so the Datalogger won't waste memory when the vehicle is stationary.
- Date and Time will be stored, as that is the most common setting. Capacity is 393000 timestamped points.
- We won't activate 'Automatic Save', because that would be cheating. (Auto may improve efficiency over 50%.)
Below, We'll provide some logging times, with various Timed Save intervals for the Evo3:
- 1 second save interval: 14 days
- 2 second save interval: 27 days
- 10 second save interval: 136 days (2.25 months)
- 1 minute (60s) save interval: 816 days (26.8 months, 2.2 years)
- 2 minute (120s) save interval: 816 days (67 months, 5.5 years)
- 5 minute (300s) save interval: 4082 days (133 months, 11 years)
- 15 minute (900s) save interval: 12250 days (401 months, 33 years)
Formula:
- LoggerCapacity/(SecsPerHour/3/saveintervalsecs)/24 = days
- 393000/(1200/saveintervalsecs)/24 = days
We've divided the 3600 secs per hour by 3 because we're only logging 8 hours per day.
We've assumed that 1 month = 30.5 days.
Which model would you recommend?
Presently, we have combined features into one product: Evo3
Do you build special products to order?
We can build special products to order. Engineering charge and minimum order quantity may apply. Please contact us if you have any special requirements.
Will the Datalogger store data if the GPS loses lock?
No, the Datalogger will not store invalid GPS data.
So, if the GPS loses lock, the Datalogger will not waste memory capacity by storing invalid data. The Datalogger will automatically resume data storage when the GPS regains lock.
Can I mark Waypoints?
Yes. You can mark waypoints by pressing the 'Event' buttons.
Waypoints can be saved as Ozi Explorer Waypoint and Event files. Our multi-event loggers can save up to 5 separately identifiable waypoint types. Many thousands of waypoints can be saved if you require.
The Logger won't read data from the GPS! (This relates to our older models)
Make sure the GPS output is set to 'NMEA' at 4800bps.
Make sure your data cable is correctly wired.
A commercial PC cable, designed for your GPS, should be OK.