PicoLog Data Logger + Raspberry Pi 4 (included)

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About

1. PicoLog Data Loggers and the Raspberry Pi

Optimized and tested with Raspberry Pi 4B on Raspbian Buster, the PicoLog 6 data logging software package provides a visual, easy-to-use interface allowing you to quickly set up simple or complex acquisitions, and record, view and analyze data.

 

Coupled with a Raspberry Pi, this new PicoLog 6 package expands the flexibility and opens the door for Pico's data loggers to be used in new and different ways:

  • You can connect the logger to the Pi and remove the keyboard, mouse and video to make an inexpensive stand-alone logger storing its captured data locally on a Pi SD-CARD.
  • Connecting your Pi by WiFi or Ethernet, you can internet-enable your Pico logger,  allowing you to access remotely using an open-source VNC server and viewer freely available.
  • Utilising the Power over Ethernet (PoE) capability on the Raspberry Pi paired with the PoE Pi HAT not only eliminates the need for an external power supply and powered USB hub, it also internet-enables your logger at the same time.

 

2. Overview of Data Loggers Featured in this RoadTest

There are three types of PicoLog Data Loggers featured in this roadtest. Let's go through each of them:

 

USB TC-08 8-channel Thermocouple Data Logger (2 Kits offered)

The USB TC‑08 thermocouple data logger offers a cost-effective temperature measurement solution. With eight direct thermocouple inputs, the USB TC‑08 can take accurate, rapid readings. In addition, you can use up to 20 units simultaneously on one PC. The logger can measure and record temperatures ranging from –270 °C to +1820 °C using the appropriate thermocouple type (B, E, J, K, N, R, S, T).

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  • Low cost, high resolution
  • Measures and records up to eight thermocouples at once
  • 20-bit resolution and high accuracy
  • Supports all commonly used thermocouple types
  • Measures from –270 °C to +1820 °C
  • Built-in cold junction compensation
  • Up to 10 measurements per second
  • Supplied with PicoLog® 6 data logging software and PicoSDK®

 

Thermocouples

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Contents in the TC-08 kit:

  • 1-PicoLog Data logger with cables
  • 2-thermocouple packages, Type Kthermocouple packages, Type K
  • 1-Raspberry Pi4B, 2G RAM
  • 1-microSD card with Raspbian Buster

 

ADC-20 High Resolution Data Logger (2 Kits offered)

With up to 20-bit resolution, the ADC-20 USB data loggers are able to detect small signal changes. Features such as true differential inputs, galvanic isolation and software-selectable sampling rates all contribute to a superior noise free resolution and ensure that your measurements are reliable and accurate.

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The ADC-20 features true differential inputs for excellent noise rejection. For greater flexibility each differential input can also be configured as two single-ended inputs.

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With two bipolar voltage ranges on the ADC-20 they are versatile enough to be used with a wide range of sensors and signal types. There’s also an external terminal board with screw terminals to allow you to quickly connect and disconnect different sensors.

  • Low cost, high precision
  • 20-bit resolution
  • 4 differential / 8 single-ended inputs
  • Inputs configurable as single-ended or differential
  • Terminal board available for easy connections
  • Up to 7 input ranges (±39 mV to ±2.5 V)
  • Digital control outputs
  • USB isolation
  • Up to 15 measurements per second

 

Contents in the ADC-20 kit:

  • 1-PicoLog Data logger with cables
  • 1-Terminal Board
  • 1-Raspberry Pi4B, 2G RAM
  • 1-microSD card with Raspbian Buster

 

PicoLog® CM3 Current Data Logger (2 kits offered)

The PicoLog CM3 is a compact, easy-touse instrument for measuring the current consumption of buildings and machinery. With three channels, high accuracy and low noise, it is ideal for recording data from both singlephase and three-phase AC supplies. The logger is supplied on its own or as a kit with three AC current clamps and the PicoLog software is free to download. The USB and Ethernet interfaces allow the logger to be used as a USB-only device, as a USB-powered device with Ethernet interface, or as a Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) device. Using the Ethernet interface, the PicoLog CM3 can be located anywhere on a LAN or on the internet.

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  • High accuracy with 24-bit resolution
  • Suitable for single or three-phase AC currents
  • Optional 0 to 200 A AC current clamps
  • Can also be used to measure AC RMS voltage
  • Up to 20 units can be run on a single PC
  • Connected via Ethernet (PoE compatible) or USB
  • Uses free PicoLog 6 data logging software
  • Typical applications
  • Mains current monitoring
  • Three-phase load balancing
  • Long-term energy use recording
  • Energy and cost saving / ISO14001 monitoring

 

Contents in the CM3 kit:

  • 1-PicoLog Data logger with cables
  • 3-Current Clamps with Cables
  • 1-Raspberry Pi4B, 2G RAM
  • 1-microSD card with Raspbian Buster

 

3. Instructional Video

 

4. Additional Information

Important Dates

Enrollment Begin: Jan 31 2020

Enrollment Ends: Mar 2 2020

RoadTesters Selected: Mar 17 2020

Product Shipped: Mar 28 2020

RoadTesting Begins: April 4 2020

Reminder/Update Email: May 4 2020

Submit Reviews By: June 4 2020

*The element14 RoadTest Staff will send this reminder/update email.

**If a RoadTester is unable to meet the deadline, please notify the RoadTest Program Lead, , as soon as possible before the deadline.

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RoadTesters

Terms and Conditions

RoadTest: Terms and Conditions:

PicoLog Data Logger + Raspberry Pi 4 (included)

 

These are the terms and conditions which govern the PicoLog Data Logger + Raspberry Pi 4 (included) contest. This Contest requires participants to submit an application indicating their previous experience with this type of equipment/component, information on what they would do to test the equipment/component, and the applicant’s desire to post a thorough review of their experience with images, photos, or other supplemental materials. Participants will be required to meet the Conditions for Participation.  The winners of this RoadTest will receive the item(s) listed below. RoadTest Reviews are due no later than 60 days after the receipt of the item(s). No other prizes are offered.

The Principal terms of the Competition:

The following words and phrases are used in these terms and conditions and have the meanings given to them below.

(RoadTest or Contest)

Key dates:

Applications Close: midnight (GMT) on Jan 31 2020

Announcement of Winner (estimated): Mar 2 2020

Prize: PicoLog Data Logger + Raspberry Pi 4

Additional Prizes: none

Competition Site: https://www.element14.com/community/groups/roadtest?ICID=menubar_resources_roadtest

Site or element14 Community: www.element14.com/community

Judges: members of the element14 community team chosen at the Organiser’s discretion.

Judging Criteria, All of the following which will have equal weighting:

· Demonstrated competence with the technologies including links or descriptions of past projects

· Qualifications as indicated by current job role and/or schooling/vocational training;

· A thorough description of how the prize would be tested;

· Likelihood that the Applicant will blog about the prize and provide a review on element14.com;

· Originality;

· Innovation.

Organiser: Premier Farnell plc (registered in England and Wales under company number 876412) whose registered office is at Farnell House, Forge Lane, Leeds, UK

Conditions for Qualification: in addition to meeting the requirements of these terms, all persons applying to take part in the Contest (each one an Applicant) must:

· Provide a RoadTest application describing what he/she would do if awarded the Prize including similar previous projects, product experience and qualifications

Terms: these terms and conditions which govern the Competition and to which the Organiser reserves the right to make changes from time to time and the latest version of these Terms from time to time will be posted to the Site.

  1. Eligibility
  2. Applications:
  3. Selecting Winners:
  4. Liability:
  5. General:

1.1 Save as set out in these Terms, the Contest is open to any natural or legal person, firm or company or group of natural persons or unincorporated body.

1.2 All Applicants must be aged at least 18 at the time of their application.

1.3 Applicants must not enter the RoadTest if doing so or taking part may:

1.3.1 cause the Organiser and/or themselves to be in breach of any agreement (including but not limited to any contract of employment) to which they are a party or in breach of any law, regulation or rule having the force of law to which the Organiser or the Applicant may be subject or any policy of the Organiser or the Sponsor;

1.3.2 Require the Organiser to obtain any licence, authorisation or permission to deal with the Applicant; or

1.3.3 Be in breach of any policy or practice of their employer. Some employers prohibit or restrict their employees from taking part in competitions such as these or receiving prizes under them and the Organiser respects those policies and practices.

The Organiser reserves the right to disqualify any Application made in breach of these Terms and to reject any Application which it reasonably believes may be or become in breach. The Organiser reserves the right to require evidence in such form as the Organiser may reasonably require of any Applicant’s compliance with any of these Terms and to disqualify any Applicant or Participant who cannot provide such evidence reasonably promptly.

1.4 Multiple applications are not permitted.

1.5 Applications may not be submitted by an agent whether acting on behalf of an undisclosed principal or otherwise.

1.6 The Contest is NOT open to:

1.6.1 Any person or entity who is a resident or national of any country which is subject to sanctions, embargoes or national trade restrictions of the United States of America, the European Union or the United Kingdom;

1.6.2 Any employee, director, member, shareholder (as appropriate) or any of their direct families (parents, siblings, spouse, partner, children) (“Direct Families”) of the Organiser and Sponsors; or

2.1 Each Applicant must fully complete and submit a RoadTest Application by the Application Close.

2.2 By submitting a Registration Form, each Applicant:

2.2.1 Authorises the Organiser to use his or her personal data (as defined in the Data Protection Act 1998) for the purposes of running and promoting the RoadTest;

2.2.2 Authorises the Organizer to copy, reproduce and publish their application should they be accepted as a Participant;

2.2.3 Will be deemed to have read, accepted and agree to be bound by these Terms. Applicants are advised to print and keep safe these Terms;

2.2.4 Authorises the Organiser to copy, reproduce and use the Application and/or Review for the purposes of the RoadTest and as otherwise contemplated by these Terms. The Organiser will not be responsible for any inaccuracy, error or omission contained in any reproduction or use of the Project Blogs.

2.2.5 Licenses the Organiser to use the intellectual property in the Project (IP) for the purposes of this Contest. As between the Applicant and the Organiser the IP remains owned by the Applicant.

2.2.6 Grants the Organiser the right to use his or her likeness, photographs, logos, trademarks, audio or video recordings without restriction for the purposes of Contest or the promotion of it or the Site;

2.2.7 Agrees to participate positively in all publicity surrounding the Contest;

2.2.8 Agrees to be responsible for all expenses and costs incurred by him or her in preparing for, entering and participating in the Contest (save for any expenses expressly agreed by the Organiser to be borne by it in these Terms);

2.2.9 Confirms that he or she owns all IP used in his or her application or Project or Blogs and indemnifies the Organiser from any claim by a third party that use of any material provided by an Applicant to the Organiser infringes the intellectual property rights of any third party;

2.2.10 Agrees not to act in any way or fail to act in any way or be associated with any cause or group which would have a negative impact on the reputation of the Organiser and/or the RoadTest.

2.3 All applications submitted to this RoadTest must meet the following criteria:

2.3.1 Applicants must be the author, creator and owner of the proposed review idea. Applicants must not submit someone else’s idea;

2.3.2 The proposed application must be reasonably achievable by the within the time constraints of the Contest;

2.3.3 Applications must not include or propose any of the following, the inclusion of which shall render any proposed application ineligible:

(a) Applications which relate to socially taboo topics, such as illicit drug use or sexual gratification;

(b) Applications that are or could reasonably be considered to be illegal, immoral, discriminatory or offensive as determined by the Organiser;

(c) Applications in relation to them which if accepted would infringe or breach any of the policies or terms of access or use of the Site.

2.4 No Application may contain any of the hazardous substances identified by Article 4 of Directive 2002/95/EC of the European Parliament on the Restrictions on the Use of Substances in Electronic and Electrical Equipment ("the Directive") or the use of such hazardous substances in the in any such Project must not exceed the maximum concentration values set out in the Directive.

3.1 Winners will be selected by the Organiser on the basis of the quality of his or her application and its adherence to these Terms.

3.2 The total number of Winners selected will be at least the minimum number set out above but the actual number is at the sole discretion of the Organizer and/or the Sponsor, if applicable.

3.3 The Organiser will use all reasonable efforts to announce the Winners via an update to the RoadTest page by the date listed above.

3.4 Winners agree to take part in all publicity which the Organiser or the Sponsor wishes to use to promote the RoadTest, the Products featured or other Contests with which the Organiser may be connected from time to time.

3.5 Details of the Winners may also be published in the media.

3.6 Winners are responsible for all applicable taxes, duties or other charges payable in relation to any prize.

3.7

4.1 The Organiser hereby excludes all and any Liability arising out of the Contest or the acceptance, use, quality, condition, suitability or performance of any Prize, even where that Liability may arise from the Organiser’s negligence.

4.2 Nothing in these Terms will affect any Liability of the Organiser for death or personal injury arising from its negligence, for breach of Part II of the Consumer Protection Act 1987 (in the event that any entrant is entitled to claim rights under the Consumer Protection Act 1987) or for any matter in relation to which it would be illegal for the Organiser to exclude or to attempt to exclude its Liability.

4.3 Subject to 4.2, neither the Organiser, any parent company nor any subsidiary of the Organiser or such parent company or any of their directors, officers and employees (together referred to in these terms and the ‘Associates’) makes any guarantee, warranty or representation of any kind, express or implied, with respect to this Competition or the Prizes potentially available under it. Neither the Organiser nor any of its Associates shall be responsible for any Liability that may arise out of or in connection with person’s participation in this Competition, the claiming, redemption or value of any prizes under it, the use or enjoyment of such prizes or any events or circumstances arising out of or in connection with any of them. Any implied warranties of condition, merchantability or suitability or fitness for purpose of any of them are hereby expressly excluded. Wherever used in these Terms, ‘Liability’ shall mean any and all costs, expenses, claims, damages, actions, proceedings, demands, losses and other liabilities (including legal fees and costs on a full indemnity basis) arising directly or indirectly out of or in connection with the matter concerned.

5.1 The RoadTest is organised and sponsored by the Organiser. The Organiser reserves the right to delegate all or any of its powers, rights and obligations arising in relation to the RoadTest to any Associate and certain such rights and powers are assumed by the Organiser on behalf of itself and each Associate. Reference to “Organiser” shall be deemed to include reference to each Associate.

5.2 The RoadTest may be terminated at any time if there are, in the sole opinion of the Organiser, an insufficient number of entries, or if the Applications are not of an appropriate standard for a competition of this nature. The Organiser has the right to cancel or suspend the RoadTest at any time due to circumstances outside its reasonable control.

5.3 The Organiser shall have the sole discretion to disqualify (without correspondence or right of appeal) any Applicant it considers to be adversely affecting the process or the operation of the RoadTest or to be in breach of these Terms or to be acting in a disruptive manner or with intent to annoy, abuse, threaten or harass any other Applicant or Participant.

5.4 The Organiser has the right to amend or add to these Terms from time to time. Revised Terms and Conditions will be posted on the Contest Site and it is a condition of entry to the RoadTest that Applicants agree to comply with these Terms and, if appropriate, such Terms as amended from time to time.

5.5 Headings are for convenience only and do not affect the interpretation or construction of these Terms and Conditions.

5.6 These Terms and the operation of the Contest shall be governed by and construed in accordance with English Law and any claim or matter arising under these Terms shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the English courts.

Instructional Video
Comment List
Anonymous
  • The widely used practice in the industry I worked was to insert them into the fluid with a thermowell for protection.

  • Can thermocouplers be used in liquids?

  • Yes, that is correct - thermocouples produce a thermoelectric voltage which is read by the TC-08. This information is digitised by the onboard 24-bit ADC, scaled for the thermocouple characteristic (user-selectable types B, E, J, K, N, R, S, T) and compensation from the internal reference junction is applied to read and log the real temperature.

     

    Interestingly, one of my friends working on a small-scale pilot water treatment plant was asking me about roughly monitoring the temperature at different stages of the process and I recommended he use the TC-08 and suitable K-type thermocouples - ultimately, he purchased a handful (three or four) of the units and they've been serving well for the past three months or so. I've not had one in my hands, but it's pretty much the same process you might expect from a DMM that has a thermocouple option, or a dedicated thermocouple meter, or even a chart recorder (such as the one I'm still RoadTesting now).

     

    - Gough

  • If I am reading your explanation  correctly the thermocoupler produces a very small voltage output based on temperature. The temperature sensor (units I have mentioned) produces a I2C message containing temperature data.

     

    Am I correct in assuming the PicoLogger has smarts to translate the thermocoupler voltage to a temperature reading.

  • The PicoLog are interesting little devices, I already own a 12 bit 16 channel device, would be an interesting challenge to utilise it alongside one of the CM3 units to see if I could create a power monitoring setup.

     

    Kind regards

  • Basically, thermocouples are very simple temperature transducers that rely on the voltage developed between dissimilar metals (i.e. a junction) through the thermoelectric effect. This voltage is very small and can be influenced by any contact between dissimilar metals, which is why thermocouple amplifiers and instruments tend to be highly sensitive and carefully designed. They also have the complication of needing a reference junction as there is also a thermoelectric voltage developed at the connection at the connectors, but often this is built into the measurement device itself (termed internal compensation).

     

    These types of sensors are widely used in industry, process control and remote temperature measurement where low cost and moderate accuracy are a requirement. Thermocouples come in different types depending on their materials, but the K-type is the most common and universal as it spans a wide temperature range and has a near linear characteristic across much of the range, making it less complex to work with. Type J would probably be the next most common type of thermocouple on the market although for special applications, there are other types. Even within a given type they come in different grades (i.e. material purity, hence accuracy of measurement). Where highly accurate temperature measurements are required, other types of transducers (e.g. RTDs) may be used. A simpler, less accurate and less costly method would be to use thermistors.

     

    That being said, the Pico TC-08 seems to be designed for the standard range of thermocouples given the slotted connections and the model name beginning with "TC" which I believe would indicate thermocouple. According to the specifications, it supports B, E, J, K, N, R, S, T type thermocouples. It can be adapted for voltage inputs instead, with a +/- 70mV range, with the cold junction compensation turned off.

     

    A temperature sensor (like the ones you mentioned) are a much more complex device altogether - some output an analog voltage, but many are digital (1-wire, I2C, etc). Basically, they incorporate some sort of temperature sensing element (transducer - could be MEMS based) with the necessary smarts to digitise this to a digital value, apply the necessary compensation/calibration and buffer this for output on a digital bus when queried. You can think of that as a whole "temperature measuring system on a chip/IC" rather than just the sensing element itself that outputs a miniscule voltage with no interpretation (which a thermocouple is).

     

    But sometimes the distinction between a sensor and a transducer is blurred or used interchangeably, so one must be careful about understanding what sort of input/output they're looking for.

     

    - Gough

  • I'm not familiar with the technology, so is K-type thermocoupler is a standard?

     

    My ignorance comes from working with a Pi and using a DS18B20 or AM2302 DHT22  temperature sensors.

     

    What is the difference between a thermocoupler and a temperature sensor?

  • Then again, the standard K-type thermocouples are not that expensive - these take the standard two-prong sort. A bare-bead type thermocouple can come fairly cheaply - from AU$5-10 even:

    https://au.element14.com/tenma/72-14556/thermocouple-type-k-0-to-800deg/dp/2947102

    https://au.element14.com/labfacility/xf-1206-far/thermocouple-k-type-1m-250-deg/dp/2785059

     

    See if your local distributor has similarly low-cost options.

     

    - Gough

  • Probes are $20 bucks a piece. You could make a pitch that purchase of probes is conditional on awarded review. You then get to build a document what you were looking at building at a fraction of the cost. Just a thought.

  • The TC-08 kit sounds really interesting to finally get me started on my home SMD reflow setup. Unfortunately there are only 2 probes included, so the full 8 channel capability cannot be road tested. Might apply anyways.

    - W.