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Commentator

Join Date: May 2011
Posts: 76

Portable, Cheap Controller/Logger

03/02/2018 9:04 AM

Hi All,

I am trying to log pumps start/stop data from different pumping stations, when the pump start of course there will be a triggered relay that gives 5v, 110 or 230 volt, I need to connect two wires from the relay out put to a data logger/controller and log the start/stop (1/0) cycles per time and keep it there for some time(one or tow weeks) logging, which saves the data in an excel of txt format, could any body guide me to a controller/data logger that meets the requirements please?

Fully appreciated

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Guru

Join Date: Mar 2007
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#1

Re: Portable, Cheap Controller/Logger

03/02/2018 6:19 PM

This might work, but you need a relay to convert the different voltages to low volt signal...

https://www.omega.com/pptst/OM-EL-USB-5.html

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#2
In reply to #1

Re: Portable, Cheap Controller/Logger

03/02/2018 6:44 PM

Two resistors are a good way to convert a high voltage to a low voltage (assuming of course the 'low voltage' circuits can share the same return as the high voltage circuit.) Or one could use a transformer if voltage drop with galvanic isolation is required.

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Guru

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#3

Re: Portable, Cheap Controller/Logger

03/03/2018 5:36 AM

All you need is a totalising counter. The cheapest have a solenoid that ratchets a mechanical counting drum every time it is energised. The count is displayed through a window on the front and to reset it to zero press a button on the front (after noting the total to manually input to your spreadsheet). The pumps will probably be started with DOL or ϒ-Δ contactors which rarely give a clean contact on closing so make sure you get a counter with integral de-bounce circuitry or you will double count on some start ups.

Typical prices $10-40 on ebay

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Power-User

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#4

Re: Portable, Cheap Controller/Logger

03/03/2018 12:16 PM

If you are a student and you are broke, the cheapest you can go would be building your own circuit with logic gates.

However, if you are doing this as a job and you expect to maximize your profit, you should get some expert to provide you with a reliable solution. If so, I would search for local companies that do exactly what you need.

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#5

Re: Portable, Cheap Controller/Logger

03/09/2018 10:47 AM

I picked up two older $8000 strip chart recorders for $150 each a couple of years ago. They are long out of production but they are still awesome little machines with 8 input channels. They were Graphtec Thermal Arraycorders WR7700 on ebay, and they both work. They can digitize to an old flash drive, but those are not available any more.

If you want your data digitized for you, the newer strip chart recorders will have memory dedicated to this function. Search and learn. Look for older models on ebay.

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