MSR dataloggers: Intelligent solutions for measurement tasks in laboratory and field

In applications where temperature, humidity, pressure, acceleration, motion and light or luminosity have to be recorded simultaneously it is usually necessary to employ several dataloggers. The datalogger MSR145 however, offers a more efficient solution.

The novel concept of this miniaturised measurement device allows a wide range of sensors to be used. For the first time in such a datalogger, up to five standard sensors are internally available – barometric air pressure measurement, temperature monitoring, humidity sensing and acceleration/motion detection in all three co-ordinate axes, as well as light and luminosity measuring. In addition, external sensors such as conductivity, flow, viscosity, pH together with many other sensors for physical and chemical measurement parameters can be attached via a maximum of four analogue inputs (0 to 3V, 12bit). The memory capacity of the mini logger is over 2,000,000 measurement values. This flexible measurement system opens up a vast array of new applications particularly in the area of medical technology, the pharmaceuticals industry and in the health sector. Examples include patient monitoring, research and development of new products and theses, environmental monitoring and carrying out a diverse series of scientific and technical measurements.

Minimise safety risks when transporting and storing chemicals

The transport and storage of critical substances usually involves higher costs and an increased safety risk. In the case of medical goods and medicines and also for chemicals and foodstuffs, storage life and usage are often dictated by certain temperature ranges and physical conditions. Monitoring of such products or chemical components over the whole cycle from transport through to use is essential in many cases. The MSR datalogger provides users with a complete information system to monitor critical products up until the time of their use, offering an uncomplicated method of preventing potential health threatening and costly situations. The sealed version of the MSR145 is impermeable to liquids and is therefore particularly well suited to applications in the fields of medicine, animal feeds and foodstuffs. Thanks to its integrated real time clock the datalogger can also start measurements at pre-programmed times, or logging can be event-triggered upon exceeding or dropping below definable limits.

Autonomous measurements in the laboratory and field

Laboratory investigations (e.g. medicine testing) and ascertaining data outdoors (e.g. plant monitoring, animal monitoring) often need to be carried out under defined environmental conditions. Using an MSR145, air pressure, humidity, temperature and light or luminosity can be recorded simultaneously at any desired location, for example beneath an exhaust hood in a laboratory. The internal accelerometer (measurement rate from 50/s up to every 12 hours) with its three-axis sensitivity allows additional recording of vibrations and resonance phenomena that may exert an influence on the expected measurement results. This is relevant for example, in the case of investigations during which vibrations and loads must be recorded (motion monitoring, monitoring of machines, buildings, bridges etc.).

Trouble-free long-term measurements

Thanks to the internal rechargeable power supply of the MSR145, autonomous measurements are possible for periods of up to six months. The datalogger is now available with an option of a lithium-polymer rechargeable battery with a capacity of 900 mAh, sufficient for operation of the unit for up to a year. The very low weight of the mini logger (16g) can be a decisive factor here, because it can be worn comfortably without being intrusive. Motion monitoring, not just of humans but also of other living creatures, often only becomes possible thanks to the MSR145.

Software validated for pharmaceutical and medical technology

Simple to operate, fast and precise – that's how Wendelin Egli, Dipl.-Ing. HTL, development manager at MSR Electronics GmbH in Henggart – describes the data logging and analysis software that is supplied free with the MSR145. All measurement values can be rapidly transferred to a PC using a USB cable both during and after completion of the measurement process. The software for the MSR dataloggers passed the validation test of the Swiss pharmaceuticals concern Novartis at the first attempt (CFR 21 Part 11).

In short: The 20,000 hours of research and development work undertaken by technology company MSR Electronics GmbH for the MSR145 has paid off. The new datalogger is a practical, flexible measuring device suitable for the most diverse measurement applications in field and laboratory. With its five integrated measurement parameters, the supplementary analogue inputs, its memory capacity for 2,000,000 measurement values and its small size the unit offers advantages that can be harnessed for laboratory, process and medical technology and by the chemical and biotechnology industries.