HWS Data Logger Systems
Hobart and William Smith Colleges

Warning! New users, please be aware of a number of issues:

• The software and electronics used by the HWS Data Logger System are quickly becoming outdated.
• Some folks, especially those in foreign countries, are having trouble finding some of the IC chips and other components.
• We do not have plans at the present time to revive and update the various components of the HWS Data Logger System, or fix minor bugs in the existing system.
• However, we will post improvements and modifications made by third parties and sent to us to post on this site for everyone to utilize.

Two Data Logger Systems:

Other Links:
Geoscience, Environmental Studies, Finger Lakes Institute, Hobart & William Smith Colleges

The Data Logger System has two parts, a "logger" and a "reader":

<== The Logger, an 8-bit, 3 x 13 cm unit is shown, performs the standard data logging functions, i.e., it converts an analog voltage signal from an external sensor into a digital value, and stores the digital value in a memory chip at user-supplied sample periods.


The Reader, a 5 x 7.5 cm unit, provides the link between the logger and a host PC-compatible computer. The reader is separate from the logger to allow for different processor speeds, thus reduce circuit complexity and cost. ==>

Schematics:

• 8 Bit and 12 Bit loggers use identical sensors. The sensors are identical/interchangable.
• AC/DC power supply adaptation for both the 8-Bit and 12-Bit Readers.
• Temperature Sensor
  • Updated Amplified Signal Circuitry for the Temperature or other sensors.
• Stream Stage / Pressure Sensor
• Field Housing

Logger, Reader & Host Computer Software:

Logger, Reader & Sensor Construction & Trouble Shooting (Plans, Parts List & Manuals):

• Stream Stage / Pressure Sensor (8 and 12 Bit systems can use the same sensor)

Field Housing Designs:

Field Housing Designs (Field Housing design is identical/interchangable for 8 and 12 Bit systems)

Fieldwork Photos:

• Stream Stage & Hydrochemical Research

Preliminary Data:

• Temperature Data using a Thermistor Sensor
• Stream Stage Data using a Pressure Transducer Sensor
• Logger A/D Test with known Resistors
• Seneca Lake
• Lake Ontario
• Kendig Creek
• More Coming soon.

User Suggestions:

HWS Data Logger users have sent in the following suggestions... We will periodically post them HOWEVER we lack the time to exhaustively test each suggestion.

1. Substitute a 0.1 uF capacitor (Digikey part# P2105-ND) for each 1.0 uF capacitors (C3 and C4 - in the Logger specifications sheet - Digikey part# P2067-ND) in the logger. It might reduce incorrect initalization of the logger.
2. Substitute SynSym's ASDX series differential pressure transducer (1 psi - ASDX001D44R or 5-psi - ASDX005D44R) for the ASCX series described in the web site. The ASDX sensor is smaller and less costly.
3. Try replacing the 10K R3 resistor adjacent to pin 22 in the Logger circuit to 100K. It doubles battery longevity.
4. A quick short from the cathode (striped) end of the diode to ground (batteries disconnected) may reset a logger that is not initializing properly. Another potential solution is to remove and reinstall the microprocessor.
5. Look at this site for a 12-Bit/16K version of the data logger. It will provide better data resolution and more data! We plan to present the preliminary plans at the upcoming GSA Mtg. in Denver this fall.
6. Colleagues report a preliminary sensor design to measure soil moisture.
7. Please note: The printed circuit board file for the 12-bit data logger/sensor combination board had problems, in that the +V to diode bridge was very close and could potentially jump to the ground. The appropriate pcb files have been updated on Feb 23, 2003.
8. Feel free to send additional suggestions to John D Halfman, Hobart & William Smith Colleges, Geneva, NY, 14456.

References, Manuscripts & Presentations:

Dedrick, R. R., 1998. Development of an inexpensive data logging system with an application to periodically measure stream stage. Undergraduate Honors Thesis, Hobart and William Smith Colleges, Geneva, NY. 105 pp.

Dedrick, R. R., J. D. Halfman, and D. B. McKinney, 1998. An inexpensive, small, submersible, recording stream gauge. Design, tests and application to the Seneca Lake Watershed. Geological Society of America Northeast Regional Meeting, Abstracts with Programs, v. 30, p. 13.

Halfman, J.D., D.B. McKinney, R.R. Dedrick, J.B. Vaughn, 1999. Recent improvements to an inexpensive, small, self-contained data logger. Geological Society of America Annual Meeting Abstracts with Programs, v. 31, p. 350.

* Dedrick, Robert R., John D. Halfman and D. Brooks McKinney, 2000. An Inexpensive, Microprocessor-Based, Data Logging System. Computers & Geosciences. v. 26, p. 1059-1066 [pdf.version].

Rumpf, J.P., J. D. Halfman and D.B. McKinney, 2000. Development and testing of an inexpensive data logger and its application to hydrological studies. Geological Society of America Northeastern Regional Meeting Abstracts with Programs, v. 32, p. A-70-71.

Rumpf, Jon P., 2000. Development of an Underwater Housing Design for use with the HWS Data Logger System. Undergraduate Honors Thesis, Hobart and William Smith Colleges, Geneva, N.Y. 104 pp.

DiRocco, Daniel P., 2000. Quantifying microclimates in Watkins State Park Ravine, Watkins Glen, N.Y. Undergraduate Senior Integrative Experience, Hobart and William Smith Colleges, Geneva, N.Y.

Halfman, JD, D.B. McKinney, JP Rumpf, S.M. Baldwin, & T.C. Riley, 2000. Application of the HWS Data Logger to hydrological studies. Geological Society of America Annual Meeting Abstracts with Programs, v. 32, p. 287.

Halfman, JD, S.M. Baldwin & T.C. Riley, 2000. The HWS Data Logger and hydrological studies. American Geophysical Union Annual Fall Meeting Abstracts with Programs.

Halfman, JD, 2000. Lake levels in North Pond & Lake Ontario - A Test of the HWS Data Logger System. Eastern Lake Ontario Sand Transport Advisory Committee Meeting 11/28. SUNY ESF, Syracuse, N.Y.

Halfman, J.D., 2000, An inexpensive data logger to remotely record stream stage, temperature and other environmental variables. New York State Geological Association Annual Meeting. Oct. 1, 2000. Workshop on HWS Data Logger for meeting.

Halfman, J.D., 2001, Watershed monitoring and water quality in the Seneca Lake Watershed. Seneca Lake Watershed Agricultural Program / Agricultural Advisory Committee.

Riley, T.C. and J.D. Halfman, 2001, The HWS Data Logger and Hydrological Field Studies. Geological Society of America Northeastern Regional Meeting Abstracts with Programs, v. 33, p. A21-22.

T.C. Riley, 2001. Application of the HWS Data Logger to hydrological studies. Undergraduate Honors Thesis, Hobart and William Smith Colleges, Geneva, N.Y. 58 pp.

McKinney, D.B., and J.D. Halfman, 2002. A new 12-Bit/16K version of the Hobart and William Smith Datalogger - Better resolution and more data! Geological Society of America Annual Meeting Abstracts with Programs, v. 34, p. 418.

*Riley, T.C., T.A. Endreny, and J.D. Halfman, 2006, Monitoring soil moisture and water table height with a low-cost data logger. Computers and Geoscience. 32: 135-140. [pdf version]

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National Science Foundation Support:

The National Science Foundation's Division of Undergraduate Education - Educational Materials Development (DUE-CCLI-EMD 99-50544) graciously awarded a "proof-of-concept" proposal to Hobart and William Smith Colleges (PIs: Halfman, McKinney and Vaughn) to establish the versatility, reliability, precision and accuracy of the data logger and provide concrete examples for the integration of the data logger into the geoscience and computer science curriculum.

Dissemination of both the data logger specifications and its curricular integration resulting from this NSF funded project will be on the web and by more traditional means (national meetings and publications). The expected outcome is publication of data logger plans, circuit diagrams, circuit board layouts, parts list, suppliers, user manuals, and tutorials on the web (this site) so that any educator (college or high school) can download these items and construct her/his own data loggers.

Matching Funds:

• The John Ben Snow Foundation
• Hobart and William Smith Colleges

Other Funding:

• Faculty Research Award, Hobart and William Smith Colleges
• The Upper Susquehanna Coalition and US Fish and Wildlife Service
• The Nature Conservancy
• New York Department of State

Recent Updates:

• 12/15/99: Dedrick et al., 2000. Computers and Geosciences in *.PDF format
• 12/20/99: Schematics (Logger, Reader, Pressure, Temperature)
• 12/23/99: Added Circuit Theory for Temperature Circuit to Temperature Schematic Site
• 12/27/99: Logger A/D Tests
• 6/13/00: Measuring Stream Stage & Lake Levels - Field Housing Designs
• 6/13/00: Data from Seneca Lake and Lake Ontario
• 6/13/00: Data from Kendig Creek - a local stream
• 9/30/00: Software for Logger, Reader and Host Computer
• 9/30/00: Construction Information: Circuit Board Layouts & Parts List for Logger, Reader & Pressure Sensor
• 6/1/01: Construction and Host Software Manuals.
• 8/27/01: New versions of Software and Construction Manuals.
• 11/20/01: Adaptation of Reader Circuitry to AC/DC power supply.
• 11/28/01: Trouble Shooting Guide (version 1).
• 3/4/02: OpAmp Sensor Circuitry.

Coming soon:

• Light and Temperature variability in local gorge

This page is under construction, please pardon the mess.
Feel free to send suggestions and comments to John D. Halfman.

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