Need Datalogging volt and ammeter for solar project

[wtperry00]

Hello
I need an up to 1000 mA and 12 v meter with datalogging capabilities into a .csv file for a solar project.
please post any recemendations

 

[duffy]

I use a Protek 506 for that.

 

[wtperry00]

It seems that that is obsolete. It says on Protek's Website. Also it is way to expenisve for my budget. I'm sorry I forgot to mention it, but I was looking for something under $100 if possible.

 

[blueroomelectronics]

How many samples at what resolution are you hoping to log?

 

[wtperry00]

3 samples, I am willing to buy 3 meters if this is not possible. What exactly does resolution mean?

 

[duffy]

He means samples per second, what you are talking about is channels. Resolution is how many digits of accuracy you expect.

 

[blueroomelectronics]

The 506 is not a logger but you can connect it to your PC.

 

[KMoffett]

Maybe something like this:
Data Logger Starter Kit
They have a USB one (DI-148U) for $50.

Ken

 

[wtperry00]

blueroomelectronics, it dosent need to be very accurate maybe +- 100 mA +- 1 v also it does not need to be a datalogger as I can connect it to a PC. Also 1 sample per two minutes should be a good sample rate.
KMoffett, Do I need extra parts? Or do I only need the logger?

 

[MikeMl]

I use one of these. Its more than $100, but as a data logger it does want you want. I made a test fixture that records voltage at one channel and current on the other. I have run it as long as 20 days at a time. you can select a sampling rate where the .csv file is manageable.

 

[KMoffett]

blueroomelectronics, it dosent need to be very accurate maybe +- 100 mA +- 1 v also it does not need to be a datalogger as I can connect it to a PC. Also 1 sample per two minutes should be a good sample rate.
KMoffett, Do I need extra parts? Or do I only need the logger?

Since the input is +/- 10vdc you will need two resistors to make a voltage divider to scale the ~+12v down to +10V. You will also need a low resistance resistor (0.5Ω/2W) to convert current to voltage that the converter can read.

Ken