What is a data logger?

A data logger is a device for recording and storing data with reference to date and time. It can be as simple as you using a pencil and a piece of paper to record data that you see on a display, or as elaborate as a micro-processor managed memory module. Some wireless weather stations have a PC interface for the data transmitted from their PIC, and with that they can store large amounts of data indefinitely, using the PC as the data logger. However, there are disadvantages to these simple data management processes that any serious weather enthusiast, student or educator should be aware of. The limited memory in the weather station PIC requires that it write over the oldest data with any new data if the PIC is not downloaded regularly, so the wireless connection to the PC must always be functional. That connection can be broken by turning off the PC, or due to radio interference that corrupts the signal sent from the weather station. Inexpensive home weather stations also often lose or display corrupt data because they do not use error checking data management protocols.