DrDAQ Data Logger – Sensors and Accessories
As well as the built–in sensors, my DrDAQ Data Logger has sockets for optional external sensors. When a sensor is plugged in to the external sensor sockets, the software detects it and automatically scales readings. For example if a temperature sensor is plugged in readings are displayed in Celsius (°C) or Fahrenheit (°F), or if a humidity sensor is plugged in, readings are displayed in percentage Relative Humidity (%RH).
The really impressive thing about my DrDAQ is that it lets you use your own sensors, but if you don’t want to design and make your own sensors I’ve put together my own collection that you can buy to extend the capabilities of your DrDAQ.
Sensors
DrDAQ Temperature Sensor
A high accuracy general purpose temperature sensor with a two metre lead. Suitable for air, surface or liquid measurements.
Our science experiment on the freezing of pure and salt water shows the temperature sensors in use.
| Temperature sensor specifications | |
|---|---|
| Range | -10 to +105°C |
| Resolution (at 25 °C) | 0.1 °C |
| Accuracy (at 25 °C) | 0.3 °C |
In stock
DrDAQ Humidity Sensor
This sensor is designed for the cost–effective measurement of relative humidity. When plugged into one of the external sensor sockets on DrDAQ (using the supplied 3 m cable) readings can be displayed in %RH. The sensor has a response time of 60 seconds and can operate over a 0 to 60 °C temperature range.
Our science experiment on transpiration shows the sensor being used to measure the humidity change caused by a plant.
| Humidity sensor specifications | |
|---|---|
| Range | (Non condensing) |
| Accuracy | ±10% |
| Resolution | 0.2% RH |
| Size | 72 x 45 x 28 mm |
In stock
DrDAQ Oxygen Sensor
Oxygen in air is measured using a galvanic cell sensor that connects to the external sensor sockets using the supplied three metre lead. Simply plug in the sensor and you are ready to measure.
Unlike previously available oxygen sensors, the DD103 Oxygen sensor can measure the full 0 to 100% range. This makes it ideal for many chemistry, biology and physics experiments.
Our “burning oxygen” science experiment shows the electrode in use.
| Oxygen sensor specifications | |
|---|---|
| Sensor type | Galvanic Cell (lead–oxygen with weak acid electrolyte) |
| Input range | 0 to 100% oxygen |
| Accuracy | ± 3% (uncalibrated) ±1% (calibrated at constant temperature / pressure) |
In stock
DrDAQ pH Sensor
pH is measured using a standard electrode with a BNC connector. Pico supplies a robust epoxy bodied pH electrode ideal for educational use. It covers the full 0 to 14 pH range. The electrode comes complete with a small bottle of storage solution to help prevent it drying out.
Our science experiment measuring the pH of drinks shows the electrode in use.
| pH sensor specifications | |
|---|---|
| Size | 12 x 120 mm |
| Operating temperature | 0 to 60°C |
| Resolution | 0.02pH |
In stock
DrDAQ Redox Sensor
The DrDAQ redox sensor (also known as an ORP sensor) can measure redox potential in the range of -1500 mV to +1500 mV. Positive readings indicate an oxidizing agent (addition of oxygen), whilst negative readings indicate a reducing agent (reduction of oxygen).
| Redox sensor specifications | |
|---|---|
| Model | 99Pt-B |
| Measuring range | ±1500 mV |
| Junction | Ceramic |
| Reference cell | Ag/Agcl, KCL gel |
| Sensitive component | Dia.6 x 2.5 mm platinum ring |
| Size | Diameter: 12 mm Length: 160 mm |
| Plug | BNC with 1 metre cable |
Low stock - order soon
DrDAQ Reed Switch
The reed switch sensor can be used to detect the presence of a magnetic field such as from a bar magnet or an electromagnet. Alternatively, a simple external switch can be wired to the internal screw terminals. It has a fast response time of 2 ms so can be used as an alternative to a light gate for timing applications. Other uses include monitoring the amount of time a door is left open or a machine running.
Our science experiment Scalextric Subaru challenge shows how the sensor can be used to measure the speed of a model car.
In stock
Oscilloscope Probe x1/x10
This high quality, general purpose oscilloscope probe has a 60 MHz bandwidth. A two position slide switch allows attenuation of either x1 or x10 to be selected.
| MI007 Oscilloscope Probe Specifications | ||
|---|---|---|
| X1 | X10 | |
| Attenuation | 1:1 | 10:1 |
| Bandwidth | DC to 15 MHz | DC to 60 MHz |
| Rise time: | 23.3 ns | 5.8 ns |
| Input Resistance | 1 MΩ | 10 MΩ |
| Input Capacitance | 46 pF plus oscilloscope | Approx 15 pF |
| Working Voltage | 600 V DC incl Peak AC (derating with frequency) | |
| Cable Length | 1.2 m (approx 3 ft 11 in) | |
In stock
Accessories
DrDAQ Sensor Extension Kit
The DrDAQ Sensor Extension Kit makes it possible to place sensors a further 3 metres (9.8 foot) away from the DrDAQ Data Logger.
In stock
Cable: BNC Plug to 4 mm Plugs
This cable is approximately 1.2 metres (3.9 foot) long.
In stock
Cable: BNC Plug to BNC Plug
This cable is approximately 1.2 metres (3.9 foot) long.
In stock
Cable: BNC Plug to Crocodile Clips
This cable is approximately 1.8 metres (5.9 foot) long.
In stock
Magnetic Induction Kit
Over 170 years ago British scientist Michael Faraday discovered electromagnetic induction — the "induction" or generation of electricity in a wire by means of the electromagnetic effect of a current in another wire. Now with the Pico Magnetic Induction Kit and a DrDAQ data logger you too can perform your own electromagnetic induction experiments.
For full details of the Magnetic Induction Kit please visit the Pico education website
In stock
Data Logging in Practice by Roger Frost
This 142 page book contains a huge number of experiment ideas for teachers. It was reviewed in the Association for Science Education (ASE) journal:
“Teachers cannot always define professional work, but they can always recognise it and this is a prime example. For a start, this book deals with the real world of schools, and invites the teacher, as a fellow professional, to analyse what is available, and to bounce ideas about. The greatest value of this book is in its first 30 odd pages. There are indexes and tables to relate the contents to the context of teachers. There are clever and helpful organisational suggestions. There is advice on types of sensors and choosing them for experiments. The experimental details are not concerned with what kind of hardware is used, but much more with the treatment of results. Relevant web sites are noted. Strongly recommended for all schools who intend to use this technique.”
In stock