DrDAQ Data Logger - Sensors and Accessories
As well as the built in sensors, DrDAQ 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 °C or if a humidity sensor is plugged in, readings are displayed in %RH.
External sensors are optional extras so can be purchased at any time. It is however cheaper to purchase sensors at the same time as a DrDAQ. See the DrDAQ value packs page for more information. Details of the external sensor sockets are provided with DrDAQ. This allows users (and third party manufacturers) to develop their own sensors.
Also available from Pico Technology are the low-cost PicoScope oscilloscopes; these are ideal for existing DrDAQ owners, or for anyone wanting an entry level oscilloscope that is feature rich and easy-to-use.
DrDAQ Data Logger - Sensors
DrDAQ Temperature Sensors
A high accuracy general purpose temperature sensor with a 2 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.
| Range | -10 to 105°C |
|---|---|
| Resolution (at 25°C) | 0.1°C |
| Accuracy (at 25°C) | 0.3°C |
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 3m 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.
| Range | 20% to 90% RH (Non condensing) |
|---|---|
| Accuracy | ±10% |
| Resolution | 0.2% RH |
| Size | 72 x 45 x 28mm |
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 science experiment "burning oxygen" shows the electrode in use.
Full details on the oxygen sensor >>
| 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) |
DrDAQ pH electrode
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 14pH 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.
| Size | 12 x 120mm |
|---|---|
| Operating temperature | 0 to 60°C |
| Resolution | 0.02pH |
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 2ms 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.
DrDAQ Sensor Adaptor
This compact unit will prove invaluable to anyone developing their own sensors for the DrDAQ. A short length of cable is terminated with an FCC 68 4/4 data plug, which is compatible with the external sensor sockets on the DrDAQ.
The four lines are clearly labelled and brought out to four 4mm sockets on the adaptor unit so that external circuitry can be easily connected and developed.
Sensor cable extension
3 metre sensor extension cables are available to enable sensors to be used further from the DrDAQ data logger.
DrDAQ Data Logger - Accessories
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
Data logging book
Data Logging in Practice by Roger Frost
This 142 page book contains a huge number of experiment ideas for teachers. It was recently 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."
PicoScope low-cost oscilloscopes >
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