PC based logger- volt, etc?

EAdams

Does anyone make a economical PC based logging device that would let me log what my panels generate (volt, amp, etc) and what time?

mike95490

Re: PC based logger- volt, etc?

Some charge controllers have data ports, what is the controller you plan to use?

EAdams

Re: PC based logger- volt, etc?

The one I currently have is a Northern Tool 7amp cheap controller. No port. There a lower end charger that has a port??

mike95490

Re: PC based logger- volt, etc?

Then you are needing to look at a multi-channel data recorder.
Set one channel for voltage, and another to measure the voltage - or + across a shunt to gather Amps data.
We use the Omegas at work all the time, but they are pretty pricey

http://www.microdaq.com/data-logger/voltage-current/1.php
http://www.dataloggerstore.com/c684/versatile_multifunction.php
http://www.omega.com/prodinfo/DataLoggers.html

You might want to consider a new MorningStar Charge controller and use Solar Guppys freeware to log it with. Apparently, MorningStar has a data port on some of their controllers.

EAdams

Re: PC based logger- volt, etc?

http://store.solar-electric.com/modubachco25.html

Wonder if this one has a connector. It says that the battery priority (2 banks) on charging (50/50, 90/10, etc) can be changed via PC. Nothing about logging.

mike95490

Re: PC based logger- volt, etc?

EAdams wrote: »

http://store.solar-electric.com/modubachco25.html

Wonder if this one has a connector. It says that the battery priority (2 banks) on charging (50/50, 90/10, etc) can be changed via PC. Nothing about logging.

from the spec sheet: "The SunSaver Duo is epoxy encapsulated for environmental protection, is user adjustable via DIP switch or connection to a personal computer, and has an optional remote temperature sensor."

So, I would guess it would work (connection to a personal computer). Solar Guppy can say for sure, as he wrote the software. The logging is not an advertised feature, it's something that SG apparently discovered.

WHOOPS. (wait while I open mouth to change feet)

Solar Charger Monitoring Software for the MorningStar Sunsaver Mppt

I guess it's ONLY for the Sunsaver Mppt controller.
http://www.solar-guppy.com/forum/sc-view-morningstar-sunsaver-mppt-pc-monintoring-software-t634.html

But, it's not too much more than the dual battery one you were looking at.

n3qik

Re: PC based logger- volt, etc?

Been there looking for the same thing. The Lascar USB Voltage Data Logger
Measuring and Recording 0 to 30 Volts DC was the best bang for the buck I could find for something independent of the charge controller.

EAdams

Re: PC based logger- volt, etc?

n3qik wrote: »

Been there looking for the same thing. The Lascar USB Voltage Data Logger
Measuring and Recording 0 to 30 Volts DC was the best bang for the buck I could find for something independent of the charge controller.

Have a source? Cost? Thanks

Brock

Re: PC based logger- volt, etc?

This is out there cost wise, but it looks really expandable and does tons of logging for just about anything, temperature, humidity, voltage, amperage and more all in real time and updates to the web without a computer. I think it was designed by someone with an off grid home. I think I know what I want for Christmas.

http://www.welserver.com/

SolarJohn

Re: PC based logger- volt, etc?

EAdams wrote: »

Have a source? Cost? Thanks

The lascar voltage data logger costs about $70.00, but a replacement battery costs about $18.00 from Radio Shack (the last time I checked). So, if you're planning to use the data logger all the time, it might get a little costly. I use mine only periodically, and am still on the original battery. It seems that battery life is long.

One of the previous posts has links, so I'll not repeat that here.

By the way, I really like my Lascar data logger, but I've lost data a couple of times. I don't know if that's the fault of the data logger, or the really old laptop computer I'm using it with.

I'm planning to gather data with a laptop computer in the future, but I haven't worked out the details yet. I'll poll my Morningstar Charge Controller via a serial port connection. I got the idea from Roderick who posts on this forum. You can also contact him via: Roderick.young9lycos.com (Change the 9 to @). I'll be posting more about this on my blog, once I get started: http://solarjohn.blogspot.com

John

westbranch

Re: PC based logger- volt, etc?

EAdams, can you clarify what you meant by "economical" in your original post... there is a monitoring method using an XBM and a Palm PDA that can be downloaded to a PC.. but it isnt 'cheap' but well worth the money if you need more than "just to know".;)

Eric