Most chart recorder customers have been using their devices for a long time. When they run out of charts, they buy new ones. When their pens run dry, they buy new ones. If you are one of these people, you probably feel like you know what you are looking for . . .
But do you?
We think it may be time to reevaluate your options. Although chart recorders are a bit of a dying technology (we will get to data loggers at the end) we feel that you should take a step back, and learn about the new features on chart recorders before placing that new order for a pack of charts and 6 red pens. Here are a few things to consider:
Variable
Is your chart recorder measuring temperature, when it could be measuring temperature and humidity? Is your chart recorder better served using features specific to temperature models, because humidity is of no real use to you?
Probe
What kind of probe are you using? Is it the correct kind? Regulations are getting stricter, and if you are monitoring your temperature because your auditing agency said you have to, you may need to monitor your temperature with a more accurate probe. Chart recorders usually come with K-thermocouple probes for temperature monitoring, which can mean degrees of uncertainty in your measurements. Consider a device with an internal sensor, or at the minimum, be sure to calibrate your device with a 3-point and NIST calibration, ensuring the probes accuracy.
Alarms
Will your business hit a serious road bump if the temperatures you are monitoring get too high or too low? Will you lose product, time, and money? Do you have to be notified because regulations said so? If for some reason you want to know when your temperature or humidity is getting too high or low, you need a chart recorder with audio and visual alarms.
After considering these few features of chart recorders, is it maybe time to reconsider the device that you are using? There are many other questions that you should ask - and then answer - when choosing a new chart recorder. The process can seem daunting, but we promise it is worth it in the end. Plus, we are here to help. Feel free to call us anytime.
Data Loggers
Sorry, but we had to. Check them out! Everything that our new chart recorders can do, our data loggers can do better. We mean it. Questions about the switch from chart recorders to data loggers? Yup, give us a call.
