Specifications

15
but the integrated display is only used to disp lay status and generic operations. To access
the system’s complex feature set, a programming language and computer must be used.
The logger can be battery powered for an extended duration, qualifying it in terms of the
low-power requirement. The 8210 does have radio options, but to use them one must have
the techn ical expertise to know what kind of wireless connection he/she wants and how to
tell the logger how to do it. The logger is enclosed and is rated for harsh environments
satisfying the ruggedness requirement. One logger costs $2000-$5000 and therefore falls
significantly outside the desired cost requirement. In summary, this is a great system that
satisfies every requirement except simplicity and cost.
2.5.3 Automata Incorporated
Automata Inc. [31], a company located in California, designs and manufactures devices
that incorporate data logging, telemetry, s oftware interfaces, and sensors. For their radio
units they offer satellite, infrared, narrow-band, and spread spectrum radios. They also
offer RS -232, telephone, and fiber optic communications. Automata has been in business
for 32 years and have received many consumer awards for their Mini series and FC Field
Controller units.
The product from this company selected for review is the Mini-SS Logger (see fig. 2.4).
It was designed with a multi-nodal network in mind. This datalogger is one that closely
resembles an irrigation controller except for the added features of being ab le to log data. For
this reason devices come standard with little onboard log memory. In addition, an extra
128K of volatile memory can be added to impr ove the storage capacity above standard.
Sensors can be measured and recorded based on the following methods: timer (interval
based), event, and interrogation (on demand). The system comes with four digital IO ports
that can source enough current to actuate a valve or be used as a pulse counter. The
logger has four 10-bit SE 5V or 0-1mA or 0-20mA measur ement ports. No other interfaces
exist. This device has one communications port that supports RS232, SPI, and I2C at 1200
though 19,200 Baud. For power, this device uses a 12V battery with the option of solar
power.