What Are Different Types of Digital Timer

Digital  Timers  are  like  clocks, keeping  track  of  timing; to  trigger  an  action, to  start  timing  once  triggered  by  an  action , or  both. Some  are  programmable  while  others  may  have  a  fixed  internal  time  and  function.

Suppliers  of  Digital  Timer  offer  many  different  types, which  include:

•  Timer  Meters -  They  are  used  in  applications  for  display  of  elapsed  process  time  or  tracking  running  time  of  factory  machinery.
• Delay-on  Timers – These  timers  require  a  predetermined  period  of  time  to pass  between  when  the  timer  receives  the  input  signal  and  when  the  output  is  energized. When  the  time  delay  ends, the  contacts  open  or  close. At  the  end  of  time  period,  the  load  energizes  if  the  contact  is  normally  open (NO)  and  when  it  is  normally  closed (NC), the  load  de-energizes. The  time  delay  and  output  can  be  reset  by  removing  power.
• Delay-off  Digital Timer – These  timers  start  their  timing  functions  when  the  power  supply  is  interrupted. When  the  power  supply  is  removed, the  output  relay  contacts  stay  activated  and  the  time  period  starts.
  
• One shot  Timers -  Also  called  pulse  formers, these  timers  are  designed  so  that  when  power  is  applied, the  contacts  change  position  immediately  and  remain  so   for  the  set  period  of  time  after  the  timer  has  received  power. After  the  set  period  is  over, the  contacts  return  to  their  normal  position.
•  Interval  Digital Delay  Timers – These  timers  are  the  opposite  of  delay-on  ones. The  relay  is  energized  immediately  upon  the  application  of  the  supply  or  closure  of  the  switch  input, and  going  off  at  the  end  of  the  period. 
•  Recycle  Timers -  These  timers  work  in  such  a  way  so  that  the  closing  of  the  control  switch  starts  the  cycling  function. For  as  long  as  the  control  switch  is  closed, the  load  continues  to  turn  ON  and  OFF  at  regular  time  intervals. When  the  control  switch  is  open, the  cycling  function  stops.

How Does a Digital Timer Different From a Digital Counter?

Keeping  track  of  the  numbers  and  counting  has  been  a  fundamental  process  in  the  development  of  human  civilization. With  progress, the  methods  of  counting  also  advanced  and  has  now  exceeded  the   human  capacity. With  industrial  revolution, mechanical  counters  were  developed  and  now  in  the  digital  age, Digital  Timer  and  Counters  are  implemented  for  use  with  electronics.

Keeping  track  of  time  is  important  for  almost  all  the  devices; as  such, most  electronic  devices  have  a  hardware  timer. With computers, a  hardware  timer  is  inbuilt. For  additional  purposes, software  timers  are  also  maintained  based  on  the  fundamental  hardware  timer. Another  type  of  a  special  timer  is  a  watchdog  timer, that  is  used  to  reset  the  corresponding  system, whenever  a  malfunction, fault  or  a  system  hang  is  detected.

Digital Counters  can  be  defined  as  sequential  logic  circuits  which  use  flip-flops  as  the  building  blocks. They  are  designed  to  count  the  number  of  a  specific  event  in  relation  to  a  clock  signal. Counters  can  be  synchronous (data  bits  change  at  the  same  instant  in  every  flip-flop  of  the  counter)  or  asynchronous (output  from  a  JK  flip-flop  is  used  as  the  clock  of  the  next  flip-flop).

Difference: 

It  follows  that, a Digital Timer  is  an  application  of  the  counters  where  a  certain  signal  with  a  fixed  frequency  is  counted  to  record  time.

On  the  other  hand, a digital  counter  is  a  device  that  records  the  number  of  occurrences  of  a  particular  event. Today, counters  are  based  on  electronic  devices  and  are  sequential  logic  circuits  that  record  the  number  of  electric  pulses  fed  into  the  counter.

A  Digital timer  uses  the  frequency  of  the  internal  clock, generating  delay; while  a  counter  uses  external  signal  to  count  pulses.

Unlike  timers, counters  do  not  generate  delays  but  count  the  internal  time  pulses   generated  by  micro-controller.

Why a Data Logger is Better Than Other Data Collection Devices

Technically, a  Data Logger  is  an electronic  device  that records  and  stores data. Various  data  acquisition devices  are available,  such as  plug-in  boards or  serial  communication systems  which  use  a  computer as  a  real time data  recording system , as  well  as wireless   transmitters  capable  of turning a   regular  smart phone (or  tablet) into  a mobile  data recorder.  All these  are  included as  data  logger , but  most instrument  manufacturers  consider it  to  be a  standalone  device that  reads  various types  of  electrical signals  and  stores data  in  internal memory. The  data  is later  downloaded  to a  computer.  Read More....

Key Aspects to Consider When Selecting a Data Logger

Speaking  technically,  a  Data  Logger  is  any  device  that  can  be  used  to  store  data. This  includes  devices  such  as  serial  communication  systems  or  plug-in  boards  which  use  a  computer  as  a  real  time  data  recording  system. But  mostly,  Data Logger  is  considered  as  a stand-alone  device  that  can  read  various  types  of  electrical  signals  and  store  the  data  in  internal  memory  for  later  download  to  a  computer.

When  choosing  a  Data Logger  the  key  aspects  to  be  considered  include-

1.      Input  Signal -  Some  data loggers  are  dedicated  to  a  certain  input  type  while  others  are  programmable  for  different  types  of  inputs,  such  as- thermocouple, pH, pressure, sound etc.

2.      Number  of  Inputs -  Data  loggers  are  available  in  both  design  formats - single  and  multi-channel. A  32  channels  data  logger  is  capable  of  handling  multiple  inputs.

3.      Size -Space is a limitation in many applications. In  such  cases,  the  size  of  the  data  logger may  be  a  critical  selection  parameter. Opt  for  one  that  is  compact  and  is  suitable  for  most  input  types.

4.      Speed/Memory -  When  compared  to  real-time  data  acquisition  systems, data  loggers  generally  have  low  sample  rates. The  reason  for  this  is  that  data  logger  stores  data  in  internal  memory  which  is  limited. More memory is required for higher data rates. Therefore  when  choosing  one, it  is  important  to  determine  the  sample  rate  and  sample  duration  which  can  be  used  to  calculate  the  memory  required. For  instance, if  an  application  requires  sample  rates  of  1/sec  and  the  test  must  last  one  hour, the  data  logger  must  have  capability  to  store  3600  samples.

5.      Real  time  Operation -  For  some  applications,  it  is  desirable  to  display  the  data  being  collected  in  real-time  on  a  computer. For  these  applications,  it  is  good  to  opt  for  ones  that  support  this  feature.

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How does an ORP Meter Work?

ORP  implies  Oxidation-Reduction  Potential  and  is  a  term  that  is  frequently  used  in  the  water  treatment  &  food  processing  industry. ORP  can  be  defined  as - ‘a  measurement  that  indicates  the  degree  to  which  a  substance  is  capable  of  oxidizing  or  reducing  another  substance.’ The  oxidation - reduction  potential  of  water  ranges  from  -2,000  to  +2,000  and  the  unit  of  measurement  is  ‘mV’ (millivolts). It is measured using an ORP meter.

Measuring  ORP  is  extensively  used  to  assess  the  quality  of  water. An  ORP  sensor  or  ORP  meter  works  by  measuring  the  dissolved  oxygen. More  contaminants  in  the  water  lead  to  less  dissolved  oxygen  because  the  organics  consume  oxygen, which  results  in  a  lower  ORP  level. If  the  water  has  a  higher  ORP  level, the  greater  the  ability  of  water  to  destroy  foreign  contaminants  like  microbes, or   carbon  based  contaminants. The  table  below  identifies  ORP  levels  of  water  for  different  applications:

ORP  Level (mv)	Application
0 – 150	No  practical  use
150 – 250	Aquaculture
250 – 350	Cooling  towers
400 – 475	Swimming  pools
450 – 600	Hot  tubs
600	Water  disinfection
800	Water  sterilization

ORP meters include an ORP electrode and a reference electrode. The  ORP  electrode  is  designed  such  that  it  either  gives  up  electrons  to  an  oxidant  or  accepts  electrons  from  a  reductant. These chemical  reactions  will  continue  until  the  electrode  develops  a potential, caused  up  by  the  buildup  of  charge, which  is  equal  to  the  ORP  of  the  solution. The  reference  electrode  is  encased  in  a  stable  gel  that  gives  it  a  stable  environment. The  measurement  is  referenced  from  the  voltage  of  each  electrode, and  it  can  be  a  positive  or  negative.

An  ORP  meter  can  be  used  to  measure  the  water  quality  of  a  water  body. The  measurement  needs  to  be  taken  over time  to  identify  patterns  or  normal  range  of  ORP  for  this  water  body. Whenever  there  is  an  alteration,  then  it  can  be  easily  known. Similarly,  an  ORP  meter  can  also  be  used  to  measure  the  effectiveness  of  swimming  pool  sanitizer,  which  is  usually  chlorine. ORP  monitoring is  additionally  used  in  the  waste  water  treatment  process, and  can  measure  the  performance  of  the  treatment  plant.

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Why Data Logger is gaining interest amongst companies dependent on digital records?

Every day is hectic and causes incredible remaining burden, it is very troublesome for individuals to compute the components physically. Individuals expect apparatuses to compute the information for different purposes, for example, for the logical reason, checking the stock for monitoring the time. Old school individuals utilize the watch to quantify the pace and adding machines for counting the numbers. By understanding the concept of Data Logger, the advanced counters have ended up being a basic instrument for business purposes as it gives extraordinary exactness and consistency.

Computerized counters are straightforward gadgets used to quantify the figures in different fields. It is very practical and spares the season of the general population. This instrument is broadly utilized for counting the numbers because of its simple utilization, longer strength, and insignificant expense. This computerized gadget is very easy to use and can be begun by essentially pressing the 'count' catch on it. Data Logger tends to be utilized as an adding machine for increasing the counts by simply presenting the gadget.

Advanced digital counters are generally utilized in retail looks for monitoring order delivery and active clients. Aside from the retail locations, computerized counters can be utilized in clubs and bars to monitor the client’s entry.

Advanced counters have different focal points, for example, it cuts the expense of the labor put resources into manual tallying. Low cost is another advantage of this instrument. Aside from this, advanced counters don't require any customary overhauling. They operate flawlessly for years, just regular maintenance is required.

Exactness is a standout amongst the best highlights which empower the organizations to ascertain the precise figures which help them to monitor their business development. Digital counter device is a great deal of mix-ups when the tallying is required for long data records. However with the innovation of the computerized counters, the issue of getting the genuine tally gets settled. In this way, the advanced digital counters are extraordinary use for recording huge numbers of the organizations, such as, retail shops, shopping centers, multiplex, bars, clubs, and so forth.

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Important Things To Consider While Purchasing a pH Meter

A pH meter is a device used to measure the acidity or alkalinity of a solution. pH meter is widely used in various industries and laboratories. It is also used for household purposes for measuring the impurities in the milk. So, it is very important for you to consider a few essential things while buying a pH meter.

Calibration, Temperature, Electrodes, Portability, and Accuracy are some of the essential features which you should keep in mind while purchasing a pH meter.

Calibration: It is very important to keep your pH meter calibrated as it helps you to get the accurate readings. You can achieve the calibration by using pH buffer solution such as 4, 7, and 10 which are often color-coded as red, yellow and blue. Consider at least 2-point calibration meter which calibrates as close to your expected results. You can also buy a 3-point and 5-point calibration pH meters but they are mostly required to test a wide range of pH value. The new pH meters available in the market are single step calibrated and are very easy to calibrate without taking much time.

Temperature: Temperature affects the pH readings. It is important to calibrate your pH meter at the same temperature as the sample being tested. This will help you to get accurate readings. Advanced pH meters in the market come with the automatic temperature compensation.

Electrodes: It is used to measure the concentration of hydrogen ions. It is a part of the instrument which is immersed in the solution. While buying a pH meter you should consider the cost of replacement electrodes as they are fragile in nature and may require replacements.

Portability: Consider a pocket-friendly pH meter if you are looking for a highly portable meter as they are durable and waterproof. If you are purchasing the pH meter for laboratory then consider the bench top meters as they provide advanced functionality and long-term reliability with higher accuracy.

Accuracy: Consider the accuracy of the pH meter according to your use. If you require meter for quality control then pH meter with an accuracy of ±0.1 pH will be a good choice while meter with accuracy of ±0.10 is ideal for school laboratories.

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