This happens on new Windows 10 computers, which do not make previous versions of the .NET Framework available by default.  You will need to enable the .NET Framework 3.5 through the Windows Control Panel, click here to see how to do this.

For any users needing to manually install drivers for their USB data logger, please click here for instructions based on your individual operating system.

• EL-USB Range

Your data logger is provided with a 3.6V 1/2AA battery already installed. You can change the battery by following the instructions below.

• EL-CC-1 / EL-CC-2 / EL-PDF-1 Ranges

These are sealed units and the batteries are not replaceable.   If your battery has run out, you will need to buy a replacement product.    

• EL-GFX Range

When replacing the two 3.6V 1/2AA batteries, loosen the two screws located at the base of the unit. Remove the lower portion of the housing to expose the battery bay. Remove the old batteries and place new batteries in position. Replace the lower housing and tighten the screws.

• EL-USB-LITE

With the lid off the logger, remove the screw from the opposite end of the logger. Carefully separate the two mouldings and remove the battery from the metal holder. Replace the battery with a BAT 3VX5.

• EL-USB-1-PRO

Remove the battery cover using a small coin or something similar and allow the battery to slide out. Replace the battery with a BATT 3V6 2/3AA H TEMP and then screw the battery cover back in. Please note that this is a specialist battery that allows for operation of the logger at high temperature. Using unsuitable batteries may result in fire or explosion at high temperatures.

• EL-USB-ACT

The EL-USB-ACT is supplied with two AA batteries fitted. To begin use the battery tab must be removed as shown below.  When replacing the batteries, simply loosen the screw on the rear of the device and replace with two additional AA batteries.

• EL-USB-1-RCG

The EL-USB-1-RCG features a non-replaceable, rechargeable battery. If you think the battery has gone flat, connect the logger to a PC using a Mini USB cable (CABLE USB A-MF) for up to five hours.

If the LEDs flash sequentially it may indicate that there is a problem with the battery. This could either be a flat battery, which should be replaced, or a battery where a passivation layer has formed. Leaving the data logger connected to a PC for about 30 seconds will remove this layer. After this, remove and re-install the batteries to reset the data logger. 

If you see the sequential LEDs after disconnecting the logger from a PC then the logging session will not start. You should check the battery condition and then repeat the setup procedure using the PC software.

An administrator for the software will need to reset your password from the <Admin> <Edit User> menu. The next time you attempt to log in it will ask you to enter and confirm a new password.  For further guidance on software use, please reference the 21CFR Software Guide.

With the exceptions below, all other loggers require connecting to a PC to stop logging. Removing the battery will also stop logging. Any data on the logger will be stored on the device until it is downloaded using the PC software. There is not a button to fully power off the loggers, the only way to fully power off the logger is to remove the battery.  

• EL-GFX Range

The GFX range of loggers has a 'stop' function on the logger.

• EL-CC-1 / EL-CC-2 / EL-PDF-1

These loggers have a Start/Stop button which can be used to start and stop logging. The loggers cannot be fully powered off and the battery is not removable.

Once you have downloaded the data off the data logger you will need to click the "set up and start USB data logger" button. This will take you through the set up process. The software will remember your previous settings to allow for a quick setup, or they can be changed for your new session.

We recommend recalibration on an annual basis, however your procedures may require something different to this. You can contact us for any information on the calibration services we can offer.

If left unused for extended periods of time lithium metal batteries, including those used in the EasyLog range of data loggers, naturally form a non-conductive internal layer - a Passivation layer - preventing them from self-discharge and effectively increasing their shelf life. When first installed in the data logger, this may cause a momentary drop in the battery voltage (the Transient Minimum Voltage) as the internal layer is broken down, resulting in the data logger resetting. Inserting the batteries in the data logger and leaving it connected to a PC for about 30 seconds will remove this layer. After this, remove and re-install the batteries to reset the data logger. Overall battery life will not be affected.

Yes! Most of our data loggers have an IP rating that is suitable for use outdoors (you can check the datasheet if you are unsure about your particular model). If you are using the loggers in particularly harsh environments you may want to consider using the EL-USB-1-PRO, one of our external probe data loggers or the protective case EL-USB-CASE for the EL-USB-1.

The battery life depends on the logger you have and the setting, on the data sheet for your product you can see the battery life shown in the specifications table.

One of the common uses of the EL-USB-1-PRO data logger is in autoclaves. An autoclave uses pressurised steam and high temperatures to kill bacteria etc (typically in laboratory and hospital environments). The maximum typical pressure for an autoclave is 30 bar. Testing in the Lascar environmental chamber has shown that the logger operates within specifications at 125°C (and will in fact continue working at higher temperatures, but not record a temperature higher than 125°C).

Lascar does not have the capability to test IP ratings beyond IP67. A long standing customer, Dynamic Load Monitoring (based in Southampton, UK) offered to assist in the testing of the EL-USB-1-PRO units using their hydraulic pressure testing equipment. This equipment is normally used to test underwater load cells, to pressures of 200 bar (equivalent to approximately 2000 meters depth in water).

Equipment
The test setup consists of a metal cylinder with a capacity of approximately 20 litres, filled with oil slurry. Test samples are put into a nylon webbed sack, attached to a nylon rope and lowered into the oil slurry. A cap is bolted into place using up to 8 large bolts. Pressure is adjusted using a hand operated hydraulic pump. The internal pressure is read back from an analogue gauge, located on the hand pump.  When a sample is removed, it is cleaned with a light petroleum based fluid.  Three sets of EL-USB-1-PRO metalwork were taken from stock for the tests. No internal parts were included, as any pressure changes are unlikely to affect operation. Each logger was fitted with two Viton o-rings (Viton is compatible with petroleum based substances) and lubricated with silicon grease. The metalwork was assembled by hand, as per a typical user.

Results
Testing was performed on the 17th November 2009.

Test 1: 30 bar for 15 minutes. Passed.
Test 2: 50 bar for 30 minutes. Passed.

After each test, both seals on all three loggers were checked for ingress. No oil was present (The oil would be easy to see, as it is a black). Further tests may be carried out in future, to find the failure pressure. At present however, 50 bar far exceeds the requirements of the typical user.

Based on the above, Lascar could quote pressures of up to 45 bar on the datasheet. This does however assume that the correct o-rings are used, and that they are in good condition.

No.  In the custom calibration you can turn it into real things 0v = -30 degrees C and 30v = 200 degrees C.  Voltages mean something else.

Yes, the unit does have volt free contacts as an option.  In volt free contacts the logger supplies approx 30uA @ 3.3V. When contacts are open the input is high (ONE), when contacts are closed the input is low (ZERO), this displays negative logic.

Volt-free contact operation: assuming a normally open switch, events will be generated as follows depending on the edge mode that has been selected.

• Rising Edge = Closed going open
• Falling Edge = Open going closed

SET-UP TUTORIAL

All of our data loggers have an IP rating on their datasheet. The IP rating is a two digit code indicating the level of protection that is provided against solid objects and ingress of water as detailed below:

First Digit - Mechanical Protection

1. Protected against solid objects over 50mm
2. Protected against solid objects over 12mm
3. Protected against solid objects over 2.5mm
4. Protected against solid objects over 1mm
5. Protected against harmful dust, limited ingress permitted
6. Totally protected against dust

Second Digit - Water Ingress Protection

1. Protected against vertically falling drops of water
2. Protected against direct sprays of water up to 15° from the vertical
3. Protected against direct sprays of water up to 60° from the vertical
4. Protected against water splashed from all directions, limited ingress permitted
5. Protected against low pressure jets of water from all directions, limited ingress permitted
6. Protected against strong jets of water, limited ingress permitted
7. Protected against immersion up to 1m depth for up to 30 minutes

• EL-CC-2

This logger is contained in an IP67-rated plastic wallet, so it is waterproof until you break the seal on the wallet.  

• EL-PDF-1

The logger comes with a clear plastic bag and is protected against moisture to IP67 standard when housed in this.  Replacement bags can also be bought, part number EL-CC-BAG. 

The battery we use for our loggers are:

• EL-GFX

For these products you need 2 x BAT 3V6 1/2AA.

• EL-USB

For most USB loggers you need 1 x BAT 3V6 1/2AA.  The loggers that need a different battery are below

• EL-USB-LITE

You will need 1 x BAT 3VX5.  They come in a pack of 5.

• EL-USB-1-PRO

You will need 1 x BAT 3V6 2/3AA H TEMP.

• EL-USB-1-RCG

The EL-USB-1-RCG features a non-replaceable, rechargeable battery. If you think the battery has gone flat, connect the logger to a PC using a Mini USB cable (CABLE USB A-MF) for up to five hours.

• EL-USB-ACT

This product uses two standard AA batteries.

• EL-CC-1 / EL-CC-2 / EL-PDF-1 Ranges

The batteries are not replaceable.  

• EL-WiFi Range 

The EL-WiFi loggers feature non-replaceable, rechargeable batteries. If you think the battery has gone flat, connect the logger to a PC using a Micro USB cable (CABLE USB A-MICRO B) for up to 24 hours.

The following data loggers work with the EL-Datapad:

• EL-USB-1
• EL-USB-1-LCD
• EL-USB-1-PRO
• EL-USB-2
• EL-USB-2+
• EL-USB-2-LCD
• EL-USB-2-LCD+
• EL-USB-TC
• EL-USB-TC-LCD
• EL-USB-LITE
• EL-USB-TP-LCD
• EL-USB-TP-LCD+

If you see '---' on the display of your data logger when you press the button, this indicates that the logger is not logging.

'PS' indicates that the data logger is in Push-to-Start mode. Pressing the button will start the data logging session.

'dS' indicates that the data logger is in Delayed Start mode. The data logging session will start at the time specified when the logger was set up.

Unfortunately we do not have Easylog sensor software that is compatible with Mac, Linux or Unix as there are no available drivers for the main sensor and control device that is used in our loggers, other than Windows drivers.  As the demand for alternative drivers is very low, the device manufacturer is unlikely to invest in the cost of developing and supporting alternative drivers.

One possible solution for Mac would be to install the software on a under a Windows emulator. Customers are using Parallels or VMware Fusion. The EL-USB-WIN software can be downloaded from here.  Whilst, we cannot guarantee the smooth operation of our software using this method, many customers report satisfactory use.

Mac users should under no circumstance, attempt to install the EL-USB-WIN software from the software disc previously supplied with the logger, as the small diameter of the disk could cause significant damage to the Mac disc drive. 

The only other solution that we can offer for temperature or temperature and humidity loggers, only, is to use the EL-DataPad to set up and manage the loggers.  This will allow you to download the data from the logger which is converted into a comma separated .txt file in the EL-DataPad.  If you then plug the EL-DataPad into a USB port in the alternative platform, it will normally be seen as a mass storage device.  You can then transfer the comma separated.txt file into your platform and manipulate this in a spread sheet program.

You can set up as many EL-USB and EL-GFX data loggers as you like on a PC, but you can only connect one logger at a time.

1. Turn your EL-DataPad on and connect it to a USB port on your PC.
2. Download the latest EL-DataPad firmware and unzip the file. Simply double click the zip file to open it.
3. Drag and drop, extract or copy the file in the zip to your EL-DataPad.
4. Turn the EL-DataPad on again by pushing the button. The unit will restart and automatically load the update file.

The firmware is updated. To check the firmware version on the EL-DataPad press the SETTINGS icon on the bottom right of your screen and select the STATUS button.

The sensor life on a EL-USB-CO/CO300 logger is typically 4 years. You can find the exact expiry date in the EasyLog software under Current Status. 

Yes, the data logger is IP67 rated and therefore makes it the perfect device to use both indoors and outdoors.

The best thing about external probes is that the logger itself doesn’t need to be in the environment you want to measure. This is perfect for public spaces where you may not wish for the current readings to be visible or where the logger would take up too much space.

A probe error could be generated by the following:

• If a probe is not fully inserted
• If the logger is set up for two probes but only one is inserted
• If the probes have been swapped

When downloading the data the Event Log will show these errors and name the specific event that occurred and show the reading as -50°C (-58°F).

This can be done from the device or the software.

Device: Press the spanner button and the option ‘Start Logging’ will appear. Press the tick button to confirm.

Software: Launch the EL-USB-WIN software and click ‘Set up and start the USB data logger’

Press the i button on the device and navigate down until the ‘reset’ button appears. Press the reset button.

Press the spanner tab on the device and navigate down to ‘Logger Settings’. You can then scroll through your settings.

Press the spanner tab on the device and navigate down to ‘Logger Settings’. You can then scroll through and see the serial number (S/N) of each probe.

Press the i button on the device and navigate down navigate down to the final page.

Press the i button on the device and navigate down navigate down to the final page.

Press the spanner tab on the device and navigate down to ‘Logger Settings’. You can then scroll through and see the High and Low Alarm settings.

This reading will appear if there was a probe error whilst the logger was collecting your data. This could be due to a probe being unplugged or swapped.

We've put together a help guide on battery and driver issues, check it out here.