Sensors, logging, and measurement

Data begins at the sensor

A data logger is only as reliable as the measurement chain: physical quantity, transducer, conditioning, sampling, conversion, storage, and analysis. Each stage introduces possible uncertainty.

Identify resolution, accuracy, precision, latency, and calibration separately. More digits in a display do not necessarily represent better measurements.

A minimal experiment record

• Identify equipment and firmware revision.
• Record calibration reference and date.
• Keep raw observations and timestamps.
• Record environmental or loading conditions.
• Store analysis code alongside its output.

Make results repeatable

Where possible, keep instruments isolated from the systems they measure, use documented procedures, and check the result against a second measurement method.