DataLogger & GPS

The DataLogger is a simple little box that connects to your GPS and greatly expands your capacity to store track and waypoint data. You must then connect the DataLogger to a computer and download the stored data and access it with GPS/mapping software such as OziExplorer. (See my GPS/Navigation page for more information on Ozi.) This allows you to capture data for very long trips. The unit is also equipped with an 'Even' button, which when press creates a data point with date and time stamp which will appear in an OziExplorer format as a waypoint. I purchased the DGPS-XM2-ALT which is the largest capacity unit that records altitude.

The DGPS-XM2-ALT is recommend for users who want Altitude data and a HUGE storage capacity. In normal mode with date and time, you can store a good 196,500 data points. In Altitude Mode with date and time stamp your looking at 166,300 data points. The price, AUD$350 (Approx $180 USD).

Rob Keskull (Rob) supplies the DataLogger with a variety of capacities. Rob also supplies cables. Rob was wonderful to work with and even dropped the DataLogger in his deep freeze for 36 hours and then downloaded from it to make sure it would withstand the cold.

Since I will be traveling the historic Serum Run trail, I want to be sure I can capture the entire journey via GPS. In the event I, or someone else has the opportunity to make the journey again, I can print custom maps and reload data back into a GPS prior to the trip.

I wanted a simple and affordable why to capture the entire trail via GPS, without risking a computer on the trial. I needed something that was small and fairly light, and would not be difficult to supply power to on the trail. It also had to be able to endure possible extreme cold weather.

The best way I found was the DataLogger. While the DataLogger is not weather proof, it can be placed in a waterproof or zip lock bag and stored inside the dash bag on my snowmobile. (There is no need to keep the DataLogger in line of site of satellites, it is simply receiving data from the GPS.)

A few quick and friendly e-mails between Rob Keskull and myself helped me decide which model to buy and what cables I would need. After telling Rob that I intended to use it for the Serum Run, he cold tested my unit in his deep freeze for 36 hours just to insure it would withstand the cold with no data loss. It took a couple days to put together the cable I wanted, and then it was on the way via Fed Ex (traceable) for a fee of 66 AUD ($34 USD). Fast, friendly and simple! Everything arrived in fine shape.	Click on the images to see larger view
The small 8 page manual that came with it does a good job of explaining the DataLogger and how to install the software. Installation of the download software was a breeze. Once install make sure you direct it to access the correct com port. You can also select what format you want to download data to. Rob suggested downloading in the csv (comma separated) and the convert it to OziExplorer format. (If you cannot find your download data, try looking in the temp .tmp file in the DataLogger folder.) The DataLogger set up is simple too, but it takes a little thinking to decide how you want data collected. A practice trip or two might be helpful in seeing how the data is collected in the various modes. (Modes are changed by way of the dip switches in the battery compartment, and may be changed on the fly while recording data with no data loss.) The corner of the battery cover can be used to set dip switches. You will need to make sure that you set your GPS interface format to NMEA to commutate with the DataLogger. (I use the GARMIN format to talk to OziExplorer, so I have to be sure to switch to NMEA for DataLogger use.) Data is automatically recorded when connected to an active GPS. A single red flashing LED singles data and battery status. If the GPS is turned off or the data cable is disconnected, the DataLogger goes into a sleep mode. A single 9v battery supplies all power unless connected to another source such as a 12v cigarette lighter adapter (which can be configured to power both the DataLogger and GPS, which is the cable I also ordered). To completely shut down the unit you simply disconnect the battery, no data loss occurs.
In less than an hour after opening the package I was able to capture data from my GPS and download it to my computer and view it on a map with OziExplorer. The default 4800 baud speed was not lighting fast, but it can be set up to 38400, even faster on some of the XM2 models. (The transfer speed is accessible from the set up menu within the download software.) The DataLogger comes with a serial port connection cable, but a USB adapter may be purchased that allows data transfer via a USB port. Rob is working on a DataLogger to USB cable which will be similar to the commercially available USB to serial adapters, but it should cost less.
The DataLogger preformed perfectly on the 2002 Serum Run, enabling to capture an accurate track log of the entire 800 mile 16 day trip, which I now have stored for future use! Using the captured data and OziExplorer, I have been able to over lay the route we traveled on USGS maps, and even replay the track complete with speed and elevation. I used the data to produce maps for the 2004 Serum Run, and will be producing maps for the 2005 Serum Run also.

There are several models of DataLoggers. priced at about $200 US. All prices on the DataLogger web site are in Australian Dollars. You can do a quick currency conversion by clicking here: currency conversion The only place I know if to find the DataLogger is from:

Rob Keskull

GPS Data Loggers

267 Lakemba St, Lakemba 2195, Sydney, NSW, Australia

Fax +61 (0)2 9759 9558

e-mail: robk@tig.com.au

www.gps-datalogger.com

Visit the Web Site for to see all the DataLoggers and their capacities.

They do not have a Secure site, however you can send your credit card data via fax or broken up over several e-mails.

Be sure to tell him I said 'Gidday'

Rob can also have custom cables assembled to meet your DataLogger needs.