Data logging hygrometer

[bluedog225]

I am working of insulating a low slope roof. I’ve been all up and down the literature on this subject. There are lots of considerations and factors to evaluate.

At the end of the day, a vented space above the insulation will work, or it won’t. I’m moderately optimistic.

I want to find a high quality, professional quality hygrometer/thermometer with data logging and wired sensors. Ideally, I’d like 3-10 sensors reporting to a central station. But I can have multiple stations if needed. I’ll spend a fair amount for the right instrument.

-I’d prefer wired sensors. I can’t get up there and replace batteries. Or I need several years of battery life to get a read on the situation.

-Data-logging is essential. I’m around all the time. Need temperature and humidity.

-Good quality. Once I seal these up, I will not be able to get back up there without a major project.

This may be a solution. Cheap-ish and consumer quality. 5 should get the job done. Unfortunately batteries. But I’d like to see other recommendations. I’m hoping there is a monitoring station of some sort of industrial station I can buy.

Many thanks

 

[dcg9381]

What are you after here? Trying to gather data to determine if you have a roof leak?

This is a common subject in the area of spray foam insulation depending on your climate... And there are devices out there used for fresh air vent and controlling humidity in sealed spaces.

But a few references to devices I can find for data logging:

Using Smart Technology to Monitor Humidity

Using Smart Technology to Monitor Humidity in your home makes keeping an eye on your indoor air quality issues much easier and in real time.

crawlspaceninja.com

 

[bluedog225]

Thanks. I’m interested in monitoring whether my ventilation system is working, or not, by measuring the humidity above the insulation.

 

[Youngandfree]

Govee has wireless sensors. I've got 3 in freezers and a couple for tracking humidity to see how effective the humidifiers are doing. I started with the freezer sensors so I would get an alarm if one went out. These pics are the temp sensor in the master bedroom. Yes my 56 year old wife needs it cold to sleep and opens 2 windows down to 30 degrees.

 

[Youngandfree]

This is the home screen showing all the sensors I have.

 

[Fav Onefour]

Have you looked at weather station equipment?
There are quite a few variations that run multiple locations and have data recording. I really like the Davis stuff. You could put in a station and tie a few remote sensors to the system.

 

[bluedog225]

Yes. Thanks. I see several that could work.

The main deal I’m after is data logging and at least a solid couple of years battery life if wireless.

It’s the cold nights and muggy mornings that worry me.

The area above the insulation will either tend towards dry or moist. And I can remediate if needed. Having a couple of years of readings will settle the issue.

Sealing it up and not knowing isn’t an option for me.

 

[Denwood]

My approach to this stuff is pretty simple and very reliable. None of these bits are battery powered, which I would avoid in your application.

1. You'll need a Hubitat hub, or similar: https://hubitat.com/ The C7 hub is fine, and only $100 right now.
2. Pick up a Fibaro Smart Implant, or two : https://www.fibaro.com/en/products/smart-implant/
The smart implant requires 12-24 volt power, but the unit communicates with an automation hub via zWave, wireless. Tech stuff is here: https://manuals.fibaro.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/FGBS-222-T-EN-rev.1.2.6.pdf
3. Each Smart Implant can support up to 6 x 6 DS18B20 sensors (temperature only), or 1 DHT sensor (temp and humidity). Six temp sensor will cost all of $15 - https://www.amazon.ca/Gikfun-DS18B2...of-Arduino/dp/B012C597T0?tag=atomicindus04-20
I've extended the wires for these up to 20 feet using some CAT5 cable. DHT-22 sensors are cheap too: https://www.amazon.ca/ACEIRMC-Tempe...-Practice/dp/B08TGQY64D/?tag=atomicindus04-20
4. Set up an account with hundredgraphs.com to graph the data. They have a free app that you set up on the hubitat hub. Throw in an API generated from the web site, and you're good to go..the app sends data to the web site making it super easy to graph, view etc. Free or paid depending on your needs. I use it for my swimming pool solar stuff (page is up but devices are in winter mode): https://www.hundredgraphs.com/public/denwood
5. I use these bits to control our HRV and ECM motors.

You're about $200-250 all in to get 12 sensors logging. The big thing...the bits I linked to are dead reliable. I've got two of the smart implants and 10 or so odd sensors running pool solar and our home ventilation system for the last few years. The hub does not need internet, but you'll want it likely connected so you can monitor off site. The hub also pretty much run your house if you want.

 

[bluedog225]

Dang. Thanks for all the detail!

I’ll do some research and see if I’m smart enough to put it together. Much appreciated.

 

[bb29510]

we call them hi-low thermometers. we use them for testing concrete samples, so look in a geo testing catolog

 

[bluedog225]

I’ve been looking this over. Do you think a non-IT guy can pull this off?

And there is no internet out at the place. Will the Habitat hub store the data until I can download it to a phone?

Thanks

 

[Denwood]

Yes, you can set up logging on the Hubitat for given number of events per device. You could likely just capture temps once an hour, and set the logs up for each device to capture as many events stored as you like. If you can read, you can set this up

I would do all of your setup connected to the web so you download bits if you need, or update the hub. It will work fine disconnected after You can always pm me and I'll be glad to help. This is what the temp log looks like for one of the sensors checking temps every minute. You can literally just copy and paste into excel if you want. There is some time variation in the reports because the device only reports temps if they change more than 0.36 F . You can change this threshold as well.

 

[bluedog225]

Great. Thanks again!

 

[35k0]

Govee has wireless sensors. I've got 3 in freezers and a couple for tracking humidity to see how effective the humidifiers are doing. I started with the freezer sensors so I would get an alarm if one went out. These pics are the temp sensor in the master bedroom. Yes my 56 year old wife needs it cold to sleep and opens 2 windows down to 30 degrees.

I came to say this as well, they are only like $14 a piece too. They work well.

 

[Denwood]

I came to say this as well, they are only like $14 a piece too. They work well.

Govee looks pretty simple and cheap with the WIFI gateway. Can it log locally without a web connection? Looking at operation with the app, I suspect the WIFI gateway uploads via a web API so you can access data remotely from the phone app.

What is the battery life typically if a sensor is in the freezer?

 

[Youngandfree]

Govee looks pretty simple and cheap with the WIFI gateway. Can it log locally without a web connection? Looking at operation with the app, I suspect the WIFI gateway uploads via a web API so you can access data remotely from the phone app.

What is the battery life typically if a sensor is in the freezer?

Has either AA or AAA batteries. The unit is magnetized and outside the freezer. Just the wire and temp probe goes in.

Not sure if it logs offline or not, likely not. Most cheaper end wifi IoT devices are all cloud based.

 

[engineer2]

Wireless is a good way to go. Of course you need to ask "How many can I run at the same time with your app?"
Full range 0 to 100% humidity sensors cost more, but 20-100% sensors work for most climates.
A useful measurement is dew point.
If the space has good air circulation, you may be able to get by with fewer, but it also depends on the area.

Some manufacturers to check:
https://www.supco.com/ (big in the HVAC market)
https://www.onsetcomp.com/ (Their HOBO brand is well known)
https://monarchinstrument.com/collections/track-it-rh-temp-data-loggers
https://www.vaisala.com/ (more of a high end product)
https://www.flir.com/landing/extech/ (They started the made in Taiwan import trend for instruments)

 

[bb29510]

one we got are manual, a marker on a paper chart that turn by a wind clock

 

[35k0]

Govee looks pretty simple and cheap with the WIFI gateway. Can it log locally without a web connection? Looking at operation with the app, I suspect the WIFI gateway uploads via a web API so you can access data remotely from the phone app.

What is the battery life typically if a sensor is in the freezer?

The one I am using collects data and syncs via bluetooth when you are nearby or in the house.

https://www.amazon.com/Govee-Thermometer-Hygrometer-Bluetooth-Temperature?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Plump]

The Govee is great. Logs both via wifi and Bluetooth. The online/wifi logging isn't at detailed as when you turn on your Bluetooth and grab it's logs. Batteries last a LONG time through the temperature swings here from 30 - 90 in my garage. Totally worth purchasing these.