A Quick Comparison of the CR1000X, CR1000, and CR6 Dataloggers

We recently released the CR1000X Measurement and Control Datalogger, and you may be wondering how it compares with our widely used CR1000 datalogger and our innovative CR6 datalogger. If you’re in the market for a new data logger, how do you know which one is best suited to your application? In this blog article, we’ll look at some differentiators that may help you with your purchasing decision.

How will you use your data logger?

One method to decide among the three data loggers is to consider your basic measurement and control needs and how you will use your data logger. Although these three data loggers share common functionality traits so that they can all be used in most applications, perhaps one of the scenarios described below matches with your situation.

CR1000

There is no reason to continue to purchase the CR1000. The CR1000 has been an excellent choice in data loggers; however, the CR1000X can do everything the CR1000 can—only better! The CR1000X will even fit seamlessly into an existing network of CR1000s.

CR1000X

If your application requires between four and 10 sensors (typical of full meteorological, agricultural, and hydrological/water quality monitoring systems), the CR1000X will be your ideal choice. The CR1000X includes dedicated analog and digital ports—an excellent combination when your application requires a varied selection of sensors to be measured and/or devices to be controlled. These features are also beneficial when your application will remain unchanged for long periods—years or decades measuring the same parameters. The CR1000X also introduces the highest level of accuracy in analog measurements of any of our data loggers.

The CR1000X may be your best solution in any of these scenarios:

• You have a traditional monitoring station intended for long-term, continuous operation.
• High accuracy is critical for your analog sensors.
• You are currently using CR1000 dataloggers.

CR6

Although many of the communication functions and specifications of the CR6 are the same as the CR1000X, the unique universal terminals of the CR6 can be configured to operate as digital, analog, or vibrating wire inputs. These universal terminals make the CR6 an ideal data logger for repurposing to meet the changing needs of your multiple applications, such as for research projects that change frequently. Also, because of the universal terminals, up to six low-level ac ports can be configured. This makes an ideal configuration when you are measuring multiple sensors that generate low-level ac (that is, wind speed sensors, water flow sensors, etc.). If your application requires a data logger with integrated radio communications, the CR6 may provide the solution you’re looking for. Unlike the CR1000X, the CR6 provides options with Wi-Fi or spread-spectrum radios built into the data logger, eliminating the need for an external radio. The CR6 is also an ideal data logger when you are using up to six vibrating wire sensors, which are used extensively in structural monitoring.

The CR6 may be your best solution in any of these scenarios:

• Your system is used with vibrating wire sensors.
• You frequently change the sensor types you use in your system.
• You require an integrated radio system. 

Tip: You can expand the functionality of all three data loggers using input/output expansion modules, communication peripherals, and memory expansion devices.  

Which specifications are most important to you?

Another method to make your selection is to review the specifications of the three data loggers to determine which one most closely meets your application’s requirements. The chart below highlights some of the specifications for the three data loggers:

Conclusion

Selecting a data logger is an individual decision that is dependent upon the needs of your organization and your application. We hope the information in this article has helped you determine your most suitable data logger—or at least, has gotten you started in the selection process. If you have any questions about how the CR1000X, CR1000, and CR6 compare, please post them below.