As the title says - what equipment do I need to start data logging voltage and current during various activities? Charging cells, discharging (at various currents), LED bench testing, etc.
Budget minded solutions are always good, but I’m not opposed to purchasing quality tools when it is appropriate and provides value.
The EBD-USB+ is pretty good for logging. Just make appropriate adapters to connect to its USB input and output. It can handle 0-21 volts and 0-4 amps and also acts as a constant current load for testing capacity. For just batteries the SkyRC MC3000 is great.
I often use DMM’s with computer connection, but in some situation power supplies and electronic loads with computer connection can do it.
EEVBlog is working on a new DMM with build-in memory card, i.e. it can log without a computer connection.
That sounds awesome. Do you have a link to the thread on their forum? I wanted to know when they’ll have it ready.
In the case of measuring current, I assume it is difficult (or at least lots of $$$:money_mouth_face: to get a device that will handle high currents/power by itself internally - I’d this where things like shunt resistors come into play? Instead of measuring actual 20A current, you instead measure the voltage across a shunt resistor of known R and calculate out the current?
Either that or use a clamp meter. For logging a shunt is probably cheapest (I have not seen many clamps with logging)
He aims for $200 on Kickstarter and it will be instantly sold out.
Thanks. $200 is a bit steep for my budget, but I suppose it’ll be worth it.
OP, if you are looking for something less expensive, I believe Uni-T UT61E has a computer connection for logging, and can be had for around $50.
Well it will has Bluetooth in it and a control software for the phone for logging data, low burden range, 15V diode test, running on AAs, compact. SD-Slot.
A solid meter with some rare features. And it’s to pricy for me too.
So, for my first attempt at budget data logging:
*EDB-USB+
or…
YZXstudio 1270*
???
I like the EDB-USB based on a video review I’ve watched, but you would need to buy a USB adapter to be able to test cells with it.
Same for YZXstudio, no?
I figured I could use a USB breakout board to test cells?
Another option for a logging DMM (via bluetooth / smartphone app), under $40: Southwire 16040T
Sorry, no personal experience with it, so I don't know how reliable/accurate it is.
I think one of the best value, maybe the cheapest, DMMs with computer interface, is the UNI-T 61x range.
I have a couple of UT-61Ds, bought half price for £25 each when my local Clas Ohlson was closing down 
… 
http://www.clasohlson.com/uk/USB-UT61D-Multimeter-/36-4717#moreinfo
They come with optically isolated USB and RS-232 cables and basic PC logging software which can export the results in .txt or .csv files for post processing. Apparently other software is also compatible.
Edit: some vendors don’t include the USB cable, just the RS-232, make sure you choose one who does.
The 61E would probably be worth the extra, at list price.
http://uni-trend.com/productsdetail.aspx?ProductsID=604&ProductsCateId=743&CateId=743
I haven’t put them to use yet in a logging setup, but they seem to have the basics needed. You could even use the 10A setting for current measurement, but I think you’d be much better off using a shunt. You will get more precise readings using a shunt in any case, compared with a clamp meter.
DIY shunts are not too difficult to make, but also easily available on ebay:
Lots and lots of information about these popular meters, certainly not perfect but I find them very good as a big step up from a basic DMM.
E.g. the reviews at: (part 2 shows the logging software).
