List: standalone runtime graph maker/ lux loggers (for flashlight reviewers)

M. one can also use smartphone as luxmeter logger. there are apps on playstore. they save the data in a common format (csv or similar) and one can postprocess it on the PC or laptop.

Converting a time stamp hh:mm:ss to a counter starting from 0sec is a common task ,

Yes, I thought about a smartphone as well, but had no luck with 2. Both didn't have a light meter. Plus I wanted to be sure to have long batterylife.

smartphones have brightness sensors. the light meter is an android app. there are plenty of them called 'light meter' or 'lux meter' on google playstore.

smartphone won't die if it's connected to USB charging (powerbank or wall charger).

I've tried it, works well, convenient "UI" and file management. but sure, a physical light meter is the more robust alternative.

Sorry, I meant a light sensor. I also used the Light Meter app with my phone, but needed it to receive calls and messages. A second phone would be as expensive as a second hand /new lux data logger, but with extended battery life.

I could never figure that out either. So . . . . .

In my Reed Instruments, I always zero the hours/minutes/seconds just before I start a runtime graph. I have to do this every time I do a runtime, but it only takes seconds once you figure it out. Excel then accepts this as starting at 12:00am.

The Benetech GM1020 is ok if you master installing the driver (the device apparently uses a fake FTDI chip and needs an old driver) and upload the settings (doing this the first time is tricky). Beware: Windows 10 eliminates your driver in more recent versions, so it has to be reinstalled from time to time. And it’s getting harder each time.

Last time I did this I had to deinstall the Win driver and install the old driver before Windows could find the new, non-working one. Disconnecting from the net might work, too.

I can help if anyone wants to take this route. The GM1020 is the only budget meter able to store that many data points.

Good call Terry, that is a great idea. This is one of the things they could have improved, but on the other hand, most people probably use it for something else, and not for runtime graphs :)

I could find a driver and software online for the Extech, so I think I'm okay.. not sure if something could cause troubles in the future of course.

Thanks Unheard, thanks for sharing. If anybody goes that route, they know what to do.

I wonder if any of these companies would consider doing a group buy for a luxmeter that could log to USB.

I like the idea !

Note that the Reed Instruments does NOT have to be tethered to a computer. It has a memory card slot - that I remove when done with runtime tests. It also has an optional external power supply that can keep the data logging going for days if necessary (see sample below). I don't think the Extech has either. I wonder how long the Extech can run on one 9V battery? The Reed Instruments uses six AA's.

Just letting you know the pros and cons.

Although I already have 2 log meters, 1 being less than ideal and including some problems (Extech HD400) the SDL400 does a good job at what I want it to do.

But for the sake of other reviewers, a little bump to see if there are any other alternatives.

This looks like an upgraded GM1020?

Benetech GM1030

https://aliexpress.com/item/33010626789.html

I have the UT382… it can be either of these:

-Completely useless because the drivers are impossible to install on anything running windows 7 or newer.

-After installing the drivers on a W10 machine running a virtual instance of windows XP it works great and can easily export values to excel, you can set minimum/maximum value for start/stop, customize data logging interval and real time monitoring. When I was doing reviews I set up a macro to automatically export the values to my runtime graph on excel and after some quick value touch ups I would have a nice runtime graph in less than 5 minutes.

Downsides are it uses a proprietary port so the meter dies with the cable, and it won’t receive power from USB meaning it will drain your batteries QUICK unless you buy one of those Li-Ion to 9V adapter with usb charging from eBay.

Once past the initial setup it is a breeze to use and export the values to your runtime chart. I’d recommend buying one and try to get the drivers sorted out, worst case scenario you get a light meter with no data log function :slight_smile: I contacted UT asking them to update the drivers (they just need to sign them) but received no response.

Thanks Will! Added a link to your post in the OP

Will the 1030 connect to a PC for uploading data?

No, bluetooth to your phone.

Thanks, so I’ll stick to the 1020.

I'm currently spending some of my spare time on a personal project I've had my sights set on for a while - a standalone runtime test setup based off of the Adafruit TSL2591 light sensor and a Raspberry Pi Zero.

Making it standalone is a bit of a learning experience for someone like myself with little coding skills, but if you want to use it connected to a PC it would be very easy. The sensor and RPi0 together are less than $20, and the rest of the pieces needed to get up and running you probably have in a junk drawer somewhere (microUSB cable, microSD card, some wire).

Edit: If I were going to use this tethered to a PC, I would probably replace the RPi0 with an Arduino Micro or similar.

Arduino is interesting. I did a lot with the Leonardo with its native USB port. You can make it a keyboard to transfer data. And I think there’s a SD shield available. Add LCD and sensor and be done with the hardware.

If you build one and if you make a thread about it, please let me know so I can add that here

I’ll be sure to make a post and link to here if it ever gets to a complete state :slight_smile: