Managing and Sharing Data

With an RX3000 or RX2100 station, data uploaded to HOBOlink is saved to a database, with data points saved at each logging interval. This gives you the flexibility to choose the precise sensor data you want from any point or any number of stations in a custom export that you can view in other programs or share with others. For example, you can set up an export that includes all sensor data or one that has only smart sensor data. Or, you can set up one export that has just temperature data and another that has just barometric pressure data. There are numerous ways to customize your data. You can set up or access existing exports from the Exports tab on the device page or by clicking Data and then Exports (see Exporting Data). You can also have it automatically delivered to any email address or FTP/SFTP location on a schedule that you select (see Scheduling Data Delivery).

Important: It is recommended that you use scheduled data downloads to archive all the data in a safe location as a backup. Consider setting up an export that includes all sensor data (see Exporting Data) and is delivered to an email address or FTP/SFTP location on a regular schedule (see Scheduling Data Delivery). You can then keep those files to retain a full data history as needed.

With a U30 station, data uploaded to HOBOlink is saved to a database, with data points saved at a one-minute resolution (data logged at faster intervals is aggregated). In addition, all logged data is available in a HOBOware-compatible file format (.dtf) and an optional text file format (.csv) if "Save data as text file" was selected in Readout Configuration. The file name consists of the description entered in Launch Configuration followed by a sequence number identifying the order in which the files were created. The first time the device connects to HOBOlink after being launched, the new .dtf and .csv files (if applicable) are created. At each subsequent readout, new data recorded after the previous readout is added to the .dtf file until the device stops logging, is relaunched, or the memory wraps (because the device is set to "Wrap when memory fills" in General Configuration). At that point, new .dtf and .csv files (if applicable) are created with a new sequence number. The following figure illustrates how data files are created when memory wraps.

You can access these files from either the Exports tab on your device page or by clicking Data and then Data Files tab. For more details, see Downloading U30 Data Files.

You can also create your own custom exported data in which you select the devices, sensors, and time frame you want to include in the file. Exported files can be created as needed or generated automatically for delivery via FTP/SFTP or email on a schedule you specify. For more details, see Exporting Data and Scheduling Data Delivery.

You can set up HOBOconnect to automatically upload data to HOBOlink from MX series loggers via an MX Gateway or HOBOconnect once a readout is complete (see Getting Started for details on setting up an MX Gateway or MX series loggers). When data is uploaded for the first time for a logger deployment, a new entry is added to the MX Devices list (click Devices and then MX Devices to view the list). Otherwise, an existing deployment in the list will be updated if data was previously uploaded for that logger deployment. You can access the data by clicking Data and then Exports (see Exporting Data). You can also configure HOBOlink to automatically deliver exported data to any email address or FTP/SFTP location on a schedule that you select (see Scheduling Data Delivery) or create a custom dashboard to share (see Using Dashboards).