METER ZL6 Data Logger
In the research world, success or failure hinges upon using data analysis to arrive at the right conclusion. Unfortunately, most data loggers force you to spend more time collecting data than actually analysing it. With the advent of big data, you can’t afford to be constantly fussing with complex programming, installation headaches, data downloads, data gaps, or maintenance. You need a data logger that puts near-real-time data at your fingertips—whenever, wherever, and however you want it—so you can maximise your paper output.
METER Group have reinvented their entire data logging system so the ZL6 can be your ultimate research partner. Easier, more advanced, and more robust, the ZL6 introduces cloud-based data delivery, Bluetooth® configuration, GPS, firmware-over-the-air updates, and integrated metadata, all which simplify and speed up the process of data collection, management, and sharing.
- Ultra-rugged and durable construction
- Configure via Bluetooth with the ZENTRA Utility app
- Plug and play with METER sensors
- Six sensor ports
- Works with ZENTRA Cloud to enable near real-time data viewing anywhere with an internet connection (data can also be downloaded via USB)
- Integrated GPS and barometric pressure measurement
- Simple setup
- Firmware-over-the-air updates
- Built-in solar panel for extended deployments
- Rechargeable nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries
- Stores 40,000 to 80,000+ records, depending on sensor configuration
- Best for viewing data on the go
- See signal strength and connection quality in real time: test connectivity at your site BEFORE installation
- Transmitted data is backed up in the data logger memory to give you extra data protection
The ZL6 uses ZENTRA Cloud to deliver near-real-time data wherever and whenever you need it. This means your grad students can spend less time downloading data in the field, and more time generating research papers. Accessing data on ZENTRA Cloud speeds up your analysis by enabling you to correlate event factors, see important trends, or discover problems almost instantly, from the comfort of your own desk, and if there’s no cell service at your site, you can still download your data via USB.
Plus, data is now incredibly easy to distribute and share. Simply enter an email and send an invitation – your collaborators can instantly see what you see. The ZL6 and ZENTRA Cloud allow you and others to review data the way you want, whether it’s in map format, short graphs, a list, or downloading to data-analysis packages.
Good at everything, so you don’t have to be
With the ZL6, you no longer have to be a specialist in every discipline. Using the ZL6 is like having a meteorologist, a soil physicist, and more, at your disposal, allowing you more time to focus on your speciality. How? The ZL6 connects up to six different types of METER sensors, so you can monitor different parameters, such as weather, soil moisture, and soil water potential, all at the same time, giving you deeper insight. We’ve also integrated barometric pressure to eliminate the need to install extra sensors. Because everything is plug and play, you don’t have to be an expert at wiring or programming.
Uncomplicated. Almost unbreakable. And unbelievable.
We engineered the ZL6 to be extremely robust and low maintenance, so you can almost forget about your data logger completely. The ZL6’s integrated solar charging panel means there’s hardly any power maintenance required. An IP56-rated enclosure designed for shedding rain makes sure water doesn’t get in. More secure cable handling ensures sensor cables don’t get yanked out. A hidden antenna limits breakage. And we’ve added fully round clasps and hinges that won’t break.
Plus, the ZL6 requires little setup. It self-recognises what’s plugged into each port (as long as they’re digital sensors), and the new ZENTRA app uses Bluetooth to configure digital sensors on any device, so you can bring a cell phone to the field instead of a heavy laptop. You can even configure the sensors from your office using ZENTRA Cloud. We also added GPS, so it automatically keeps track of where data is collected. Firmware updates over-the-air means ZENTRA Cloud updates ZL6 firmware automatically, with no effort from you.
| Sensor input ports | 6 (supports METER analog, digital, or pulse sensors) |
| Sensor port type | 3.5-mm stereo plug connector |
| Logging interval | 5 min to 12 h |
| Reporting interval | Hourly with additional charges for more frequent reporting |
| Data storage | 8 MB (40,000 to 80,000+ records depending on configuration) |
| Memory type | Nonvolatile flash, full data retention with loss of power |
| Global position | Integrated 56-channel GPS/QZSS receiver |
| GPS position update | Daily (automatic) and on-demand (manual) |
| GPS position accuracy | ±3 m, with good sky view |
| Timekeeping | Synchronise automatically and on-demand; GPS system, cellular, or software |
| Battery capacity | 6 AA NiMH or alkaline batteries |
| NiMH battery charging | Solar energy harvesting or USB |
| NiMH battery life | 3+ years with unobstructed view of sun |
| Alkaline battery life | 3–12 months depending on configuration |
| Computer communication | Standard USB cable, USB A to micro-B |
| Cellular specifications | UMTS 3G 5-band cellular module with 2G fallback |
| Cellular coverage | T&T® and T-Mobile® in USA, 200+ global partner carriers. Cellular and data hosting service provided by METER. |
| Internet downloads | SSL/TLS encrypted |
| Enclosure | Weather-, impact-, and UV-resistant polymer |
| Enclosure rating | IP56, NEMA 3R |
| Enclosure size | 14.9 cm × 25 cm × 6.3 cm (5.9 in × 9.9 in × 2.5 in) |
| Enclosure access | Hinged door with latches and eyelets for lock or zip tie |
| Operating environment | -40 to +60°C (0%–100% relative humidity) |
| Compliance | Manufactured under ISO 9001:2015 EM ISO/IEC 17050:2010 (CE Mark) |