Background

EggLogger is the name of a small datalogger that can be inserted in 3D-printed eggs. These devices are used to measure and record the temperature and turning of the egg in the nest when the bird is breeding.
I have developed the EggLogger in close collaboration with Han van Leeuwen and Bert Kleijer, bird teachers at Aeres MBO Barneveld. The EggLogger is a small electronic device that senses the turning of an egg by a breeding bird in a nest. This sensing is done by three small accelerometers that measure gravity in three directions. From these measurements, two tilt angles can be derived. The measurements are stored in the device inside the egg for later analysis. Along with the accelerometer measurements, the temperature of the egg is measured and stored.
The device is powered by a small button-cell battery. After a recording of typically three weeks, the information can be downloaded to a computer by means of a micro-USB cable and a specifically designed computer interface device. Duration of a recording is mainly limited by internal storage capacity. In practise, duration of the recording may last from a month for high detail recordings up till three months for low detail recordings.
Information can be presented in a graph on the screen and can be stored in a file using a standard file format. This file can be imported in for instance Microsoft-Excel for further processing and analysis. Currently the interface software is only available for Microsoft Windows (XP or higher). Different sized eggs are available to investigate the breeding behaviour of different birds.
Only a single USB interface device is required to interface several EggLoggers.

EggLogger v3

This version of the EggLogger (v3) has a recharge-able battery so no battery replacement is needed. It is further optimized for low energy consumption. When not in use, the battery (theoretically, and not tested!) lasts for almost 10 years before it needs to be recharged. Recharging can be done using the USB-interface device that connects the EggLogger to the computer. Recharging typically takes 8 hours depending on the depletion state of the battery.

EggLogger v4

Version v4 of the EggLogger is now ready. This version is even smaller in size (egg size 20 x 16 mm). It has a recharge-able battery so no battery replacement is needed. Further it has a very accurate clock built-in so measurements can aftwerwards be related to events or other measurements or recordings (e.g. camera). It is also optimized for low energy consumption. Recharging can be done using the USB-interface device that connects the EggLogger to the computer. Recharging typically takes 8 hours depending on the depletion state of the battery.

v4_EggLogger with egg — v4 EggLogger with 3D printed egg (20 x 16 mm)
This is the smalles egg available

Disclaimer

I developed the EggLogger to support the bird breeding scientific community. EggLogger, interface and 3D-eggs are not commercial products but serialised prototypes at best. I assemble them and deliver them on a non-profit basis. I only ask a small compensation for the hours I have spent in assembling/handling and for material costs. The correct operation of the logger is tested but I can not guarantee it. I do not represent a company and the development and support I deliver is a full private initiative. Prices mentioned on this website all are in euro and include tax/VAT and may change at any time.