PDL/CDi History: Pembina Lake Erie Datalogger

PDL/CDi History Quick Links: [PLED] [PDL1-PDL4] [CDi99] [PDL5] [CDi2.P6]

Background

• Before the PDL, and prior to the end of 1995, there existed the "Pembina Lake Erie Datalogger" depicted at left. There were older and bigger devices even prior to the "PLED" but little evidence exists. There has been stories of big pods with huge car batteries and VHF transmitters in them, if someone has pictures or other info, please forward.
• Adam had worked for PathTechnics in St. Catharines as a Technical Services Supervisor for all of 1989 and 1990. The Company had a patent on computerized datalogging equipment used in the Cathodic Protection Industry. The equipment was trademarked "MICAPS" and at the end of 1990 consisted of these three datalogger models. Unfortunately this Company went out of business at the end of 1990, so Adam founded Singlechips on April 18th, 1991 to continue with his datalogging work. He maintains to this day his business relationship with Robin Pawson, named as one of the inventors in the above patent, original founder of PathTechnics and eventual founder of OTL Survey Systems, the Christmas parties of which Adam is invited to, and usually attends.
• Above mentioned MICAPS equipment in hand, Adam was hired in '94 to help assemble the Pembina "PLEDs", changed a few things in the process, and he is still at it.
  

"Loggerland" was coined by diver John A. Gallaugher, thank you John, and referred to the building on the left on the way in, just past the gate in the Port Maitland dock. After the lake sell-off in '97-'98 Loggerland moved to Mike's shop by the dock, by then devoid of Mike.
"PDL", shorthand for "Production Data Logger" was coined by JD sometime in 1994. The CDi was named by Adam in late 1998, following the Trustco thing. PDL and CDi have since been virtually the same thing. A PDL is a CDi without a display/keyboard, a CDi is a PDL with a display/keyboard.