HOBOware
Onset Computer Corporation
Companion software for Onset HOBO environmental data loggers — the gold standard in scientific-grade unattended environmental monitoring. HOBOware reads logger data and produces multi-parameter time-series plots of temperature, humidity, light, and more — the baseline data backbone for serious overnight investigations.
HOBOware is the PC and Mac companion application for Onset HOBO data loggers. Onset are a Massachusetts company that has manufactured environmental monitoring equipment for scientific and industrial use since 1987. HOBO loggers are widely used in climate science, agriculture, building science, and ecology for unattended multi-day data collection. Their adoption in paranormal investigation is growing as investigators recognise the value of objective, calibrated baseline environmental data.
The typical HOBO investigation setup uses a HOBO MX2301A (temperature and humidity, Bluetooth) or HOBO U12-013 (temperature, humidity, light, and external input for additional sensors) to log environmental conditions throughout an investigation night. The logger runs independently, storing data to internal memory. After the investigation, the logger is connected to HOBOware via USB or Bluetooth and the data is downloaded as a multi-channel time-series dataset.
HOBOware's plot output shows temperature, humidity, light level, and any additional channels plotted on aligned time axes. Events noted in the investigation log are overlaid as vertical markers. Any correlation between noted events and environmental measurements is immediately visible. Data exports as CSV for further analysis in Excel, Python, or R. For PRN's evidence standards, HOBO logger data constitutes objective calibrated measurement that can corroborate or contradict subjective investigator reports.
Strengths
- Scientific-grade calibrated environmental measurement
- Multi-parameter logging: temperature, humidity, light, sound, and more
- Unattended overnight operation — no investigator interaction needed
- HOBOware produces professional time-series plots with event overlay
- CSV export for further analysis in Excel or Python
- Onset are a trusted scientific instruments manufacturer
Limitations
- Hardware cost — HOBO loggers from ~$50 to ~$300+ depending on model
- Windows and Mac only — no Linux HOBOware
- Bluetooth connectivity occasionally unreliable on older Macs
Investigator Note
HOBO loggers measure at the logger's location only — they do not monitor the entire room. Place multiple loggers at different locations (floor, ceiling, corners) for spatial coverage. Document logger placement coordinates in investigation records to allow spatial correlation with other evidence.