Choosing a data acquisition recorder can feel like weighing two different purchases: a working instrument for your lab or shop, or the consumables that keep an existing recorder going. This guide compares four options at very different price points: a fresh bundle of chart paper, two recorders that need attention, and a used Honeywell.
Quick Take
At a glance, the low end is a Kipp & Zonen BD 41 and the high end is a Honeywell DR4300. The Yokogawa product is a paper bundle rather than a recorder, and the Omega recorder is the unit that needs work. If you already have a chart recorder, the paper bundle may be the more relevant buy; if you are shopping for a recorder, you will want to weigh the lower-priced units against the Honeywell.
Price Comparison
| Product | Price | Bar | Condition | What stands out |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lot of 10x Yokogawa B9573AN Folding Chart Recorder Paper Pads | $249.00 | New | Strip chart paper, 66 ft long, 20 cm wide | |
| Omega Chart Recorder (For Parts or Repair) | $347.23 | For parts or not working | No power cord | |
| Kipp & Zonen BD 41 Chart Recorder | $45.00 | Used | No power cord | |
| Honeywell DR4300 Truline Chart Recorder | $550.00 | Used | No power cord; 30-day warranty; tips may be missing |
Decision Matrix
- If you need a used unit to experiment with: Kipp & Zonen BD 41 Chart Recorder
- If you want a hands-on recorder project: Omega Chart Recorder (For Parts or Repair)
- If you want a used recorder with less uncertainty: Honeywell DR4300 Truline Chart Recorder
- If you need fresh chart paper rather than a recorder: Lot of 10x Yokogawa B9573AN Folding Chart Recorder Paper Pads
The Four Options
Lot of 10x Yokogawa B9573AN Folding Chart Recorder Paper Pads
These are folded strip chart paper pads from Yokogawa, with non-thermal paper and a uniform 0-to-100 scale in increments of 10. Each pad is 66 feet long and 20 cm wide, which gives a long run before you need to swap it. If your recorder takes this style of folding paper, this bundle is the only new item in the lineup and avoids the risk of used consumables. The limitation is that it is paper only: you still need a chart recorder at the other end. At $249, this is a significant outlay for a consumable, so it makes sense mainly if you have the right recorder and want a multi-pad supply.
Omega Chart Recorder (For Parts or Repair)
For a buyer who enjoys troubleshooting, this Omega recorder shows signs of life: it powers on and the motor spins when the switch is actuated. Debris is loose inside, and the unit has not been fully tested. The price sits at $347.23, which is between the paper bundle and the Honeywell, so it is not the cheapest way into this group. The upside is that a repair-minded shopper gets a concrete starting point rather than a completely unknown unit. The catch is that it is sold as-is, so you should treat it as a project and not a plug-and-play recorder.
Kipp & Zonen BD 41 Chart Recorder
This used Kipp & Zonen BD 41 is the lowest-priced recorder in the group, which makes it a practical choice for someone who wants to experiment without investing much. It turns on, and pressing the buttons makes things move, but it has not been tested beyond that. Units in this lot may have different markings on them. If you are comfortable with an as-is instrument, the low entry price gives you room to see whether this style of recorder fits your setup. The limitation is the uncertainty: you are buying on the strength of basic button movement rather than a full operational check.
Honeywell DR4300 Truline Chart Recorder
The Honeywell DR4300 is the highest-priced unit here, but it also carries the clearest condition statement: used with minor cosmetic wear and a 30-day warranty. Some units may lack the red/purple tips, so account for that when you make your choice. If you want a recorder with a stated warranty and a less uncertain starting point, this is the one to choose. The main limitation is the price and the fact that you are buying a used instrument, and the not-included power cord means you will need to source one separately.
Final Recommendation
If your priority is a used recorder with the clearest condition statement, the Honeywell DR4300 is the pick. If you want a direct entry point to a recorder project, the Kipp & Zonen BD 41 makes sense. If you enjoy troubleshooting, the Omega gives you a concrete project. If your recorder is already set up and needs paper, the Yokogawa pads are the consumable choice.
