Good morning, Scott:
I have frequently encountered (and used) these types of recording devices. Essentially the recorder can be hooked up to a variety of sensors – usually meteorological in nature, and they are useful in that they provide long-term recording. They are a bit old school (perhaps rather like me), and I have used them to record wind speed/direction (“wind roses”) and barometric pressures.
I suspect the homeowner was a weather buff, and used it for the same thing – although I cant make out the units on the paper.
Cheers!
Caoimhín P. Connell
Forensic Industrial Hygienist
Forensic Industrial Hygiene
(The opinions expressed here are exclusively my personal opinions and do not necessarily reflect my professional opinion, opinion of my employer, agency, peers, or professional affiliates. The above post is for information only and does not reflect professional advice and is not intended to supercede the professional advice of others.)
AMDG