Came across a couple of errors on the data recorder (5)
I believe the answer is:
meter
'data recorder' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both man-made objects as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?
'came across a couple of errors on' is the wordplay.
'came across' becomes 'met' (to come across is to meet or encounter).
'a couple of errors' becomes 'er' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should give a lot more credence to this answer).
'on' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'met'+'er'='METER'
'the' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for meter that I've seen before include "Device to measure quantity used of fluid, electricity etc" , "Measuring device, say for electricity usage" , "Something measuring" , "Device for measuring and recording" , "Apparatus for measuring" .)