Campbell TempVue 20 SDI-12 User manual

Revision: 11/2023
Copyright ©2023
Campbell Scientific, Inc.
TempVue™20
SDI-12
PT-100 RTD Class A Precision, Digital
Air Temperature Sensor
PRODUCT MANUAL

Please read first
About this manual
Please note that this manual was produced by Campbell Scientific Inc. primarily for the North
American market. Some spellings, weights and measures may reflect this. In addition, while most
of the information in the manual is correct for all countries, certain information is specific to the
North American market and so may not be applicable to European users. Differences include the
U.S. standard external power supply details where some information (for example the AC
transformer input voltage) will not be applicable for British/European use. Please note, however,
that when a power supply adapter is ordered from Campbell Scientific it will be suitable for use in
your country.
Reference to some radio transmitters, digital cell phones and aerials (antennas) may also not be
applicable according to your locality. Some brackets, shields and enclosure options, including
wiring, are not sold as standard items in the European market; in some cases alternatives are
offered.
Recycling information for countries subject to WEEE regulations 2012/19/EU
At the end of this product’s life it should not be put in commercial or domestic refuse
but sent for recycling. Any batteries contained within the product or used during the
products life should be removed from the product and also be sent to an appropriate
recycling facility, per The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE)
Regulations 2012/19/EU. Campbell Scientific can advise on the recycling of the
equipment and in some cases arrange collection and the correct disposal of it,
although charges may apply for some items or territories. For further support, please
contact Campbell Scientific, or your local agent.

Table of contents
1. Introduction 1
2. Precautions 1
3. Initial inspection 2
4. QuickStart 3
5. Overview 6
6. Specifications 7
7. Installation 8
7.1 Wiring 8
7.2 Programming 9
7.2.1 CRBasic programming 9
7.3 Siting 10
7.4 Installation in a radiation shield 11
7.5 Mount the shield 12
8. Operations 13
8.1 SDI-12 sensor measurements 13
8.2 Updating the operation system (OS) using XLOADOS SDI-12 command 15
9. Maintenance and troubleshooting 17
9.1 Maintenance 17
9.2 Troubleshooting 18
10. References 18
Appendix A. Importing Short Cut code into CRBasic Editor 19
Appendix B. SDI-12 sensor support 20
B.1 SDI-12 command basics 20
B.1.1 Acknowledge active command (a!) 21
B.1.2 Send identification command (al!) 21
B.1.3 Start verification command (aV!) 22
B.1.4 Address query command (?!) 22
Table of Contents - i

B.1.5 Change address command (aAb!) 22
B.1.6 Start measurement commands (aM!) 23
B.1.7 Start concurrent measurement commands (aC!) 23
B.1.8 Start measurement commands with cyclic redundancy check (aMC! and aCC!) 25
B.1.9 Stopping a measurement command 25
B.1.10 Send data command (aD0! … aD9!) 25
B.2 SDI-12 transparent mode 26
B.2.1 Changing an SDI-12 address 27
B.3 References 29
Table of Contents - ii

1. Introduction
TheTempVue™20 SDI-12 represents the next generation of air-temperature measurement
sensors, meeting all relevant World Meteorological Organization (WMO1) temperature
recommendations.
Designed with the customer in mind, the TempVue 20 SDI-12 easily interfaces with Campbell
Scientific or third-party data loggers and fits a wide range of active and passive solar radiation
shields. The sensor comes with a short, attached cable and terminates with an M12 connector,
which provides exceptional convenience, environmental protection, and data integrity for use in
a variety of applications. The TempVue 20 SDI-12 communicates with a data logger or RTU using
the SDI-12 protocol.
2. Precautions
lREAD AND UNDERSTAND the Safety (p. 33) section at the back of this manual.
lWhen opening the shipping package, do not damage or cut the cable jacket. If damage to
the cable is suspected, consult with a Campbell Scientific support engineer.
lAlthough rugged, the TempVue 20 SDI-12 should be handled as a precision scientific
instrument.
lDo not bend or damage the measurement tip of the TempVue 20 SDI-12 because this can
affect the measurement quality and potentially damage the sensor.
lDo not modify or attempt to repair the TempVue 20 SDI-12 unit without consulting
Campbell Scientific.
lThis temperature probe meets UKCA and EU declarations of conformity, citing
international standards applicable to the product.
lThe TempVue 20 SDI-12 should not be buried in soil or submerged in water. Refer to
www.campbellsci.com/soil-temperature or www.campbellsci.com/water-temperature for a
list of sensors that are appropriate for soil, road surface, or water temperature applications.
1WMO, 2008. See References (p. 18).
TempVue 20 SDI-12 PT-100 Class A, Precision Air Temperature Sensor 1

3. Initial inspection
lUpon receipt of the TempVue 20 SDI-12, inspect the packaging and contents for damage.
File damage claims with the shipping company.
lImmediately check package contents against the shipping documentation. Contact
Campbell Scientific about any discrepancies.
lTable 3-1 (p. 2) shows the components typically shipped with the TempVue 20 SDI-12.
Table 3-1: TempVue 20 SDI-12 components
Component Quantity Description Image
TempVue 20 SDI-
12 1 Measures air temperature
Extension cable
(ordered as an
option)
1Connects the sensor to the
data logger
Quick deploy
guide 1Provides siting, mounting, and wiring information
Shield extender 1
Allows sensor to be housed
in a 10-plate or 14-plate
radiation shield.
TempVue 20 SDI-12 PT-100 Class A, Precision Air Temperature Sensor 2

lFigure 3-1 (p. 3) shows the TempVue 20 SDI-12 and shield extender.
Figure 3-1. TempVue 20 SDI-12 and shield extender.
lRefer to Installation in a radiation shield (p. 11) for instructions about attaching the extender
tube to the TempVue 20 SDI-12 for use in longer radiation shields.
lAccessories and replacement parts are listed on the web site product page (see
www.campbellsci.com/tempvue20-sdi-12).
4. QuickStart
A video that describes data logger programming using Short Cut is available at:
www.campbellsci.com/videos/cr1000x-data logger-getting-started-program-part-3 .Short
Cut is an easy way to program your data logger to measure the sensor and assign data logger
wiring terminals. Short Cut is available as a download on www.campbellsci.com . It is included
in installations of LoggerNet,RTDAQ, and PC400.
The following procedure shows using Short Cut to program the TempVue 20 SDI-12.
1. Open Short Cut and click Create New Program.
2. Double-click the data logger model.
3. In the Available Sensors and Devices box, type TempVue 20 SDI-12. You can also locate the
sensor in the Sensors >Temperature folder. Double click the sensor model. SDI-12 Address
defaults to 0. Enter the correct SDI-12 Address for the TempVue 20 SDI-12 if it has been
changed from the factory-set default value. The temperature defaults to degree C. This can
be changed by clicking the Temperature box and selecting one of the other options.
TempVue 20 SDI-12 PT-100 Class A, Precision Air Temperature Sensor 3

4. Click on the Wiring tab. The default control terminal for SDI-12 is C1. To change to another
terminal, click the terminal name and select another terminal. Click OK after wiring the
sensor.
5. Repeat steps three and four for other sensors you want to measure. Click Next.
TempVue 20 SDI-12 PT-100 Class A, Precision Air Temperature Sensor 4

6. In Output Setup, type the scan rate, a meaningful table name, and the Data Output Storage
Interval.
7. Select the measurement and its associated output option.
8. Click Finish and save the program. If the data logger is connected to the computer, send
the program just created to the data logger.
9. If the sensor is connected to the data logger, check the output of the sensor in the data
display in LoggerNet,RTDAQ, or PC400 to make sure it is making reasonable
measurements.
TempVue 20 SDI-12 PT-100 Class A, Precision Air Temperature Sensor 5

5. Overview
The sensor consists of a wire-wrapped, four-wire Pt100 Resistance Temperature Detector (RTD)
element encapsulated in an epoxy-filled, stainless-steel housing. The thin yet robust housing,
combined with the Pt100 sensing element, provide the first true WMO-compliant sensor to meet
the 20-second step response time with an ambient wind speed of only 1 m/s (3.3 ft/s).
The TempVue 20 SDI-12 has a maximum measurement uncertainty of only 0.3 K over the entire
measurement range of –60 to +60 °C, with only 0.1 Kelvin (K) over the most common
temperature range of -40 to +40 °C.
When exposed to environments with high wind, sun, or precipitation levels, the TempVue 20 SDI-
12 must be housed in a radiation shield, such as the RAD06 6-plate shield.
Figure 5-1. TempVue 20 SDI-12 with the cable attached
Features:
lMeets WMO step change response time at 1 m/s (3.28 ft/s)
lMaintains high measurement stability over both time and temperature
lIncredibly easy to install or remove for calibration checks
lHighly durable, providing sensor element protection in even the harshest environmental
conditions
lCompatible with any SDI-12 data logger/controller including Campbell Scientific GRANITE-
series, CR6, CR3000, CR1000X, CR800-series, CR300-series, and CR1000
lAllows for cable length adjustments without the need for calibration changes
TempVue 20 SDI-12 PT-100 Class A, Precision Air Temperature Sensor 6

6. Specifications
Sensor description: 100 ohm Class A platinum (PT100)1
Measurement uncertainty2:±0.1 K over –40 to +40 °C (-40 to +104 °F) range
±0.3 K over –60 to 60°C (–76 ° to +140 °F) range
Temperature measurement range: –60 to 60°C (–76 ° to +140 °F)
Time constant in air: 20 seconds to 63% of step change in 1m/s wind
Resolution: Two decimal places (0.01 °C)
Connector type: M12 (to extend beyond 1 m [3 ft] standard cable length)
Signal type/output: Digital output SDI-12 version 1.4
Default SDI-12 address: 0
Probe diameter: 1.9 cm (0.75 in) maximum
Probe length: 12.1 cm (4.75 in) tip to end of cable gland
Extended probe length: 18.1 cm (7.125 in) tip to end of shield extender
Weight: 70 g (0.15 lb) for probe with shield extender, including
standard 1 m (3 ft) cable with M12 connector
Compliance: View documents at:
www.campbellsci.com/tempvue20-sdi-12
1Class A refers to ISO 60751:2008 class A standards and the corresponding ASTM E1137 Class A
standards.
2Kelvin is the SI unit (International System of Units) for temperature, and used for uncertainty
measurements, whereas the range of the product is in Celsius and therefore both are used in
these specifications. The WMO guide to Instruments and Observations, Guide no. 8, also uses
both Kelvin and Celsius in their recommendation. Regarding resolution of the unit, 1 Kelvin = 1
°Celsius.
TempVue 20 SDI-12 PT-100 Class A, Precision Air Temperature Sensor 7

7. Installation
If you are programming your data logger with Short Cut, skip Wiring (p. 8) and Programming (p.
9). Short Cut does this work for you. See QuickStart (p. 3), for a Short Cut tutorial.
This section discusses the following.
7.1 Wiring 8
7.2 Programming 9
7.3 Siting 10
7.4 Installation in a radiation shield 11
7.5 Mount the shield 12
7.1 Wiring
Campbell Scientific offers extension cables in lengths up to 10 m, which connect to the TempVue
20 SDI-12 M12 connector. Contact Campbell Scientific if a longer cable is required.
Table 7-1 (p. 8) provides data logger connections. Connect the wires in the order shown in the
table.
Table 7-1: SDI-12 wire color, function, and data logger connection
Wire color Wire function Data loggerconnection
White SDI-12 signal C,SDI-12, or CR6 Uterminal configured
for SDI-121
Brown Power 12V
Black Power ground G
Clear Shield G
Grey Aspen detect signal G
Other colors N/A not used2
1Uand Cterminals are automatically configured by the measurement instruction.
2Individually isolate the unused wires with electrical tape or wire caps.
TempVue 20 SDI-12 PT-100 Class A, Precision Air Temperature Sensor 8

If multiple SDI-12 sensors are connected to a data logger, Campbell Scientific recommends using
separate terminals when possible. However, multiple SDI-12 sensors can connect to the same
data logger control (C) or universal (U) terminal. Each must have a unique SDI-12 address. Valid
addresses are 0 through 9, a through z, and A through Z.
For CR6 and CR1000X data loggers, triggering conflicts may occur when a companion terminal is
used for a triggering instruction such as TimerInput(),PulseCount(), or WaitDigTrig().
For example, if this product is connected to C3 on a CR1000X, C4 cannot be used in the
TimerInput(),PulseCount(), or WaitDigTrig() instructions.
7.2 Programming
Short Cut is the best source for up-to-date programming code for Campbell Scientific data
loggers. If your data acquisition requirements are simple, you can probably create and maintain a
data logger program exclusively with Short Cut. If your data acquisition needs are more complex,
the files that Short Cut creates are a great source for programming code to start a new program
or add to an existing custom program.
NOTE:
Short Cut cannot edit programs after they are imported and edited in CRBasic Editor.
AShort Cut tutorial is available in QuickStart (p. 1). If you wish to import Short Cut code into
CRBasic Editor to create or add to a customized program, follow the procedure in Importing
Short Cut code into CRBasic Editor (p. 19). Programming basics for CRBasic data loggers are
provided in the following section.
7.2.1 CRBasic programming
Downloadable example programs are available at
www.campbellsci.com/downloads/tempvue20-sdi12-example-program .
The SDI12Recorder() instruction is used to measure a TempVue 20 SDI-12. The
SDI12Recorder() instruction sends a request to the sensor to make a measurement and then
retrieves the measurement from the sensor. See SDI-12 sensor measurements (p. 13) for more
information.
For most data loggers, the SDI12Recorder() instruction has the following syntax:
SDI12Recorder(Destination, SDIPort, SDIAddress, “SDICommand”, Multiplier, Offset,
FillNAN, WaitonTimeout)
TempVue 20 SDI-12 PT-100 Class A, Precision Air Temperature Sensor 9

Valid values for the SDIAddress are 0 through 9, a through z, and A through Z; alphabetical
characters need to be enclosed in quotation marks (for example, “A”). Also enclose the
SDICommand in quotation marks as shown. The Destination parameter must be an array.
The required number of values in the array depends on the command; see Table 8-1 [p. 14].
FillNAN and WaitonTimeout are optional parameters (refer to CRBasic Editor help for more
information).
7.3 Siting
The TempVue 20 SDI-12 is intended for air temperature measurements only. The general EPA
guidance for standard meteorological stations is to locate the sensor over an open, level area at
least 9 m (29.5 ft) in diameter. The surface should be covered by short grass or the natural earth
surface where grass does not grow. Sensors should be protected from thermal radiation and
adequately ventilated. Protect the filter at the top of the sensor from exposure to liquid water.
Figure 7-1. Clearances
The sensor should be installed at a standard measurement height which varies depending on the
guides being used:
l1.5 m (4.92 ft) (AASC)
l1.25 to 2.0 m (4.1 to 6.5 ft) (WMO)
l2.0 m (6.5 ft) (EPA)
See References (p. 18) for a list of references that discuss temperature sensors.
TempVue 20 SDI-12 PT-100 Class A, Precision Air Temperature Sensor 10

When used in the field, the TempVue 20 SDI-12 must be housed in a radiation shield. Compatible
radiation shields include the RAD06, RAD10E, and RAD14 unventilated radiation shields and the
TS100SS fan-aspirated radiation shield. The white color of these shields reflects solar radiation.
The unventilated radiation shields have a louvered construction that allows air to pass freely
though, thereby keeping the sensor at or near ambient temperature. The RAD06, RAD10E, and
RAD14 have a double-louvered design that offers improved sensor protection from insect
intrusion and driving rain and snow. In addition, compared to shields of a similar appearance, the
RAD shields have lower self-heating in bright sunlight combined with low wind speeds giving a
better measurement. The RAD shields attach to a crossarm, mast, or user-supplied pipe with a 2.5
to 5.3 cm (1.0 to 2.1 inch) outer diameter.
The Apogee Instruments aspirated TS100SS shield can also be used where minimal solar errors
and a fast speed of response is desired. It mounts on a crossarm or horizontal pipe (1-1/4 inch to
2 inch IPS).
Tools required for installing a radiation shield to a tripod or tower include:
ladjustable wrench (to suit 12 mm (1/2 in) nuts)
lsmall screwdriver provided with data logger
lsmall Phillips screwdriver
lUV-resistant cable ties
lsmall pair of diagonal-cutting pliers
ladjustable wrench with a minimum 50 mm (2 in) jaw size.
7.4 Installation in a radiation shield
1. If using a 10- or 14-plate shield, attach the shield extender.
2. If using a RAD06, RAD10E, or RAD14 shield, loosen the nut on the entry gland at the bottom
of the shield.
TempVue 20 SDI-12 PT-100 Class A, Precision Air Temperature Sensor 11

3. Insert the sensor into the gland.
4. If using an unventilated shield, first tighten, by hand, the nut on the radiation shield gland
until the sensor is held firmly in place. Then use the large adjustable wrench to further
tighten the gland by 1/2 to 1 turn. Do not overtighten the nut as you risk damaging the
sensor body and also making service of the sensor more difficult in the future.
Figure 7-2. Cut away view shows TempVue 20 SDI-12 insertion in a RAD shield
7.5 Mount the shield
1. Attach the radiation shield to the tripod mast, crossarm, or tower leg using the supplied
U-bolt or band clamp. See Figure 7-2 [p. 12].
2. Connect the cable to the sensor.
TempVue 20 SDI-12 PT-100 Class A, Precision Air Temperature Sensor 12

3. Route the cable to the data logger, and secure the cable to the mounting structure using
cable ties.
CAUTION:
Failure to secure the cable can lead to breakage of the wires due to fatigue caused by
blowing back and forth in the wind.
8. Operations
8.1 SDI-12 sensor measurements
The TempVue 20 SDI-12 measures temperature every 15 seconds. The most recent 5760
measurements (one day worth) are stored in memory to be used to return statistical data. The
memory buffer is emptied at power up. All temperatures are returned with 2 decimal places.
The TempVue 20 SDI-12 responds to the SDI-12 commands shown in 8.1 (p. 13). When using an
M! command, the data logger waits for the time specified by the sensor, sends the D! command,
pauses its operation, and waits until either it receives the data from the sensor or the sensor
timeout expires. If the data logger receives no response, it will send the command a total of three
times, with three retries for each attempt, or until a response is received. Because of the delays
this command requires, it is only recommended in measurement scans of 10 seconds or more or
use SlowSequence.
AC! command follows the same pattern as an M! command with the exception that it does not
require the data logger to pause its operation until the values are ready. Rather, the data logger
picks up the data with the D! command on the next pass through the program. Another
measurement request is then sent so that data is ready on the next scan.
The R0! command directly reads the sensor measurements and outputs all of its values.
NOTE:
SDI-12 sensor support (p. 20) describes the SDI-12 commands. Additional SDI-12 information
is available at www.sdi-12.org .
TempVue 20 SDI-12 PT-100 Class A, Precision Air Temperature Sensor 13

Table 8-1: SDI-12 command list
Commands1Values returned or function
aR0!,aM!, or aC! Temperature (°C)
aR1!,aM1!, or aC1! Temperature (°F)
aM2!, or aC2! 1. Temperature (°C)
2. 60 s average temperature (°C)
3. Minimum temperature (°C)2
4. Maximum temperature (°C)2
5. Average temperature (°C)2
6. Measurement period (sec)
7. Error flag, where
1 = Suspect reading
2 = Error reading
4 = Sensor stuck
8 = Sensor error
aM3!, or aC3! 1. Temperature (°F)
2. 60 s average temperature (°F)
3. Minimum temperature (°F)2
4. Maximum temperature (°F)2
5. Average temperature (°F)2
6. Measurement period (sec)
7. Error flag, where
1 = Suspect reading
2 = Error reading
4 = Sensor stuck
8 = Sensor error
aI! a14CampbellTempVu20 SN=nnnnn
Where, nnnnn = serial number
aV! 1. Hardware revision
2. Software revision
3. Uptime in seconds
4. Supply voltage
TempVue 20 SDI-12 PT-100 Class A, Precision Air Temperature Sensor 14

Table 8-1: SDI-12 command list
Commands1Values returned or function
aXLOADOS rrrrr CPU:
TEMPVUE_OS_Vn.nn.xobj!
where
rrrrr= baud rate; valid baud rates are
1200, 2400, 4800, and 9600
TEMPVUE_OS_Vn.nn.xobj = OS name
Sends the new OS to the sensor; refer to Updating
the operation system (OS) using XLOADOS SDI-12
command (p. 15)
aXHELP Display a helpful description of the SDI-12 commands
1ais the SDI-12 address. In the SDI12Recorder() CRBasic instruction, the command parameter does not include
the SDI-12 address because the address is a separate parameter.
2The minimum, maximum, and average temperature values are over the measurement period.
8.2 Updating the operation system (OS) using
XLOADOS SDI-12 command
The SDI-12 extended command XLOADOS! sends the new operating system (OS) to the sensor.
NOTE:
Only the CR6, CR1000X, and CR300-series data loggers are compatible with the XLOADOS!
functionality.
Verify that the data logger has been updated to the latest OS to ensure compatibility.
If a compatible data logger is not available to update the sensor, send the sensor to the factory to
have Campbell Scientific update the OS. A returned material authorization (RMA) and
completion of the “Statement of Product Cleanliness and Decontamination” form are required.
Refer to the page near the end of this manual for more information.
The data loggers need the following OS versions:
lCR6: OS 11 or newer
lCR1000X: OS 5.0 or newer
lCR300 series: OS 10.05 or newer
The XLOADOS! OS update process requires access to the data logger terminal. Campbell
Scientific Device Configuration Utility is recommended.
TempVue 20 SDI-12 PT-100 Class A, Precision Air Temperature Sensor 15

Although this update may be performed remotely, if the sensor is not communicating with the
data logger, it must first be power cycled to regain communication and accept the new OS.
1. Download the update file from the Campbell Scientific website and run the self-extracting
executable. The extraction takes only a moment, and a dialog box will indicate that the OS
file has been saved on the computer in the C:\Campbellsci\Lib\OperatingSystems
directory.
2. Upload the OS to the data logger CPU drive using Device Configuration Utility.
a. Connect to the data logger.
b. Open the File Control tab.
c. Click Send and select the OS file from the C:\Campbellsci\Lib\OperatingSystems
directory. File type may need to be changed to All Files (*.*) for the OS file to show up
on the list.
d. Verify that the file is now on the data logger CPU drive.
3. Connect the sensor to the data logger digital and power terminals. Note the terminal to
which the sensor is connected.
4. Open a terminal interface to the data logger. Press Enter twice within the terminal window
to get a command prompt.
5. Within the terminal, run the following commands:
a. Type SDI12 at the prompt and then enter the corresponding number assigned to
the digital terminal to which the sensor is connected.
b. Identify the SDI-12 address of the sensor by typing ?! at the prompt.
c. Verify that the responding sensor is the TempVue 20 SDI-12 that you want to update
by using the SDI-12 verify command aI!.
TempVue 20 SDI-12 PT-100 Class A, Precision Air Temperature Sensor 16