Gamry Instruments TDC4 User manual

TDC4 Temperature Controller
Operator's Manual
Copyright ©2010, 2018
Gamry Instruments, Inc.
All rights reserved.
Printed in the USA.
Revision 5.41
July 1, 2015

Limited Warranty
Gamry Instruments, Inc. warrants to the original user of this product that it shall be free of defects
resulting from faulty manufacture of the product or its components for a period of two years from the
date of shipment.
Gamry Instruments, Inc. makes no warranties regarding either the satisfactory performance of the
TDC4 Temperature Controller including the software used with this product or the fitness of TDC4
based systems for any particular purpose. The remedy for breach of this Limited Warranty shall be
limited solely to repair or by replacement, as determined by Gamry Instruments, Inc., and shall not
include other damages.
Gamry Instruments, Inc. reserves the right to make revisions to the TDC4 at any time without
incurring any obligation to install same on TDC4s previously purchased. All system specifications are
subject to change without notice.
There are no warranties which extend beyond the description herein. This warranty is in lieu
of, and excludes any and all other warranties or representations, expressed, implied or
statutory, including merchantability and fitness, as well as any and all other obligations or
liabilities of Gamry Instruments, Inc., including but not limited to, special or consequential
damages.
This limited warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may have others which vary from state to
state. Some states do not allow for the exclusion of incidental or consequential damages.
No person, firm or corporation is authorized to assume for Gamry Instruments, Inc. any additional
obligation or liability not expressly provided herein except in writing duly executed by an officer of
Gamry Instruments, Inc.

If You Have Problems
Contact us at your earliest convenience. We can be contacted via:
Telephone [phone]:00 AM - 6:00 PM US Eastern Standard Time
Fax [phone]
Email [email protected]
Mail Gamry Instruments, Inc.
734 Louis Drive
Warminster, PA 18974
USA
If you write to us about a problem, provide as much information as possible.
If you are having problems in installation or use of this TDC4 Temperature Controller, it would be
helpful if you called from a phone next to the instrument, where you can change instrument settings
while talking to us.
We will be happy to provide a reasonable level of free support for TDC4 purchasers. Reasonable
support includes telephone assistance covering the normal installation, use and simple tuning of the
TDC4.

Disclaimers
Gamry Instruments, Inc. cannot guarantee that the TDC4 will work with all computer systems, heaters,
cooling devices or cells.
The information in this manual has been carefully checked and is believed to be accurate as of the
time of printing. However, Gamry Instruments, Inc. assumes no responsibility for errors that might
appear.
Copyrights and Trademarks
TDC4 Operator's Manual Copyright©1997-2015 Gamry Instruments, Inc. All rights reserved.
Printed in USA.
Gamry Framework Software Originally CMS100 Software
Copyright©1989-2015 Gamry Instruments, Inc.
CPT110 Software Originally CMS110 Software
Copyright©1992-2015 Gamry Instruments, Inc.
Explain Computer Language Copyright©1989-2015 Gamry Instruments, Inc.
Gamry™, Explain™, Gamry Framework™, CPT110™, and TDC4™are trademarks of Gamry Instruments,
Inc.
Microsoft™is a trademark and Windows®is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
"DOS" as used herein refers to the MS-DOS and PC-DOS operating systems, which are trademarks of
Microsoft Corporation and IBM respectively.
No part of this document may be copied or reproduced in any form without the prior written consent
of Gamry Instruments, Inc.

Table of Contents
Limited Warranty............................................................................................................................................................0-1
If You Have Problems ...................................................................................................................................................0-2
Disclaimers ........................................................................................................................................................................0-3
Copyrights and Trademarks.......................................................................................................................................0-3
Chapter 1 -- Safety Considerations......................................................................................................................1-1
Introduction .....................................................................................................................................................1-1
Inspection .........................................................................................................................................................1-1
Protective Grounding and Product Safety...........................................................................................1-1
Line Voltages ...................................................................................................................................................1-2
Switched AC Outlet Fuses ..........................................................................................................................1-2
TDC4 Electrical Outlet Safety ....................................................................................................................1-3
Heater Safety...................................................................................................................................................1-3
RFI Warning......................................................................................................................................................1-3
Electrical Transient Sensitivity...................................................................................................................1-4
Chapter 2 -- Installation.............................................................................................................................................2-1
Initial Visual Inspection................................................................................................................................2-1
Unpacking Your TDC4..................................................................................................................................2-1
Physical Location............................................................................................................................................2-2
Differences Between an Omega CSi8D and a TDC4........................................................................2-2
AC Line Connection ......................................................................................................................................2-2
Power Up Check.............................................................................................................................................2-3
RS232 Cable.....................................................................................................................................................2-3
USB to COM Converters .............................................................................................................................2-4
Connecting the TDC4 to a Heater (and/or Cooler)..........................................................................2-4
Connecting the TDC4 to an RTD Probe................................................................................................2-4
Cell Cables from the Potentiostat ...........................................................................................................2-5
Setting up the TDC4 Operating Modes................................................................................................2-5
Checking TDC4 Operation .........................................................................................................................2-5
Chapter 3 -- Use............................................................................................................................................................3-1
Using Framework Scripts to Setup and Control Your TDC4.........................................................3-1
Thermal Design of Your Experiment......................................................................................................3-1
Tuning the TDC4 Temperature Controller -- Overview..................................................................3-2
When to Tune..................................................................................................................................................3-2
Restoring Factory Settings.........................................................................................................................3-3
Automatic versus Manual Tuning ...........................................................................................................3-4
Auto Tuning the TDC4.................................................................................................................................3-5
Manually Tuning the TDC4 ........................................................................................................................3-6
Appendix A - RS232 Cabling and Configuration...............................................................................................4-1
Appendix B – Default Controller Configuration.................................................................................................4-2
Controller Default Settings ........................................................................................................................4-2
Index....................................................................................................................................................................................5-1

1 - 1
Chapter 1 -- Safety Considerations
Introduction
The Gamry Instruments TDC4 is based on a standard temperature controller, the Omega Engineering Inc.
Model CSi8D. Gamry Instruments has performed slight modifications of this unit to allow easier
incorporation of it into an electrochemical test system.
Omega provides a User’s Guide that covers safety issues in detail. In most cases, the Omega information
will not be duplicated here. If you do not have a copy of this document, it can be obtained by
contacting Omega at http://www.omega.com.
Your TDC4 Temperature Controller has been supplied in a safe condition. Consult the Omega User’s
Guide to insure continued safe operation of this device.
Inspection
When you receive your TDC4 Temperature Controller you should inspect it for evidence of shipping
damage. If any damage is noted, please notify Gamry Instruments Inc. and the shipping carrier
immediately. Save the shipping container for possible inspection by the carrier.
Warning
The protective grounding can be rendered ineffective if the TDC4 is
damaged in shipment. Do not operate damaged apparatus until its safety
has been verified by a qualified service technician. Tag a damaged TDC4 to
indicate that it could be a safety hazard.
Protective Grounding and Product Safety
As defined in IEC Publication 348, Safety Requirements for Electronic Measuring Apparatus, the TDC4 is a
Class I apparatus. Class I apparatus is only safe from electrical shock hazards if the case of the apparatus
is connected to a protective earth ground.
In the TDC4 this protective ground connection is made via the ground prong in the AC line cord. When
you use the TDC4 with an approved line cord, the connection to the protective earth ground is
automatically made prior to making any power connections. Do not negate the protection of this earth
ground by any means. Do not use the TDC4 with a 2 wire extension cord, with an adapter that does not
provide for protective grounding, or with an electrical outlet that is not properly wired with a protective
earth ground.
Warning
If the protective ground is not properly connected, it creates a safety
hazard, which could result in personnel injury or death.

1 - 2
The TDC4 is supplied with a line cord suitable for use in the United States. In other countries, you may
have to replace the line cord with one suitable for your electrical outlet type. You must always use a line
cord with a CEE 22 Standard V female connector on the instrument end of the cable. This is the same
connector used on the US standard line cord supplied with your TDC4. Omega Engineering
(http://www.omega.com) is one source for international line cords, as described in their User’s Guide.
Warning
If you replace the line cord you must use a line cord rated to carry at least
10 amps of AC current. An improper line cord can create a safety hazard,
which could result in personnel injury or death.
Warning
If you replace the line cord you must use a line cord with the same polarity
as that supplied with the TDC4. An improper line cord can create a safety
hazard, which could result in personnel injury or death.
The wiring polarity of a properly wired connector is shown in the Table 1-1 for both US line cords and
European line cords that follow the "harmonized" wiring convention.
Table 1-1
Line Cord Polarities and Colors
If you have any doubts about the line cord for use with your TDC4, please contact a qualified electrician
or instrument service technician for assistance. They can perform a simple continuity check that can verify
the connection of the TDC4 chassis to earth and thereby check the safety of your TDC4 installation.
Line Voltages
The TDC4 is designed to operate at AC line voltages between 90 and 240 VAC, 50 or 60 Hz. Unlike the
older Gamry Instruments temperature controllers, no modification of the TDC4 is required when switching
between US and international AC line voltages.
Switched AC Outlet Fuses
Both of the switched outlets on the back of the TDC4 have fuses to the left of the outputs. In accordance
with international safety standards, both the line and neutral connections are fused. The maximum
allowed fuse rating is 5 amps.
The TDC4 is provided with 5 amp, fast blow, 5x20 mm fuses in the switched outlets. The kit supplied with
the TDC4 includes three spare 5 amp fuses.
Line Neutral Earth Ground
US Black White Green
European Brown Light Blue Green/Yellow

1 - 3
You may wish to tailor the fuses in each outlet for the expected load. For example, if you are using a 200
W cartridge heater with a 120 VAC power line, the nominal current is a bit less than 2 amps. You may
want to use a 2.5 amp or 3 amp fuse in the switched outlet to the heater. Keeping the fuse rating just
above the rated power can prevent or minimize damage to an improperly operated heater.
TDC4 Electrical Outlet Safety
The TDC4 has several switched electrical outlets on the rear panel of its enclosure. These outlets are
under the control of the TDC4's controller module or a remote computer. For safety considerations,
whenever the TDC4 is powered, you must treat these outlets as being on. Do not trust that the control
signals for these outlets, when off, will remain off. Do not touch any wire connected to these outlets
unless the TDC4 line cord has been disconnected.
In most cases, the TDC4 will power one or both of these outlets when it is first powered up.
Warning
The switched electrical outlets on the TDC4 rear panel must always be
treated as on whenever the TDC4 is powered. Remove the TDC4 line cord if
you must work with a wire in contact with these outlets.
Heater Safety
The TDC4 Temperature is often used to control an electrical heating apparatus that is located on or very
near to an electrochemical cell filled with electrolyte. This can represent a significant safety hazard unless
care is taken to insure that the heater has no exposed wires or contacts.
Warning
An AC powered heater connected to a cell containing electrolyte can
represent a significant electrical shock hazard. Make sure that there are no
exposed wires or connections in your heater circuit. Even cracked insulation
can be a real hazard when salt water is spilled on a wire.
RFI Warning
Your TDC4 Temperature Controller generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy. The radiated
levels are low enough that the TDC4 should present no interference problem in most industrial laboratory
environments. The TDC4 may to cause radio frequency interference if operated in a residential
environment.

1 - 4
Electrical Transient Sensitivity
Your TDC4 Temperature Controller was designed to offer reasonable immunity from electrical transients.
However, in severe cases, the TDC4 could malfunction or even suffer damage from electrical transients. If
you are having problems in this regard, the following steps may help:
If the problem is static electricity (sparks are apparent when you touch the TDC4).
•Placing your TDC4 on a static control work surface may help. Static control work surfaces are
now generally available from computer supply houses and electronics tool suppliers. An
antistatic floor mat may also help, particularly if a carpet is involved in generating the static
electricity.
•Air ionizers or even simple air humidifiers can reduce the voltage available in static discharges.
If the problem is AC power line transients (often from large electrical motors near the TDC4).
•Try plugging your TDC4 into a different AC power branch circuit.
•Plug your TDC4 into a power line surge suppresser. Inexpensive surge suppressers are now
generally available because of their use with computer equipment.
Contact Gamry Instruments, Inc. if these measures do not solve the problem.

2 - 1
Chapter 2 -- Installation
This chapter covers normal installation of the TDC4 Temperature Controller. The TDC4 was designed to
run the experiments in the Gamry Instruments CPT110 Critical Pitting Test System, but it is also useful for
other purposes.
The TDC4 is a slightly modified Omega Engineering Inc., Model CSi8D Temperature Controller. Please
review the Omega User's Guide to familiarize yourself with the operation of the temperature controller.
Initial Visual Inspection
After you remove your TDC4 from its shipping carton, you should check it for any signs of shipping
damage. If any damage is noted, please notify Gamry Instruments, Inc. and the shipping carrier
immediately. Save the shipping container for possible inspection by the carrier.
Warning
The protective grounding can be rendered ineffective if the TDC4 is
damaged in shipment. Do not operate damaged apparatus until its safety
has been verified by a qualified service technician. Tag a damaged TDC4 to
indicate that it could be a safety hazard.
Unpacking Your TDC4
The following list of items should have been supplied with your TDC4:
Qty Gamry P/N Omega P/N Description
1 990-240 Gamry TDC4 (modified Omega CSi8D)
1 900-059 Gamry TDC4 Operator’s Manual (this document)
1 MainPowerCord–USAversion
2 OutputPowerCord
1 MQS-3355 Omega Quick Start Guide
1 M-3355 Omega iSeries Users Guide
1 M-3906 Omega Users Manual
1 M-3397 Omega Communications Manual
1 985-00093 RS232 Cable, 9D-9D, Straight Through
1 990-055 RTD Probe
5 630-017 Spare Input Fuses, 5x20mm 240V 10A Slow
5 630-018 Spare Output Fuses, 5x20mm 240V 5A Fast
Contact your local Gamry Instruments representative if you cannot locate any of these items.