Isotech ISIS Operating instructions

Page 1 of 21
Cryo Calibrator model ISIS Iss.03 –08/13
CRYO CALIBRATOR
MODEL ISIS
User Maintenance Manual/Handbook
Isothermal Technology Limited, Pine Grove, Southport, PR9 9AG, England
Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone] Internet: www.isotech.co.uk E-mail: [email protected]
The company is always willing to give technical advice and assistance where appropriate. Equally, because of the programme of continual
development and improvement we reserve the right to amend or alter characteristics and design without prior notice. This publication is for
information only

Page 2 of 21
Cryo Calibrator model ISIS Iss.03 –08/13
CONTENTS
GUARANTEE...................................................................................................................................................................................... 3
CAUTIONARY NOTE........................................................................................................................................................................ 4
EMC INFORMATION ........................................................................................................................................................................ 5
ELECTRICAL SAFETY ........................................................................................................................................................................ 5
HEALTH AND SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS ......................................................................................................................................... 6
CAUTION .......................................................................................................................................................................................... 7
INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................................................................................................. 8
Portability and Safety....................................................................................................................................................................... 8
Cooling Technology ........................................................................................................................................................................ 8
Operating Life ................................................................................................................................................................................. 8
Benefits ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 8
UNPACKING AND INITIAL INSPECTION ...................................................................................................................................... 9
QUICK START GUIDE..................................................................................................................................................................... 10
USING THE ISIS ............................................................................................................................................................................... 11
Controller Panel............................................................................................................................................................................ 11
ISIS GENERAL ARRANGEMENT ..................................................................................................................................................... 12
ISIS FUNCTION ............................................................................................................................................................................... 13
Operation Mode ........................................................................................................................................................................... 13
OPERATIONAL PROCEDURE ........................................................................................................................................................ 14
Basic Operation............................................................................................................................................................................. 14
Controller Levels of Operation..................................................................................................................................................... 14
Precontrol Mode........................................................................................................................................................................14
Input SV Mode............................................................................................................................................................................14
Input Settings Mode ...................................................................................................................................................................14
Detailed Input Settings Mode.....................................................................................................................................................14
Auto Tune Mode........................................................................................................................................................................15
Alarm Mode ...............................................................................................................................................................................15
Status.......................................................................................................................................................................................... 15
SELECTING A SETPOINT ............................................................................................................................................................... 16
CAL NOTEPAD................................................................................................................................................................................ 17
Development ................................................................................................................................................................................ 17
HOW TO INSTALL CAL NOTEPAD .............................................................................................................................................. 18
Protocol ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 18
SPECIFICATION .............................................................................................................................................................................. 19
COMMUNICATION ........................................................................................................................................................................ 20
STANDARD PARTS LIST ................................................................................................................................................................. 21

Page 3 of 21
Cryo Calibrator model ISIS Iss.03 –08/13
GUARANTEE
This instrument has been manufactured to exacting standards and is guaranteed for twelve months against electrical
break-down or mechanical failure caused through defective material or workmanship, provided the failure is not the
result of misuse. In the event of failure covered by this guarantee, the instrument must be returned, carriage paid, to
the supplier for examination and will be replaced or repaired at our option.
FRAGILE CERAMIC AND/OR GLASS PARTS ARE NOT COVERED BY THIS GUARANTEE
INTERFERENCE WITH OR FAILURE TO PROPERLY MAINTAIN THIS INSTRUMENT MAY INVALIDATE THIS
GUARANTEE
RECOMMENDATION
The life of your ISOTECH Instrument will be prolonged if regular maintenance and cleaning to remove general dust
and debris is carried out.
ISOTHERMAL TECHNOLOGY LTD.
PINE GROVE, SOUTHPORT
PR9 9AG, ENGLAND
TEL: [phone]/544611
FAX: [phone]
The company is always willing to give technical advice and assistance where appropriate. Equally, because of the
programme of continual development and improvement we reserve the right to amend or alter characteristics and
design without prior notice. This publication is for information only.

Page 4 of 21
Cryo Calibrator model ISIS Iss.03 –08/13
CAUTIONARY NOTE
ISOTECH PRODUCTS ARE INTENDED FOR USE BY TECHNICALLY TRAINED AND COMPETENT
PERSONNEL FAMILIAR WITH GOOD MEASUREMENT PRACTICES.
IT IS EXPECTED THAT PERSONNEL USING THIS EQUIPMENT WILL BE COMPETENT WITH THE
MANAGEMENT OF APPARATUS WHICH MAY BE POWERED OR UNDER EXTREMES OF TEMPERATURE, AND
ARE ABLE TO APPRECIATE THE HAZARDS WHICH MAY BE ASSOCIATED WITH, AND THE PRECAUTIONS
TO BE TAKEN WITH, SUCH EQUIPMENT.

Page 5 of 21
Cryo Calibrator model ISIS Iss.03 –08/13
EMC INFORMATION
This product meets the requirements of the European Directive on Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC)
89/336/EEC as amended by EC Directive 92/31/EEC and the European Low Voltage Directive 73/25/EEC, amended
by 93/68/EEC. To ensure emission compliance please ensure that any serial communications connecting leads are
fully screened.
The product meets the susceptibility requirements of BSEN 61000-6-1:2001.
Symbol Identification
Publication
Description
ISO3864
Caution (refer to handbook)
IEC 417
Caution, Hot Surface
Caution, Low Temperature
Surface
ELECTRICAL SAFETY
This equipment must be correctly earthed.
This equipment is a Class 1 Appliance. A protective earth is used to ensure the conductive parts can not become live
in the event of a failure of the insulation.
The protective conductor of the flexible mains cable which is coloured green/yellow MUST be connected to a suitable
earth.
The blue conductor should be connected to Neutral and the Brown conductor to Live (Line).
Warning: Internal mains voltage hazard. Do not remove the panels.

Page 6 of 21
Cryo Calibrator model ISIS Iss.03 –08/13
HEALTH AND SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
1. Read this entire handbook before use.
2. Wear appropriate protective clothing.
3. Operators of this equipment should be adequately trained in the handling of hot and cold items and
liquids.
4. Do not use the apparatus for jobs other than those for which it was designed, i.e. the calibration of
thermometers.
5. Do not handle the apparatus when it is hot or cold, unless wearing the appropriate protective clothing and
having the necessary training.
6. Do not drill, modify or otherwise change the shape of the apparatus.
7. Do not dismantle the apparatus without disconnecting it from the supply and leaving time for it to
reach ambient temperatures.
8. Do not use the apparatus outside its recommended temperature range

Page 7 of 21
Cryo Calibrator model ISIS Iss.03 –08/13
CAUTION
1. Please use the insulated lid during the apparatus operation.
2. Always use a suitable insert for the application.
3. Take care when pressing the controller buttons. Do not use excessive force.
4. Only use the correct handles for lifting and moving.
5. Do not drop the equipment, this may sustain irreversible damage.
6. Take care when removing a sensor, especially if at low temperatures.
7. Please keep the distance between the apparatus and the back wall be more than 5cm.
8. Do not subject the equipment to intense electromagnet interference.
9. Do not obstruct the ventilation ducts.
10. If using alcohol, replace regularly to ensure performance.
11. Use alcohol sparingly.
12. This apparatus is designed for use in the following environment:
Indoor use only.
At less than 1000m altitude.
Ambient temperature range 0 ~ 35°C, relative humidity 30 ~ 85%RH.
No corrosive/flammable gases e.g. Do not use in an explosive atmosphere.
Power supply voltage is to be between the nominal voltage ±10%.

Page 8 of 21
Cryo Calibrator model ISIS Iss.03 –08/13
INTRODUCTION
The Isis Dry Block offers operation to temperatures as low as -100°C, and is currently the only block bath working to
such a low temperature. Now it is possible to calibrate temperature sensors such as PRTs, Thermocouples and
Thermistors at ultra low temperatures without the need for a liquid bath.
Portability and Safety
Unlike a liquid bath the Isis requires no costly, or hazardous fluids and offers greater portability. This will be of
particular value to calibration engineers working on site with low temperature freezers as encountered in
pharmaceutical, aeronautical and food environments.
The minimum operating temperature is less than stirred liquid laboratory calibration baths and users in laboratories
will also benefit by avoiding the ongoing need for expensive fluids.
The maximum operating temperature is 40°C.
Cooling Technology
The Isis makes use of a Free Piston Stirling Cooler (FPSC) which provides a massive 80 Watts of cooling power to the
calibration block. Specialist materials, patent applied for, are used for the heat transfer from the FPSC to the block.
Operating Life
Reliability is a prime attribute of this revolutionary new product. Testing at 20,000 hours (nominally equivalent to 10
years at 40 hours use each week) shows that -100°C is still possible, with an increase in cooling time <10%.
Benefits
Isotech can offer full support with options for UKAS / ILAC calibration, tutorial on getting the best calibration
uncertainties and a full range of supporting reference thermometers, indicators and software.
The Isis has a large insert 35mm diameter by 160mm deep. This allows for calibration of multiple sensors. For thermal
validation applications there is an insert with pockets for a reference probe (6.5mm) and 20 x 3.5mm pockets for
thermocouples. This allows a single calibration cycle to validate up to 20 probes at a time.

Page 9 of 21
Cryo Calibrator model ISIS Iss.03 –08/13
UNPACKING AND INITIAL INSPECTION
This equipment uses custom designed packaging to send you your unit, but as accidents can still happen in transit, you
are advised, after unpacking the unit, to inspect it for any sign of shipping damage, and confirm that your delivery is in
accordance with the packing note. If you find any damage or that part of the delivery is missing notify us or our agent,
and the carrier immediately. If the unit is damaged you should keep the packing for possible insurance assessment.
While this apparatus has already been inspected at the factory, please check as follows;
1. Read this ensure manual thoroughly.
2. Familiarise yourself with the layout of the equipment.
3. Connect to a suitable electrical supply and switch on.
4. The cooling fan should be heard and the controller illuminated during power up.
5. Check the function of the equipment using the quick start guide on next page (page 10).

Page 10 of 21
Cryo Calibrator model ISIS Iss.03 –08/13
QUICK START GUIDE
This guide gives a general summary of the steps required to set the apparatus up and operate it.
This guide does not replace the manual and should be used only in conjunction with the correct manual supplied with
the bath.
ISIS control front panel
1. Place the required insert into the temperature well and place the insulated lid in place.
2. Connect the ISIS to a suitable power supply and power up.
3. After power up the controller will be active.
4. To select the desired temperature, follow the procedure below:
Allow the controller to boot up
Press the SET button momentarily and remove finger
The lower green display will read the current block temperature, the upper red display will display the
previous setpoint
Select the desired set point by pressing the SHIFT button, select the required digit and change the value
with the up/down buttons
Once the desired set point is displayed then press the SET button again to enter the value
Exit this level of the controller by pressing the RUN/STOP button for 5 seconds.
5. The FPSC engine can now be heard running as the equipment approaches setpoint
6. When finished select a further setpoint or switch off
Notes:
The RUN/STOP LED, indicated above, will illuminate when the unit is in heat/cooling mode. It will also blink when
the unit is in Autotune mode*
The ALARM LED is illuminated when the unit temperature is in excess of 50°C or below -114°C for a period in
excess of 3 minutes
The STATUS LED is illuminated when the bath temperature is stable to within +/- 0.3°C of the setpoint for a period
in excess of 3 minutes

Page 11 of 21
Cryo Calibrator model ISIS Iss.03 –08/13
USING THE ISIS
Controller Panel
A. Alarm LED
B. Status LED
C. Block temperature display
D. Set point temperature display
E. Heating/Cooling enable
C
D
A B
E

Page 12 of 21
Cryo Calibrator model ISIS Iss.03 –08/13
ISIS GENERAL ARRANGEMENT
A. Control panel
B. Mains electrical socket
C. PC communications socket
D. Insulated thermowell cover
E. Carry handles
F. Air ventilation

Page 13 of 21
Cryo Calibrator model ISIS Iss.03 –08/13
ISIS FUNCTION
Operation Mode
Item
Operation
PV
Upper Red Display
Displays temperature in metal block bath
SV
Lower Green Display
Displays set temperature
Status LED
Iluminated when the bath temperature is stable to within ±0.3°C for setpoint for 3
minutes
Alarm LED
Iluminated when bath temperature exceeds +50°C or -114°C for 3 minutes
Run LED
Iluminated when bath is running normally, blinks during auto tune mode
Run/Stop Switch
Holding down key for 5 seconds will enable/disable cooling/heating
Set Switch
(1) In precontrol mode, allow access to internal pyrameters by pressing for 5 seconds
(2) Press to input data
Shift Switch
Multifunctional switch to allow:
(1) Auto tuning.
(2) Move the cursor during setpoint selection
Down Switch
Allows decreasing values to be entered
Up Switch
Allows increasing vlaues to be entered

Page 14 of 21
Cryo Calibrator model ISIS Iss.03 –08/13
OPERATIONAL PROCEDURE
Basic Operation
Step 1. Power up the equipment with a suitable electrical supply
Step 2. Initializing the apparatus
Upper bar of the Red Display and Alarm LED illuminate for 5 seconds
Step 3. The block temperature is displayed on the Red Display
Step 4. Set temperature is displayed on the smaller Green Display
Step 5. After setting the setpoint, press the Run/Stop switch for 5 seconds and the cooling/heating operation
starts
Run LED goes “ON”
Controller Levels of Operation
Precontrol Mode
After power-up, the controller will go through a self-test and finally display the set temperature and the actual
temeprature. The heating/cooling is not yet enabled. This is the Pre-control Mode.
Input SV Mode
From the Pre-control mode, press the “Set” button momentarily. The upper display will show the set temperature
and the lower display will show the current block temperature. This is the Input SV Mode.
This allows the set temperature to be changed.
Input Settings Mode
From the Pre-control mode, press and hold the “Set” button for 5 seconds. The upper display will read the current
set temperature and the lower display will read “trEF”. This is the Settings Mode.
Detailed Input Settings Mode
For access to this level refer to previous page (page 15).
Use the UP/DOWN buttons to scroll through the menu, listed below.
Parameter
Display
Upperlimit
Lowerlimit
SV
trEF
+50.0
-100.0
Proportional Band
Prop
50.0
0
Integral Gain
Iteg
5000
0
Derivative Gain
Deri
5000
0
Proportiona Gain
Regi
100
0
Temperature Offset
Offs
9.99
-9.99
Gain Offset
gain
5000
-5000

Page 15 of 21
Cryo Calibrator model ISIS Iss.03 –08/13
To access a value press the “UP/DOWN” buttons to locate the value. Once located press the “Set” button to allow
access. Then the UP/Down button to adjust the value and when complete, press the “Set” button again to store the
value.
To exit this level press and hold the “RUN/STOP” button for 5 seconds to revert back to Pre-control mode.
Auto Tune Mode
To initiate an “Auto Tune Run” press and hold the shift switch for 5 seconds. The temperature difference between
setpoint and block temperature must be greater than 6°C to initate the Auto Tune mode.
It is recommended to use the factory installed PID values and only run the Auto Tune mode if these values are
changed or the equipment has different “loading” than normal.
Alarm Mode
The Alarm LED will flash if the block temperature exceeds 50°C or drops below -114°C for a period of 3 minutes.
Status
The Status LED will flash when the block temperature is stable within ±0.3°C of the setpoint for 3 minutes.

Page 16 of 21
Cryo Calibrator model ISIS Iss.03 –08/13
SELECTING A SETPOINT

Page 17 of 21
Cryo Calibrator model ISIS Iss.03 –08/13
CAL NOTEPAD
Cal Notepad can be used can be used to log and display values from the Dry Blocks and an optional temperature
indicator such as the milliK or TTI-10. The software requires Windows 9X, XP, a minimum of 5Mb of free hard drive
space and free serial ports for the instruments to be connected.
Development
Cal NotePad was developed by Isothermal Technology using LabVIEW from National Instruments. The license details
are shown on the download page and in the Cal Notepad manual.

Page 18 of 21
Cryo Calibrator model ISIS Iss.03 –08/13
HOW TO INSTALL CAL NOTEPAD
1. Download the ZIP from http://www.isotech.co.uk/downloads (7.6Mb)
2. Extract the files to a temporary folder
3. Run setup.exe
4. Follow the prompts which will install the application, a user manual with setup information and the necessary
LabVIEW run time support files.
5. Should you ever need to uninstall the software then use the Add/Remove Programs option from the Control
Panel.
Protocol
The instruments use the "Modbus Protocol"
If required, e.g. for writing custom software the technical details are available from our Document Library at
http://www.isotech.co.uk

Page 19 of 21
Cryo Calibrator model ISIS Iss.03 –08/13
SPECIFICATION
Voltage
100 ~ 240 10% Vac
Power
200VA
Supply Frequency
50/60Hz
Maximum Operating Temperature
40°C
Minimum Operating Temperature
-100°C
Calibration Volume
ø35mm×160mm deep
Sensor insert Hole Dimension
ø9.5 mm ×1pc + φ8 mm×1pc
ø6.4 mm ×2pc + φ4.5 mm×2pc
Hole depth is 157 mm.
Operation temperature
0 ~ 35°C
Operation Relative humidity
30 ~ 85%RH (non condensing)
Storage temperature
-10 ~ 50°C
Temperature Display resolution
0.01°C self ranging to 0.1°C
Dimensions
Height 420mm
Width 215mm
Depth 630mm
Weight
20Kg

Page 20 of 21
Cryo Calibrator model ISIS Iss.03 –08/13
COMMUNICATION
Communication Settings
Communication
RS232C
Communication lines
3 lines
Control line
None
Length of PC communication cable
10m (2m Recommended)
Baud rate
9600bps
Method
Half duplex
Communication parameter
8bit
NonParity
StopBit=1
Communication character
ASCII code
Connecter
9pin Dsub male Connecter
Pin Assign
2pin = RXD
3pin = TXD
5pin = GND
7pin, 8pin Jumped
Regarding the detailed specification, please contact Isotech.