Labfacility Tempmaster PRO User manual

Tempmaster PRO High Precision
Digital Thermometer / Logger
for Pt100 Sensors
User Manual
www.labfacility.co.uk
RoHS compliant
Certificate No. 4746

Contents
1. About the Tempmaster PRO. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
2. Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
a. Supply Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
b. Communication Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
c. Sensor Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
3. Stand Alone Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
a. To read sensor temperature directly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
b. To read differential temperature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
c. Matching Tempmaster PRO to calibrated sensors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
d. SMART probe operation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
e. Temperature measurement with calibrated sensor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
f. Using Tempmaster PRO to obtain a secondary sensor calibration. . . . . . . . . . . . 12
g. On-board logging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
h. Error indications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
i. 3 or 4 wire recognition (Pt100) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
j. Variable filter rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
4. Operation with a PC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
a. Install the software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
b. Control panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
c. Sensor selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
d. Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
e. Input channel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
f. Units and resolution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
g. Coefficients and corrections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
h. Custom coefficients . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
i. SMART probe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
j. Log. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
k. Memory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
5. Analogue D to A output . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
6. Instrument Re-Calibration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
7. Specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Information in this publication may be subject to change; the Tempmaster PRO is a micro-
processor based, software driven instrument and may therefore be subject to software
and hardware changes in line with our policy of continuous product development.
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Tempmaster PRO Thermometer

1. About the Tempmaster PRO
The Tempmaster PRO is a successor to the very successful Tempmaster-100
thermometer developed over a 25 year period. Like its predecessor, the Tempmaster
PRO provides laboratory standard temperature measurement with Pt100 sensors and
greater versatility to extend the scope of applications.
Displayed values and user information are indicated on a bright clear OLED screen
with diffused backlighting. Data can be displayed in °C,°F,K,Ωas required; nine front
panel push keys, the only user controls, are used in conjunction with the display
screen. It is this arrangement which makes for very simple and “friendly” operation.
Resolution is 0.01°C: all computations are performed digitally without drift. Overall
stability is optimised by utilising only the highest quality components including high
precision, expensive metal film resistor networks.
There are two input ports for 3 or 4 wire Pt100 sensors; the instrument automatically
recognises 3 or 4 wire configurations.The measured temperature can be displayed
directly from one of the inputs or differentially between the two inputs. Differential
temperature and the two individual channel temperatures are displayed simultaneously.
Individual calibrated sensors can have their appropriate calibration values programmed
into the Tempmaster PRO using either the keypad or the PC software supplied.The PC
software also allows corrections in the form of constants for individual Pt100 sensors
to be programmed in.The non-volatile memory ensures that the values are retained
(until such time as they are changed) even after switch-off.Where the calibration
certificate relating to a particular probe states specific Ωvalues at stated
temperatures, up to ten such values are entered into the Tempmaster PRO with their
relevant temperature points using the front panel keypad or the software.The
instrument then digitally
self-calibrates to the associated probe over the range embraced in the calibrated
values used; the temperature readout is “corrected” accordingly.Additional manual
procedures are not required to compute precise temperature readings since these are
displayed directly; miscalculation errors are thus eliminated.Very high system
accuracies, better than 40 milliKelvins can be achieved using probe matching.
Corrections which are “programmed in” can be displayed for confirmation. However,
initial input, adjustment, enabling and disabling of corrections are protected For by a
special key sequence to prevent accidental or unauthorised changes.Values can be
changed by an authorised user at any time.
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Tempmaster PRO Thermometer

For the Pt100 inputs,SMART probes can be used which incorporate dedicated
‘correction values‘ within the connector of each probe.When a SMART probe is
connected to input A or B or both inputs, the corrections are automatically applied
without the need for user intervention.
A common application for the Tempmaster PRO is the comparison calibration of
“working” sensors against a calibrated reference standard or semi-standard sensor. For
example, the sensor under test in channel B is compared against the reference sensor
(with programmed corrections) in channel A.
When applied, the null function corrects the differential temperature readout between
two sensors to zero. For example, the apparent temperature difference between two
sensors known to be at the same actual temperature can be corrected to zero prior
to, for example, heat exchanger experiments.
Both inputs can be scanned and values logged according to parameters set up by the
user in the PC software;the instrument incorporates a real-time clock and on-board
memory.
The adjustable contrast OLED display screen provides data readout, user prompts and
mode annunciation.This very important feature ensures a high degree of user
friendliness and confidence. User prompts indicate which buttons to press in the
appropriate sequence when selecting parameters and functions and when setting
calibration values. Mode annunciation indicates which mode of operation is currently
selected.
A flash drive USB port is provided to allow data to be stored and/or exported.
Firmware update are also facilitated via this port.
PC software running in WINDOWS is provided as standard; it allows programming of
custom calibration, remote control & measure and logging functions.
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Tempmaster PRO Thermometer

2. Installation
The instrument is for bench-top and portable use, folding ‘legs’ can be extended to
provide a convenient viewing angle.
All connections are made to the rear panel as indicated.
2a Supply Connection
Refer to the rear panel illustration. Primary power is provided by the internal
Lithium Ion battery which provides up to 12 hours of operation from a full
charge.The external 90 to 260V 50/60Hz power supply allows recharging and
continuous operation.The output lead with its fitted connector is plugged in to
the rear panel socket ‘DC in 5V IA’.
Pressing the front panel ‘POWER’ key switches the instrument on / off.
The battery charge indicator in the top right of the display indicates the state of
charge.The battery will charge whenever the instrument is connected to the
power adaptor.
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Tempmaster PRO Thermometer
Pt100 input
Channel A
USB
Communications
Flash
Drive
Supply
Connection
Analogue output
Pt100 input
Channel B

2b Communications Interface
Connect the USB cable supplied between the instrument and the PC. Refer to
the rear panel illustration.
2c Input Connection – Sensors
Refer to the rear panel illustration.
Pt100 sensors
Platinum resistance thermometers must be fitted with a high quality D-plug and
connected to input PRT-A and/or PRT-B as required.A 3 or 4 wire configuration
can be used but they are connected differently as shown.The instrument will
automatically sense which configuration is employed.
Special care must be taken when connecting 3 wire Pt100 terminations
to the connector pins.A good crimp must be achieved to avoid Ohmic
contacts which would result in reading errors. Only use good quality
connectors with gold contact material; the Labfacility D type is
recommended.
Application note: Inputs are not isolated in the Tempmaster PRO which is
primarily designed for laboratory applications and site calibration of industrial
temperature sensors. Probes connected to the instrument must therefore be
isolated from high voltage pick-up.
The instrument should be disconnected from the mains adaptor and
operated from its internal batteries in such conditions.
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Tempmaster PRO Thermometer
PRT - A PRT - B
54321
9876
4 WIRE
V–
V+
I+
I+
54321
9876
3 WIRE
V– V+
I+
I+

3. Operation
Ensure that the instrument is connected to a suitable supply and that the required
connections are made.
Switch on using the ‘POWER’ key.The display will show the programme (software)
designation followed by a short delay while the internal checks are carried out.The
instrument will then commence normal operation according to the selected mode prior
to switch-off, e.g. if channel B, PRT was in use when switched off, this will be the mode
when switched on.
OPERATION requires the selection of appropriate menus which are shown on the
display screen. Menu screens are obtained as shown in the following sections although
the procedure is described in the text in each case.
Display brightness can be adjusted as required in the ‘SETTINGS’ sub-menu described
later.
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Tempmaster PRO Thermometer

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Tempmaster PRO Thermometer
Main Menu
Logging
Main Menu
Settings
Main Menu
Brightness
Main Menu
D>A Setup
Main Menu
A–B Null
Next
Main Menu
Correct
Pt100
Corr
Enter Corr
Chan
Next Coeff
Chan
Next Next
View
Log
Enter Write
Log
Next Start
Log
Next Next
Erase
Log
Next
Smart
Probe
Enter System Next Set
Time
Next Next
About
Next
D>A
Zero
Enter D>A
Span
Next Next
Enter New
Null
Next Next
Set
Bright
Enter
Escape
Escape
Escape
Escape
Escape
Escape
Use Null
ENTER to
toggle on
or off
ENTER to edit
then
INC/DEC to change
ENTER to accept
ENTER
Null is computed
then returns to main
menu screen

3a To read sensor temperature directly
Press ‘SENSOR’ key to select the required type of sensor if different to that
currently indicated
Brief repeated key presses will step through the various types or holding the key
depressed will auto-repeat (scroll through); this applies to other functions as well.
NOTE: If for any selected channel the sensor is either not connected
(including sensor open circuit) the display will show ‘BROKEN PROBE’.
Press ‘CHANNEL’ to select inputs A, B or A-B (differential)
Press UNITS to display the desired units °C, °F, K or Ω(dependent on the type of
sensor selected).
Press ‘RESOLUTION’ to display the desired resolution, either 0.01 or 0.001 for
°C, K and Ωonly. Only 0.01 resolution can be used with °F.
3b To read differential temperature
The difference in temperature between two sensors can be obtained by displaying
channel A-B. Ensure that the required sensors are connected to the appropriate A
and B inputs.
Press ‘CHANNEL’ to select A-B after first setting up the individual channels A and
B with sensor type and corrections ON/OFF as required. Press ‘UNITS’ to display
the desired temperature units which must be appropriate to both types of sensor.
The value now displayed is the difference value between sensors A and B as
selected (i.e.A-B).
For calorimetry and certain other applications, to optimise the precision of such
differential measurements, the probe tolerances can be nulled as follows:
Nulling procedure requires the relevant probes A and B to be tagged for
repeatability. Ensure that both sensors are held at the same temperature
(say 0°C or other value) and measure A-B.
It is possible to null out differences between the two sensors measured
differentially as follows:
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Tempmaster PRO Thermometer

Obtain the ‘NULL’ menu A-B Null by scrolling through the sub-menus until the
menu appears. Press ‘ENTER’.
The display screen shows: =USE NULL ON/OFF & VALUE=
i) Acquiring a new null
ii) Applying a measured null value
The last null value will be applied such that the display value used is (A-B) –
(Null value).
The display screen shows: ACQUIRE NEW A-B
NULL VALUE (DEG C)
VALUE =
3c Matching Tempmaster PRO to calibrated sensors
It is possible to automatically match the Tempmaster PRO to Pt100 sensors with
dedicated calibration values via the PC software (see p17). Such values published
in associated certificate indicate true Ω, °C and value corresponding to accurately
known reference temperatures.
Viewing corrections via the keypad
1. Obtain the required thermocouple (TC) or Pt100 (PRT) ‘CORRECTIONS’
menu; press ‘MENU’ and then ‘CORRECT’. Press ‘ENTER’.
The display screen shows: VIEW CORRECTIONS or VIEW CORRECTIONS
FOR THERMOCOUPLES FOR Pt100 SENSORS
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Tempmaster PRO Thermometer