Onset Computer Corporation StowAway-IS Temp User manual

StowAway-IS Temp
User's Manual
© 2000, Onset Computer Corporation
Trademarks
Onset®, HOBO®, StowAway®, StowAway®TidbiT®, Optic Shuttle™, Optic
Base Station™, Optic Coupler™, TidbiT®Coupler™, HandCar™, and
BoxCar® are trademarks of Onset Computer Corporation. Palm OS
is a trademark of Palm Computing Inc., 3Com Corporation or its sub-
sidiaries. Other products and brand names may be trademarks or
registered trademarks of their respective owners.
Tel: 1-800-LOGGERS (1-800-564-4377), 508-759-9500 ❖Fax: [phone]
[email protected] ❖www.onsetcomp.com
®

Thank you for purchasing a StowAway®-IS Temp, Intrinsically
Safe Temperature Logger (Part # TBIB-40+75-IS). Your
StowAway-IS, with proper care, will give you years of accurate
and reliable measurements.
The StowAway-IS is used to measure and record ambient temperatures
between -40°F and +167°F (-40°C to +75°C). The StowAway-IS is rated
as Intrinsically Safe, which allows it to be used in many hazardous
(classified) environments.
Safety Information—Read First
Warning: Only the StowAway-IS is rated as Intrinsically Safe. Do not
attempt to download the logger using the Optic Base Station™or Optic
Shuttle™or Handheld PDA in a hazardous environment, as these
devices do not carry the Intrinsically Safe rating and are not intrinsi-
cally compatible with the StowAway-IS. See the “Logger Specifications”
for the complete Intrinsically Safe listing and see the section of this
manual entitled “Intrinsic Safety” for more information about hazard-
ous locations and the StowAway-IS.
Warning: Fire, Explosion, and Severe Burn Hazard. The logger con-
tains a Lithium battery. The battery is not replaceable. The battery may
explode if the logger is mistreated. Do not attempt to recharge, disas-
semble or heat the logger above +212°F (+100°C). Do not dispose of the
logger in fire. Do not expose the contents of the battery to water. Dispose
of loggers according to local regulations for Lithium batteries.
Warning: Only qualified personnel should install and service equip-
ment located in Hazardous (Classified) Areas.
Requirements
The StowAway-IS requires Onset Computer Corporation’s BoxCar®Pro
or BoxCar®3.5 or later software, PC Interface Cable, Optic Base Sta-
tion™, and StowAway-IS Coupler. The StowAway-IS is compatible with
the Optic Shuttle™and Palm®devices running HandCar™1.0 (see
Warning above).
Logger Specifications
Operating Temp Range*: -40°F to +167°F (-40°C to +75°C)
Operating RH Range:
at 0-100% RH and <+86°F (+30°C): continuous exposure
at 0-95% RH and >+86°F (+30°C): continuous exposure
at 95%-100% RH and >+86°F (+30°C): max of 10 weeks
Note: exposure to continuous moisture above +86°F
(+30°C) for more than 10 weeks may affect
temperature accuracy
Time Accuracy: ~100 ppm (±1 minute per week)
at +68°F (+20°C), see Plot A for full
temperature/time dependence
*Measurement range may differ from operating range due to
precision calibration process by up to ±2.0°F (1.1°C)
Page 1
Graph 1093
Timebase dependence
Plot A
Warranty
Onset data loggers are warranted to be free from defects in material and
workmanship for a period of one year from the date of original purchase.
During the warranty period Onset will, at its option, either repair or replace
products that prove to be defective. This warranty is void if the Onset prod-
ucts have been damaged by customer error or negligence or if there has been
an unauthorized modification.
Returning Products to Onset
Direct all warranty claims to place of purchase.
Before returning a failed unit, you must obtain a Return Merchandise Autho-
rization (RMA) number from Onset. You must provide proof that you pur-
chased the Onset product(s) directly from Onset (purchase order number or
Onset invoice number). Onset will issue an RMA number that is valid for 30
days. You must ship the product(s), properly packaged to protect against fur-
ther damage, to Onset (at your expense) with the RMA number marked
clearly on the outside of the package. Onset is not responsible for any pack-
age that is returned without a valid RMA number or for the loss of the pack-
age by any shipping company.
Products must be clean and free of any toxins before they are sent back to
Onset or they may be returned to you.
Repair Policy
Products that are returned after the warranty period or that
are damaged by the customer as specified in the warranty
provisions can be returned to Onset with a valid RMA number
for evaluation.
Please contact Onset for more information and prices on:
ASAP Repair Policy
Onset will expedite the repair of a returned product.
Data-back™Service
StowAway data loggers store data in nonvolatile EEPROM memory. Onset
will, if possible, recover your data to a disk.
Tune Up™Service
Onset will examine and retest any HOBO data logger.

Page 2
Temperature Accuracy: ±0.72°F
(±0.46°C) at +68°F (+20°C), see Plot B
for temperature accuracy over the
complete operating temperature range
Temperature Resolution: 0.63°F (0.35°C)
at +68°F (+20°C), see Plot B for
temperature resolution over the
complete operating temperature range
Response Time: <60 minutes in
still air
Recommended Storage Temperature:
-40°F to +122°F (-40°C to +50°C);
storage outside this range will reduce battery life
Measurement Capacity: 32K 8-bit measurements
Data Offload Time: 8K in 90 seconds, 32K in 6 minutes
Size: 1.5" diameter, 0.8" height, mounting bail hole
diameter 3/16" (5mm)
Weight: 1.1oz (32g)
Battery: 1/10 D, 3.6 Volt Lithium, non-replaceable
Battery Life: 5 years continuous use with a logging interval ≥10 minutes
and multiple sampling disabled
Environmental Rating: Tested to NEMA 6 (IP67); not intended
for deployment in water or extended exposure to
epoxy-permeating vapors
Intrinsically Safe Rating: IS, Class I, II, Division 1, Groups A-G,
Temperature Code T4 (≤135°C); NI, Class I, Division 2, Groups A-D,
Temperature Code T4 (≤135°C); S, Class II, Division 2, Groups F and G
Launch, Operation and Recovery
Launching your StowAway-IS
Connect the Optic Base Station to the host computer using the appropri-
ate interface cable (CABLE-PC-3.5 for a PC and CABLE-MAC-HOBO for a
Macintosh). Attach the StowAway-IS coupler to the Optic Base Station
(see Figure 1). Place the StowAway-IS into the coupler such that the bail
on the StowAway-IS lines up with the alignment arrow on the coupler.
Refer to the software user’s manual for launching procedures.
Note: Remove the logger from the coupler once
launched. The coupler contains a
magnet to wake up the logger
for communication.
Readout
At the end of the deployment, reconnect the StowAway-IS to the
StowAway-IS Coupler and attach the Optic Base Station for readout. The
StowAway-IS communicates at 1200 baud, so 8K of data will
take about 90 seconds to download and 32K of data will take about
6 minutes.
Shuttle Compatible
The StowAway-IS is compatible with the Optic Shuttle for offload and re-
launch when used with the StowAway-IS Coupler. See the Optic Shuttle
Plot B - Graph 5193-A
Temperature/Accuracy
Page 5
Service and Support
HOBO®products are easy to use and reliable. In the unlikely event that
you have a problem with this instrument, please read the following.
Who do I contact?
Contact the company that you bought the loggers from: Onset or an Onset
Authorized Dealer.
Before calling, you can evaluate and often solve your problem if you try
the following:
1. Read this manual and the ReadMe file on the software disk. It may only
take a few moments to get the answers you need.
Note: Software purchased separately
2. Write down the events that led to the problem. Have you changed
anything in your computer recently? Are you doing anything differently?
3. Visit the Technical Support section of the Onset web site at
www.onsetcomp.com/support.html.
When contacting Onset, please indicate that you need Technical Support
for StowAwayproducts. Be prepared to:
1. Provide the product number and serial number for the StowAway-IS
Temp Logger (which is found on the side and bottom of the logger), and
software version in question.
2. Provide details on the hardware and software configuration of your
computer including manufacturer, model number, peripherals, and version
of operating system.
3. Completely describe the problem or question. The more information you
provide the faster and more accurately we will be able to respond.
Onset Technical Support
Onset Computer Corporation
470 MacArthur Blvd., Bourne, MA 02532
Mailing: PO Box 3450, Pocasset, MA 02559-3450
Phone: 1-800-LOGGERS (1-800-564-4377) or 508-759-9500
Fax: [phone]
E-mail: [email protected]
Internet: www.onsetcomp.com
Figure 1

Page 3
Manual for operation instructions. The StowAway-IS is also compatible
with HandCar software for the Palm®OS when used with a StowAway-IS
Coupler and Optic Base Station. See the HandCar Manual for operation
instructions.
Triggered Launch
Launch the StowAway-IS with the triggered launch box checked to enable
the triggered launch feature. The yellow LED will blink weakly every four
seconds while the logger waits to be triggered but the logger will not be
recording measurements. The StowAway-IS will start logging when a
strong magnet is brought near the logger. You can use the StowAway-IS
coupler, or any powerful magnet to trigger a launch. The yellow LED on
the StowAway-IS will flash brightly four times to indicate a successfully
triggered launch.
Delayed Start
Launch your StowAway-IS with delayed launch box checked to enable
delayed start feature. The yellow LED on the StowAway-IS will flash
weakly every six seconds while the logger waits for the delay period to
expire. Upon expiration the logger will start recording measurements at
every interval.
Multiple Sampling
Launch the StowAway-IS with the multiple sampling box checked to
enable the multiple sampling feature. In multiple sampling many
measurements are taken in any given logging interval but only one data
point is recorded. The exact number of measurements varies with the
interval selected. The maximum measurement rate is 1/2 second. The
StowAway-IS supports three types of multiple sampling. Maximum will
command the StowAway-IS to save only the highest measured tempera-
ture of the interval. Minimum will command the StowAway-IS to save
only the lowest measured temperature of the interval. Average will com-
mand the StowAway-IS to determine the average temperature of the all
the temperatures measured in the interval. Note that using multiple
sampling for extended periods of time will reduce battery life below five
years.
Alarm Indication
The StowAway-IS has two LEDs, one yellow and one red. The yellow LED
blinks during use if the alarm has not been tripped. The red LED will
blink if the StowAway-IS has recorded a temperature outside the user's
set alarm limits. When the StowAway-IS is full or has been downloaded,
neither LED will blink. Use of the alarm is optional and its limits are set
during launch with the logger software. The alarm limits can be set
anywhere between -40°F to +167°F (-40°C to +75°C).
Hardware Details
Logger Construction
The StowAway-IS uses infrared light to communicate which allows the
logger to be completely sealed in durable epoxy. The StowAway-IS has
been tested to NEMA 6 (IP67). This means that the logger can be used in
Page 4
dirty locations, sprayed, or even briefly submerged. For data retrieval, be
sure to clean the communication port of water, dirt, and dust. Clean the
StowAway-IS with a non-abrasive mild soap and warm water and a non-
scratching sponge or towel. Scratches or abrasions on the communication
port may impair communication. Do not use the StowAway-IS in high
temperature condensing environments for extended periods of time as
this may affect the accuracy of the temperature measurements. Onset
recommends that the StowAway-IS not be used continuously in a condens-
ing environment for more that ten weeks at temperatures exceeding
+86°F (+30°C).
Temperature Accuracy and Resolution
The StowAway-IS accuracy and resolution specifications are given in
Plot B. The logger’s accuracy specification is the maximum measurement
error, including the effects of thermistor error and quantization error. In
most cases the logger’s actual accuracy is better than the specified value.
The logger’s resolution is the difference between temperature steps.
Factors that affect the StowAway-IS accuracy are thermistor error,
component imperfections (resistor variations and A-D nonlinearities),
and quantization error (difference between temperature steps). Onset
Computer Corporation’s proprietary test procedures effectively eliminate
the resistor and A-D errors, leaving only the thermistor error, quantiza-
tion error, and a small residual calibration error. Note that two loggers
will not necessarily have exactly the same step value and two loggers
exposed to the same temperatures may report different values, however
each one will be correct within its accuracy.
Intrinsically Safe
Factory Mutual Research has certified the StowAway-IS is safe for use in
certain hazardous areas. The National Electrical Code has classified
many types of hazardous locations. The StowAway-IS has been approved
to be intrinsically safe in Class I and II locations which are areas where
ignitable concentrations of gas (Class I) and/or dust (Class II) exist. The
NEC further classifies hazardous locations by Division (1 or 2). The
Division designation refers to the likelihood that the area will contain
ignitable concentrations of gas or dust. Division 1 locations will have
ignitable concentrations of gas or dust continuously or under normal
operating conditions. Division 2 locations will have ignitable concentra-
tions of gas or dust only during infrequent or abnormal operation (which
may include areas located near Division 1 locations). The StowAway-IS
has been approved for use in both Division 1 and 2 locations. The hazard-
ous area classification scheme is further defined by listing the types of
ignitable gases and dusts that may be present in a hazardous location.
Ignitable gases and dusts are sorted into groups with similar ignition
characteristics. The StowAway-IS is certified for all possible groups:
A-G for gas and A-D, F and G for dust. Finally every Intrinsically Safe
Device is given a temperature rating. The StowAway-IS has a T4
rating, which means that no part of the device will become warmer
than +275°F (+135°C) in a worst-case fault. For more information on
Hazardous (Classified) Locations visit the Underwriters Laboratory web
site at www.ul.com/hazloc/define.htm.