Quantum Northwest TC 1 User manual

Identifier:
TC 1-MAN-2.2
Revision:
0
Effective Date:
9/17/20
Web Page:
http://www.qnw.com
Description:
TC 1 Temperature Controller for Quantum
Northwest Peltier-Controlled Cuvette
Holders
QNW TC 1 Temperature
Controller
User’s Guide

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QNW TC 1 User’s Guide
Notices
Copyright
Copyright © 2020 Quantum Northwest, Inc. All
rights reserved.
No part of this publication may be reproduced,
transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval
system, or translated into any language, in any
form or by any means, electronic, mechanical,
photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without prior
written permission from Quantum Northwest, Inc.
All copyright, confidential information, patents,
design rights and all other intellectual property
rights of whatsoever nature contained herein are
and shall remain the sole and exclusive property of
Quantum Northwest, Inc. The information furnished
herein is believed to be accurate and reliable.
However, no responsibility is assumed by Quantum
Northwest, Inc. for its use, or for any infringements
of patents or other rights of third parties resulting
from its use.
The Quantum Northwest name, QNW acronym and
Quantum Northwest logo are trademarks or
registered trademarks of Quantum Northwest, Inc.
All other trademarks are the property of their
respective owners.
Quantum Northwest products must only be used in
the manner described in the Quantum Northwest
produce user guides. Any other use may result in
damage to the product or personal injury.
Quantum Northwest is not responsible for any
damages caused, in whole or in part, by improper
use of the products, unauthorized alterations,
adjustments or modifications to the products,
failure to comply with procedures in Quantum
Northwest product user guides, or use of the
products in violation of applicable laws, rules or
regulations. Quantum Northwest shall not be liable
for errors or damages on products or performance
due to using non-Quantum Northwest genuine
parts.
Warranty
The material contained in this document is
provided “as is,” and is subject to being changed,
without notice, in future editions. Further, to the
maximum extent permitted by applicable law,
Quantum Northwest disclaims all warranties, either
express or implied, with regard to this manual and
any information contained herein, including but not
limited to the implied warranties of merchantability
and fitness for a particular purpose. Quantum
Northwest shall not be liable for errors or for
incidental or consequential damages in connection
with the furnishing, use, or performance of this
document or of any information contained herein.
Should Quantum Northwest and the user have a
separate written agreement with warranty terms
covering the material in this document that conflict
with these terms, the warranty terms in the
separate agreement shall control.
Technology Licenses
The hardware and/or software described in this
document are furnished under a license and may
be used or copied only in accordance with the
terms of such license.
Safety Notices
CAUTION
Q u a n t u m N o r t h w e s t , I n c .
22910 E Appleway Avenue, Suite 4
Liberty Lake, WA 99019-8606
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Service email: ser[email protected]
w w w . q n w . c o m
T e m p e r a t u r e - C o n t r o l l e d C u v e t t e H o l d e r s
a n d C u s t o m I n s t r u m e n t a t i o n

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A CAUTION notice denotes a hazard. It calls
attention to an operating procedure, practice, or the
like that, if not correctly performed or adhered to,
could result in damage to the product or loss of
important data. Do not proceed beyond a
CAUTION notice until the indicated conditions are
fully understood and met.
WARNING
A WARNING notice denotes a hazard. It calls
attention to an operating procedure, practice, or the
like that, if not correctly performed or adhered to,
could result in personal injury or death. Do not
proceed beyond a WARNING notice until the
indicated conditions are fully understood and met.

Table of Contents
1. General Information ................................................................................................ 6
1.1. User Documentation ....................................................................................................................... 6
1.2. Other Precautions ........................................................................................................................... 6
1.3. Warning and Other Symbols ........................................................................................................... 6
1.4. CE Compliance ............................................................................................................................... 7
Declaration of Conformity to EU Directive 2011/65/EU (RoHS) ................................................ 9
1.5. Introduction: QNW TC 1 Temperature Controller ......................................................................... 10
1.6. Measurement Category ................................................................................................................ 10
1.7. Pollution Degree ............................................................................................................................ 10
1.8. Overvoltage Category ................................................................................................................... 10
1.9. Environmental Conditions ............................................................................................................. 10
1.10. Electrical Specifications ............................................................................................................. 11
1.11. Computer Requirements ........................................................................................................... 11
2. Installing, Starting and Stopping the QNW TC 1 Temperature Controller ............. 12
2.1. Installing the QNW TC 1 Temperature Controller ......................................................................... 12
2.2. Starting the QNW TC 1 Temperature Controller ........................................................................... 14
2.3. Stopping the QNW TC 1 Temperature Controller ......................................................................... 15
3. Step-by-Step Instructions for Using the QNW TC 1 Temperature Controller ........ 16
3.1. Instrument Overview ..................................................................................................................... 16
3.2. Detailed Instructions...................................................................................................................... 16
3.3. External Computer Control ........................................................................................................... 18
3.4. Troubleshooting ............................................................................................................................ 19
3.5. Error Messages ............................................................................................................................. 19
4. Maintenance and Spare Parts .............................................................................. 21
4.1. Maintenance .................................................................................................................................. 21
4.2. Spare Parts ................................................................................................................................... 21
5. Serial Communications for the TC 1 Temperature Controller ............................... 22
5.1. Sample Holder ID Number ............................................................................................................ 23
5.2. Controller Firmware Version ......................................................................................................... 23
5.3. Stirrer ............................................................................................................................................ 23
5.4. Temperature Control ..................................................................................................................... 24

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5.5. Target Temperature ...................................................................................................................... 24
5.6. Instrument Status .......................................................................................................................... 25
5.7. Current Sample Holder Temperature............................................................................................ 25
5.8. Error Reporting .............................................................................................................................. 25
5.9. Probe Status and Temperature ..................................................................................................... 26
5.10. Temperature Ramping .............................................................................................................. 27
5.11. Heat Exchanger Temperature ................................................................................................... 28
5.12. Cell Changing ............................................................................................................................ 29
5.13. Reference Cuvette .................................................................................................................... 29
5.14. Front Panel Controls ................................................................................................................. 30
6. Elements of the T-App Software Help File ............................................................ 31
6.1. Application Startup Window .......................................................................................................... 31
6.2. Application Control Window .......................................................................................................... 32
6.3. Application Menus ......................................................................................................................... 33
6.4. File Menu ...................................................................................................................................... 33
6.5. Tools Menu ................................................................................................................................... 33
6.6. Temperature Control ..................................................................................................................... 33
6.7. Temperature Ramping .................................................................................................................. 34
6.8. Stirrer Control ................................................................................................................................ 34
6.9. Show Script Panel ......................................................................................................................... 34
6.10. Command Text Box ................................................................................................................... 36
6.11. Plot Menu .................................................................................................................................. 36
6.12. Data Shown ............................................................................................................................... 37
6.13. Single Sample Status Panel ...................................................................................................... 37
6.14. Temperature Control Status ...................................................................................................... 38
6.15. Heat Exchanger Temperature ................................................................................................... 38
6.16. Target Temperature .................................................................................................................. 39
6.17. Magnetic Stirrer Controls ........................................................................................................... 39
6.18. External Probe Status ............................................................................................................... 39
6.19. Plot Axis Label Manipulation ..................................................................................................... 40
6.20. Plot of Data Collected ................................................................................................................ 40
6.21. Scripts: Program Script Commands .......................................................................................... 41

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1. General Information
Thank you for purchasing a Quantum Northwest TC 1 Temperature Controller and associated Peltier-
controlled cuvette holder. We want you to enjoy many years of faithful service from your instrument. If you
have any questions, feel free to contact us directly through our website, www.qnw.com/contact-us/, or by
email at serv[email protected]om.
Your Quantum Northwest temperature controller and associated cuvette holder have been carefully designed
so that when used properly, you have an accurate, fast, flexible and safe temperature control system.
Information about safety practices appears throughout the documentation provided with your instrument and
accessories to help you safely operate the instrument and accessories. Before using the instrument or
accessories, you must thoroughly read these safety practices. ALWAYS operate the instrument and
accessories in accordance with these safety practices.
1.1. User Documentation
You have been provided with the following documentation to help you set up and operate your Quantum
Northwest TC 1 Temperature Controller:
 This manual, with safety practices and hazards information, instructions for installing and maintaining
the components of the QNW TC 1 Temperature Controller, and troubleshooting information.
 The T-App Help file, located on the T-App CD, if purchased (Quantum Northwest>T-App Help).
1.2. Other Precautions
Do not block any ventilation grills present on the QNW TC 1 Temperature Controller.
Use of the QNW TC 1 Temperature Controller and accessories may involve materials, solvents and
solutions that are flammable, corrosive, toxic or otherwise hazardous. Careless, improper, or unskilled use of
such materials, solvents and solutions can create explosion hazards, fire hazards, toxicity and other hazards
which can result in death, serious personal injury, and damage to equipment and property.
ALWAYS ensure that laboratory safety practices governing the use, handling and disposal of such materials
are strictly observed. These safety practices should include the wearing of appropriate safety clothing and
safety glasses.
1.3. Warning and Other Symbols
The following is a list of symbols that appear in conjunction with warnings on the QNW cuvette holder and
accessories. The hazard they describe is also shown.
A triangular symbol indicates a warning. The meanings of the symbols that may appear alongside warnings in
the documentation or on the instrument itself are as follows.

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When used on a warning label, the user is in
danger of an electrical shock.
When used on warning labels attached to the
instrument, refer to the relevant operation or
service manual for the correct procedure referred
to by that warning label.
When attached to the rear of the instrument,
indicates that the product complies with the
requirements of one or more EU directives.
1.4. CE Compliance
Your QNW TC 1 Temperature Controller has been designed to comply with the requirements of the
Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Directive and the Low Voltage (electrical safety) Directive (commonly
referred to as the LVD) of the European Union. Quantum Northwest has confirmed that each product
complies with the relevant Directives by testing a prototype against the prescribed EN (European Norm)
standards.
Proof that a product complies with these directives is indicated by:
 the CE Marking appearing on the rear of the product, and
 the following Declaration of Conformity. The Declaration of Conformity is the legal declaration by
Quantum Northwest that the product complies with the directives listed above, and shows the EN
standards to which the product was tested to demonstrate compliance.

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EU Declaration of Conformity
We: Quantum Northwest, Inc.
Of: 22910 E Appleway Ave, Suite 4
Liberty Lake, WA 99019-8606
USA
Hereby declare under our sole responsibility that the following devices (and associated options /E, /E2, /L
and /L2):
QNW MODEL (CONTROLLER MODEL)
BATH 10
q
X2
™ (TC 1
B
Controller)
TC 1 Temperature Controller
qX2x2
™ (TC 1
B
Controller)
TC 1B Temperature Controller
qX3
™ (TC 1
B
Controller)
CD 250™ (TC 1 Controller)
t2 Sport™ (TC 1
Controller)
CD 350™ (TC 1 Controller)
t2x2 Sport™ (TC 1 Controller)
Cyl 100
™ (TC 1 Controller)
Turret 4™ (TC 1 Controller)
Flash 300
™ (TC 1 Controller)
Turret 6™ (TC 1 Controller)
Luma 40™ (TC 1 Controller)
Versa 20™ (TC 1 Controller)
qpod® (TC 1
Controller)
Versa 20x2™ (TC 1 Controller)
QUANTICS™ (TC 1 Controller)
Comply with the essential requirements of the following applicable European Directives:
Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Directive 2004/108/EC,
Low-Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU,
RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU.
Conformity is assessed in accordance to the following standards:
EMC Directive: Emissions EN 61326-1 (2013) Group 1 Class A
Immunity EN 61326-1 (2013) Group 1 Class A
Low Voltage Directive: Safety EN 61010-1
I hereby declare that the equipment models named above have been assessed and found to comply with
the relevant sections of the above-referenced specifications. The units comply with the relevant
requirements of the applicable Legislation, and I am the person authorized to compile the technical
documentation.
Signed by:
Name: Enoch W. Small, Ph.D.
Position: President, Quantum Northwest, Inc.
Date: May 25, 2020
Location: Liberty Lake, Washington, USA

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Declaration of Conformity to EU Directive 2011/65/EU (RoHS)
We: Quantum Northwest, Inc.
Of: 22910 E Appleway Ave, Suite 4
Liberty Lake, WA 99019-8606
USA
Declare under our sole responsibility that our products indicated below (and associated options /E, /E2, /L
and /L2) are in fully compliance with EU Directive 2011/65/EU, with respect to the following substances:
1. Lead (Pb),
2. Mercury (Hg),
3. Cadmium (Cd),
4. Hexavalent chromium (Cr (VI)),
5. Polybrominated biphenyls (PBB),
6. Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE), Deca-BDE included.
QNW MODEL (CONTROLLER MODEL)
BATH 10
q
X2
™ (TC 1
B
Controller)
TC 1 Temperature Controller
qX2x2
™ (TC 1
B
Controller)
TC 1B Temperature Controller
qX3
™ (TC 1
B
Controller)
CD 250™ (TC 1 Controller)
t2 Sport™ (TC 1 Controller)
CD 350™ (TC 1 Controller)
t2x2 Sport™ (TC 1 Controller)
Cyl 100
™ (TC 1 Controller)
TLC 50™ Legacy (TC 125 Controller)
Flash 300
™ (TC 1 Controller)
Turret 4™ (TC 1 Controller)
Luma
40™ (TC 1 Controller)
Turret 400™ (TC 425 Controller)
qpod® (TC 1 Controller)
Turret 6™ (TC 1 Controller)
qpod® 2e (Integrated Control)
Versa 20™ (TC 1 Controller)
QUANTICS™ (TC 1 Controller)
Versa 20x2™ (TC 1 Controller)
The following statement regarding conformity of our products to the EU Directive 2011/65/EU (RoHS) is
based on our actual research and inquiries with our suppliers:
All products sold under the above model numbers previously, currently and in future are/will be
fully compliant with EU Directive 2011/65/EU and without exemption.
Signed by:
Name: Enoch W. Small, Ph.D.
Position: President, Quantum Northwest, Inc.
Date: May 25, 2020
Location: Liberty Lake, Washington, USA

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1.5. Introduction: QNW TC 1 Temperature Controller
Intended Use
The QNW TC 1 Temperature Controller is used with an associated Peltier-controlled cuvette holder to
control sample temperature during optical measurements. Temperature control is achieved using the TC 1
Temperature Controller alone or along with a computer interfaced to the TC 1 Temperature Controller
box, using the QNW T-App software provided.
1.6. Measurement Category
The measurement category is IEC 61010:I. Do not to use this equipment for measurements within
measurement categories II, III and IV.
1.7. Pollution Degree
The pollution degree is IEC61010:2. Pollution degree “2” applies to a normal indoor atmosphere.
1.8. Overvoltage Category
The overvoltage category (installation category) is CAT II. See IEC 664 & IEC 61010.
1.9. Environmental Conditions
The area should have a dust-free atmosphere with minimal drafts, vibrations, and corrosive fumes. For
optimum performance, the ambient air is recommended to be between 20 and 25 °C, but can be from 5 to 40
°C. Relative humidity should be less than 80%. The instrument is designed for operation at 2,000 m elevation
or less.
Figure 1. TC 1 Temperature Controller

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To avoid damage through spillage of solutions and samples being analyzed, the worktops should be covered
with a material that is corrosion resistant and impervious to liquids.
Allow at least two inches of space on both sides, and six inches at the rear of the instruments to permit free
air circulation. The power cord and all other connections are located at the rear of the instruments. The power
switch is located on the front panel.
1.10. Electrical Specifications
Mains Supply
A standard power cable is provided based on the user’s country requirements (18 AWG/115 V AC
US/Canada; 1.0 mm/220 V AC international). The required supply voltage is 100-240 V AC (frequency 50 or
60 Hz). The mains voltage fluctuations must not exceed 10% of the nominal voltage.
The installation of electrical power supplies must comply with the rules and/or regulations imposed by local
authorities responsible for the supply of electrical energy to the workplace.
All power supplies for the TC 1 Temperature Controller must be single-phase, AC voltage, three-wire
system (active, neutral, earth) and should be terminated at an appropriate power outlet receptacle that is
within reach of the power cord. For safety reasons, a separate power outlet receptacle should be provided for
each unit in the system. The use of extension cords or outlet adaptors is not recommended.
WARNING
Shock Hazard - Danger of electrocution. Good electrical grounding is essential to avoid
potentially serious shock hazards. A 3-wire outlet with ground connection must be provided for
the TC 1 Temperature Controller. Make certain that power outlets are earth-grounded at the
grounding pin.
CAUTION
Caution - Never connect or disconnect any cables while the TC 1 Temperature Controller is
switched on. Damage to the printed circuit boards may occur.
1.11. Computer Requirements
The T-App temperature application software used for external control of Quantum Northwest temperature
controllers requires a personal computer using a Microsoft Windows™ operating system (XP, Vista, 7, or 8).
The T-App software is normally provided on a CD, requiring a CD player be part of the computer. However,
T-App may also be downloaded via the Internet from a QNW ftp site. Contact QNW should you wish to
obtain the application by Internet.

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2. Installing, Starting and Stopping the QNW
TC 1 Temperature Controller
2.1. Installing the QNW TC 1 Temperature Controller
Unpacking
After accepting delivery, take the equipment to the installation site. Quantum Northwest instruments are
inherently robust, and the packaging is designed to prevent internal damage. However, the contents form part
of a precision measuring system and all packages should be handled with care. In transit, sharp jolts must be
avoided and the packages should not be inverted or tilted unnecessarily. Markings on the shipping cartons
generally indicate which side of the package should be kept on top.
Unpacking the equipment is your responsibility. As the packages are opened, ensure that you have received
everything you ordered. If there are any discrepancies, notify the supplier. If any items are found to be
damaged, immediately notify the carrier and supplier.
You should have received:
 1x TC 1 Temperature Controller
 1x power cable
 1x USB cable
 1x CD containing T-App software (if ordered)
 This manual
Note: Any additional items ordered are not listed here.
Any differences from the original order should be referred immediately to your Quantum Northwest sales
office. Do not discard any packaging components or filler materials.
Installing the QNW T-App Software (if ordered)
Follow the instructions provided with the software to complete the installation. The instructions are found in a
text file titled “Instructions.txt” within the T-App folder. Those instructions will be similar to the following:
Instruction for installation of T-App
1. Copy the "T-App" folder to a convenient location on the computer to be used.
2. Run "CDM v2.12.12 WHQL Certified.exe" to the install drivers needed for serial
communications between the QNW TC 1 temperature controller and the T-App application.
3. Connect the TC 1 to the computer to be used with the USB cable provided with the TC 1 (or
any USB cable with the correct plug ends). Turn on the TC 1 power. Installation of the drivers for
the USB connection should begin immediately and proceed automatically.
4. Run "T-App.exe". For further information select the Help>(T-App Help) menu item.

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Note: It is important to install software before connecting the TC 1 to your computer. Software
installation installs a driver. If the TC 1 Temperature Controller is connected to the computer
and turned on before software installation, then the computer may automatically load an
incorrect driver that may be difficult to remove.
Connect the TC 1 to your computer using the USB or RS 232 cable provided. The New Hardware installation
process will begin automatically and take a few moments to finish.
Installing the QNW TC 1 Temperature Controller Hardware
1. Install the Peltier-controlled cuvette
holder into the destination spectrometer.
Note: The TC 1 Temperature
Controller and its associated Peltier-
controlled cuvette holder are supplied completely assembled. It is necessary only to make
the appropriate connections.
2. Position the bucket to within 75 cm (30 in) above or below the spectrometer.
CAUTION
Caution – Position the bucket in a location that minimizes the risk of spilling the liquid contents.
3. OPTIONAL - If a gas such as nitrogen is to be used as dry gas for minimizing condensation at low
temperatures, secure the tank to a solid object in the vicinity of the spectrometer.
CAUTION
Caution – When using dry gas do prevent condensation on the cuvette, ensure that the working
area is adequately ventilated.
4. Cut the vinyl tubing into two lengths (three if you will be using the dry gas purge). Attach one
length of tubing from the hose barb of the submersible pump, shown in Fig. 2, to either one of the
water hose barbs on the Peltier-controlled cuvette holder, labeled “water access for thermoelectric
Figure 2. Example of a user-supplied submersible
pump, bucket, electrical cable, and vinyl tubing to
be used with the TC 1 Temperature Controller
and associated Peltier-controlled cuvette holder

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cooler.” Attach another piece of tubing from the second cuvette holder water hose barb to the bucket
to serve as a drain tube. Add water to the bucket and lower the pump into the bucket, making sure
that the pump is below the water line. Using the electrical cable from the pump, connect the pump to
the socket on the back of the TC 1 Temperature Controller. The pump will start automatically when
the TC 1 power is turned on later.
5. OPTIONAL - If you plan to work at low temperatures, connect a source of dry gas (typically nitrogen)
to release upon the cuvette windows. Attach a length of tubing with ⅛-inch inside diameter to the
small dry gas hose barb on the base of the Peltier-controlled cuvette holder. Set the dry gas flow
rate to about 50 cc/min.
6. Connect the electrical cable from the cuvette holder to the 15-pin, VGA-type connector labeled
“Sample” on the back of the TC 1 Temperature Controller.
7. Plug the power cable into the back of the TC 1 Temperature Controller and into a wall socket.
2.2. Starting the QNW TC 1 Temperature Controller
1. Place the magnetic stir bar in a standard 1 x 1-cm square cuvette. Insert a liquid sample into the
cuvette.
2. Place the cuvette in the cuvette holder.
3. Place the plastic lid on the cuvette holder.
4. OPTIONAL - If you wish to monitor the temperature inside the cuvette, plug a standard Series 400 or
Series 500 thermistor probe (not provided) into the ¼ - inch phone jack labeled “probe” in the back
panel of the TC 1. Place the end of the probe in a region of the sample in the cuvette where it will not
occlude the spectrometer light beam.
5. Turn on the TC 1 controller using the switch on the back panel. On the TC 1 front panel, press once
on the right-arrow button and once on the SET button. These two steps turn on the pump by turning
on the temperature control. (The pump runs only when the temperature control is turned on).
6. Check for water leaks.
7. Check that water is flowing from the free tubing end. If it does not, lift the pump off the bottom of the
bucket, but not out of the water, and drop it. This usually will get the flow started. If it does not after
several tries, lift the pump up close to the water surface and let a small drop of liquid detergent land
in the water close to the pump intake.
8. For now, turn the TC 1 power off.
Figure 3. TC 1 Menu Button
9. Use the left or right arrows on the Menu Button, shown in Fig. 3, to cycle through the four pages of
options. These options are described in detail in Section 2.3 below. To turn on stirring and set a

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temperature, go to the Set Stirring page, use the up and down arrows to set a speed or let it default
to 1200 rpm, and press SET to start the stirrer. Then go to the Set Target Temperature page and
use the up and down arrows to set a target temperature, for example, 37.0 °C. Press SET to initiate
temperature control. The temperature will then change and stabilize.
2.3. Stopping the QNW TC 1 Temperature Controller
1. While temperature control is running and the Start page is being displayed, press SET (Fig. 3) to turn
off temperature control. To turn off stirring, go to the Set Stirrer page and press SET again.
2. After measurements are completed, turn off power on the back of the TC 1 controller. This action
should power off both the TC 1 and the BATH 10 pump, if used. If you are using a circulator pump
other than the BATH 10, power it off at this time.

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3. Step-by-Step Instructions for Using the
QNW TC 1 Temperature Controller
3.1. Instrument Overview
The TC 1 Temperature Controller may be used in a stand-alone manner together with its associated Peltier-
controlled cuvette holder, or under PC control using QNW’s T-App software or other vendors’ software.
T-App is a program that permits external computer control of the TC 1 Temperature Controller. The
temperature of the sample holder and a temperature sensed by an external probe may be plotted vs time.
Simple text scripts may be used to automate multiple operations. T-App is provided with a USB cable to
connect your computer to the TC 1. Full instructions for using T-App may be found in the associated Help
file.
3.2. Detailed Instructions
Using the Menu Button control arrows
Figure 4. TC 1 Menu Button control arrows
Refer to Fig. 7 for the appearance of the TC 1 Menu button. Use the right and left arrows to cycle through
four pages:
– Display – Set Target Temperature – Set Stirring – Set Ramping –
Display
Holder = 37.0 °C
Target = 37.0 °C
Probe = 36.9 °C
Ramp On Stir On

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Figure 5. Example TC 1 Display page for a single cuvette holder and external probe, with temperature
Display: This main page shows the actual cuvette Holder temperature, the Target temperature and a Probe
temperature (if a probe is present). The page also shows whether the Ramp and Stir functions are on or off.
After a few seconds of inactivity, all other pages will revert back to the Display page.
When seeking a temperature, the green LED on the front panel will flash slowly. When the cuvette holder
has locked onto a new target temperature, the green LED will remain lit. A rapidly flashing red LED usually
means a loose electrical cable or inadequate water flow for the Peltier unit.
Note: Pressing the SET button while the Display page is active results in no action. To start or stop
controller functions, access the four other pages, Set Target Temperature – Set Stirring – Set
Ramping – Set Position.
Set Target Temperature
Figure 6. TC 1 Set Target Temperature page
Set Target Temperature: To set the Target temperature, use the up and down arrows. Press SET to
retain this new Target and initiate temperature control. The green LED light will begin flashing slowly as the
device seeks the targeted temperature, and the page window will show the Current to be ON.
Discontinue Temperature Control: Press SET while the green LED light is lit or slowly flashing to
discontinue temperature control. The LED light will turn off completely, and the page window will show the
Current to be Off.
Set Stirring
Figure 7. TC 1 Set Stirring page
Set Stirring
Stir speed = 1200 rpm
Current = Off
Set Target Temp.
Target = 37.0 °C
Current= 23.6 °C Off

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Set Stirring: To turn on magnetic Stirring, use the up and down arrows to choose an approximate stirring
speed between 200 and 2000 rpm. Press SET to set the speed and initiate stirring. The page will update to
show the Current value to be the same as Stir speed.
Discontinue Stirring: Press SET while the Stirring is on (shown by nonzero Current rpm) to turn the
stirrer off. The page will update to show the Current speed to be Off.
Set Ramping
Figure 8. TC 1 Set Ramping page
Set Ramping: To perform a temperature ramp, set the Ramp rate using the up and down arrows, and press
SET. The page will update to show the Current rate in °/min to be the same as the Ramp rate. With ramping
set, turning on temperature control will generate a linear ramp to the target temperature. When the sample
holder reaches the target temperature, no further temperature change occurs, although the Current rate will
remain as set.
The fastest possible ramp is determined by how fast the cuvette holder is able to reach the target
temperature without ramping. Attempting to ramp too quickly, especially at high and low temperature
extremes, will result in a nonlinear ramp. The slowest ramp that may be set on this page is 0.09 °C/minute.
(If needed, much slower ramps may be set through software commands.)
Discontinue Ramping: Press SET while the Ramp is on (shown by nonzero Current °/min) to turn the Ramp
off. The page will update to show the Current rate to be Off.
3.3. External Computer Control
All functions may be accessed either through a Serial (RS 232) or a USB located on the back of TC 1
Temperature Controller. You may write your own program or purchase the QNW application program T-
App. T-App will plot temperatures of the probe, cuvette tower, and even the Peltier element heat exchanger
vs time. It will also permit you to set up temperature ramps. If you wish to do your own programming, please
see the Appendix for communication instructions and the set of text commands that may be used and
responses to the commands.
Set Ramping
Ramp = 0.55°/min
Current = Off

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3.4. Troubleshooting
If the submersible pump has operated without being immersed in water, it may not prime properly. If this
occurs, place one drop of detergent on the pump intake and try again.
If the TC 1 display indicates that there is inadequate coolant, it may be that the circulating water is too warm.
Add ice to the water to cool it down.
If a circulating bath is used as the water source, it may not be possible to maintain a flow rate of 200 mL per
minute. While this condition will limit the lowest temperature attainable, it may be partially compensated by
using colder circulating liquid. Below about -25 °C, 30% methanol in water is generally recommended as the
coolant.
If the set temperature is near room temperature and too close to the temperature of the cooling water, the
sample holder temperature may oscillate around the set temperature. In this case, changing the temperature
of the cooling water (for example by adding ice) should stop the oscillation. Cooler circulating water can
result in improved performance of the cuvette holder at low temperatures, whereas warmer water can
improve performance at very high temperatures.
If a cuvette shorter than 44 mm is used, it may be difficult to remove. Use a taller cuvette instead.
3.5. Error Messages
When errors occur, the line 1 of the TC 1 Temperature Controller display presents an error code. Line 3 of
the display identifies the error and line 4 of the display presents possible solutions. The most common events
that cause errors to be displayed are loose cables or inadequate coolant flow. For errors not easily solved,
contact QNW at www.qnw.com/contact-us/ or [e-mail].
Specific error messages include the following.
5 – cell out of range
warnings: loose cable, sensor failure
The temperature controller is not receiving a reasonable response from the sensor on the cuvette tower.
Either the sensor has failed or a cable is not making a good connection.
6 – cell out of range
warnings: loose cable, check cable
The temperature controller is not receiving reasonable responses from either the cell tower or heat exchanger
sensors. Since it is very unlikely for both to fail, probably a cable is loose.
7 – heat exchanger error
warnings: loose cable, sensor failure
The temperature controller is not receiving a reasonable response from the sensor on the heat exchanger.
Either the sensor has failed or a cable is not making a good connection.

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8 – inadequate coolant
warnings: inadequate coolant, water temperature
The sensor on the heat exchanger is reading a temperature above 60 °C. Temperature control has been
shut down to prevent damage to the Peltier element. Either the water was too warm or the rate of flow was
inadequate to draw sufficient heat from the heat exchanger.
9 – Invalid command
The controller has been sent an invalid text command.