TestEquity TEC1 Operation manual

Model TEC1
Thermoelectric Temperature Chamber
For TEC1 s/n 0100222 and above
For TEC1-001 s/n 1100168 and above
Operation and Service Manual
TestEquity LLC
6100 Condor Drive
Moorpark, CA 93021
Support: 877-512-3457 Toll Free
805-480-0636
Corporate: 800-732-3457
805-498-9933
http://www.testequity.com
Copyright © 2010-2018 TestEquity LLC Rev. 2.1 – April 9, 2018

Table of Contents
Chapter 1 – Safety Instructions................................................................................................ 1-1
Introduction ____________________________________________________________________________ 1-1
Installation Safety Notices_________________________________________________________________ 1-1
Operation Safety Notices__________________________________________________________________ 1-1
Chapter 2 – Installation............................................................................................................. 2-1
Unpacking______________________________________________________________________________ 2-1
Preparation For Use _____________________________________________________________________ 2-1
Installation Location _____________________________________________________________________ 2-1
Condensate Drain _______________________________________________________________________ 2-2
Input Voltage Configuration_______________________________________________________________ 2-2
Chapter 3 – Operation............................................................................................................... 3-1
Introduction ____________________________________________________________________________ 3-1
Summary of Chamber Operation___________________________________________________________ 3-1
Front Panel Switches _____________________________________________________________________ 3-1
POWER Switch................................................................................................................................................ 3-1
TEMP Switch................................................................................................................................................... 3-1
Convenience Outlet ______________________________________________________________________ 3-1
Loading the Chamber ____________________________________________________________________ 3-2
Performance Considerations ............................................................................................................................ 3-3
Internal Test Fixtures ....................................................................................................................................... 3-3
Chapter 4 – Temperature Controller....................................................................................... 4-1
Introduction ____________________________________________________________________________ 4-1
Temperature Controller Keys and Displays __________________________________________________ 4-2
Home Page _____________________________________________________________________________ 4-3
Home Page Parameters .................................................................................................................................... 4-3
Temperature Set Point Control......................................................................................................................... 4-3
Profile Programming_____________________________________________________________________ 4-4
Operations Page _________________________________________________________________________ 4-5
Setup Page _____________________________________________________________________________ 4-5
Factory Page____________________________________________________________________________ 4-5
Computer Interface ______________________________________________________________________ 4-6
RS-232C........................................................................................................................................................... 4-6
GPIB (optional)................................................................................................................................................ 4-6
Ethernet (optional) ........................................................................................................................................... 4-6
GPIB and Ethernet Programming .................................................................................................................... 4-7
Chapter 5 – Frequently Asked Questions................................................................................ 5-1
Chapter 6 – Specifications......................................................................................................... 6-1
Model TEC1 Chamber Specifications _______________________________________________________ 6-1

Table of Contents
Chapter 7 – Maintenance .......................................................................................................... 7-1
Preventive Maintenance Schedule __________________________________________________________ 7-1
Daily or As Needed.......................................................................................................................................... 7-1
Every 6 Months................................................................................................................................................ 7-1
Every 12 Months.............................................................................................................................................. 7-1
How to clean the chamber interior and exterior............................................................................................... 7-1
How to verify the chamber performance.......................................................................................................... 7-2
How to verify the calibration ........................................................................................................................... 7-3
Theory of Operation _____________________________________________________________________ 7-4
Thermoelectric Cooling and Heating ............................................................................................................... 7-4
Temperature Control ........................................................................................................................................ 7-4
Troubleshooting _________________________________________________________________________ 7-5
Recommended Spare Parts ________________________________________________________________ 7-6
Major Electrical Parts ____________________________________________________________________ 7-6
General Replaceable Parts ________________________________________________________________ 7-6
EZ-Zone Temperature Controller Setup Parameters __________________________________________ 7-7
EZ-Zone Setup Menu Parameters .................................................................................................................... 7-8
EZ-Zone Custom Menu Parameters............................................................................................................... 7-10
EZ-Zone Operations Page Parameters ........................................................................................................... 7-10
Chapter 8 – Warranty ............................................................................................................... 8-1
Chapter 9 – Drawings................................................................................................................ 9-1

Chapter 1 – Safety
TestEquity TEC1 Thermoelectric Temperature Chamber Page 1-1
Chapter 1 – Safety Instructions
Introduction
Follow all CAUTION notices to prevent damage to the chamber or your test sample. Failure to
follow all CAUTION notices may void your warranty. CAUTION may also indicate a
potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result in minor or moderate personal
injury.
WARNING indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in
death or serious injury.
The safety alert symbol !precedes a general CAUTION or WARNING statement.
The electrical hazard symbol 2precedes an electric shock hazard CAUTION or WARNING
statement.
Installation Safety Notices
2WARNING: The power cord is equipped with a grounded/polarized plug. To prevent a
shock hazard, DO NOT defeat the ground or polarization feature. This device
MUST be plugged into a properly grounded and polarized outlet.
!CAUTION: This chamber is designed for operation in a conditioned laboratory
environment. Operation above 27°C (80°F) will have a significant impact on
low-temperature operation.
!CAUTION: For optimum performance, there should be a minimum of 4-inch clearance
between the fans on the back of the chamber and a wall. Operation of the
chamber directly against a wall will result in 25% less cooling capacity.
Operation Safety Notices
!CAUTION: The “EZ-Zone PM User’s Manual” is a general manual and is written by the
manufacturer, Watlow, for a wide variety of applications and configurations.
Not all features or functions are applicable. Only the capabilities of a model
PM6R1CC-2AAAAAA, as described on page 112 of the “EZ-Zone PM
User’s Manual” are applicable.
!CAUTION: The EZ-Zone Temperature Controller has been properly configured by
TestEquity to match the chamber’s system requirements and to perform
optimally over a wide range of operating conditions. Improper modifications
to these setup values can result in erratic performance and unreliable
operation. Do not attempt to modify the setup values, unless you thoroughly
understand what you are doing. If there is any doubt, please call TestEquity
before proceeding.

Chapter 1 – Safety
Page 1-2 TestEquity TEC1 Thermoelectric Temperature Chamber
!CAUTION: NEVER select “Factory Default” in the Diagnostic Menu. “Factory Defaults”
are NOT the TestEquity configuration parameters for this chamber. If you
select “Factory Defaults”, you must reconfigure all System and Operation
Parameters as documented in the TestEquity manual, NOT the “EZ-Zone PM
User’s Manual”.
!CAUTION: The EZ-Zone Temperature Controller “Alarm” function is NOT used in the
chamber and is NOT connected.
!WARNING: Do NOT put items in the chamber that can emit corrosive vapors or
substances.
!WARNING: This chamber is NOT a curing oven. There are NO provisions for venting
fumes.
!WARNING: The chamber door must remain closed while the chamber is operating. If you
need to open the door while the chamber is operating, wear safety goggles to
prevent the high velocity airflow from blowing particles or objects into your
eyes.
!CAUTION: If your test sample is energized, it may be capable of raising the workspace
temperature beyond safe limits. This could occur if your test sample exceeds
the live load rating of the chamber or if the chamber’s cooling system fails.
You are responsible for providing thermal protection devices to your test
sample.
!CAUTION: To prevent damage to your test sample and the thermoelectric devices, do not
exceed the live load rating of the chamber.
Live Load Rating
Temp
+37°C
+23°C
+15°C
+10°C
Watts
90 W
50 W
35 W
20 W

Chapter 2 – Installation
TestEquity TEC1 Thermoelectric Temperature Chamber Page 2-1
Chapter 2 – Installation
Unpacking
Inspect the shipping container for any signs of visible damage. Notify the carrier and TestEquity
immediately if there are signs of shipping damage.
1. Cut the bands that hold the packaging together.
2. Remove the top cover and top foam inserts.
3. Remove the outer box.
4. Carefully lift the chamber out of the box. This should be done by two people, since the unit
weighs 52 pounds.
5. Do NOT handle the chamber by the thermoelectric modules which protrude from the rear.
Preparation For Use
2WARNING: The power cord is equipped with a grounded/polarized plug. To prevent a
shock hazard, DO NOT defeat the ground or polarization feature. This device
MUST be plugged into a properly grounded and polarized outlet.
1. Inspect the chamber for signs of shipping damage.
2. Read this entire manual.
3. Select a suitable location to place the chamber for use.
4. Plug the power cord to a 115 VAC, 60 Hz power source (or 230 V, 50 Hz if configured for
export use. See “Input Voltage Configuration” on the next page).
5. Perform following the procedure “How to verify the chamber performance” in the
Maintenance chapter of this manual to make sure that no damage has occurred in shipment.
Installation Location
!CAUTION: This chamber is designed for operation in a conditioned laboratory
environment. Operation above 27°C (80°F) ambient room temperature will
have a significant impact on the ability to reach low temperature and is NOT
recommended.
!CAUTION: For optimum performance, there should be a minimum of 4-inch clearance
between the fans on the back of the chamber and a wall. Operation of the
chamber directly against a wall will completely block airflow to the fans,
resulting in 25% less cooling capacity.

Chapter 2 – Installation
Page 2-2 TestEquity TEC1 Thermoelectric Temperature Chamber
Condensate Drain
Any time the ambient air is subjected to temperatures below the dew point, moisture will
condense out of the air.
Example 1: If the room temperature is 23°C (74°F) and the humidity is ≥45%RH, moisture will
condense if the chamber is held at 10°C (51°F).
Example 2: If the room temperature is 23°C (74°F) and the room humidity is ≥59%RH,
moisture will condense if the chamber is held at 15°C (58°F).
The condensate drain connection is located on the rear of the chamber. The chamber drain water
is not under pressure and is fed by gravity. Therefore, it must empty into a container. The drain
fitting accommodates a 3/8-inch ID hose.
Under most controlled laboratory or office conditions, there will be no condensation and the
Condensate Drain can be ignored.
Input Voltage Configuration
(Does not apply to model TEC1-001, which is only rated for 115V input)
This chamber can be configured for 115V (88 to 132VAC) or 230 V (176 to 264VAC), 50/60 Hz
input. The chamber ships pre-configured for the correct input voltage based on the county it
ships to. To change the input voltage, use the following procedure:
1. Make sure the chamber is NOT plugged into the power source.
2. Remove the 6 screws on the perimeter of the right side panel.
3. Locate the red voltage selection switch on the DC power supply on the side which normally
faces up.
4. Select either 115 V or 230 V as applicable.
5. Reattach the right side panel, ensuring that no wires are pinched.
6. Plug the chamber into the power source.
7. Turn the POWER switch ON.
8. On the Temperature Controller, enter the Setup Menu\Global Menu. Change the AC Line
Frequency (AC.FL prompt) to either 50 or 60 (Hz) as appropriate. See EZ-Zone Temperature
Controller Setup Parameters in Chapter 7 for instructions on how to navigate to this menu.

Chapter 3 – Operation
TestEquity TEC1 Thermoelectric Temperature Chamber Page 3-1
Chapter 3 – Operation
Introduction
The Front Panel Switches control power to the Temperature Controller and all chamber
functions. The Temperature Controller controls the temperature of the chamber. The chamber
automatically heats or cools as required based on the deviation from temperature set point and
according to the PID tuning values.
Summary of Chamber Operation
1. Turn the POWER Switch ON.
2. Enter the desired temperature set point on the Temperature Controller.
3. Load your test sample in the chamber and close the door.
4. Turn the TEMP Switch ON.
5. When you are completed with your test, turn the TEMP Switch OFF to ensure the longest
possible life for the fans, while reducing power consumption and audible noise. You may
also turn the POWER Switch OFF.
Front Panel Switches
POWER Switch
The POWER Switch controls power to the entire chamber.
TEMP Switch
The TEMP Switch enables all chamber functions.
When the POWER Switch is ON and the TEMP Switch is OFF, only the Temperature Controller
is operational.
When both the POWER and TEMP Switches are ON, the chamber fans will turn on and the
temperature conditioning system will function to maintain the temperature set point.
Convenience Outlet
(Applies to model TEC1-001 only)
The rear panel has a convenience outlet. It is provided for the AC power adapter for the GPIB or
Ethernet interface converter only. The power is unswitched and is the same voltage as the outlet
that the chamber is plugged into. Thus, the TEC1-001 is rated for 115 V input only.

Chapter 3 – Operation
Page 3-2 TestEquity TEC1 Thermoelectric Temperature Chamber
Loading the Chamber
!WARNING: Do NOT put items in the chamber that can emit corrosive vapors or
substances.
!WARNING: This chamber is NOT a curing oven. There are NO provisions for venting
fumes.
!WARNING: The chamber door must remain closed while the chamber is operating. If you
need to open the door while the chamber is operating, wear safety goggles to
prevent the high velocity airflow from blowing particles or objects into your
eyes.
!CAUTION: If your test sample is energized, it may be capable of raising the workspace
temperature beyond safe limits. This could occur if your test sample exceeds
the live load rating of the chamber or if the chamber’s cooling system fails.
!CAUTION: To prevent damage to your test sample and the chamber’s thermoelectric
devices, do not exceed the live load rating of the chamber.
Live Load Rating
Temp
+37°C
+23°C
+15°C
+10°C
Watts
90 W
50 W
35 W
20 W

Chapter 3 – Operation
TestEquity TEC1 Thermoelectric Temperature Chamber Page 3-3
Performance Considerations
The performance of all chambers is significantly affected by the characteristics of your test
sample. Factors include size, weight, material, shape, and power dissipation if energized.
The test sample should be placed in the chamber in a manner that allows for air circulation.
Multiple test samples should be distributed throughout the chamber to ensure even airflow and
minimize temperature gradients. Verify that the temperature gradients are within acceptable
limits, by measuring the chamber temperature at strategic points using a multipoint thermocouple
meter or data logger.
You may find that the temperature is different from what the temperature controller indicates at a
particular temperature. The correct way to adjust what the temperature controller “displays”
compared to what is measured at some point other than the controller’s sensor is with the
“Calibration Offset” parameter. See page 56 of the “EZ-Zone PM User’s Manual” for details.
Internal Test Fixtures
Some applications require internal fixtures to support test samples and provide a convenient
method of connecting wires and sensors. Fixtures must be designed to minimize their impact on
chamber functionality and performance.
Fixtures should be designed for easy removal to permit maintenance and cleaning of the
chamber. Fixtures should be constructed of stainless steel. This also applies to all screws and
fasteners. All welds should be passivated. To prevent rust and corrosion, never use iron or mild
steel even if it is painted or plated. Aluminum may be used. However, since the specific heat of
aluminum is double that of steel, it represents a greater load and will have more impact on the
chamber performance.
Make sure that all connectors, wiring, pc boards, and auxiliary components can withstand the
temperature extremes that they will be subjected to. In some cases, these components may not be
able to last after repeated tests and should be considered expendable.

Chapter 4 – Temperature Controller
TestEquity TEC1 Thermoelectric Temperature Chamber Page 4-1
Chapter 4 – Temperature Controller
Introduction
The EZ-Zone Temperature Controller can function as either a single set point controller (static
mode) or as a programmable profile controller. The user-interface is organized into five “pages”
of menus.
See the next page for a description of the controller keys and displays, and how to navigate the
menus.
!CAUTION: The EZ-Zone Temperature Controller has been properly configured by
TestEquity to match the chamber’s system requirements and to perform
optimally over a wide range of operating conditions. Improper modifications
to these setup values can result in erratic performance and unreliable
operation. Do not attempt to modify the setup values, unless you thoroughly
understand what you are doing. If there is any doubt, please call TestEquity
before proceeding.
!CAUTION: NEVER select “Factory Default” in the Diagnostic Menu. “Factory Defaults”
are NOT the TestEquity configuration parameters for this chamber. If you
select “Factory Defaults”, you must reconfigure all System and Operation
Parameters as documented in the TestEquity manual, NOT the “EZ-Zone PM
User’s Manual”.
!CAUTION: The EZ-Zone Temperature Controller “Alarm” function is NOT used in the
chamber and is NOT connected.

Chapter 4 – Temperature Controller
Page 4-2 TestEquity TEC1 Thermoelectric Temperature Chamber
Temperature Controller Keys and Displays
Temperature Controller Keys and Displays
To navigate through the menus:
•Home Page from anywhere: Press the Infinity Key ˆfor two seconds to return to the home
page.
•Profiling Page from Home Page: Press the Advance Key ‰for three seconds.
•Operations page from Home Page: Press both the Up ¿and Down ¯keys for three
seconds.
•Setup Page from Home Page: Press both the Up ¿and Down ¯keys for six seconds.
•Factory Page from Home Page: Press both the Advance ‰and Infinity ˆkeys for six
seconds.

Chapter 4 – Temperature Controller
TestEquity TEC1 Thermoelectric Temperature Chamber Page 4-3
Home Page
Use the Advance Key ‰to step through the Home Page parameters. The parameter prompt will
appear in the lower display, and the parameter value will appear in the upper display. You can
use the Up ¿and Down ¯keys to change the value of read-write parameters, just as you would
in any other menu.
The chamber temperature (read-only) is in the upper display and the temperature Set Point (read-
write) is in the lower display.
If a profile is running, the chamber temperature is in the upper display and the Target Set Point
(read-only) is in the lower display.
Home Page Parameters
The Home Page is a customized list of as many as 20 parameters that can be configured and
changed in the Custom Menu [CUSt] (Factory Page). The home page has been configured by
TestEquity to display only the following parameters:
Prompt Value Description
[AcPu] * Active Process Value Actual chamber temperature (upper display)
[AcSP] * Active Set Point Temperature Set Point (lower display)
[hPr1] Heat Power The percentage of heat throttle.
[CPr1] Cool Power The percentage of heat throttle.
[AUt1] Autotune Autotune (yes or no). While Autotune is active, the Home Page will display
[Attn] [tUn1]. When the Autotune is complete, the message will clear
automatically.
[idS1] Idle Set Point Set a temperature Set Point that can be triggered by an event state, such as
pressing the EZ Key (if configured in the Function Key Menu\Digital Input
Function parameter).
[PSt1] Profile Start Select a profile or step number that will be affected by Profile Action.
[PAC1] Profile Action Request Select the action to apply to the profile (1 to 4) or step selected in Profile
Start.
*Note: [AcPu] and [AcSP] only show up in the Custom Menu configuration Page. They are the parameters that
normally show when the chamber is powered ON.
Temperature Set Point Control
You can change the temperature set point by using the Up ¿and Down ¯when a profile is not
running and you are in the Home Page. The new set point is entered within three seconds after a
new value is set.

Chapter 4 – Temperature Controller
Page 4-4 TestEquity TEC1 Thermoelectric Temperature Chamber
Profile Programming
The EZ-Zone Temperature Controller can be programmed to store up to 40 total steps into as
many as 4 profiles. You do not need a computer to enter a profile – it can be easily done through
the controller’s front panel keys. A Profile is a set of instructions programmed as a sequence of
steps. The controller handles the profile steps automatically, in sequence.
Refer to Chapter 7 of the “EZ-Zone PM User’s Manual” for detailed instructions on using the
Profile function.
To enter the Profiling Page from Home Page: Press the Advance Key ‰for three seconds
until [ProF]appears in the lower display.
NOTES:
TestEquity recommends having the End step type to be Hold or User. TestEquity does NOT
recommend using an end step type of Off. This does not turn off the chamber fans and the
temperature will be uncontrolled.
Input events and output events are not included in the controller supplied with the TEC1
chamber. Ignore any mention of them in the “EZ-Zone PM User’s Manual”. Only the capabilities
of a model PM6R1CC-2AAAAAA, as described on page 112 of the “EZ-Zone PM User’s
Manual” are applicable.

Chapter 4 – Temperature Controller
TestEquity TEC1 Thermoelectric Temperature Chamber Page 4-5
Operations Page
The Operations Page provides access to menus for control tuning (PID) and controller alarms.
Operations page access from Home Page: Press both the Up ¿and Down ¯keys for three
seconds. [``Ai] will appear in the upper display and [oPEr] will appear in the lower display.
!CAUTION: The EZ-Zone Temperature Controller “Alarm” function is NOT used in the
chamber and is NOT connected.
!CAUTION: The EZ-Zone Temperature Controller PID values have been properly
configured by TestEquity to match the chamber’s system requirements and to
perform optimally over a wide range of operating conditions. Improper
modifications to these values can result in erratic performance and unreliable
operation. Do not attempt to modify the PID values, unless you thoroughly
understand what you are doing. If there is any doubt, please call TestEquity
before proceeding. The correct values are documented in the “EZ-Zone
Temperature Controller Setup Parameters” section of this manual.
Setup Page
The Setup Page provides access to menus for configuring the controller hardware.
Setup Page access from Home Page: Press both the Up ¿and Down ¯keys for six seconds.
[``Ai] will appear in the upper display and [`Set] will appear in the lower display.
!CAUTION: The EZ-Zone Temperature Controller setup values have been properly
configured by TestEquity to match the chamber’s system requirements and to
perform optimally over a wide range of operating conditions. Improper
modifications to these values can result in erratic performance and unreliable
operation. Do not attempt to modify the setup values, unless you thoroughly
understand what you are doing. If there is any doubt, please call TestEquity
before proceeding. The correct values are documented in the “EZ-Zone
Temperature Controller Setup Parameters” section of this manual.
Factory Page
The Factory Page provides access to menus for controller diagnostics and calibration.
Factory Page access from Home Page: Press both the Advance ‰and Infinity ˆkeys for six
seconds.
!CAUTION: NEVER select “Factory Default” in the Diagnostic Menu. “Factory Defaults”
are NOT the TestEquity configuration parameters for this chamber. If you
select “Factory Defaults”, you must reconfigure all System and Operation
Parameters as documented in the TestEquity manual, NOT the “EZ-Zone PM
User’s Manual”.

Chapter 4 – Temperature Controller
Page 4-6 TestEquity TEC1 Thermoelectric Temperature Chamber
Computer Interface
!CAUTION: Every setting in the EZ-Zone Controller can be accessed via the computer
interface. Improper modifications to configuration settings can result in erratic
performance and unreliable operation. The correct values are documented in
the “EZ-Zone Temperature Controller Setup Parameters” section of this
manual.
RS-232C
The EZ-Zone Temperature Controller has an RS-232C interface. A DB-9 connector is located on
the rear panel. It is wired to accommodate a null-modem cable. To communicate with the
controller from a PC, you need to run software that uses 32-bit Modbus RTU protocol. Each
controller function has a “register” number which can be read or written to (when applicable).
These registers are listed Chapters 6 through 9 of the “EZ-Zone PM Controller Communications
Manual”. RS-232C Modbus programming resources can be downloaded from
http://www.testequity.com/ez .
GPIB (optional)
The optional GPIB interface, model TE-1052, consists of an external converter box (ICS Model
4899A) that connects to the chamber’s RS-232C interface.
Ethernet (optional)
The optional Ethernet interface, model TE-1055, consists of an external converter box (ICS
Model 8099) that connects to the chamber’s RS-232C interface.

Chapter 4 – Temperature Controller
TestEquity TEC1 Thermoelectric Temperature Chamber Page 4-7
GPIB and Ethernet Programming
Floating Point Variables
EZ-Zone PM Series controllers use two consecutive register to control a value or to read back a
process variable. The two registers hold an IEEE-754 32-bit floating point word. The registers
are read and written to in the low word-upper word order.
Floating Point Write
The WF command writes the num value in floating point format to two consecutive registers
starting with the low word register.
To enter a temperature setpoint:
WF 2160, 50 'writes 50.0°C to registers 2160 and 2161
WF 2160, 15.5 'writes 15.5°C to registers 2160 and 2161
Floating Point Read
The RF? query reads a 32-bit floating point value from two sequential register in low word-upper
word order. The RF? does not require the number of register to read since it is fixed at two
registers.
To read the actual chamber temperature:
RF? 360 'reads registers 360 and 361
The [?] is an optional symbol for smart programs like ICS’s GPIBKybd program. These
programs can recognize the command as a query and automatically read the response.
Setting Modbus Device Timeouts
The time that the 4899A/8099 waits to receive a response from the Modbus device is
programmable by the D command. This is an internal 4899A/8099 timeout and not the same as
the GPIB bus timeout. If the 4899A/8099 does not receive a response within the timeout period,
it assumes that the Modbus device is not responding and sets the timeout error. Timeout errors
can be determined by reading the 4899A/8099’s Modbus Error Register with the E? query. If the
error code is 101 (Modbus timeout) then the timeout period should be lengthened. The command
to change the timeout period is:
D 300 ‘sets timeout period to 300 ms
*SAV 0 ‘saves current values and configuration (do this if you want to keep
the new value)
The default time period of 100 milliseconds has proved to be satisfactory for most applications.
The recommendation is that your program should have a built-in recovery routine to handle the
possibility of a timeout error.
More details on GPIB and Ethernet Interface
See the ICS Electronics Manual for more details on the GPIB or Ethernet interfaces.