TESTO 184 User manual

testo 184 · Data logger
Instruction manual
99 Washington Street
Melrose, MA 02176
Phone [phone]
Toll Free 1-800-517-8431
Visit us at www.TestEquipmentDepot.com

1 Safety and the environment
3
1Safety and the environment
1.1. About this document
Use
> Please read this documentation through carefully and
familiarize yourself with the product before putting it to use. Pay
particular attention to the safety instructions and warning advice
in order to prevent injuries and damage to the products.
> Keep this document to hand so that you can refer to it when
necessary.
> Hand this documentation on to any subsequent users of the
product.
1.2. Ensure safety
> Only operate the product properly, for its intended purpose and
within the parameters specified in the technical data. Do not
use any force.
> Carry out only the maintenance and repair work on this
instrument that is described in the documentation. Follow the
prescribed steps exactly. Use only original spare parts from
Testo.
1.3. Protecting the environment
> Dispose of faulty rechargeable batteries/spent batteries in
accordance with the valid legal specifications.
> At the end of its useful life, send the product to the separate
collection for electric and electronic devices (observe local
regulations) or return the product to Testo for disposal.

2 Specifications
4
2Specifications
2.1. Use
The testo 184 data loggers are used to save and read out individual
readings and measurement series. They have been specifically
designed for monitoring the transportation of products subject to
cold chain requirements.
Temperature and humidity readings are saved throughout the
entire duration of the measurement program.
Acceleration readings are monitored throughout the duration of the
measurement program and saved when the set limit value is
exceeded.
Data logger programming and measurement report output are
implemented via PDF files, no software needs to be installed.
Product versions T1 and T2 are single-use data loggers with a
time-limited service life.
2.2. Technical data
testo 184 T1, T2, T3, T4
Feature Values
Display T1, T4: no
T2, T3: yes
Probe type T1, T2, T3: internal NTC temperature sensor
T4: internal PT1000 temperature sensor
Measurement
channels
1 internal
Measurement
parameters
[unit]
Temperature [°C, °F]
Measuring
range
T1, T2, T3: -35 to 70 °C
T4: -80 to 70 °C
Accuracy T1, T2, T3: ±0.5 K
T4: ±0.8 K (-80 to -35.1 °C), ±0.5K (-35.0 to
70 °C)
Resolution 0.1 °C

2 Specifications
5
Feature Values
Operating
temperature
T1, T2, T3: -35 to 70 °C
T4: -80 to 70 °C
Storage
temperature
T1, T2, T3: -35 to 70 °C
T4: -80 to 70 °C
Battery type T1: internal, non-replaceable
T2: internal, non-replaceable
T3: CR2450, replaceable
T4: ER2450T, replaceable
Battery life
(reusable data
loggers)
T3: 500 days (15-minute measuring cycle, 25 °C)
T4: 100 days (15-minute measuring cycle, -80 °C)
Operating time
(single-use
data loggers)
T1: 90 days from the first time the program is
started (5-minute measuring cycle, -35 °C)
T2: 150 days from the first time the program is
started (5-minute measuring cycle, -35 °C)
Protection
class
IP67
Measuring
interval
1 minute to 24 hours
Memory T1: 16,000 readings
T2, T3, T4: 40,000 readings
Dimensions T1: 33 x 9 x 74 mm
T2, T3, T4: 44 x 12 x 97 mm
Weight T1: 25 g
T2, T3, T4: 45 g
Directives,
standards,
certificates
2004/108/EC, EN 12830, HACCP-certified,
temperature calibration certificate traceable
according to ISO 17025
Warranty/guar
antee
T1, T2: 12-month warranty from the production
date, production date: see circled date code
(MMDD) on the identification plate.
T3, T4: 24-month warranty, warranty terms: see
website www.testo.com/warranty
testo 184 H1, G1
Feature Values
Display yes

2 Specifications
6
Feature Values
Probe type H1: internal digital humidity sensor
G1: internal 3-axis accelerometer
Measurement
channels
H1: 2 internal
G1: 5 internal
Measurement
parameters
[unit]
H1: temperature [°C, °F], relative humidity [%]
G1: temperature [°C, °F], relative humidity [%],
acceleration [g, m/s²]
Measuring
range
-20 to 70 °C
0 to 100 % (not for condensing atmospheres)1
G1: 0 to 16g
Accuracy ±0.5 K (0.0 to 70 °C), ±0.8 K (-20 to -0.1 °C)
±1.8 % RH + 0.03 % of the reading (at 25 °C, 5 to
80 %), ±0.03 % RH / K (at 0 to 60 °C)
G1: ±1,1,1 m/s² + 5 % of the reading
Resolution 0.1 °C
0.1 % RH
G1: 0.1 g
Operating
temperature
-20 to 70 °C
Storage
temperature
-55 to 70 °C
Battery type CR2450, replaceable
Battery life
(reusable data
loggers)
H1: 500 days (15-minute measuring cycle, 25 °C)
G1: 120 days (15-minute measuring cycle, 25 °C)
Protection
class
IP 30
Measuring
interval
1 minute to 24 hours (temperature and relative
humidity)
1 second (acceleration)
Scan
frequency
1600Hz (acceleration)
1For continuous application in high humidity (>80 % RH at ≤30 °C for > 12 h,
>60 % RH at > 30 °C for > 12h),

3 Product description
7
Feature Values
Memory 64,000 readings (temperature and relative
humidity)
G1: 1,000 readings (acceleration)
Dimensions 44 x 12 x 97 mm
Weight 45 g
Directives,
standards,
certificates
2004/108/EC, HACCP-certified
Warranty 24 months, warranty conditions: see website
www.testo.com/warranty
3Product description
3.1. Status LEDs
To increase the battery life, the status LEDs are not permanently
illuminated. They flash once every 5 seconds.
In hibernation mode, the status LEDs are disabled.
Alarm
Feature LED colour
No alarm green
Alarm red
Battery
Feature LED colour
Battery life > 10 days green
Battery life < 10 days red

3 Product description
8
Mode
Feature LED colour
WAIT mode (wait for program start) green and red
Rec mode (measurement program running) green
End mode (measurement program finished) red
3.2. Display (LCD)
Not available for all product versions.
1 Measurement program running
2 Measurement program finished
3 Wait for start of measurement program
4 Highest saved reading
5 Lowest saved reading
6 Reading
7 Status information: start criterion Date/time programmed/time
mark, xyz measurement axes for acceleration measurement,
Alarm set limit value(s) exceeded, set limit value(s) not
exceeded
8 Units
9 Battery capacity: sufficient, empty
10 Lower limit value exceeded
11 Upper limit value exceeded

3 Product description
9
For technical reasons, the display speed of liquid crystal
displays becomes slower at temperatures below 0 °C
(approx. 2 seconds at -10 °C, approx. 6 seconds at -20 °C).
This has no influence on the measuring accuracy.
3.3. Key functions
Commissioning
The data loggers are delivered in hibernation mode to prolong the
battery life. In this mode, the status LEDs and the display are
disabled.
> Press the START key or the STOP key.
- Wait mode is activated.
START key
✓Wait mode and start criterion Button Start programmed.
> Press START key for approximately 3 seconds to start the
measurement program.
- The measurement program starts: Mode status LED flashes
green, Rec appears on the display.
✓Product versions with display:
> Press START key to toggle between the displays.
Display sequence (max. display range per version, certain data is
not displayed depending on the operating mode):
Display T2 T3 H1 G1
Current temperature reading (°C / °F) X X X X
Current average value MKT (Mean Kinetic
Temperature)
X X X X
Current relative humidity reading (%) - - X X
Current acceleration reading, X axis (x, g) - - X X
Current acceleration reading, Y axis (y, g) - - X X
Current acceleration reading, Z axis (z, g) - - X X
Maximum temperature reading (Max, °C / °F) x x x x
Minimum temperature reading (Min, °C / °F) x x x x
Maximum relative humidity reading (Max, %) - - x x
Minimum relative humidity reading (Min, %) - - x x

3 Product description
10
Display T2 T3 H1 G1
Maximum acceleration reading , X axis (Max,
x, g)
- - X X
Maximum acceleration reading, Y axis (Max,
y, g)
- - X X
Maximum acceleration reading, Z axis (Max,
z, g)
- - X X
Time mark ( ) X X X X
Battery life in days ( ) X X X X
STOP key
✓Rec mode and stop criterion Button Stop programmed.
> Press STOP key for approximately 3 seconds to end the
measurement program.
- The measurement program ends: Mode status LED flashes red,
End appears on the display.
START + STOP key
The data loggers may be placed in hibernation mode to prolong the
battery life. In this mode, the status LEDs and the display are
disabled.
✓rSt, WAIT or End mode.
> Press the START key and the STOP key simultaneously for
approximately 3 seconds.
- Hibernation mode is activated.
3.4. Important information and glossary of terms
•Single-use data logger (versions T1 and T2): the data logger
has a time-limited service life, which begins from the first time
the program is started.
•Start and stop setting: the criteria for starting and stopping the
program are defined in the configuration file.
One of the criteria must be selected for starting the program.
When selecting the criterion, a time delay can be entered
(program starts x minutes after pressing the key).
Both criteria can also be selected for stopping the program. The
criterion that occurs first stops the program.
•Measuring interval: the measurement interval defines the
intervals at which readings are saved.

3 Product description
11
•Time mark: time marks can be set for the documentation,
e.g. when responsibility is transferred to another institution.
A maximum of 10 time marks can be set. Setting a time mark
resets the statistical values Min, Max and MKT.
•Acceleration (shock): the (positive and negative) acceleration
is measured in 3 measurement axes. Only those readings that
exceed the set limit value (maximum value per 1 second) are
stored and displayed.
The acceleration readings of the 3 measurement axes are
displayed separately on the display of the data logger.
The maximum cumulative value (peak) of the 3 measurement
axes is displayed in the PDF report.
•Report time zone: defines the time zone to which all time
specifications in the measurement report refer. Any time zone
changes during the measurement are not taken into account.
•MKT (mean kinetic temperature): the MKT is a single calculated
temperature. MKT may be considered an isothermal storage
temperature. It simulates the non-isothermal effects of storage
temperature variations.
Calculation:
 =  ∆/
− ∆/ +
∆/ + ∆/

Tmkt = mean kinetic temperature in degrees Kelvin
∆E = activation energy (standard value: 83.144 kJ/mol)
R = universal gas constant (0.0083144 kJ/mol)
T1 = average temperature in degrees Kelvin during the first time
period
Tn = average temperature in degrees Kelvin during the nth time
period
•MKT activation energy: the default activation energy is set at
83.144 kJ/mol, as recommended in USP <1160>. If other
estimates are available as a result of studies that have been
carried out, the activation energy can be customised.
•Individual alarm: an alarm is triggered when the set limit value
is exceeded.
•Cumulative alarm (only for temperature and humidity
measurement): an alarm is not triggered when the set limit
value is first exceeded, but only once the overall duration,
during which limit values are exceeded, exceeds the set waiting
period (allowed time).
•Wall bracket (delivery includes version G1): for the
acceleration measurement, the data logger must be
permanently connected to the object to be monitored.

4 Using the product
12
Mount the wall bracket using 2 screws or 2 cable ties and then
push the data logger into the wall bracket.
4Using the product
4.1. Configuring the data logger
Showing/changing the configuration
Adobe Reader software (version X or later) is required.
The data logger must not be in Rec mode.
1. Connect the data logger to a PC via the USB port.
- The status LEDs are disabled, uSb is displayed (instruments
with display). The device drivers are installed automatically.
- The window Automatic playback is displayed.
2. Click on Open folder to view files.
- The file explorer opens.
3. Open the file testo 184 configuration.pdf.
4. Make changes to the configuration. Please note:
• The type of instrument used must be set correctly.
• Existing configuration data can be imported by clicking on
the Import button. The configuration data to be imported
must be available in XML data format.
• When using the Configuration Assistant, some functions are
predefined or filled in automatically. Expert Mode must be
enabled in order to use and manually set all instrument
functions.
5. Export changes to the configuration by clicking on the
button on the data logger.
- A window opens for exporting form data.
6. Select the data logger as the storage location
(Drive TESTO 184) and export the configuration data by
clicking on the Save button.
- The configuration is stored on the data logger as an XML file.
The XML file can be used as a template for other data loggers
(via copy/paste in the file explorer).
7. Close file.
A message Do you want to save the changes to “testo 184
configuration.pdf” before closing? may appear. Answer this
question with No.
8. Disconnect the data logger from the PC.
- The logger switches to Wait mode, the Mode status LED
flashes green/red.

4 Using the product
13
Configuring several data loggers with the same settings
Existing configuration data can be stored on the PC and copied to
other data loggers.
The configuration file must be available in XML data format, you
can select any file name.
> Copy an existing configuration file to the data logger.
Changing the logo for the measurement data report
A logo is inserted in the measurement data report. This can be
customised.
The logo must be available in JPEG data format, the file size
should not exceed 5 kB and the file name must be Logo.jpg.
> Create a logo that meets the above criteria and copy it to the
data logger.
Configuring the data logger using Testo PC software
Alternatively, the data logger can also be configured using testo
Comfort Software Professional (version 4.3 service pack 2 or later)
or testo Comfort Software CFR (version 4.3 service pack 2 or later).
Please consult the relevant software instruction manual.
4.2. Measuring
Starting measurement
Depending on the configuration of the data logger, the
measurement program is started via one of the following criteria:
• Button Start: hold down the START key for > 3 seconds.
• Time Start: the measurement starts automatically once the
configured time has been reached.
- The logger switches to Rec mode, the Mode status LED flashes
green.
Setting time marks
While the measurement program is running (Rec mode), up to
10 time marks can be set. These are used to document the transfer
of responsibility, for example.
> Hold down the START key for > 3 seconds.
- The number of set time marks is displayed for 3 seconds and
flashes three times (instruments with display), Mode status LED
flashes green/red three times.

4 Using the product
14
Ending measurement
Depending on the configuration of the data logger, the
measurement program is ended via one of the following criteria:
• Button Stop: hold down the STOP key for > 3 seconds.
• Time Stop: the measurement stops automatically once the
configured time has been reached.
- The logger switches to End mode, the Mode status LED
flashes red.
4.3. Reading out data
Displaying a measurement data report
Adobe Reader software (version 5 or later) or compatible software
is required to display PDF/A files.
1. Connect the data logger to a Windows PC via the USB port.
- The status LEDs are disabled, uSb is displayed (instruments
with display). The device drivers are installed automatically.
- The window Automatic playback is displayed.
2. Click on Open folder to view files.
- The file explorer opens.
3. Open the file testo 184 measurement report.pdf.
- The measurement data report is displayed.
> Save or print the report as required.
Detailed measurement data analysis
To carry out detailed analysis or to further process readings, the
software testo Comfort Software Professional (version 4.3 service
pack 2 or later) or testo Comfort Software CFR (version 4.3 service
pack 2 of later) is required (accessory). Please consult the relevant
software instruction manual.
Measurement data output via NFC
The data loggers are equipped with an NFC (Near Field
Communication) transmitter. This allows instrument data to be read
out via short-range radio using compatible devices (for example
a report printer or smartphone with NFC).
• The NFC function on your data logger can be enabled/disabled
in the configuration file.
• The NFC function on your smartphone must be enabled.
• To transfer data to a smartphone you need an app, which you
can download from a supported app store. Further information
can be found on our website.

5 Maintaining the product
15
•You do not need any additional software to transfer data to a
compatible Testo report printer.
• To transfer data, the data logger must be placed on the NFC
transmitter of the target device.
• Please also consult the instruction manual for the target device.
5Maintaining the product
5.1. Changing the batteries
It is not possible to change the batteries for instrument types T1
and T2 (single-use data loggers).
A battery change stops a measurement that is currently
running. However, stored data is preserved.
1. Read out stored data.
2. Place the data logger on its front.
3. Open the battery compartment on the back of the data logger
by turning anti-clockwise. Use a coin for this purpose.
4. Take the spent battery out of the battery compartment.
5. Insert new batteries (see technical data for type required) into
the instrument so that the positive terminal is visible.
Only use new branded batteries. If a partially exhausted
battery is inserted, the battery capacity will not be
calculated correctly.
6. Place the battery compartment cover on the battery
compartment and close it by turning clockwise. Use a coin for
this purpose.
- The data logger is in reset mode, rSt is illuminated
(instruments with display), status LEDs are disabled.
7. Reconfigure the data logger, see the section Configuring the
data logger.

6 Tips and assistance
16
5.2. Cleaning the instrument
CAUTION
Damage to the sensor!
> Ensure that no liquid enters the inside of the housing.
> If the housing of the instrument is dirty, clean it with a damp
cloth.
Do not use any aggressive cleaning agents or solvents! Weak
household cleaning agents or soap suds can be used.
6Tips and assistance
Questions and answers
Question Possible causes/solution
E0x is displayed
(instruments with display),
all status LEDs are flashing
red
An error has occurred.
•E01: configuration unsuccessful.
•E02, E03, E04 or E05: sensor
faulty.
•E06: maximum number of time
marks set, new time mark cannot
be set.
---- is displayed
(instruments with display)
Reading invalid.
Hi is displayed
(instruments with display)
Reading is above the measuring
range.
Lo is displayed
(instruments with display)
Reading is below the measuring
range.
En is displayed
(instruments with display)
Set time marks function is disabled.
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