Vernier Tech Info Library TIL #1392

Stainless Steel Temperature Probe Detail Information

Stainless Steel Temperature Probe, order code TMP-BTA, $29.00
Specifications and User Guide

TROUBLESHOOTING
-Primary Test: Plug in the sensor and run the data-collection program. Hold the tip of the sensor in your hand and check for the temperature readings to change.
-Secondary Test: (calculator only) if the main screen of DataMate displays -999.9 as the temperature reading, press the CLEAR key to reset the program.
-Secondary Test: (Palm handheld only) if the main screen of Data Pro displays -999.9 as the temperature reading, tap the New button to reset the program.

The most common causes for this sensor to break are:
1- Twisting the cable. Sometimes students twist or crimp the wire near the handle of the sensor. Over time, this can cause the wires to come loose and make the sensor stop working.
2- Overheating. When used in chemistry labs, students will sometimes lay the sensor on a hot pate that is on and effectively "cook" the unit.

Unfortunately, these causes of breakage are considered misuse and are not covered by our warranty. In our experience, repair is not possible for this type of damage.

PUBLIC TIL ENTRIES
TIL 1310: Can you calibrate a Stainless Steel Temperature Probe?
Public List of TIL Entries for TMP-BTA

SPECIFICATIONS
-Range: -40 deg C to 135 deg C
-Maximum temperature that the sensor can tolerate without damage: 150 deg C
-Typical Accuracy: +/- 0.2 deg C at 0 deg C, +/- 0.5 deg C at 100 deg C
-12-bit resolution: (with LabPro or Go! Link) 0.17 deg C (-40 to 0 deg C); 0.03 deg C (0 to 40 deg C); 0.1 deg C (40 to 100 deg C); 0.25 deg C (100 to 135 deg C)
-10-bit resolution: (with CBL or CBL 2) 0.68 deg C (-40 to 0 deg C); 0.12 deg C (0 to 40 deg C); 0.4 deg C (40 to 100 deg C); 1.0 deg C (100 to 125 deg C)
-Temperature sensor: 20 k NTC Thermistor
-Response time: (time for a 90% change in reading)
10 seconds in water, with stirring
400 seconds in still air
90 seconds in moving air
-Probe dimensions:
length (handle plus body): 15.5 cm
Stainless steel body: length 10.5 cm, diameter 4.0 mm
Probe handle: length 5.0 cm, diameter 1.25 cm
Does not work with ULI and SBI

CALIBRATION
-Calibrate? No.
-If you wish to calibrate this sensor, detailed instructions can be found in TIL 1310: Can you calibrate a Stainless Steel Temperature Probe?

RELATED VERNIER PRODUCTS
-Extra Long Temperature Probe, order code TPL-BTA, $70.00
-Direct-Connect Temperature Probe, order code DCT-DIN, $28.00, (for use with Serial Box Interface or ULI)
-Thermocouple, order code TCA-BTA, $55.00, (for use with temperature range of -200 deg C to 1400 deg C)
-Surface Temperature Sensor, order code STS-BTA, $23.00, (quick response - for use in air only)

Created by: jrandall on March 28 2005
Last updated by: jhopkins on February 29 2008