Go Direct® Surface Temperature Sensor User Manual
Order Code: GDX-ST
Go Direct Surface Temperature is designed for use in situations in which low thermal mass or flexibility is required. Special features include an exposed thermistor that results in an extremely rapid response time.
Typical uses for Go Direct Surface Temperature include the following:
- Skin temperature measurements
- Human respiration studies
- Specific heat experiments
- Heat transfer experiments
- Friction and energy studies
Note: Vernier products are designed for educational use. Our products are not designed nor are they recommended for any industrial, medical, or commercial process such as life support, patient diagnosis, control of a manufacturing process, or industrial testing of any kind.
What's Included
- Go Direct Surface Temperature
- Micro USB Cable
Compatible Software
Choose a platform below to see its compatibility requirements.LabQuest
Interface LabQuest App LabQuest 3 Full support LabQuest 2 (discontinued) Full support 1 LabQuest (discontinued) Incompatible Compatibility Notes
Computers
Software Interface Graphical Analysis No interface required Full support 1 LabQuest 3 Full support 2 LabQuest 2 (discontinued) Full support 2 3 Compatibility Notes
Chromebook
Software Interface Graphical Analysis No interface required Full support LabQuest 3 Full support 1 LabQuest 2 (discontinued) Full support 1 2 Compatibility Notes
iOS
Software Interface Graphical Analysis Graphical Analysis GW No interface required Full support Full support LabQuest 3 Full support 1 2 Full support 1 2 LabQuest 2 (discontinued) Full support 1 2 3 Full support 1 2 3 Compatibility Notes
Android
Software Interface Graphical Analysis Graphical Analysis GW No interface required Full support Incompatible LabQuest 3 Full support 1 2 Full support 1 LabQuest 2 (discontinued) Full support 1 2 3 Full support 1 3 Compatibility Notes
Python
Software Interface Python No interface required Full support Javascript
Software Interface Javascript No interface required Full support 1 Compatibility Notes
LabVIEW
Software Interface NI LabVIEW No interface required Full support 1 Compatibility Notes
Quick Start: Vernier Graphical Analysis® and Bluetooth®
- Charge your sensor for at least 2 hours before first use.
- Turn on your sensor. The LED will blink red.
- Launch Graphical Analysis, then click Sensor Data Collection.
- Select your sensor from the list. The sensor ID is located on the sensor label near the bar code. Note: If you don’t see a list of available sensors, click WIRELESS. After selecting your sensor, click Pair.
- Click DONE. You are now ready to collect data.
Using other Vernier data-collection apps or want to connect via USB?
Visit www.vernier.com/start-go-direct
Note: This sensor also works with LabQuest 2 and LabQuest 3; it does not work with the original LabQuest.
Charging the Sensor
Connect Go Direct Surface Temperature to the included Micro USB Cable and any USB device for two hours.
You can also charge up to eight Go Direct Surface Temperature Sensors using our Go Direct Charge Station, sold separately (order code: GDX-CRG). An LED on each Go Direct Surface Temperature indicates charging status.
Charging |
Blue LED on steady while sensor is connected to the Charging Cable or Charging Station. |
Fully charged |
Blue LED is off when charging is complete. |
Providing Power
Turning on the sensor |
Press button once. Red LED indicator flashes when unit is on. |
Putting the sensor in sleep mode |
Press and hold button for more than three seconds to put into sleep mode. Red LED indicator stops flashing when sleeping. |
Connecting the Sensor
See the following link for up-to-date connection information:
Connecting via Bluetooth
Ready to connect | Red LED flashes when sensor is awake and ready to connect via Bluetooth. |
Connected | Green LED flashes when sensor is connected via Bluetooth. |
Connecting via USB
Connected and charging | Blue and Green LED solid when sensor is connected to Graphical Analysis via USB and unit is charging. (Green LED is obscured by the blue one.) |
Connected, fully charged | Green LED solid when sensor is connected to Graphical Analysis via USB and the unit is fully charged. |
Charging via USB, connected via Bluetooth |
Blue LED is solid and green LED is flashing, but the green flashing LED looks white because it is overwhelmed by the blue. |
Identifying the Sensor
When two or more sensors are connected, the sensors can be identified by tapping or clicking Identify in Sensor Information.
Using the Product
Connect the sensor following the steps in the Quick Start section of this user manual.
Important: Go Direct Surface Temperature is for use in air and water only. For temperature measurements in harsher environments that require a more durable probe, we recommend our Go Direct Temperature (order code GDX‑TMP).
Calibration
It should not be necessary to perform a calibration when using this sensor. It is calibrated before it ships.
Specifications
Temperature range |
–25 to 125°C |
Maximum temperature that the sensor can tolerate without damage |
150°C |
Temperature sensor |
20 kΩ NTC Thermistor |
Accuracy |
±0.5°C or better |
Response time from 25°C to 100°C in water |
5 seconds |
Probe dimensions: probe length (handle plus body) |
|
Care and Maintenance
Battery Information
Go Direct Surface Temperature contains a small lithium-ion battery in the handle. The system is designed to consume very little power and not put heavy demands on the battery. Although the battery is warranted for one year, the expected battery life should be several years. Replacement batteries are available from Vernier (order code: GDX-BAT-300).
Storage and Maintenance
To store Go Direct Surface Temperature for extended periods of time, put the device in sleep mode by holding the button down for at least three seconds. The red LED will stop flashing to show that the unit is in sleep mode. Over several months, the battery will discharge but will not be damaged. After such storage, charge the device for a few hours, and the unit will be ready to go.
Exposing the battery to temperatures over 35°C (95°F) will reduce its lifespan. If possible, store the device in an area that is not exposed to temperature extremes.
Water Resistance
The body of the Go Direct Surface Temperature Sensor is not water resistant and should never be immersed in water.
If water gets into the device, immediately power the unit down (press and hold the power button for more than three seconds). Disconnect the sensor and charging cable, and remove the battery. Allow the device to dry thoroughly before attempting to use the device again. Do not attempt to dry using an external heat source.
How the Sensor Works
This probe uses the 20 kΩ NTC Thermistor, which is a variable resistor. When the temperature increases, the resistance decreases non-linearly. The best-fit approximation to this nonlinear characteristic is the Steinhart-Hart equation. At 25°C, the resistance is approximately 4.3% per °C. The interface measures the resistance value, R, at a particular temperature and converts the resistance using the Steinhart-Hart equation:
T = [K0 + K1(ln 1000R) + K2(ln 1000R)3]-1 – 273.15
where T is temperature (°C), R is the measured resistance in kΩ, Ko =1.02119 × 10-3, K1 = 2.22468 × 10-4, and K2 = 1.33342 × 10-7. Our programs perform this conversion and provide readings in °C (or other units, if you load a different calibration).
Troubleshooting
First check that the sensor is responding: Connect the sensor and start the data‑collection program. Hold the tip of the sensor in your hand to warm it and check that the temperature changes.
For additional troubleshooting and FAQs, see www.vernier.com/til/4052
Repair Information
If you have followed the troubleshooting steps and are still having trouble with your Go Direct Surface Temperature, contact Vernier Technical Support at support@vernier.com or call 888‑837‑6437. Support specialists will work with you to determine if the unit needs to be sent in for repair. At that time, a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number will be issued and instructions will be communicated on how to return the unit for repair.
Accessories/Replacements
Item | Order Code |
---|---|
CB-USB-MICRO |
|
CB-USB-C-MICRO |
|
GDX-BAT-300 |
Warranty
Warranty information for this product can be found on the Support tab at www.vernier.com/gdx-st/#support
General warranty information can be found at www.vernier.com/warranty
Disposal
When disposing of this electronic product, do not treat it as household waste. Its disposal is subject to regulations that vary by country and region. This item should be given to an applicable collection point for the recycling of electrical and electronic equipment. By ensuring that this product is disposed of correctly, you help prevent potential negative consequences on human health or on the environment. The recycling of materials will help to conserve natural resources. For more detailed information about recycling this product, contact your local city office or your disposal service.
Battery recycling information is available at www.call2recycle.org
Do not puncture or expose the battery to excessive heat or flame.
The symbol, shown here, indicates that this product must not be disposed of in a standard waste container.
Contact Support
Fill out our online support form or call us toll-free at 1-888-837-6437.