Relative Humidity Sensor User Manual
Order Code: RH-BTA
The Relative Humidity Sensor can be used to measure relative humidity in the air as part of a weather station, or to do any of the following:
- Monitor indoor humidity
- Optimize conditions in a greenhouse or terrarium
- Determine when static electrical discharges will be a problem
- Study transpiration rates of plants by monitoring relative humidity in sealed jars containing plants
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.
Compatible Software
Choose a platform below to see its compatibility requirements. This sensor requires an interface (sold separately).LabQuest
Interface LabQuest App LabQuest 3 Full support LabQuest 2 (discontinued) Full support LabQuest (discontinued) Full support Computers
Software Interface Graphical Analysis Logger Pro Logger Lite LabQuest Mini Full support Full support Full support LabQuest 3 Full support Full support Incompatible LabQuest 2 (discontinued) Full support Full support Full support LabQuest Stream (discontinued) Full support 1 Full support Full support 1 Go!Link Full support Full support Full support LabQuest (discontinued) Full support Full support Full support LabPro (discontinued) Incompatible Full support Full support Compatibility Notes
Chromebook
Software Interface Graphical Analysis LabQuest Mini Full support LabQuest 3 Full support LabQuest 2 (discontinued) Full support LabQuest Stream (discontinued) Full support 1 Go!Link Full support LabQuest (discontinued) Full support Compatibility Notes
iOS
Software Interface Graphical Analysis Graphical Analysis GW LabQuest Stream (discontinued) Full support Full support LabQuest 3 Full support 1 Full support 1 LabQuest 2 (discontinued) Full support 1 Full support 1 Compatibility Notes
Android
Software Interface Graphical Analysis Graphical Analysis GW LabQuest Stream (discontinued) Full support Full support LabQuest 3 Full support 1 Full support 1 LabQuest 2 (discontinued) Full support 1 Full support 1 Compatibility Notes
Arduino
Software Interface Arduino Vernier Arduino® Interface Shield Full support LabVIEW
Software Interface NI LabVIEW SensorDAQ (discontinued) Full support Vernier myDAQ Adapter Full support 1 Go!Link Full support LabQuest Mini Full support LabQuest Stream (discontinued) Full support LabQuest 3 Full support LabQuest 2 (discontinued) Full support LabQuest (discontinued) Full support Compatibility Notes
Texas Instruments
Software Interface EasyData DataMate TI-84 SmartView DataQuest TI-Nspire Software EasyLink Full support 1 Incompatible Full support 2 Full support Full support 2 CBL 2 (discontinued) Full support 3 Full support 3 4 Incompatible Incompatible Incompatible LabPro (discontinued) Full support 3 Full support 3 4 Incompatible Incompatible Incompatible TI-Nspire Lab Cradle (discontinued) Incompatible Incompatible Incompatible Full support Full support Compatibility Notes
Quick Start
- Plug the sensor into the interface (LabQuest 3, LabQuest Mini, etc.).
- Connect the interface to your device.
- If using USB, connect to the USB port on your computer.
- If using Bluetooth® wireless technology, click your interface type and then select your device.
- Prepare for data collection:
- Vernier Graphical Analysis®: Launch the app, if necessary, and click Sensor Data Collection.
- LabQuest® App: Choose New from the File menu.
The software will identify the sensor and load a default data-collection setup. You are now ready to collect data.
Need Additional Information?
Visit the following link:
Calibration
Optional Calibration Procedure
You should not have to perform a new calibration when using the Relative Humidity Sensor. A calibration equation is stored on each Relative Humdity Sensor before they are shipped, which is used as default by Vernier software. If you would like to calibrate the Relative Humidity Sensor, you can find instructions at www.vernier.com/til/4337
Specifications
Range |
0% to 95% |
Power |
200 μA @ 5 VDC |
Response Time |
|
Resolution: |
0.04% RH |
Stored calibration |
|
Accuracy as shipped |
±10% RH |
Operating Temperature Range |
0 to 85°C |
Care and Maintenance
Do not wrap the cable tightly around the sensor for storage. Repeatedly doing so can irreparably damage the wires and is not covered under warranty.
The Relative Humidity Sensor should not be used in a condensing environment. Condensation can damage the probe and is not covered under warranty.
How the Sensor Works
This sensor uses a capacitive polymer to sense humidity. An integrated circuit then produces an output voltage which varies with relative humidity. The response time of the unit in moving air is much shorter than in still air. In some cases, you may want to create air currents (by moving the sensor or using a fan) to speed up the response of the sensor.
The sensor is slightly light sensitive. The housing is designed to minimize the amount of light that can penetrate the sensor opening. The sensor output is somewhat affected by temperature. This effect is negligible at low relative humidity readings, but increases at high humidities. If you want to correct for this error, you can create different calibration files for different temperatures. In most cases, this is unnecessary.
Troubleshooting
For troubleshooting and FAQs, see www.vernier.com/til/1408
Repair Information
If you have watched the related product video(s), followed the troubleshooting steps, and are still having trouble with your Relative Humidity Sensor, 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.
Warranty
Warranty information for this product can be found on the Support tab at www.vernier.com/rh-bta/#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.
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.