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Thermocouple User Manual

Order Code: TCA-BTA

The Thermocouple is a simple and rugged sensor designed to measure temperature in the range of –200°C to 1400°C. This sensor could be used for any of the following experiments:

  • Study how the temperature inside a Bunsen burner flame varies with position.
  • Compare the temperatures of different flames (candles vs. Bunsen burner).
  • Check the calibration of ovens.
  • Experimentally determine the melting point of copper, bismuth, or other solids.
  • Measure the temperature of dry ice or liquid air.

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

  • Thermocouple
  • Type-K Thermocouple Wire

Compatible Software and Interfaces

Choose a platform below to see its compatibility requirements. This sensor requires an interface (sold separately).

LabQuest
InterfaceLabQuest App
LabQuest 3Full support
LabQuest 2 (discontinued)Full support
LabQuest (discontinued)Full support
Computers
Software
InterfaceGraphical AnalysisLogger ProLogger Lite
LabQuest MiniFull supportFull supportFull support
LabQuest 3Full supportFull supportIncompatible
LabQuest 2 (discontinued)Full supportFull supportFull support
LabQuest Stream (discontinued)Full support 1Full supportFull support 1
Go!LinkFull supportFull supportFull support
LabQuest (discontinued)Full supportFull supportFull support
LabPro (discontinued)IncompatibleFull supportFull support

Compatibility Notes

  1. Connect LabQuest Stream via USB. Wireless connection is not supported.
Chromebook
Software
InterfaceGraphical Analysis
LabQuest MiniFull support
LabQuest 3Full support
LabQuest 2 (discontinued)Full support
LabQuest Stream (discontinued)Full support 1
Go!LinkFull support
LabQuest (discontinued)Full support

Compatibility Notes

  1. Connect LabQuest Stream via USB. Wireless connection is not supported.
iOS
Software
InterfaceGraphical AnalysisGraphical Analysis GW
LabQuest Stream (discontinued)Full supportFull support
LabQuest 3Full support 1Full support 1
LabQuest 2 (discontinued)Full support 1Full support 1

Compatibility Notes

  1. iOS and Androidâ„¢ devices can only connect to LabQuest 2 or LabQuest 3 via Wireless Data Sharing.
Android
Software
InterfaceGraphical AnalysisGraphical Analysis GW
LabQuest Stream (discontinued)Full supportPartial support 1 2
LabQuest 3Full support 3Full support 3
LabQuest 2 (discontinued)Full support 3Full support 3

Compatibility Notes

  1. Data can be collected using the sensor’s default calibration only.
  2. New Thermocouples (Model: TCA1816R3) are not supported with this software. No Software updates are planned.
  3. iOS and Androidâ„¢ devices can only connect to LabQuest 2 or LabQuest 3 via Wireless Data Sharing.
Arduino
Software
InterfaceArduino
Vernier Arduino® Interface ShieldFull support
LabVIEW
Software
InterfaceNI LabVIEW
SensorDAQ (discontinued)Full support
Vernier myDAQ AdapterFull support 1
Go!LinkFull support
LabQuest MiniFull support
LabQuest Stream (discontinued)Full support
LabQuest 3Full support
LabQuest 2 (discontinued)Full support
LabQuest (discontinued)Full support

Compatibility Notes

  1. You can only read the raw count/raw voltage output by this sensor. You must do the programming to convert to proper sensor units.
Texas Instruments
Software
InterfaceEasyDataDataMateTI-84 SmartViewDataQuestTI-Nspire Software
EasyLinkFull support 1IncompatibleFull support 2Partial support 3Partial support 2 3
CBL 2 (discontinued)Full support 4Partial support 3 4 5IncompatibleIncompatibleIncompatible
LabPro (discontinued)Full support 4Partial support 3 4 5IncompatibleIncompatibleIncompatible
TI-Nspire Lab Cradle (discontinued)IncompatibleIncompatibleIncompatiblePartial support 3Partial support 3

Compatibility Notes

  1. Use with TI-84 Plus calculators only.
  2. Requires an Easy to Go! adapter
  3. Currently shipping Thermocouples (Model: TCA1816R3) use a calibration type not supported with this software. Older models of the sensor are fully supported. No software update is planned.
  4. CBL 2 and LabPro interfaces cannot be used with TI-84 Plus CE calculators.
  5. DataMate cannot be used with color screen TI-84 Plus calculators; use EasyData with these calculators.

Quick Start

  1. Plug the sensor into the interface (LabQuest 3, LabQuest Mini, etc.).
  2. 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.
  3. 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:

www.vernier.com/start-lq-sensor

Using the Product

Connect the sensor following the steps in the Quick Start section of this user manual.

The thermocouple wire is insulated by a high-temperature glass that has a lower maximum temperature (704°C, 1300°F) than the wire itself (1400°C, 2552°F). Therefore, in use, place only the tip of the wire in the heat source and keep the insulation out of direct contact with the heat source.

The default data-collection range for the Thermocouple is set to have the best accuracy between 0°C and 900°C. There are two other settings available for data collection if you would like increased accuracy at a lower temperature or a higher temperature.

  • The low setting has the best accuracy for temperatures between –200°C and 0°C.
  • The high setting has the best accuracy for temperatures between 900°C and 1400°C.

Videos

Calibration

You should not have to perform a new calibration when using the Thermocouple in the classroom. The sensor is custom calibrated before it is shipped.

Specifications

Typical accuracy
  • 0°C to 900°C: ±2.2°C
  • –200°C to 0°C: ±5°C
  • 900°C to 1400°C: ±15°C

Power

11 mA @ 5 VDC

Resolution

0.40°C

How the Sensor Works

Thermocouples make use of a property that occurs when two wires composed of dissimilar metals are joined at both ends. When one of the joined ends is heated, a continuous current is created and flows in a thermoelectric circuit. The small open‑circuit voltage of this circuit (known as the Seebeck voltage) is a function of the junction temperature and the composition of the two metals. (The Vernier Thermocouple uses a type-K thermocouple wire.) By measuring the voltage, the temperature at the joined end can be calculated.

Measuring the Seebeck voltage requires connecting a voltmeter’s leads to the thermocouple wires. This new junction creates an additional thermocouple. In order to compensate for this new thermocouple, we use a method called cold‑junction compensation. This method requires knowing the temperature at the new junction. Traditionally, these junctions were held at 0°C in an ice bath. The Vernier Thermocouple performs a direct measurement of the temperature of the reference junction with an integrated-circuit amplifier.

Troubleshooting

For troubleshooting and FAQs, see www.vernier.com/til/1440

Repair Information

If you have watched the related product video(s), followed the troubleshooting steps, and are still having trouble with your Thermocouple, 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/tca-bta/#support

General warranty information can be found at www.vernier.com/warranty

Contact Support

Fill out our online support form or call us toll-free at 1-888-837-6437.

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