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Stainless Steel Temperature Probe User Manual

Order Code: TMP-BTA

The Stainless Steel Temperature Probe can be used as a thermometer for experiments in chemistry, physics, biology, Earth science, environmental science, and more.

Note: Vernier products are designed for educational use. Our products are not designed nor 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 Interfaces and Software

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 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.
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 2Full supportFull support 2
CBL 2 (discontinued)Full support 3Full support 3 4IncompatibleIncompatibleIncompatible
LabPro (discontinued)Full support 3Full support 3 4IncompatibleIncompatibleIncompatible
TI-Nspire Lab Cradle (discontinued)IncompatibleIncompatibleIncompatibleFull supportFull support

Compatibility Notes

  1. Use with TI-84 Plus calculators only.
  2. Requires an Easy to Go! adapter
  3. CBL 2 and LabPro interfaces cannot be used with TI-84 Plus CE calculators.
  4. 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.

Here are some general guidelines for usage:

  • The probe handle is constructed of molded plasticized Santoprene®. While this material is very chemical resistant, we recommend that you avoid submerging the probe beyond the stainless steel portion.
  • Always wash the probe thoroughly after use.

Videos

Specifications

Temperature range

–40 to 135°C (–40 to 275°F)

Maximum temperature that the sensor can tolerate without damage

150°C

Resolution
  • 0.17°C (–40 to 0°C)
  • 0.03°C (0 to 40°C)
  • 0.1°C (40 to 100°C)
  • 0.25°C (100 to 135°C)

Temperature sensor

20 kΩ NTC Thermistor

Accuracy

±0.2°C at 0°C, ±0.5°C at 100°C

Response time
(time for 90% change in reading)
  • 10 seconds (in water, with stirring)
  • 400 seconds (in still air)
  • 90 seconds (in moving air)

Probe dimensions
  • Probe 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

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 Ã— 10 -3, K1 = 2.22468 × 10-4, and K2 = 1.33342 Ã— 10-7.

Our programs perform this conversion and provide readings in °C (or other units, if you load a different calibration).

Calibration

In most cases, the Stainless Steel Temperature Probe will not need to be calibrated. It is calibrated before it ships. However, you can calibrate the sensor using Logger Pro 3.3 or newer. Note: Calibration can only be done on computers running Logger Pro. For more information, see www.vernier.com/til/1310

Care and Maintenance

The most common causes for this sensor to break are

  • 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.
  • Overheating the sensor. When used in chemistry labs, students will sometimes lay the sensor on a hot plate and effectively "cook" the unit.
  • Water can seep into the hilt of the sensor and damage the electronics. Only submerge the stainless steel portion the sensor into water when collecting data. The unit is not waterproof!

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.

The Stainless Steel Temperature Probe body is constructed from grade 316 stainless steel, which provides a high level of corrosion resistance for use in the science classroom. Here are some general guidelines for usage:

  • The probe can be left continuously in water at temperatures within the range of –40 to 150°C. Continuous usage in saltwater will cause only minor discoloration of the probe, with no negative effect on performance.
  • You can leave the probe continuously in most organic compounds, such as methanol, ethanol, 1-propanol, 2-propanol, 1-butanol, n-hexane, lauric acid, paradichlorobenzene, phenyl salicylate, and benzoic acid. The probe should not be left in n-pentane for more than one hour.
  • The probe can be left in strong basic solutions, such as NaOH, for up to 48 hours, with only minor discoloration. We do not recommend usage in basic solutions that are greater than 3 M in concentration.
  • The chart provides the maximum length of time recommended for probe exposure to some common acids. Probes left in an acid longer than these times may bubble and/or discolor, but will still be functional. We do not recommend probes be left to soak in any acid longer than 48 hours.
Maximum acid exposure time

1 M HCl

20 min

2 M HCl

10 min

3 M HCl

5 min

1 M H2SO4

48 hours

2 M H2SO4

20 min

3 M H2SO4

10 min

1 M HNO3

48 hours

2 M HNO3

48 hours

3 M HNO3

48 hours

1 M CH3COOH

48 hours

2 M CH3COOH

48 hours

3 M CH3COOH

48 hours

1 M H3PO4

48 hours

2 M H3PO4

48 hours

3 M H3PO4

48 hours

Troubleshooting

Primary Test

Follow the steps in the Using the Product section. Hold the tip of the sensor in your hand and check for a change in the temperature readings.

For additional troubleshooting and FAQs, see www.vernier.com/til/1392

Repair Information

If you have watched the related product video(s), followed the troubleshooting steps, and are still having trouble with your Stainless Steel Temperature Probe, 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/tmp-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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