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Wide-Range Temperature Probe User Manual

Order Code: WRT-BTA

This rugged temperature probe features a wide temperature range, from –20 to 330°C. The high upper limit of the sensor allows for melting point determinations of most organic compounds. It uses RTD (Resistance Temperature Detection) technology to establish a ±0.5°C accuracy, as well as excellent stability and repeatability. Each unit is individually calibrated, and the calibration is stored on the sensor. It is designed to be used as you would use a thermometer for experiments in organic and inorganic chemistry, physics, biology, Earth science, and environmental science.

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 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 supportIncompatible
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 1

Compatibility Notes

  1. Requires advanced programming for data collection
LabVIEW
Software
InterfaceNI LabVIEW
SensorDAQ (discontinued)Full support
Vernier myDAQ AdapterFull support 1 2
Go!LinkFull support 2
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.
  2. Requires advanced programming for data collection
Texas Instruments
Software
InterfaceEasyDataTI-84 SmartViewDataQuestTI-Nspire Software
EasyLinkFull support 1Full support 2Full supportFull support 2
CBL 2 (discontinued)Full support 3IncompatibleIncompatibleIncompatible
LabPro (discontinued)Full support 3IncompatibleIncompatibleIncompatible
TI-Nspire Lab Cradle (discontinued)IncompatibleIncompatibleFull 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.

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.

Important: When using this sensor, keep in mind that important electronic circuitry is built into the handle of the probe. For optimal accuracy of the RTD, keep the handle of the probe from warming above 40°C (104°F). If necessary, shield the handle from high-temperature sources using aluminum foil or other shielding material.

Videos

There are no videos for this product.

Calibration

The Wide-Range Temperature Probe will never need to be calibrated. Each probe is carefully calibrated before it ships, and this unique calibration is stored on the sensor.

Specifications

Temperature range

–20 to 330°C

Maximum temperature that the sensor can tolerate without damage

380°C

Resolution

0.12°C

Temperature sensing element

Platinum RTD (100 Ω)

Accuracy

±0.5°C or better

Response time from 25 to 100°C in water

30 seconds

Probe dimensions
  • Probe length (handle plus body): 24.5 cm
  • Stainless steel body: length 17 cm, diameter 6.4 mm
  • Probe handle: length 6.8 cm, width 2.25 cm, thickness 1.3 cm

Care and Maintenance

Probe Chemical Tolerance: The stainless-steel probe body is constructed from grade 316 stainless steel. This high-grade stainless steel provides a high level of corrosion resistance for use in the science laboratory. 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.
  • The probe can be left continuously in water at temperatures within the range of –20°C to 330°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.
  • 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 chart below provides the maximum length of time we recommend 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

How the Sensor Works

The detector is an RTD (Resistance Temperature Detection) sensor with an output that increases nonlinearly with increasing temperature. The best-fit approximation to this nonlinear characteristic is a quadratic equation:

T = K0 + K1*V + K2*V2

where T is temperature (°C), K0 = ~ –33.8, K1 = ~73.2, and K2 = ~0.90. During the Vernier custom calibration, these values are adjusted slightly to achieve a ±0.3°C accuracy value at 100°C. The data acquisition programs convert V to temperature in units of °C (default), K, or °F.

Troubleshooting

For troubleshooting and FAQs, see www.vernier.com/til/1987

Repair Information

If you have watched the related product video(s), followed the troubleshooting steps, and are still having trouble with your Wide-Range 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/wrt-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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