• Go Direct Melt Station
• Package of 100 capillary tubes, each with a closed end
• AC power supply
• Micro USB Cable

Choose a platform below to see its compatibility requirements.

LabQuest

Interface	LabQuest App
LabQuest 3	Full support
LabQuest 2	Full support 1
LabQuest	Incompatible

Compatibility Notes

1. Wireless connection of this sensor to a LabQuest 2 requires a Go Direct Bluetooth Adapter when used with some older LabQuest 2 models.

Computers

	Software
Interface	Graphical Analysis	Graphical Analysis (Web App)
No interface required	Full support 1 2	Full support 2
LabQuest 3	Full support 2 3	Incompatible
LabQuest 2	Full support 2 3 4	Incompatible

Compatibility Notes

1. For Bluetooth^® connectivity, only computers running Windows 10 or Mac OS X 10.10 or newer are supported. The computer must also have a compatible Bluetooth 4.0⁺ radio.
2. The Data Tagging feature typically used with this sensor is not available in the free version of Graphical Analysis; Graphical Analysis Pro activation is required.
3. Connect this sensor directly to a computer or Chromebook via a USB or wireless Bluetooth^® connection for best results. Alternatively, this sensor is fully supported when used with LabQuest 2 or LabQuest 3 when the LabQuest is connected to a computer or Chromebook via Wireless Data Sharing.
4. Wireless connection of this sensor to a LabQuest 2 requires a Go Direct Bluetooth Adapter when used with some older LabQuest 2 models.

Chromebook

	Software
Interface	Graphical Analysis (Web App)
No interface required	Full support 1

Compatibility Notes

1. The Data Tagging feature typically used with this sensor is not available in the free version of Graphical Analysis; Graphical Analysis Pro activation is required.

iOS

	Software
Interface	Graphical Analysis	Graphical Analysis GW
No interface required	Full support 1	Full support 2
LabQuest 3	Full support 1 3 4	Full support 1 3 4
LabQuest 2	Full support 1 3 4 5	Full support 1 3 4 5

Compatibility Notes

1. The Data Tagging feature typically used with this sensor is not available in the free version of Graphical Analysis; Graphical Analysis Pro activation is required.
2. Software does not support the Data Tagging feature that is typically used with this sensor.
3. Connect this sensor directly to a supported mobile device via a wireless Bluetooth^® connection for best results.
4. iOS and Android^™ devices can only connect to LabQuest 2 or LabQuest 3 via Wireless Data Sharing.
5. Wireless connection of this sensor to a LabQuest 2 requires a Go Direct Bluetooth Adapter when used with some older LabQuest 2 models.

Android

	Software
Interface	Graphical Analysis	Graphical Analysis GW
No interface required	Full support 1	Incompatible
LabQuest 3	Full support 1 2 3	Full support 2
LabQuest 2	Full support 1 2 3 4	Full support 2 4

Compatibility Notes

1. The Data Tagging feature typically used with this sensor is not available in the free version of Graphical Analysis; Graphical Analysis Pro activation is required.
2. iOS and Android^™ devices can only connect to LabQuest 2 or LabQuest 3 via Wireless Data Sharing.
3. Connect this sensor directly to a supported mobile device via a wireless Bluetooth^® connection for best results.
4. Wireless connection of this sensor to a LabQuest 2 requires a Go Direct Bluetooth Adapter when used with some older LabQuest 2 models.

Python

	Software
Interface	Python
No interface required	Full support

Javascript

	Software
Interface	Javascript
No interface required	Full support 1

Compatibility Notes

1. A wireless Bluetooth^® connection can be made with Go Direct sensors on any platform running a browser with WebBluetooth support. However, only a few operating systems have been tested and testing has been limited.

LabVIEW

	Software
Interface	NI LabVIEW
No interface required	Full support 1

Compatibility Notes

1. For Bluetooth^® connectivity, only computers running Windows 10 or Mac OS X 10.10 or newer are supported. The computer must also have a compatible Bluetooth 4.0⁺ radio.

1. Turn on your sensor by plugging in the AC power and turn the temperature knob to the cooling fan. The LED will blink red.
2. Launch Graphical Analysis, then click Sensor Data Collection.
3. 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.
4. Click DONE. You are now ready to collect data.

Using other Vernier data-collection apps or connecting 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.

See the following link for up-to-date connection information:

www.vernier.com/start/gdx-mlt

Prepare the sample and device

1. Set Up the Sensor

Connect the sensor as described in the Quick Start section of this manual.

2. Load the Sample

Place a small amount of solid into a capillary tube.

3. Insert the Tube

Carefully insert the tube into one of the three slots in the aluminum heating block.

4. Adjust Viewing Angle

Tilt the Melt Station up or down, as needed, to clearly view the sample through the lens.

Run the Experiment

5. Begin Data Collection
   1. In your software, click or tap Collect.
   2. Turn the Melt Station's control knob to Rapid Heat.
   3. The red LED will turn on, indicating heating at a rate of >10°C/min.
6. Monitor Temperature
   • Watch the temperature vs. time graph.
   • When the temperature is within ~10°C of the sample's expected melting point, adjust the control knob to that temperature to slow the heating rate to ~1.5°C/min.

Record the Melting Range

In Graphical Analysis Pro

1. Observe the sample carefully.
2. When the sample begins to melt, click or tap MARK to record the temperature.
3. Click MARK again when the solid is completely melted.
4. Click the text box to label each MARK point.

Note: The MARK feature is not available in the free version of Graphical Analysis. Use text annotations instead if desired.

In LabQuest App

1. Observe the sample.
2. When the sample begins to melt, tap Keep to record the temperature.
3. Tap Keep again when the solid is completely melted.
4. Tap the box to the right of the graph label box to add text.

Wrap Up

7. Stop Data Collection
• Click or tap Stop in Graphical Analysis.
• In LabQuest App, tap the File Cabinet to save the run.

8. Cool Down

Turn the knob to Fan/Cooling. The blue LED will turn on.

9. Repeat as Needed

Prepare a new sample. Once the heating block has melted (check the temperature on the meter), you can load a new sample and begin the next trial.

Cleaning Outside Surfaces

Clean the outside metal surfaces of the Melt Station with a cloth dampened with a mild detergent solution. Do not use organic solvents to clean the Melt Station.

Removing Broken Capillary Tubes

Follow the steps below to remove a broken capillary tube from the Melt Station. Caution: Do not handle a broken capillary tube with your fingers. Wear safety glasses or safety goggles.

1. Turn off the Melt Station and allow it to cool to room temperature. Unplug the power cord from the device.
2. Place the Melt Station unit on its back side so the capillary tube slots are as close to horizontal as possible. This will make it easier to safely remove the glass shards.
3. Remove the two threaded screws holding the lens panel in place. Set the screws and the viewing lens aside.
4. Use a 3/32 inch hex key to remove the two screws holding the metal spring fingers in place. Set the screws and spring fingers aside. Use the same hex key to loosen the screw holding the glass window in place. Slide the glass window up to remove it, and set it aside. Caution: The edges of the glass may be sharp.
5. Use an appropriate tool to carefully remove the broken capillary tube from its slot and deposit it in a glass waste container. If the capillary tube is loose in the slot, you can very carefully tip the Melt Station over to slide the tube into a waste container.
6. Replace the glass window, metal fingers, and viewing lens. Carefully tighten the screws to be snug rather than extremely tight. Remember that you may want to remove these pieces again in the future.

The Melt Station is designed for use in an academic laboratory. Its intended purpose is to determine the melting temperature of a solid substance in the temperature range between ambient and 260°C. The safety guidelines listed below must be followed strictly during the operation of this device. Failure to comply with these guidelines violates the standards of safety set forth in this document and the standards expected as good laboratory practice.

• Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses when using the Melt Station.
• Do not use the Melt Station for any purpose other than its intended use, which is to measure the melting point of a solid substance.
• Use the Melt Station under the supervision of a qualified chemistry instructor.
• Place the Melt Station on a clean, level surface.
• Make sure the Melt Station is a safe distance from solvents, containers of liquid or gaseous substances, and sources of water.
• Do not use the Melt Station with flammable liquids or gases.
• Do not allow the device to become wet. If it does, disconnect power to the device immediately and allow it to thoroughly dry.
• Do not leave the device unattended while heating; monitor temperature at all times.
• Turn off the Melt Station immediately after all testing is completed.
• Do not alter or remove the protective metal walls that surround the heating block of the Melt Station.
• The Melt Station is designed to operate in an upright position.
• Do not touch the heating block while it is hot.
• Check the temperature of the heating block before inserting a capillary tube of solid sample.
• The heating block can remain hot for a short period of time after use, even when off.
• Use the Melt Station in a well-ventilated room.
• The Melt Station is not designed for liquids or wet environments.
• The Melt Station is not designed or intended for use with samples that could explode or ignite by heat, friction, or spark.
• While some routine maintenance can be performed on the Melt Station, these tasks should be performed only by qualified personnel.
• Do not use the Melt Station if any malfunction is suspected.
• Do not modify or install additional parts to the Melt Station.
• Unplug the Melt Station before storing.

Safety Automatic Shut Off

An important safety feature of the Melt Station is the Automatic Shut Off. After you turn the control knob to heating, an internal timer starts. After 50–60 minutes have elapsed, the Melt Station will automatically turn off the heating element and the yellow LED will come on. To reset the Melt Station, simply turn the control knob to the cooling position or the Off position.

Dimensions	Base–13 cm × 15 cm × 1.5 cm, Body–9 cm × 9 cm × 24 cm
Weight	1.0 kg (2.2 lbs.) Melt Station + AC adapter weight: 1.2 kg (2.6 lbs.)
Range	Ambient to 260°C
Resolution	0.10°C
Accuracy	±0.31 + 0.0006T, where T is the temperature in Celsius
Typical	±0.4°C (<200°C); ± 0.5 deg C (>200°C)
Safety shut down	The heating block is automatically powered down after approximately sixty minutes of heating.
Capillary tubes	1.4–1.8 mm outside diameter, 100 mm length
Capillary tube slots	3
Viewing lens	27 mm diameter (functional), 30 mm (actual)
Lighting of capillary slots	3 white LEDs
Lighting of control dial	Red LED (indicates heating mode), Blue LED (indicates cooling mode with cooling fan running), Yellow LED (safety shut off activated)
Temperature sensor	Class A, Platinum Resistance Temperature Detector (RTD)
Calibration	Factory calibrated
Power	24VDC to unit, universal AC adapter 100–240 VAC 50–60 Hz input
Power consumption	40W max., < 0.5A @ 110V

The Melt Station contains an aluminum heating block. There are three slots for capillary tubes in the heating block. A capillary tube containing a solid substance is placed in the heating block and the block is heated by an embedded element. An RTD-based temperature sensor, also embedded in the heating block, measures the temperature of the heating block and therefore the capillary tube of substance. The temperature sensor connects to Vernier data-collection software. The substance to be melted is viewed through a 6X lens.

The temperature control on the Melt Station is divided into three regions.

• The first area, next to the Off position, is for cooling the heating block after you have completed a melting temperature run. When you turn the control knob to the cooling position, the fan and the blue LED will come on.
• The second area is divided into specific temperature settings. These temperatures correspond to the expected melting temperature of the substance. You will choose one of these settings when the Melt Station has warmed to within about 10°C of the expected melting temperature of your solid sample. The warming rate will slow to ~1.5°C/min at each of these settings.
• The third area is Rapid Heat. In Rapid Heat, the Melt Station will warm at a rate of >10°C/min.

The temperature sensor embedded in the aluminum heating block of the Melt Station will never need to be calibrated. The sensor is carefully calibrated before it ships, and this unique calibration is stored on a smart chip in the sensor. Note: There is no method to perform a calibration of this sensor in any of our software programs.

For troubleshooting and FAQs, see www.vernier.com/til/3852

If you have followed the troubleshooting steps and are still having trouble with your Go Direct Melt Station, 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.

Accessory
Item	Order Code
Mini USB Cable	CB-USB-C-MINI
Melt Station Capilllary Tubes (package of 100)	MLT-TUBE
Replacement Part
Item	Order Code
Micro USB Cable	CB-USB-MICRO
Replacement Melt Station Power Supply	MLT-PS

 

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.