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Go Direct® Wide-Range Temperature Probe User Manual

Order Code: GDX-WRT

This rugged temperature probe features a wide temperature range, from –20°C to 330°C. The high upper limit of the sensor allows for melting point determinations of most organic compounds. It uses platinum RTD (Resistance Temperature Detector) technology to establish a ±0.5°C accuracy or better, 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.

What's Included

  • Go Direct Wide-Range Temperature
  • Micro USB Cable

Compatible Software

Choose a platform below to see its compatibility requirements.

LabQuest
InterfaceLabQuest App
LabQuest 3Full support
LabQuest 2 (discontinued)Full support 1
LabQuest (discontinued)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
InterfaceGraphical Analysis
No interface requiredFull support 1
LabQuest 3Full support 2
LabQuest 2 (discontinued)Full support 2 3

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. 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.
  3. 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
InterfaceGraphical Analysis
No interface requiredFull support
LabQuest 3Full support 1
LabQuest 2 (discontinued)Full support 1 2

Compatibility Notes

  1. 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.
  2. Wireless connection of this sensor to a LabQuest 2 requires a Go Direct Bluetooth Adapter when used with some older LabQuest 2 models.
iOS
Software
InterfaceGraphical AnalysisGraphical Analysis GW
No interface requiredFull supportFull support
LabQuest 3Full support 1 2Full support 1 2
LabQuest 2 (discontinued)Full support 1 2 3Full support 1 2 3

Compatibility Notes

  1. Connect this sensor directly to a supported mobile device via a wireless Bluetooth® connection for best results.
  2. iOS and Androidâ„¢ devices can only connect to LabQuest 2 or LabQuest 3 via Wireless Data Sharing.
  3. 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
InterfaceGraphical AnalysisGraphical Analysis GW
No interface requiredFull supportIncompatible
LabQuest 3Full support 1 2Full support 1
LabQuest 2 (discontinued)Full support 1 2 3Full support 1 3

Compatibility Notes

  1. iOS and Androidâ„¢ devices can only connect to LabQuest 2 or LabQuest 3 via Wireless Data Sharing.
  2. Connect this sensor directly to a supported mobile device via a wireless Bluetooth® connection for best results.
  3. 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
InterfacePython
No interface requiredFull support
Javascript
Software
InterfaceJavascript
No interface requiredFull 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
InterfaceNI LabVIEW
No interface requiredFull 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.

Getting Started

Please see the following link for platform-specific connection information:

www.vernier.com/start/gdx-wrt

Bluetooth Connection

USB Connection

  1. Install Vernier Graphical Analysis™ on your computer, Chromebook™, or mobile device. If using LabQuest®, make sure LabQuest App is up to date. See www.vernier.com/ga4 for Graphical Analysis availability or www.vernier.com/downloads to update LabQuest App.
  2. Charge your sensor for at least 2 hours before first use.
  3. Turn on your sensor by pressing the power button once. The LED will blink red.
  4. Launch Graphical Analysis or turn on LabQuest.
  5. If using Graphical Analysis, click or tap Sensor Data Collection. If using LabQuest, choose Wireless Device Setup > Go Direct from the Sensors menu.
  6. Select your Go Direct sensor from the list of Discovered Wireless Devices. Your sensor's ID is located near the barcode on the sensor. The LED will blink green when it is successfully connected.
  7. Click or tap Done to enter data-collection mode.
  1. Install Graphical Analysis on your computer or Chromebook. If using LabQuest, make sure LabQuest App is up to date. See www.vernier.com/ga4 for software availability or www.vernier.com/downloads to update LabQuest App.
  2. Connect the sensor to the USB port.
  3. Launch Graphical Analysis or turn on LabQuest. You are now ready to collect data.

 

Note: This sensor does not work with the original LabQuest. It works with LabQuest 2 or LabQuest 3.

Charging the Sensor

Connect Go Direct Wide-Range Temperature to the included Micro USB Cable and any USB device for two hours.

You can also charge up to eight Go Direct Wide-Range Temperature Probes using our Go Direct Charge Station, sold separately (order code: GDX-CRG). An LED on each Go Direct Wide-Range Temperature indicates charging status.

Charging

Blue LED on steady while sensor is connected to the Charging Cable or Charging Station.

Fully charged

Blue LED is off when charging is complete.

Providing Power

Turning on the sensor

Press button once. Red LED indicator flashes when unit is on.

Putting the sensor in sleep mode

Press and hold button for more than three seconds to put into sleep mode. Red LED indicator stops flashing when sleeping.

Connecting the Sensor

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

www.vernier.com/start/gdx-wrt

Connecting via Bluetooth

Ready to connect Red LED flashes when sensor is awake and ready to connect via Bluetooth.
Connected Green LED flashes when sensor is connected via Bluetooth.

Connecting via USB

Connected and charging Blue and Green LED solid when sensor is connected to Graphical Analysis via USB and unit is charging. (Green LED is obscured by the blue one.)
Connected, fully charged Green LED solid when sensor is connected to Graphical Analysis via USB and the unit is fully charged.
Charging via USB,
connected via Bluetooth
Blue LED is solid and green LED is flashing, but the green flashing LED looks white because it is overwhelmed by the blue.

Identifying the Sensor

When two or more sensors are connected, the sensors can be identified by tapping or clicking Identify in Sensor Information.

Using the Product

Connect the sensor following the steps in the Getting Started 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.

Calibration

Go Direct Wide-Range Temperature 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°C to 330°C

Maximum temperature that the sensor can tolerate without damage

380°C

Temperature sensing element

Platinum RTD (100 Ω)

Accuracy

  • ±0.3°C at 0°C
  • ±0.2°C at 100°C
  • ±0.5°C at 300°C

Response time from 25°C to 100°C in water

30 seconds

Probe dimensions

  • Probe length (handle plus body): 28 cm
  • Stainless steel body: length 17 cm, diameter 6.4 mm
  • Probe handle: length 11 cm, width 3 cm.5, thickness 1.7 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.
  • The chart 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

Battery Information

Go Direct Wide-Range Temperature contains a small lithium-ion battery in the handle. The system is designed to consume very little power and not put heavy demands on the battery. Although the battery is warranted for one year, the expected battery life should be several years. Replacement batteries are available from Vernier (order code: GDX-BAT-300).

Storage and Maintenance

To store Go Direct Wide-Range Temperature for extended periods of time, put the device in sleep mode by holding the button down for at least three seconds. The red LED will stop flashing to show that the unit is in sleep mode. Over several months, the battery will discharge but will not be damaged. After such storage, charge the device for a few hours, and the unit will be ready to go.

Exposing the battery to temperatures over 35°C (95°F) will reduce its lifespan. If possible, store the device in an area that is not exposed to temperature extremes.

Water Resistance

The body of the Go Direct Wide-Range Temperature Probe is not water resistant and should never be immersed in water.

If water gets into the device, immediately power the unit down (press and hold the power button for more than three seconds). Disconnect the sensor and charging cable, and remove the battery. Allow the device to dry thoroughly before attempting to use the device again. Do not attempt to dry using an external heat source.

How the Sensor Works

The detector is a platinum RTD (Resistance Temperature Detector) sensor with an output that increases nonlinearly with increasing temperature.

Troubleshooting

For troubleshooting and FAQs, see www.vernier.com/til/4038

Repair Information

If you have watched followed the troubleshooting steps and are still having trouble with your Go Direct Wide-Range Temperature, 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.

Accessories/Replacements

Item Order Code

Micro USB Cable

CB-USB-MICRO

USB-C to Micro USB cable

CB-USB-C-MICRO

Go Direct 300 mAh Replacement Battery

GDX-BAT-300

Warranty

Warranty information for this product can be found on the Support tab at www.vernier.com/gdx-wrt/#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.

Battery recycling information is available at www.call2recycle.org

Do not puncture or expose the battery to excessive heat or flame.

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.

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