Troubleshooting
- Primary Test: Plug in the sensor and run the data-collection program. Hold the tip of the sensor in your hand and check for the temperature readings to change.
The most common causes for this sensor to read incorrectly 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: Measuring the temperature of a flame or the surface of a hot plate will damage the sensor.
- Melted cable: Draping a cable across a hot plate will melt the covering and damage the sensor.
- The unit is not waterproof: Water can seep into the hilt of the sensor and damage the electronics. Only submerge the stainless steel portion of the sensor.
Unfortunately, these causes of breakage are considered misuse and are not covered by our warranty. Repair is not possible for this type of damage.
Additional Troubleshooting
- Why does my temperature sensor read a value that does not change and is very high/low?
- My temperature sensor reads 80°C at room temperature on a LabQuest 2.
- The tab on the BTA or BTD connector of my sensor is broken. Can it be repaired?
- How should I wrap my sensor cable?
- Can you calibrate a Stainless Steel Temperature Probe?
- Can I use Vernier water quality sensors in salt water or in a salt water aquarium?
Specifications
- Temperature sensor: 20 kΩ NTC Thermistor
- Temperature range: –40 to 135°C (–40 to 275°F)
- Maximum temperature that the sensor can tolerate without damage: 150°C
- Typical 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) - 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
Calibration
Calibrate? No. If you wish to calibrate this sensor, detailed instructions can be found in Can you calibrate a Stainless Steel Temperature Probe?
Note: a custom calibration cannot be stored to this sensor.
Related Products
- Extra-Long Temperature Probe (TPL-BTA)
- Go!Temp (GO-TEMP)
- EasyTemp (EZ-TMP)
- Surface Temperature Sensor (STS-BTA)
- Wide-Range Temperature Probe (WRT-BTA)
- Thermocouple (TCA-BTA)
- Go Direct® Temperature Probe (GDX-TMP)