1048 User Guide

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Getting Started

Checking the Contents

You should have received: A PhidgetTemperatureSensor 4 input A Mini-USB Cable		In order to test your new Phidget you will also need: Thermocouples with stripped end

Connecting the Pieces

Connect the thermocouples to the terminal blocks on the 1048. For most thermocouples, the red wire should be connected to one of the numbered inputs, and the white wire to ground. You won't damage the thermocouple if it's hooked up backwards, but it will give you an incorrect or erratic temperature reading. Connect the 1048 to your PC using the Mini-USB cable.

Testing Using Windows 2000 / XP / Vista / 7

Make sure you have the current version of the Phidget library installed on your PC. If you don't, follow these steps:

1. Go to the Quick Downloads section on the Windows page
2. Download and run the Phidget21 Installer (32-bit, or 64-bit, depending on your system)
3. You should see the icon on the right hand corner of the Task Bar.

Running Phidgets Sample Program

Double clicking on the icon loads the Phidget Control Panel; we will use this program to ensure that your new Phidget works properly.

The source code for the TemperatureSensor-full sample program can be found in the quick downloads section on the C# Language Page. If you'd like to see examples in other languages, you can visit our Languages page.

Updating Device Firmware

If an entry in this list is red, it means the firmware for that device is out of date. Double click on the entry to be given the option of updating the firmware. If you choose not to update the firmware, you can still run the example for that device after refusing.

Double Click on the icon to activate the Phidget Control Panel and make sure that the Phidget Temperature Sensor 4-Input is properly attached to your PC.
Double Click on Phidget Temperature Sensor 4-input in the Phidget Control Panel to bring up TemperatureSensor-full and check that the box labelled Attached contains the word True. Select input 0 Select the thermocouple type (we're using K-type in this example). If you don't choose the correct type, your temperature results will be incorrect. Touch a source of heat (light bulb, candle or lighter flame) with the thermocouple probe and watch the Thermocouple temperature increase. The potential value will also increase as the thermocouple temperature increases. The ambient temperature gives you the board temperature. You can adjust the data sensitivity by moving the slider pointer.

Testing Using Mac OS X

1. Go to the Quick Downloads section on the Mac OS X page
2. Download and run the Phidget OS X Installer
3. Click on System Preferences >> Phidgets (under Other) to activate the Preference Pane
4. Make sure that the Phidget Temperature Sensor 4-Input is properly attached.
5. Double Click on Phidget Temperature Sensor 4-Input in the Phidget Preference Pane to bring up the TemperatureSensor-full Sample program. This program will function in a similar way as the Windows version.

Using Linux

For a step-by-step guide on getting Phidgets running on Linux, check the Linux page.

Technical Details

Cold Junction Compensation and Self-heating

Thermocouples consist of two junctions, one where the thermocouple meets the Phidget and one where the two wires are welded together at the sensing end of the device. In simplified terms, a thermocouple works by detecting the temperature difference between these two junctions. As such, in order to measure the temperature at the sensing end we need to know the temperature where the thermocouple connects to the Phidget. To do so, there is an ambient temperature sensor on the board.

An important thing to note is that the ambient temperature sensor measures the temperature of the board and the air around it, though not specifically at the junction. Generally you can assume they are nearly the same temperature, however as the electronics heat up by being powered on there can be some small error introduced. This is exacerbated by having the board in an enclosed space where normal airflow is restricted thereby increasing the effect of self-heating. As a result we recommend that the board be left in as open and well ventilated/cooled a place as possible to minimize this error source.

For more information on thermocouples, check out the Thermocouple Primer.