|
|
| |
|
What is the Thermochron iButton?
|
|
Where would I use a Thermochron iButton?
|
|
What's the life span of the Thermochron?
|
|
What configuration can I use to string Thermochrons together and what cable length can I use?
|
|
Are there alternatives to the Blue Dot Receptor for I/O with the Thermochron?
|
|
How do you know when the lithium is low or nearly exhausted?
|
|
What does 'water-resistant' mean for the Thermochron?
|
|
What are the true temperature limits of Thermochrons?
|
|
Where do I get software for the Thermochron?
|
|
Where can I find code for a Linux port for the Thermochron?
|
|
Is there a Java container class for the Thermochron?
|
|
How do I turn off the Thermochron?
|
|
How do I export the data from the OneWireViewer to Excel?
|
|
Is there a Starter Kit for the DS1923 Humidity iButton?
|
|
How long is the Thermochron good for (battery life)?
|
|
I've been using the DS1921. Now I want to use the new DS1922, can I use the same hardware?
|
|
The iButton Viewer won't recognize the DS1922 or DS1923. What is the problem?
|
|
Why won't the OneWireViewer start my Thermochron missions?
|
|
The Temperature tab at the top of the OneWireViewer doesn't show the temperature like before?
|
|
How long can a Thermochron log data?
|
|
Is it possible to use the Thermochrons to measure the internal temperature of large mammals?
|
|
Do I need to calibrate Thermochrons and Hygrochrons?
|
|
Are the Temperature Logger iButtons NIST traceable?
|
|
Where can I find reliability information such as: Failure Rate, FIT (Failures in Time), and Mean Time to Failure (MTTF)?
|
|
The web is showing a long lead-time when ordering Thermochrons, is this accurate?
|
|
Are Thermochrons reusable?
|
|
What is the difference between a Temperature iButton (i.e. DS1920) and a Thermochron?
|
|
What certifications does this device have?
|
| |
| |
Q1:
What is the Thermochron iButton?
|
| |
|
The Thermochron is a single-chip digital thermometer, thermostat, clock, calendar and data logging memory housed in the stainless steel iButton. Battery-powered and physically able to endure the most challenging environments, the Thermochron is ideal for data logging missions in the -40C to 85C temperature range. The DS1922E has a range from +15C to 140C.
|
| |
Q2:
Where would I use a Thermochron iButton?
|
| |
|
You can use the Thermochron anywhere you want to monitor temperatures. Extremely durable and only 16mm in diameter, the Thermochron is ideally suited for remote and/or mobile thermal tracking in refrigeration units, trucks, crates, and incubators for purposes of chemical, food or other organic material storage, maintenance and transportation. It can stick to bottles, such as thermally sensitive chemicals, or mount on walls. For waterproofing applications, see the DS9107 iButton Capsule.
|
| |
|
DS9107 iButton Capsule
|
| |
Q3:
What's the life span of the Thermochron?
|
| |
|
The Thermochron lifespan is dependent upon usage conditions, specifically, how often the device samples, what environmental conditions (temperature) to which the iButton is exposed, etc. See the lifetime/lifespan graphs located in the Thermochron datasheets for lifetime expectancies based on usage conditions.
|
| |
|
DS1921
|
|
DS1922
|
|
DS1923
|
| |
Q4:
What configuration can I use to string Thermochrons together and what cable length can I use?
|
| |
|
Please see Application Note 148.
|
| |
|
App. Note 148
|
| |
Q5:
Are there alternatives to the Blue Dot Receptor for I/O with the Thermochron?
|
| |
|
You can multi-drop the Thermochron just like other iButtons and 1-Wire devices. Other probes besides the Blue Dots can be found on the following pages.
|
| |
|
Other Probes
|
|
Other Partner Options
|
| |
Q6:
How do you know when the lithium is low or nearly exhausted?
|
| |
You can check the register that records the total number of conversions over the lifetime of the Thermochron. This register serves as a "gas gauge" because the primary consumer of lithium power is the temperature conversion circuitry. The conversion process uses lithium even if the chip's other "front end" functions are externally powered.
See the lifetime graphs in the device's datasheet.
|
| |
Q7:
What does 'water-resistant' mean for the Thermochron?
|
| |
|
iButtons are not guaranteed waterproof and require a watertight enclosure if they will be immersed in any type of liquid. Maxim offers the DS9107 iButton capsule as a solution for protecting iButton temperature loggers from liquids. Although the iButtons are not waterproof, they are water resistant and certified to IP56 standards.
|
| |
|
DS9107 iButton Capsule
|
|
Waterproof Loggers & Enclosures
|
|
Thermochons are IP56 Rated (water resistant but not waterproof)
|
| |
Q8:
What are the true temperature limits of Thermochrons?
|
| |
Temperature ranges for all data loggers can be found in the table on this page.
Operating any logger above or below its thermal operating range can damage its internal battery or components.
If the logger records data while in an environment above or below its thermal operating range, the recorded data collected will not go above or below the specified operating range. The logger will continue to operate at temperatures above or below its operating range for an unspecified time before stopping due to lack of battery power. Depending on the length of time that the logger is exposed to temperatures outside of its operating range, the logger may continue operating properly.
Storage or operation above 50C significantly reduces battery life.
See each loggers datasheet for expected life span at different temperatures.
|
| |
|
All iButton Data Loggers
|
| |
Q9:
Where do I get software for the Thermochron?
|
| |
The OneWireViewer is a Java application for exploring iButton or 1-Wire chip features from your PC. The OneWireViewer automatically finds iButtons or 1-Wire chips on the 1-Wire Network and displays their serial numbers with a description of relevant features and menu options.
|
| |
|
OneWireViewer & Drivers
|
|
Software Development Kits & Examples
|
| |
Q10:
Where can I find code for a Linux port for the Thermochron?
|
| |
|
It can be found in our 1-Wire Public Domain Kit.
|
| |
|
1-Wire Public Domain Kit
|
| |
Q11:
Is there a Java container class for the Thermochron?
|
| |
|
Yes. The DS1921 family of Thermochrons are supported by the Java "container" OneWireContainer21. The DS1922 family of Thermochrons, along with the DS1923 Hygrochron are supported by OneWireContainer41. They are both available for download in the 1-Wire API for Java Software Development Kit (SDK).
|
| |
|
1-Wire API for Java SDK
|
| |
Q12:
How do I turn off the Thermochron?
|
| |
|
In order to preserve battery life between uses, it is recommended to disable the clock. From the OneWireViewer software, select the device from the OneWireViewer device list. On the right, click on the clock tab and depress the 'Halt Real-Time Clock' button.
|
| |
Q13:
How do I export the data from the OneWireViewer to Excel?
|
| |
There is an Application Note that describes how to export the data from Thermochrons into an Excel spread sheet. The Application Note is App Note 3809
Exporting DS192x Logger Data from the OneWireViewer into Excel.
We also have several partners with software products that will automatically download Thermochron data into an Excel spread sheet.
|
| |
|
Partner Software Products
|
| |
Q14:
Is there a Starter Kit for the DS1923 Humidity iButton?
|
| |
|
There is not a starter kit just for the DS1923. While the Thermochron Starter Kit, DS1921K, does not contain a DS1923, the kit can be used with any iButton. The kit does have a USB Port adapter, a "Blue Dot" cable, and a DS1921G Thermochron. The kit also contains the instructions as to where free evaluation software can be downloaded.
|
| |
Q15:
How long is the Thermochron good for (battery life)?
|
| |
|
There are charts in the data sheets that show battery life. Battery life is effected by temperature and the rate of sampling. The higher the temperature or the quicker the sample rate, the shorter the battery life.
|
| |
Q16:
I've been using the DS1921. Now I want to use the new DS1922, can I use the same hardware?
|
| |
|
Yes, the hardware used with the DS1921 can be used with all types of the DS1922 and DS1923.
|
| |
Q17:
The iButton Viewer won't recognize the DS1922 or DS1923. What is the problem?
|
| |
|
The iButton Viewer was retired and replaced by the OneWireViewer before the DS1922/23 data loggers were introduced. The OneWireViewer is also free for the download.
|
| |
|
OneWireViewer Software
|
| |
Q18:
Why won't the OneWireViewer start my Thermochron missions?
|
| |
|
The answer is to fill in the Temperature Alarm points. Even if the alarm is not turned on, the alarm points must have a value filled in.
|
| |
Q19:
The Temperature tab at the top of the OneWireViewer doesn't show the temperature like before?
|
| |
|
The Temperature tab is used in the Forced Conversion mode. This cannot be done when there is a mission in progress. Go to the Mission tab and use the Temperature tab to see the data from the Thermochron.
|
| |
Q20:
How long can a Thermochron log data?
|
| |
|
The length of time varies between the DS1921 and DS1922 loggers. The TempLoggerCalc application can be used to select the type of Thermochron and vary the sample rate to see the total length of time that will be logged.
|
| |
|
TempLoggerCalc Application
|
| |
Q21:
Is it possible to use the Thermochrons to measure the internal temperature of large mammals?
|
| |
|
Maxim does not recommend using the Thermochrons inside any living creature.
|
| |
Q22:
Do I need to calibrate Thermochrons and Hygrochrons?
|
| |
Our dataloggers are factory programmed to meet the accuracy specifications as defined in their corresponding data sheet for each product family. All device parameters (including the temperature accuracy) are guaranteed for 1 year under Maxim standard terms and conditions ( http://www.maxim-ic.com/sales/pdfs/terms-conditions.pdf ) with the condition they have been properly handled and used within all operating condition ranges specified in the datasheet.
Our dataloggers determine the current temperature by measuring the inherent physical properties of their onboard integrated circuits. Due to this technique, we generally know of no physical mechanism to cause our data loggers to go out of calibration over the lifetime of the part except by exhaustion of the internal lithium power source to the point the part is no longer functional. Exhaustion of the internal lithium battery is caused by age, temperature, and sampling rate(s). Our datasheets show detailed plots of expected device lifetime based on time, temperature, and sampling rate(s).
If you are concerned or you have regulatory requirements regarding accuracy, then we recommend you work with a third party to perform recertification and/or software recalibration of your data loggers
|
| |
|
Calibration Services
|
| |
Q23:
Are the Temperature Logger iButtons NIST traceable?
|
| |
|
Currently, only the DS1922L has NIST certificates available for free download.
|
| |
|
Thermochron NIST Traceable Certificates
|
| |
Q24:
Where can I find reliability information such as: Failure Rate, FIT (Failures in Time), and Mean Time to Failure (MTTF)?
|
| |
|
Enter the device name (i.e. DS2401) into the 'Part No. Search' text box of this web page (top right) and press enter. From the quick view page, click on the 'Technical Documents' tab. Scroll down to the reliability reports and open the PDF.
|
| |
Q25:
The web is showing a long lead-time when ordering Thermochrons, is this accurate?
|
| |
|
The ordering information on the web is correct for larger orders. Thermochrons have a small buffer stock that that is not reflected on the web and allows orders with less than 100 pieces to ship out quickly (usually less than a week).
|
| |
Q26:
Are Thermochrons reusable?
|
| |
|
Thermochrons can be missioned many times. The internal memory is overwritten when a new mission is setup. The device can be used until the internal battery is consumed. The battery is not rechargeable or replaceable.
|
| |
Q27:
What is the difference between a Temperature iButton (i.e. DS1920) and a Thermochron?
|
| |
|
The DS1920 is not a data logger, rather a temp sensor. The difference is a sensor requires a host PC or micro controller to interrogate the device for the temperature reading and stores the result in the host memory (Hard disk, etc.) and must therefore be connected to the device during the duration of the data collection. A data logger, once missioned (via PC software), does not require any other connections in order to take and store temperature readings. The data is stored in device's memory and extracted once the mission has completed.
|
| |
Q28:
What certifications does this device have?
|
| |
|
Please follow the link below.
|
| |
|
Device Certifications
|
| |
