Instructions

Stainless Steel
Temperature Probe
(Order Code TMP-BTA )
The Stainless Steel Temperature Probe can be used as a thermometer for
experiments in chemistry, physics, biology, Earth science, environmental science,
and more.
Note: Vernier products are designed for educational use. Our products are not
designed nor 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.
Compatible Interfaces and Software
See www.vernier.com/manuals/tmp-bta for a list of interfaces and software
compatible with the Stainless Steel Temperature Probe.
Getting Started
1. Connect the sensor to the interface (LabQuest Mini, LabQuest 2, etc.).
2. Start the appropriate data-collection software (Logger Pro, Logger Lite,
LabQuest App) if not already running, and choose New from File menu.
The software will identify the sensor and load a default data-collection setup. You
are now ready to collect data.
If you are collecting data using a Chromebook™, mobile device such as iPad
®
or
Android™ tablet, or a Vernier wireless sensor or interface, please see the following
link for up-to-date connection information:
www.vernier.com /start/tmp-bta
U sing the Product
Connect the sensor following the steps in the Getting Started section of this user
manual.
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.
Videos
View videos related to this product at www.vernier.com/tmp-bta
Specifications
Temperature range –40 to 135°C (–40 to 275°F)
Maximum temperature that the sensor can
tolerate without damage
150°C
13-bit resolution 0.09°C (–40 to 0°C)
0.02°C (0 to 40°C)
0.05°C (40 to 100°C)
0.13°C (100 to 135°C)
12-bit 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)
10-bit resolution 0.68°C (–40 to 0°C)
0.12°C (0 to 40°C)
0.4°C (40 to 100°C)
1.0°C (100 to 135°C)
Temperature sensor 20 kΩ NTC Thermistor
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
H ow the S ensor Works
This probe uses the 20 kΩ NTC Thermistor, which is a variable resistor. When the
temperature increases, the resistance decreases non-linearly. The best-fit
approximation to this nonlinear characteristic is the Steinhart-Hart equation. At
25°C, the resistance is approximately 4.3% per °C. The interface measures the
resistance value, R, at a particular temperature, and converts the resistance using
the Steinhart-Hart equation:
T=[K
0
+K
1
(ln 1000R) + K
2
(ln 1000R)
3
]
-1
– 273.15
where T is temperature (°C), R is the measured resistance in
kΩ, K
o
=1.02119 × 10
-3
, K
1
= 2.22468 × 10
-4
,andK
2
= 1.33342 × 10
-7
.Our
2