VCP-PTH450-CAL (MII)
Robust, high precision USB temperature, humidity and air pressure sensor. Calibratable with serial protocol.
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| Temperature (°C): | -40 to 125 | ±0.1 |
| Relative humidity (%RH): | 0 to 100 | ±1.5 |
| Atmospheric pressure (kPa) | ||
|
At 25 °C: |
70 to 110 | ±0.15 |
- 2-layer filter efficiency: >99.99% of particles as small as 200 nm
- Compact aluminum external protection
FREE DATA LOGGING AND MONITORING SOFTWARE
-
- Get up-and-running in less than 3 minutes
- Use unlimited Dracal sensors simultaneously in real-time
- Perform calibration easily
- Operate under Windows, Mac OS X or Linux
EASY TO USE IN YOUR OWN APPLICATION
- Get ready-to-use, accurate and robust real-time data flow
- Access code examples for COM integration in 10+ programming language
- Copy-paste integration examples in LabVIEW
- Operate under Windows, Mac OS X and Linux
Description
VCP-PTH450-CAL: Improved precision for temperature, relative humidity, and atmospheric pressure (±0.1°C/±1.5% RH), equipped with a particle filter and an aluminum tip for harsh environments. Calibratable sensor with serial protocol.
The VCP-PTH450-CAL allows for the acquisition of temperature, relative humidity, and atmospheric pressure data in a harmonized manner, thanks to its advanced electronics. As a member of the PTH series, it stands out as the most robust, with its anodized aluminum-coated probe capable of withstanding temperatures of up to 125°C. The compact aluminum probe makes it easy to install in confined spaces, and the integrated filtration membrane provides additional protection against dust.
Furthermore, the probe cable is coated with silicone, making it highly resistant to heat, chemicals, UV radiation, and mechanical stress.
The VCP-PTH450-CAL is part of the MII solution, designed for high-end product and software integration. The serial (COM) communication allows for direct integration without a dependency on third-party software. The "-CAL" feature, for "Calibratable", allows easy recalibration. This, with the plug-and-play nature of the product, allows for quick sensor hot-swap and easy recalibration by the end-user with any ISO17025 calibration laboratory, without the need for an on-field calibration team.
Free data monitoring and calibration software
Be instantly operational with DracalView: our free data visualization, logging and calibration software
- Works under Windows, Mac OS X and Linux
- Simultaneous visualization and logging of an unlimited number of sensors
- Easy calibration mechanism open to the end-user
Easy to use in your applications
- Virtual COM (VCP)
- RVCP: REST API for wireless access to VCP instruments connected to a SensGate
Multiple integration and code examples, including Python, C, C++, Java, Node.js, C# and LabVIEW.
Examples of use
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- Reference instrument for calibrating other instruments
- Climatic chamber
- Monitoring environmental conditions
- at the CERN
- in telematics
- in laboratory settings (for ISO purposes, in nuclear physics, for audio product development)
- in environmental engineering
What is included
- One (1) VCP-PTH450-CAL all-in-one sensor
- One (1) USB Cable
- Quick installation guide
- Data acquisition software and tools
Available options
Specifications
Temperature (probe)
- Operating range: -40°C to 125°C
- Extended temperature range: -45°C to 130°C
- Accuracy (typical):
- ±0.1°C (20°C to 60°C)
- ±0.2°C (-40°C to 20°C)
- ±0.4°C (60°C to 125°C)
- Resolution (typical): 0.015°C
- Repeatability (typical): 0.06°C
- Long-term drift: <0.03°C/year
Relative humidity (probe)
- Operating range: 0 to 100%RH
- Accuracy at 25°C (typical):
- ±1.5%RH (0 to 80%RH)
- ±2%RH (80 to 100%RH)
- Accuracy at 0 to 80°C (typical):
- ±2.0% from 0 to 100%RH,
- Resolution (typical): 0.01%RH
- Long-term drift (-40 to 125°C): <0.25%RH/year
Atmospheric (barometric) pressure
- Operating pressure range: 45 to 110 kPa
- Accuracy at 25°C: ±0.15 kPa
- Extended pressure range: 1 to 120 kPa
- Overpressure: 600 kPa
- Resolution: 0.0065 kPa
- Signal Noise filter: 1st Order
- Internal factory-calibrated coefficients
- ADC resolution: 24 bits
- Altitude resolution: approx. 10 cm
- Sensor IC: MS5611
- Long-term drift: ±0.1 kPa/year
Probe filters
- First filter material: Puncture anodized aluminum
- Second filter material: PTFE membrane
- Efficiency: >99.99% for particles of 200 nm
Miscellaneous
- Sensor cable material: Silicone
- Sensor housing: Anodized aluminum
- USB cable length: 1 meter (3 ft.)
- Operating temperature range (USB cable interface): 0°C to 70°C
- Powered through USB
- This product can operate at 100 %RH but is not waterproof. Protect the sensor and CPU against direct exposure to water or snow. Extra housing may be required depending on the application.
- It is recommended that the probe be installed pointing down to reduce the risk of water infiltration or build-up in the probe.
- RoHS3 and CE compliant.
Available channels
(As displayed in our logging software DracalView)
| Channel Id* | Description | Type | Nature |
|---|---|---|---|
| 00 | MS5611 Pressure | Pressure | Real |
| 01 | SHT31 Temperature | Temperature | Real |
| 02 | SHT31 Relative Humidity | Relative Humidity | Real |
| 03 | Dew point | Dew point | Virtual |
| 04 | Humidex | Humidex | Virtual |
| 05 | Heat index | Heat index | Virtual |
| 06 | Altitude | Height | Virtual |
* Channel Id as it appears in DracalView. Virtual channels Id differs in DracalView and dracal-usb-get.
Dimensions
Units: Inch [mm]
Serial (COM) port communication protocol
This product is delivered with the option of communication via virtual COM port protocol. Products with this feature can be freely converted between USB and VCP communication modes. For more information about this feature, consult the documentation of the VCP option.
Of note, for Windows 7 users, here is the installation procedure.
Here is what the invocation of the command INFO returns for this product:
I,Product ID,Serial Number,Message,MS5611 Pressure,Pa,SHT31 Temperature,C,SHT31 Relative Humidity,%,*BBDDas well as an example of what this product transmits:
D,VCP-PTH450,E18890,,101182,Pa,24.8344,C,59.8779,%,*3FB5
D,VCP-PTH450,E18890,,101181,Pa,24.8184,C,59.8749,%,*E325
D,VCP-PTH450,E18890,,101181,Pa,24.8344,C,59.9115,%,*465E
D,VCP-PTH450,E18890,,101182,Pa,24.8344,C,59.9481,%,*A90E
D,VCP-PTH450,E18890,,101181,Pa,24.8184,C,59.9802,%,*095E
3-point user calibration mechanism
This product is equiped with a 3-point user calibration mechanism. Sensors equiped with this feature can be adjusted, and can be recalibrated either by the user or by a calibration laboratory. Use it to “synchronize” several of your measuring instruments with each other, or if you want the ISO/IEC 17025-accredited laboratory we work with to calibrate your instrument and generate a NIST-traceable certificate. You can find more information about NIST traceable certificates here.
Free data logging software
- Operates under Windows, Mac OS X and Linux
- Simultaneous use of unlimited Dracal sensors supported
- Simplified and open adjustment mechanism
- Real-time on-screen graphing and logging
- And much more! Visit the DracalView software WEB page for more information
Do you have STEP/CAD files of your instruments?
You can find them on each instrument page under the Datasheets tab if available.
Are your sensors battery-powered?
No, they are not. They are powered via the USB plug; therefore, they must be plugged in to transmit data.
Where is the barometer located in the PTH sensor?
The barometer is inside the blue housing, while the probe ending contains the temperature and relative humidity sensor.
Are the barometers’ temperatures compensated?
Yes, by the component manufacturer, using first-order compensation between 20°C and 80°C. Using a PTH at a lower temperature may slightly drift the atmospheric pressure measurement.
What is the advantage of a PTH sensor over a TRH sensor?
The PTH sensor includes a barometer, while the TRH sensor does not. However, in terms of temperature and relative humidity measurement accuracy, there are equivalents in both series. The usefulness of knowing atmospheric pressure depends on your application. For measuring air parameters at different altitudes, it can be advantageous to know the atmospheric pressure. It impacts condensation, a critical phenomenon for precision electronics.
Can I use two PTH sensors to determine the pressure difference between two points?
No. Barometers have an accuracy of 200 Pa across the operating range. By using two instruments, the measurement uncertainties add up, and the total accuracy becomes 400 Pa. To ensure better accuracy, use a differential pressure sensor rather than two barometers.
My relative humidity reading is above 100% RH. What is happening?
The first question to ask is whether you have performed relative humidity calibration. If so, here is a simple procedure to test before contacting us:
- In DracalView, in the Sources tab, type [“channel identifier”_nc] as the formula for a mathematical channel.
- In the GraphView tab, check if the reading of this formula is corrected.
- In the Sources tab, click the Calibrate button and then check the Disable calibration box.
- In the GraphView tab, check if the reading of the relative humidity channel is corrected.
- If so, we recommend removing the calibration points by clicking the red X next to each one.
Can I use the instrument within the probe’s operating range, even though the cable and housing temperature range is 0°C to 70°C?
The cable and housing were not designed for temperatures below 0°C. However, all components are compatible with temperatures ranging from -40°C to 85°C. We recommend securely fastening the measuring instrument and not bending the wire if you wish to take measurements below 0°C.
Regarding the aluminum probe with a silicone-covered wire, it is advisable to place only the probe in an environment above 70°C.
Can the probes be submerged in water?
No. These are instruments for measuring air parameters. Although the probes can tolerate 100% RH (Relative Humidity), they may stop functioning if water comes into direct contact with the sensor. In such cases, you should dry it, preferably by heating the instrument to 60°C with a stream of air. Once dry, it should work again.
All our temperature and relative humidity sensors have an IP rating (Ingress Protection rating) of 54, which means they are protected against dust and water splashes for a short time.
Is the individual calibration of the measuring instruments done at the Dracal factory
At the Dracal production factory, a pass/fail type of testing is conducted during the production of the measuring instrument. Additionally, the component manufacturer carries out individual calibration at their factory before being shipped to us. These calibrations are not ISO17025 certified, but if your industry does not require this standard, you can confidently use Dracal’s USB adapters upon receiving them.
How do I request a quote?
We have created the easiest possible quote request system for you.
1. Create an account and log in.
2. Then do whatever you would do while shopping, then click on the shopping cart in the top right.
3. In your cart, click on “Switch to quote”, then at the bottom of the page “Proceed to quote”. You will not be asked for any payment information.
You will then receive a quote by email, which you can accept and pay within 30 days.
What are the advantages of choosing a calibratable instrument (-CAL option)?
The devices with the 3-point calibration mechanism have a longer lifetime as it is possible to compensate for the natural drift of the measurements. The cost/lifetime ratio is thus considerably reduced and, just as importantly, this choice is environmental friendly.
These devices can be easily calibrated and certified by external resources (including our ISO17025 certified partner laboratory) and allow you to synchronize your various devices between them.
What are the advantages of using your USB communicating devices over other technologies?
| 1. Connection security. | 6. Continuous power supply. |
| 2. Instant access to data. | 7. Low-power supply. |
| 3. Data confidentiality. | 8. Self-sufficiency. |
| 4. Data reliability. | 9. Technology persistence over time. |
| 5. Fast response time. | 10. Universal access. |
Can I use your measurement devices while maintaining my current software infrastructure?
Yes, you own your data. To integrate your data, you can either use our CLI (command line interface) for which we have plenty of code examples or for more advanced users, by choosing the VCP (Virtual COM Port) option when selecting your product.
How many devices can be simultaneously managed by your software tools?
Unlimited number of similar and different devices, provided your system supports the load.
What is your warranty policy?
Dracal Technologies guarantees the incomparable speed of use and the exceptional quality of its products, that they are made of new materials, assembled and tested in our factory in Canada, in processes that respect human rights and the environment. We guarantee the absolute absence of any form of programmed obsolescence, and that conversely, we deploy sustained efforts on both our electrical and mechanical designs to extend the life of our devices as long as possible so that the results of the efforts invested by our customers last over time but also, and just as importantly, to preserve our planet. We guarantee unlimited access to all updates of our free software tools. We offer a 3-year material warranty.