VCP-RTD300-CAL (MII)
Enhanced precision 2/3-wire RTD sensor to USB transmitter. Calibratable with serial protocol.
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| Operating range: | -200 to +800°C | |
| Accuracy (at 25°C): | ±0.005°C | |
| Accuracy (with Dracal RTD probe): | ±0.145°C | |
| Resolution (typical): | ±0.0001°C |
- Supports 2 and 3-wire Pt100 RTD sensors
- Temperature calculation using the DIN 43760 coefficients
FREE DATA LOGGING AND MONITORING SOFTWARE
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- 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-RTD300-CAL: With this adapter, connect an RTD Pt100 probe to a USB port for measuring a wide temperature range with exceptional precision. Calibratable sensor with serial protocol.
A member of the Dracal RTD series, the VCP-RTD300-CAL is a universal converter for Pt100-type RTD probes with 2 or 3 wires. It can be combined with the RTD probe offered by Dracal, which is pre-wired for optimal use with the VCP-RTD300-CAL. However, since the VCP-RTD300-CAL comes with a probe connector, you have the flexibility to choose a compatible probe of your choice.
Using state-of-the-art chip technology, the VCP-RTD300-CAL delivers unparalleled accuracy and resolution for your temperature readings across a broad range. It is the most precise among the range of USB converters for RTD probes available from Dracal.
The VCP-RTD300-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.
Application examples
- Calibrating other components
- Monitoring environmental conditions
- Using as a working reference
What is included
- One (1) VCP-RTD300-CAL unit
- One (1) probe connector CONN-RTD-3PM
- Quick installation guide
- Data acquisition software and tools
Available options
Specifications
- Temperature range: -200°C to 800°C
- ADC resolution: 24-bit
- Temperature resolution: 0.0001°C
- Accuracy at 25°C (typical): ±0.005°C
- Accuracy (0°C to 50°C): ±0.018°C
- Noise level at 25°C (typical): ±0.0015°C
- Long-term drift at 25°C (reading 0°C, typical): 0.008°C/year
- Sampling rate: 10 SPS (100ms)
- Response time (t63%): Fast, probe dependant
- Built-in noise filter
- Temperature-compensated
- Factory calibrated individually
- Sensing Element Type: 2 or 3-wire RTD 100 Ω sensors (Pt100 type)
- Connection: Polarized 3-pin standard miniature receptacle
Miscellaneous
- Enclosure operating temperature: -20°C to 70°C
- Enclosure: ABS Plastic, USB-key form factor
- Communication: USB 2.0
- RoHS3 and CE compliant
Available channels
(As displayed in our logging software DracalView)
| Channel Id* | Description | Type | Nature |
|---|---|---|---|
| 00 | 3-Wire PT100 Temperature sensor | Temperature | Real |
* 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,3-Wire PT100 Temperature sensor,C,*CF04
as well as an example of what this product transmits:
D,VCP-RTD300,E19862,,25.2799,C,*B3D2
D,VCP-RTD300,E19862,,26.1833,C,*AD12
D,VCP-RTD300,E19862,,26.5466,C,*F825
D,VCP-RTD300,E19862,,27.0394,C,*2A71
D,VCP-RTD300,E19862,,28.2638,C,*985B
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.
Is an external probe necessary for calibrating the adapter?
No, having a probe to calibrate the adapter is unnecessary. Without a probe, the laboratory will use an instrument that simulates the presence of a theoretical probe. However, if possible, it is preferable to calibrate the device with the final probe to compensate for the probe’s error in calibration and achieve better accuracy.
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.
What calibration is performed on the RTD adapters during production?
All RTD adapters are similarly calibrated in production. Using a precision probe at ambient temperature, the programming software calibrates the adapter to meet the specifications, such as ±0.001°C for the RTD300.
How do I connect my RTD probe to the adapter?
A three-pin connector is provided with the adapter. You simply need to open it and connect the wires from your RTD probe. Then, insert the connector into the USB adapter, and you’re good to go! The connector is also difficult to remove from the adapter, making the construction very robust.
My temperature probe can be used at more extreme temperatures than the announced housing temperature range (0°C to 50°C). What precautions should I take?
To measure temperature, only the probe should be placed in an environment hotter than 50°C. Additionally, the advertised accuracy for the adapters is optimal at 25°C.
Can I use my own probe with Dracal’s transmitter?
If your probe is compatible with the transmitter, yes! The probes offered by Dracal are just one of a multitude of options.
Are the specifications advertised in the datasheet those of my entire system?
No, they are not. The specifications in the datasheet apply to the transmitter only, with no probe connected. So, for your system (transmitter + probe), you need to “add up” the characteristics not only of the transmitter but also of the probe you choose to connect to it, either the one offered by Dracal or another of your choice.
Why is my transmitter returning data that makes no sense?
If you’ve wired your sensor yourself, you’ve most likely connected the wires to the wrong terminals. Consult the datasheet and check carefully that you’ve followed the connection diagram.
If you disconnected the probe by pulling on the probe wire rather than the connector itself, you may have lost contact between one of the wires and its terminal block. Open the connector and check that all wires are connected.
How do I request a quote?
We have created the easiest possible quote request system for you.
1. Create an account and log in.
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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.