The information contained in this document is believed to be correct, but OMEGA accepts no liability for any errors it contains,
and reserves the right to alter specifications without notice.
12-CHANNEL TEMPERATURE
RECORDER WITH EXCEL-FORMATTED
DATA LOGGING SD CARD
USER’S MANUAL
RDXL12SD
Please read this manual carefully and thoroughly before using this product.
Thank you for purchasing Omega® RDXL12SD 12-Channel Temperature Recorder with
Excel-formatted Data Logging SD Card. Please read this user’s manual carefully and
thoroughly before using the instrument.
The RDXL12SD is a general-purpose handheld instrument that can measure up to
12 channels of temperature with 0.4% accuracy using any of six different types of
thermocouple. Up to eight channels can be displayed at a time. The instrument also can be
configured to automatically record up to 12 channels during the same period every day—
a function called l
Although thermocouples are not as accurate as other types of thermometers, they more
than make up for this shortcoming with an extended measurement range. For example,
the RDXL12SD can measure and read out temperatures from -148º to 2372ºF
(-100º to 1300ºC) using “K” type thermocouples, and temperatures from -148º to 2102ºF
(-100º to 1100°C) using “J” type thermocouples. “R” and “S” typ
even higher upper limi
a measurement range of -50° to 500°F (-45° to 260°F).
These very wide ranges, plus a fast response time and a low price tag, suit thermocouple
thermometers for a variety of commercial and industrial tasks requiring measurement of
very high and low temperatures. Examples include applications
processing indu
and paper production.
Because it is microprocessor-based, the RDXL12SD can make full use of the portability,
reliability and large storage capacities that SD memory cards offer. Measurements can be
made automatically at any sampling rate between one second and one hour. After timestamping and
(a process called data logging), the user can remove the card and plug it into to a laptop or
desktop computer either directly or through an SD card reader. The data logs are stored on
the card as files with the .xls extension, which can be opened by Microsoft’s Excel
application.
The RDXL12SD has a backlit 3.9 in. diagonal display and is powered by eight “AA” batteries
or an optional 9-VDC AC ad
oop data recording.
e thermocouples have an
t. The two “K” type thermocouples included with the instrument have
in the food and chemical
stries, HVAC (heating, ventilation and air-conditioning), power generation,
storing the measurements on an SD card plugged into the instrument
apter.
3
KEY FEATURES
• Twelve independent temperature measurement channels
• Displays up to eight channels at a time; one push of a button switches to Channels
9 through 12
• Works with and automatically temperature-compensates for six popular
thermocouple types: K, J, T, E, S and R
• Combining thermocouple types extends potential measurement range to
-148º to 3092ºF (-100º to 1700ºC)
• Can automatically log up
(loop data recording
• Big (3.9 in. diagonal) front-panel green backlit LCD is easy to read
• Displays maximum and minimum readings and holds any reading
• Automatically logs measurements at sampling time settable from one second
to one hour
• Also supports manual data logging and changing of SD card storage location
• Outputs Excel-compatible data
• Accepts SD memory card
• Auto power off function that can be disabled to enable long-term data logging
• Powered by eight “AA” batteries or optional 9V AC/DC adapter
to 12 channels of data every day during same period
)
logs
s of up to 16 GB capacity
WHAT’S IN THE CASE
The RDXL12SD comes fully assembled in a carrying case along with a 2 GB SD memory
card, two general-purpose “K” type thermocouples and this user’s
4
manual.
PRODUCT OVERVIEW
Figure 1 shows all of the controls and indicators on the front, right side, back and top of the
RDXL12SD. Familiarize yourself with the positions and functions of these controls,
indicators and connectors before moving on to the Setup Instructions.
TOP
RIGHT
FRONT
SIDE
1-14
BACK
1-17
Fig. 1. The RDXL12SD’s controls and indicators and other physical features
button
1-7 LOGGER button
1-8 SET button
1-9 Thermocouple jacks T1 through T12
1-10 SD CARD socket
1-11 RS232 output jack
1-12 RESET button
1-13 DC9V jack
1-14 Housing penetration and rubber plug
(reserved for future use)
1-15 Flip-up stand
1-16 Battery compartment cover
1-17 Battery compartment cover screws
5
SETUP INSTRUCTIONS
1. Choose the power source. Before using the RDXL12SD, make sure it is powered by
fresh batteries or an optional 9VDC AC adapter plugged into the DC9V jack on its right
side (callout 1-13).
To remove the battery compartment cover (callout 1-16), remove the two screws (callout
1-17) holding it in place. Then install eight “AA” batteries in the correct orientation, using
the polarity marks on th
secure it by tightenin
2. Install an SD card. To prepare for setup, also install the supplied 2 GB SD card or
another card of 1 GB to 16 GB capacity in the socket on the right side of the instrument
(callout 1-10). When installing the card, make sure its gold contacts are facing the back
of the instrument and push the card i
card, push it in u
Now power on the instrument by pressing the POWER/ESC button (callout 1-2) to generate
a short beep. (To power off the RDXL12SD, press the POWER/ESC button and hold it until
the instrument responds with a long beep.)
When the temperature recorder powers on, a series of transient startup screens wil
appear. Once the di
presented.
3. Set the date and time. Press the SET button (callout 1-8) and hold it for at least five
seconds, until the word “dAtE” appears flashing on the top line of the left column of the
display.
Quickly (within three seconds), press the REC/ENTER button. Set the current year by
pressing the TYPE
on the top line of the left column. Quickly (within three seconds), press the REC/ENTER
button to store the setting. The next screen that appears will show the value “01” flashing
on the second line. Use the TYPE
and press the REC/ENTER button to store the setting. When the value “01” begins flashing
on the third line, again use the TYPE
and press the REC/ENTER button to store the setting.
(If you press buttons too slowly in setup mode, the screen will revert to the normal, realtime measurement display. To return to the first step in the setup sequence, press and hold
the SET button again. To move ahead to the next field in the sequence or to the next
parameter, press the HOLD/NEXT button.)
Once you
of the current time, in 24-h
right column of the Date/Time Setting screen. To set each value, again use the TYPE
PAGE
store the setting.
have set the date, the display will prompt you to set the hour, minute and second
buttons to navigate to the correct values, followed by the REC/ENTER button to
e inside of the compartment as a guide. Replace the cover and
g the two screws.
nto the socket until you hear a click. To remove the
ntil you hear a click and the card pops out.
l briefly
splay has stabilized, perform the following eight setup steps in the order
or PAGEbutton repeatedly until the correct value appears flashing
or PAGEbutton to navigate to the current month
or PAGEbutton to navigate to the current day
our format. The three values appear on the top three lines in the
or
6
4. Set the start and stop times for “loop data recording”—logging up to 12 channels of
temperature information during the same period (for example, 14:15 to 15:30) every day.
Once you have set the date and time, the display will show the flashing term “LooP” in
the second row of the left column. Press the REC/ENTER button and then—with “00”
flashing under the term "StAR" in the left column— use the TYPE
and PAGE
buttons to set the first of the four values that define the loop: the starting hour. Press the
REC/ENTER button to store your selection. Then use the TYPE
and PAGEbuttons
with “00” flashing below the term “t” in the right column to set the loop’s starting
minute. Again press the REC/ENTER button to store your selection. Repeat this sequence
twice more to set and store the loop’s ending hour and minutes values.
Once you have entered the fourth value—the loop’s ending minute—
the following screen will appear:
To enable recording of data during the specified loop dur
PAGE
button to change the “no” to a “yES” and then press the REC/ENTER button to
ation, press either the TYPE
or
store the selection. To disable recording, press the REC/ENTER button without changing the
“no” to a “yES”.
5. Choose a decimal point or comma to represent the decimal division between integers
and fractions (for example, American-style 20.88 vs. European-style 20,88). Once you
have set the start and stop times of loop data record
function, the disp
lay will show the term “dEC” in the third row of the left column. Press
ing and enabled or disabled the
the REC/ENTER button. This will cause the term "dEC" to appear in the lower right
corner below the term “USA”. Use the TYPE
or PAGEbutton to make “USA” or
“Euro” (as desired) appear above “dEC” and then press the REC/ENTER button to store
the selection as the default.
6. Enable or disable auto power off (APO). Once the format of decimal point divisions
has been set and stored, the display will show the term “PoFF” in the bottom row of the
left column. Press the REC/ENTER button and then press the TYPE
or PAGE
button until the desired automatic power off management scheme (“yES” for enable;
“no” for disable) is displayed. Press the REC/ENTER button to store the selection. If
enabled, the APO function shuts off the RDXL12SD if no front-panel buttons are pressed
during any ten-minute period.
7. Enable or disable the beeper. Once the APO function has been enabled or disabled,
the display will show the term “bEEP” in th
REC/ENTER button and then pres
s the TYPE
e top row of the right column. Press the
or PAGEbutton until the desired
setting (“yES” or “no”) is displayed. Finally, press the REC/ENTER button to store the
selection as the default.
8. Select the temperature unit. Once the beeper has been enabled or disabled, the
display will show the term “t-CF”in the second row of the right column. Press the
REC/ENTER button and then press the TYPE
or PAGEbutton until the unit you
prefer (“F” for Fahrenheit, “C” for Celsius”) is displayed. Then press the REC/ENTER
button to store the selection as the default.
7
9. Set the data logging sampling time. Once the default temperature unit has been
selected and stored, the display will show the term “SP-t” in the third row of the right
column. Press the REC/ENTER button and then press the TYPE
or PAGEbutton to
decrease or increase the value until the desired sampling time appears above “SP-t”.
The options are 0, 1, 2, 5, 10, 30, 60, 120, 300, 600, 1800 and 3600 seconds (0 seconds
to 1 hour). Then press the REC/ENTER button to store the selection as the default.
10. Format the SD card. Once the sampling time has been set and stored, the term
“Sd-F” will appear in the bottom row of the right column.
Pressing the
Press the TYPE
REC/ENTER button will cause the word “no” to appear over the term “Sd-F”.
or PAGEbutton to toggle between "no" and "yES". Choose “yES”
Press the REC/ENTER button.
whenever a new SD card is being used, or when a used card is being repurposed (from use
with another SD card instrument or a camera, for example) and all data on it is to be
erased. Choose “no” to preserve any data on a card previously used with this instrument.
Press the REC/ENTER button to make a selection.
If you choose “yES”, after you press the
REC/ENTER button the instrument w
ill prompt you
to confirm that decision by displaying the term “Ent” below “yES” and sounding three
beeps (if the beeper is enabled). To confirm that you want to begin the erasure/formatting
procedure, press the REC/ENTER button. “Ent” will then flash several times and the
instrument will sound another three beeps to confirm that the SD card has been erased and
formatted.
Once the SD card has been formatted (or not), the display will return to flashing the first of
the eight steps in th
e setup sequence—setting the current date and time. To re-enter the
setup sequence in order to change one or more settings, press the REC/ENTER button. If
you are satisfied with the existing settings, press the POWER/ESC button to exit setup
mode and enter normal operating mode.
ADJUSTING THERMOCOUPLE OFFSETS
To maximize the accuracy of measu
rements, Omega strongly recommends that you
compensate for (offset) the small measurement error peculiar to each thermocouple used
with the instrument.
To adjust the offset of a thermocouple, press the TYPE
button until its type appears
on the top line of the display. Then plug the thermocouple into the T1 jack on the top of the
thermometer.
Press the LOGGER button (which has the term “Offset” stenciled above
it), hold it for at least three seconds, and then release the button. The
screen shown at right will appear:
Next, use the TYPE
or PAGEbutton to adjust the value under “oFS” to match the
value under “SEt”. Then press the REC/ENTER button to store the offset adjustment and
return the instrument to measurement mode. Repeat the procedure for each thermocouple
to be used.
8
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
NORMAL OPERATION
1. To prepare to make measurements, power on the RDXL12SD and make sure an
SD card is firmly seated in the socket on the bottom of the instrument.
By default, the RDXL12SD uses Celsius units for temperature measurements. If you wish to
make Fahrenheit units the default, press the SET button to enter setup mode. Using the
HOLD/NEXT button, skip ahead to Step 8 of the Setup Instru
2. To use “K” type ther
to 12 of them (two are supplied, others are available for purchase from General) into
the jacks (callout 1-9 of Fig. 1) on the top of the temperature recorder. Make sure jack T1
is occupied. Because “K” is the instrument’s default thermocouple type, plugging in up to
eight “K” type thermocouple
the eight channels th
To show the other four of the 12 channels, press the PAGE
display to Channels T1 through T8, press the PAGE
3. To use “J”, “T”, “E”, “R” or “S” type thermocouples to measure up to 12 channels of
temperature, first press the TYPE
of the thermocouple type you are using appears on the top line of the display. Then plug
one to 12 of the optional accessories into the jacks on the top of the thermometer. As
with “K” type thermocouples, display readings are instantaneous. Use the PAGE
button to toggle between displaying Channels T1 through T8, or Channels 9 through 12,
as with “K” type thermocouples.
Whenever the thermometer is in measurement mode, you can turn off the backlight (which
is on by default) by briefly pressing (but not holding) the POWER/ESC button, which has a
backlight icon stenciled above it. To reactivate the backlight, briefly press the button again.
Whenever the instrument is in measurement mode, you also can check the current date
and time by briefly pressi
below it). Doing so causes the three settings year, month + day, and hour + minutes to
appear briefly and in that order at the lower left of the display.
mocouples to measure up to 12 channels of temperature, plug one
s will instantly produce up to eight display readings. Any of
at are not used will show the overrange reading “- - - - -”.
button as many times as necessary until the letter
ng the SET button (which has the words “Time check” stenciled
ctions and perform it.
button once. To return the
button again.
9
HOLDING AND STORING MEASUREMENTS
1. To hold a measured value, press the HOLD/NEXT button during the measurement.
Doing so will cause the word “HOLD” to appear at the top of the display. Pressing the
HOLD/NEXT button again releases the hold.
2. To record and recall readings, press the REC/ENTER button while making
measurements. This will make the term “REC” appear at the top of the display. Pressing
the REC
“REC” and sw
/ENTER button again, briefly, will make the term “MAX” appear to the right of
itch the display to the maximum value stored in memory during the current
recording session. Pressing the REC/ENTER button again, briefly, will make the term
“MIN” appear to the right of “REC” and switch the display to the minimum value stored
during the current session.
3. To exit recording mode, press the REC/ENTE
seconds, until
the term “REC” disappears from the top line of the display. The display will
R button and hold it for at least three
then revert to showing real-time readings.
AUTOMATIC VS. MANUAL DATA LOGGING
The RDXL12SD can automatically log data at a user-selected sampling period from
1 second to 3,600 seconds (one hour). To view the sampling time that the instrument has
been set up to use, press the LOGGER
stenciled below
it) once. The lower left corner of the display will briefly show the term
button (which has the words “Sampling time check”
“SP-t”, followed by the currently programmed sampling time in seconds. To change the
sampling time, enter setup mode and perform Step 9 of the Setup Instructions.
Before entering data logging mode, remember to disable the meter’s Auto Power Off
function. To do so,
select “no” duri
enter Setup mode (as explained in the Setup Instructions on p. 6) and
ng Step 6.
Also be sure that the meter either is running on fresh batteries or is being powered by AC
through a 9VDC adapter.
1. To start automatic data logging, press the REC/ENTER button once. The top line of the
display will then show the term “REC”. Pressing the LOGGER button at this point will
make “REC” flash and add the flashing term “DATALOGGER” at the bottom of the display.
This indica
tes that the instrument is sampling measurements at the programmed rate
and storing the readings and their time stamps in memory.
2. To pause automatic data logging, press the LOGGER button once; this will make
the flashing term “LOGGER” disappear from the bottom of the display and change the
term “REC” from flashing to constant. Pressing the LOGGER button again resumes
au
tomatic data logging.
10
3. To end automatic data logging, first press the LOGGER button to pause data logging.
Then press the REC/ENTER button and hold it for at least two seconds. This will cause
“REC” to disappear.
4. To log data manually, set the sampling time to zero using Step 9 of the Setup
Instructions on p. 8. Then press the REC/ENTER button once. The display will show the
term “REC” on the top line and a flashing letter
bottom line. The nu
mber indicates the position on the SD card that will be used to store
“P” and a number from 1 to 99 on the
manually logged data. In manual data logging mode, this position can be changed.
5. To change the storage location of manually logged data, press the TYPE
button
once; this will cause the “P” to disappear from the left side of the display and the value
on its line to begin flashing. Once the flashing begins, you can use the TYPE
PAGE
buttons to change the flashing value to any number between 1 and 99. Once
and
you have chosen the storage location, press the REC/ENTER button to save the setting.
This will cause the value to stop flashing and the “P” to return.
6. To end manual data logging, press the REC/ENTER button and hold it for at least three
seconds. This action will cause “REC” to disappear from the top line of the display.
xecute the loop data recording function (if the function was
7. To e
enabled during setup)
press the REC/ENTER button while the instrument is in measurement mode. Doing so
will make the term “REC” appear at the top of the display and prepare the instrument to
log data during the specified daily period.
8. To pause loop data recording during the specified period, press the LOGGER button
once. This will make the ter
will
resume loop data recording.
m “REC” stop flashing. Pressing the LOGGER button again
9. To end loop data recording, press the REC/ENTER button and hold it for at least
three seconds. This will cause “REC” to disappear from the display and end loop data
recording.
11
TRANSFERRING DATA FROM THE SD CARD TO A COMPUTER
After automatic or manual data logging of measurements, or loop data recording, remove
the SD card from the instrument and plug it into your computer either directly (if it has an
SD card slot) or through an SD card reader.
Because the files containing time-stamped data logs have the file extension .xls, they open
in Microsoft’s Excel application. Figure
a data-only screen and
a graphics-only screen.
s 2 and 3 show two kinds of Excel presentations:
Fig. 2. Typical Excel data-only screen
Fig. 3. Typical Excel graphics-only screen
12
SPECIFICATIONS
Display typeLCD with green backlight
Display size3.23 x 2.40 in. (82 x 61mm)
Parameter measuredTemperature (in °F or °C)
Measurement rangeWith “K” type thermocouples: -148° to 2372°F
(-100° to 1300°C); two included TPK500 probes have
measurement range of -50° to 500°F (-45° to 260°C)
With “J” type: -148° to 2102°F (-100° to 1150°C)
With “T” type: -148° to 752°F (-100° to 400°C)
With “E” type: -148° to 1652°F (-100° to 900°C)
With “R” type: 32° to 3092°F (0° to 1700°C)
With “S” type: 32° to 2732°F (0° to 1500°C)
Measurement accuracy With “K”, “J”, “T” and “E” type thermocouples:
± (0.4% of reading + 2.0ºF max)
With “R” and “S” types: ±(0.5% of reading + 5°F)
Measurement resolution With “K”, “J”, “T” and “E” type thermocouples:
0.1° (F or C) below 1000ºF, 1° (F or C) above 1000°F
With “R” and “S” types: 1° (F or C)
Sampling time options0, 1, 2, 5, 10, 30, 60, 120, 300, 600, 1800 or 3600 seconds
Settable parametersDate, time, decimal point or comma decimal division, auto power
off, beep sound, loop data recording enable/disable and start/stop
times, temperature unit, sampling time, thermocouple type and
offset
Storable readingsMaximum, minimum
SD card capacity1 GB to 16 GB
Operating temperature32° to 122°F (0° to 50°C)
Operating relative 0 to 85%
humidity
Power source8 “AA” batteries or optional 9-VDC AC adapter
Power consumption7.5 mADC (normal operation, with backlight off and SD card not
saving data); 25 mADC with backlight off and card saving data;
36 mADC with backlight on and card saving data
Dimensions8.86 x 4.92 x 2.52 in. (225 x 125 x 64mm)
Weight 1.84 lb. (827g)
13
MAINTENANCE & TROUBLESHOOTING TIPS
Keep your probes and thermocouples clean.
When the iconappears in the upper left corner of the display, it’s time to replace the
eight “AA” batteries that power the instrument (although measurements will remain valid
for several hours after the low-battery indicator first appears). Replacing the batteries
requires removing the two screws that hold the battery compartment cover in place, as
explained in Step 1 of th
correct orientation, replace the cover and tighten the screws to secure it.
If the meter “freezes” (like a computer) and buttons become unresponsive, try resetting the
instrument by pushing the RESET button on its right side (callout 1-12 of Fig. 1) with the
end of a paper clip.
Remove t
Do not drop or disassemb
he batteries when storing the instrument for an extended period of time.
e Setup Instructions on p. 6. After inserting fresh batteries in the
le the instrument or immerse it in water.
14
NOTES:
15
NOTES:
99 Washington Street
Melrose, MA 02176
Phone 781-665-1400
Toll Free 1-800-517-8431
Visit us at www.TestEquipmentDepot.com
16
WARRANTY/DISCLAIMER
OMEGA ENGINEERING, INC. warrants this unit to be free of defects in materials and workmanship
for a period of 13 months from date of purchase. OMEGA’s WARRANTY adds an additional one (1)
month grace period to the normal one (1) year product warranty to cover handling and shipping
time. This ensures that OMEGA’s customers receive maximum coverage on each product.
If the unit malfunctions, it must be returned to the factory for evaluation. OMEGA’s Customer
Service Department will issue an Authorized Return (AR) number immediately upon phone or
written request. Upon examination by OMEGA, if the unit is found to be defective, it will be repaired
or replaced at no charge. OMEGA’s WARRANTY does not apply to defects resulting from any action
of the purchaser, including but not limited to mishandling, improper interfacing, operation outside
of design limits, improper repair, or unauthorized modification. This WARRANTY is VOID if the
unit shows evidence of having been tampered with or shows evidence of having been damaged
as a result of excessive corrosion; or current, heat, moisture or vibration; improper specification;
misapplication; misuse or other operating conditions outside of OMEGA’s control. Components in
which wear is not warranted, include but are not limited to contact points, fuses, and triacs.
OMEGA is pleased to offer suggestions on the use of its various products. However,
OMEGA neither assumes responsibility for any omissions or errors nor assumes
liability for any damages that result from the use of its products in accordance with
information provided by OMEGA, either verbal or written. OMEGA warrants only
that the parts manufactured by the company will be as specified and free of defects.
OMEGA MAKES NO OTHER WARRANTIES OR REPRESENTATIONS OF ANY KIND
WHATSOEVER, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, EXCEPT THAT OF TITLE, AND ALL IMPLIED
WARRANTIES INCLUDING ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS
FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE ARE HEREBY DISCLAIMED. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY:
The remedies of purchaser set forth herein are exclusive, and the total liability of
OMEGA with respect to this order, whether based on contract, warranty, negligence,
indemnification, strict liability or otherwise, shall not exceed the purchase price of
the component upon which liability is based. In no event shall OMEGA be liable for
consequential, incidental or special damages.
CONDITIONS: Equipment sold by OMEGA is not intended to be used, nor shall it be used: (1) as
a “Basic Component” under 10 CFR 21 (NRC), used in or with any nuclear installation or activity;
or (2) in medical applications or used on humans. Should any Product(s) be used in or with any
nuclear installation or activity, medical application, used on humans, or misused in any way,
OMEGA assumes no responsibility as set forth in our basic WARRANTY / DISCLAIMER language,
and, additionally, purchaser will indemnify OMEGA and hold OMEGA harmless from any liability
or damage whatsoever arising out of the use of the Product(s) in such a manner.
Direct all warranty and repair requests/inquiries to the OMEGA Customer Service Department.
RETURN REQUESTS/INQUIRIES
BEFORE RETURNING ANY PRODUCT(S) TO OMEGA, PURCHASER MUST OBTAIN AN
AUTHORIZED RETURN (AR) NUMBER FROM OMEGA’S CUSTOMER SERVICE DEPARTMENT (IN
ORDER TO AVOID PROCESSING DELAYS). The assigned AR number should then be marked on the
outside of the return package and on any correspondence.
The purchaser is responsible for shipping charges, freight, insurance and proper packaging to
prevent breakage in transit.
FOR WARRANTY RETURNS, please have the
following information available BEFORE
contacting OMEGA:
1. Purchase Order number under which
the product was PURCHASED,
2. Model and serial number of the product
under warranty, and
3. Repair instructions and/or specific
problems relative to the product.
OMEGA’s policy is to make running changes, not model changes, whenever an improvement is possible.
This affords our customers the latest in technology and engineering.
reproduced, translated, or reduced to any electronic medium or machine-readable form, in whole or in part, without the
prior written consent of OMEGA ENGINEERING, INC.
FOR NON-WARRANTY REPAIRS,
consult OMEGA
for current repair charges. Have the following
information available BEFORE contacting OMEGA: