Onset H8 Pro User Manual

Note: Before replacing the back plate, check that the logger seals (O-ring, screw, jack
cap) are not contaminated by dust, dirt or other materials. All components must be
cleaned of any contaminants to ensure a weathertight seal. Make sure the back plate
O-ring has a light film of lubricant (Dow Corning DC 111 or Nye Lubricants
NYOGEL). Insert the O-ring in the groove and replace the back plate using the screw
with O-ring. The screw should be tightened until it is snug, be careful not to
overtighten. The screw will go in smoothly and suddenly tighten; rotate the screw no
more than 1mm more. Do not use lubricant on jack cap.

Intrinsically Safe

Factory Mutual Research has certified the H08-032-IS is safe for use in certain
hazardous areas. The National Electrical Code has classified many types of
hazardous locations. The H08-032-IS has been approved as intrinsically safe in
Class I and II locations which are areas where ignitable concentrations of gas
(Class I) and/or dust (Class II) exist. The NEC further classifies hazardous location
by Division (1 or 2). The division designation refers to the likelihood that the area
will contain ignitable concentrations of gas or dust. Division 1 locations will have
ignitable concentrations of gas or dust continuously or under normal operation
conditions. Division 2 locations will have ignitable concentrations of gas or dust
only during infrequent or abnormal operations (which may include areas located
near Division 1 locations). The H08-032-IS has been approved for use in both
Division 1 and 2 locations. The hazardous area classification scheme is further
defined by listing the types of ignitable gases and dusts that may be present in a
hazardous location. Ignitable gases and dusts are sorted into groups with similar
ignition characteristics. The H08-032-IS is certified for all possible groups: A-G for
gas and A-D, F and G for dust. Finally every Intrinsically Safe Device is given a
temperature rating. The H08-032-IS has a T4 rating, which means that no part of
the device will become warmer than +275oF (+135oC) in a worst-case fault. For more
information on Hazardous (Classified) Locations visit the Underwriters Laboratory
web site at w

ww.ul.com/hazloc/define.htm.

Non-Volatile Memory

The HOBO Pro uses a high-capacity Flash EEPROM to store data. This storage is
non-volatile and will retain the data even if the battery is removed. To save power
and maximize the life of the flash memory device, 32 bytes of data are buffered in
RAM prior to writing to the flash memory. In the case of a dead battery, or the
unlikely event that power is interrupted during logging, the data in this RAM buffer
will be lost. For example, if the sample interval was set to one half hour and one
channel with low resolution, then up to 16 hours of data could be lost.

NOTE: The logger software's absolute humidity calculation does not use an actual
pressure measurement but assumes an ambient pressure of 1 atmosphere (14.7 PSI.)

Service and Support

HOBO® products are easy to use and
reliable. In the unlikely event that you have
a problem with the hardware or software,
please read the following.

Who do I contact?

Contact the company that you bought the
loggers from: Onset Computer Corporation
or an Onset Authorized Dealer.

Before calling, you can evaluate and often
solve your problem if you try the following:

1. Read this manual and the ReadMe file on
the software disk. It may only take a few
moments to get the answers you need.

2. Write down the events that led to the
problem. Have you changed anything in
your computer recently? Are you doing
anything differently?

When contacting Onset Computer
Corporation, please indicate that you need

Technical Support for HOBO® products.
Be prepared to:

1. Provide the product number which is
found on the side of the logger, the software
version and serial number if present on the
disk.

2. Provide details on the hardware and
software configuration of your computer
including: manufacturer, model number,
peripherals, and version of operating
system.

3. Completely describe the problem or
question. The more information you provide,
the faster and more accurately we will be
able to respond.

NOTE: Onset provides technical support to
one person for each software license.

Onset Technical Support

Onset Computer Corporation

470 MacArthur Blvd.

Bourne, MA 02532

Mailing: PO Box 3450

Pocasset, MA 02559-3450

1-800-LOGGERS (1-800-564-4377)

Phone: [phone]

Fax: [phone]

E-mail: [e-mail]

www.onsetcomp.com

Warranty

Onset Computer Corporation (“Onset”)
warrants to the original end-user purchaser for
a period of one year from the date of original
purchase that the HOBO® product(s)
purchased will be free from defect in material
and workmanship. During the warranty period
Onset will, at its option, either repair or
replace products that prove to be defective in
material or workmanship. This warranty shall
terminate and be of no further effect at the
time the product is (1) damaged by extraneous
cause such as fire, water, lightning, etc. or not
maintained in accordance with the
accompanying documentation; (2) modified; (3)
improperly installed; (4) repaired by someone
other than Onset; or (5) used in a manner or
purpose for which the product was not
intended.

Returning Products to Onset

Direct all warranty claims to place of
purchase. Before returning a failed unit, you

must obtain a Return Merchandise
Authorization (RMA) number from Onset. You
must provide proof that you purchased
the Onset product(s) directly from Onset
(purchase order number or Onset invoice
number). Onset will issue an RMA
number that is valid for 30 days. You
must ship the product(s), properly
packaged against further damage, to
Onset (at your expense) with the RMA
number marked clearly on the outside of
the package. Onset is not responsible for
any package that is returned without a
valid RMA number or for the loss of the
package by any shipping company. Loggers
must be clean and free of any toxins before
they are sent back to Onset or they may be
returned to you.

Repair Policy

Products that are returned after the warranty
period or that are damaged by the customer as
specified in the warranty provisions can be
returned to Onset with a valid RMA number
for evaluation.

Please contact Onset for more information and
prices on:

ASAP Repair Policy

Onset will expedite the repair of a returned
product.

Data-back™ Service

HOBO® data loggers store data in nonvolatile
EEPROM memory. Onset will, if possible,
recover your data to a disk.

Tune Up™ Service

Onset will examine and retest any HOBO
data logger.

®

Thank you for buying a HOBO H8 Pro Temp/RH IS data logger. With proper care
it will give you years of accurate and reliable measurements.

This manual covers the HOBO H8 Pro Temp/RH IS product. This logger stores up
to 65,291 time-stamped measurements.

Unlike most other HOBOs, the HOBO Pro does not have the wrap-around-when­full option for storing data; its large memory capacity eliminates the need for this
function in most cases.

Safety Information - Read First

WARNING: The H08-032-IS logger is rated as Intrinsically Safe, however,

available communication accessories are not. Do not attempt to download or
relaunch the logger using the HOBO Shuttle, handheld PDA or any host computer
in a hazardous environment, as these devices do not carry the Intrinsically Safe
rating and are not intrinsically compatible with HOBO-IS Loggers. See the “Logger
Specifications” for the complete Intrinsically Safe listing and see the section of this
manual entitled “Intrinsically Safe” for more information about hazardous location
and the H08-032-IS.

WARNING: Fire, Explosion, and Severe Burn Hazard. The logger contains a

lithium battery. The battery may explode if the logger is exposed to extreme heat or
conditions that could damage or destroy the battery case. Do not attempt to
recharge or heat the logger or battery above +185oF (+85oC). Do not dispose of the
logger or battery in fire. Do not expose the contents of the battery to water. Dispose
of the battery according to local regulations for lithium batteries.

WARNING: Only qualified personnel should install and service equipment

located in Hazardous (Classified) Areas.

Common Specifications

Operating range (logger): -30°C to +50°C (-22°F to +122°F),

0 - 100% RH, HOBO Pro RH/Temp IS should be mounted
so that water does not impact or collect in the RH sensor.

RH Sensor operating environment: 0°C to +50°C (+32°F to

+122°F) in intermittent condensing environments up to
+30°C; and above +30°C in non-condensing environments.
Sensor requires protection from rain, splashing, mist,
dust, and airborne chemicals such as salt and ammonia.

Time accuracy: approx. ±1 minute per week (±100 ppm at

+20°C or +68°F), full dependence shown in Plot A.

Measurement capacity: 65,291 standard-resolution (8-bit) measurements, 32,645

high-resolution (12-bit) measurements or 21,763 measurements if one channel
uses standard-resolution and the other channel uses high-resolution. RH
measurements use standard resolution only. All measurements are stored in
nonvolatile memory, with seven levels of data archiving (See Non-Volatile

Memory).
Data offload time: 1 minute typical
Size: 4.0" H x 3.2" W x 2.0" D
Weight: approx. 3.7 oz.
Battery: Tadiran TL-5902, lithium, (3.6V 1.2Ah), user-replaceable (Use only Onset

part # HP-B)
Battery life (continuous use): 3 years
Storage temperature: -30°C to +75°C (-22°F to +167°F)
Intrinsically Safe Rating: IS, Class I, II, Division 1, Groups A-G, Temperature
Code T4 (<135oC); NI, Class I, Division 2, Groups A-D, Temperature Code T4
(<135oC); S, Class II, Division 2, Groups F and G

5896-D MAN-HO8-032-IS 4/21/04, 8:01 AM2

Measurement Specifications

Temperature - Each HOBO Pro Temp/RH IS logger

Plot B

Temperature Accuracy and Resolution

Standard Resolution Mode

has an internal temperature sensor mounted inside the
front of the logger's case (Diagram A). The sensor
measures ambient air temperature over the operating
range of the logger; -30°C to +50°C (-22°F to +122°F)
with a response time of less than thirty-five minutes
(typical to 90%) in still air. The HOBO Pro Temp/RH IS
logger has a standard and a high-resolution mode
which is selectable in the logger's software. For
temperature accuracy and resolution specifications,
please refer to Plot B for standard-resolution mode
and Plot C for high-resolution mode. See “Selecting
Channels and Resolutions” for more information.

Plot C

Temperature Accuracy and Resolution

High Resolution Mode

Relative Humidity - The HOBO’s relative humidity
sensor has an accuracy of ±3% over the range of 0 to
50°C (32 to 122°F). The relative humidity sensor
range is 0 to 100% RH. It can read up to 104.1% in a
condensing environment. While the sensor is
saturated, you will not get accurate readings. In
general, the RH response time is less than 5 minutes
typical to a 90% change (independent of temp). Drift
is less than 1% per year in normal operating
conditions (non-corrosive, non-condensing). An
additional temporary drift of up to 3% can occur when the average humidity is above
70%. Factory verification and tune-up service available. White RH sensor case may
yellow with exposure to light. This is not a problem.

Connecting the Communications Cable and Launching

A Starter Kit, which includes the appropriate PC
interface cable and software, is required to operate
your logger. The HOBO logger must be launched
before it is deployed in a hazardous location.
Unscrew the jack cap from the logger. You can store
it temporarily by pushing it onto the cap holder
(Diagram A). Connect the interface cable into the

3.5 mm jack on the logger and into a working serial
port on your computer. Install and start the logger's
software. Select Launch... under Logger on the
menu bar and a launch dialog box will be provided.
For a complete explanation on installing the software
and launching your logger, please refer to the logger
software manual.

When launching a logger, the software defaults to the parameters specified the last
time the logger was launched. The factory default is to select all channels with high­resolution mode for temperature measurements. See “Selecting Channels and
Resolutions” for details.

Operation Indicator

The HOBO data loggers have a red LED that blinks while they are logging. The
blinking LED is located inside the 3.5 mm jack and is only visible when the PC
interface cable and jack cap are removed (Diagram A). The LED blinks brightly at
every measurement, and weakly every two seconds if the interval between
measurements is longer than two seconds. Once you have verified the operation
of the logger, rescrew the jack cap, making sure there is no dust or dirt on the cap
that might compromise the integrity of the weatherproof seal. Hand tighten lightly.
The cap only needs to be snug. If it is overtightened it may require a pair of pliers
to unscrew.

Operation on Computers Equipped with a Power Conservation
Mode

Many newer computers, especially laptops, have a power conservation feature which
shuts the serial port off after a short period of time. If a HOBO or StowAway logger
is still connected to the serial port when this happens, the logger will shut off. To
resolve power conservation shut off of the serial port, BoxCar Pro 4.0, 4.1, and 4.2.x
customers should download the BoxCar Pro 4.3 or later upgrade patch. Similarly,
BoxCar 3.6 and 3.7.1 customers should download the BoxCar 3.7.3 or later upgrade
patch. Both are available for free on our website under Support and Upgrades,
Software Upgrades and Utilities. If you have an earlier version of BoxCar and you
would like to test to see if you will be affected by the power conservation feature do
the following. Using BoxCar, launch your logger from the computer that you are
testing. If you are using a laptop, it may behave differently when running off battery
versus running off the power plug; please test both. After launch, leave the logger
attached to the PC interface cable and watch the LED to see if it remains blinking.
When a logger is actively logging, the LED will blink faintly every 2 seconds. If the
power conservation is causing a problem, the LED will stop blinking within one
minute. When you are using a HOBO Pro logger, the LED is located under the PC
interface cable, and is not visible when the cable is plugged in. To test a HOBO Pro,
launch the logger to take readings at 10 second intervals. Leave the logger attached
to the interface cable for one minute. You can either remove the interface cable at
this point and check the LED status, or download the datafile to see how many
points were collected. If power conservation is causing the logger to shut off, you will
only see one data point in the file. If your computer has the power conservation
feature, you should download an upgrade patch as noted above.

Mounting Options

The HOBO Pro Temp/RH IS data logger has mounting tabs. Be careful not to stress
the case when using the screws to mount the logger to an uneven surface, as this
may crack the tabs. The supplied hook and loop tape can be stuck on the back of
your HOBO for mounting. Do not use double sided tape on the back of the logger for
mounting, as this could disturb the weatherproof seal when the logger is removed.

HOBO Pro RH Sensor Should not get Saturated

The RH sensor used on the HOBO Pro is among the best in its price range. It is
designed for normal outdoor environments with cyclical high and low humidity

levels. Saturation of the sensor is evident when the logger reads values of 100% RH
or greater. Like all RH sensors, repeated saturation from exposure to condensing
environments will lead to irreversible drift and eventually destroy the RH sensor. If
this happens, the logger will need to be returned to Onset Computer Corp. for
sensor replacement. The rate at which this degradation of the sensor occurs
depends on the harshness of the environment to which the sensor is exposed.
Condensing environments with temperatures above 30°C (86°F), exposure to salt
spray, ammonia vapor, or some other chemicals will accelerate the sensor
degradation.

Mounting considerations in wet environments

The HOBO Pro Temp/RH IS version should be mounted so that the RH sensor is
protected from water saturation. To prolong the life of your RH sensor, Onset
strongly recommends mounting the HOBO Pro Temp/RH IS logger (H08-032-IS)
face down in a protective housing such as the Solar Radiation Shield (Onset part #
RS1) or the Rain Shield (Onset part # RS2).

Readout

The HOBO data logger must be removed from the hazardous location for readout.
Reconnect the HOBO data logger to the interface cable, start the logger software,
select Readout under Logger on the menu bar and the data will be displayed in a
graphical or tabular form. For a complete explanation on reading out your logger,
please refer to the logger software manual.

Selecting Channels and Resolutions

The HOBO Pro IS logger offers a choice of
standard-resolution (8-bit) or high-resolution
(12-bit) operation for its temperature
channel. High-resolution mode doubles the
amount of memory required by each
measurement, reducing the deployment time
for each interval setting, but dramatically
improving the temperature resolution and
accuracy. The high-resolution mode is not available for the RH channel. For high­resolution mode select the sensor and "Added Resolution" on the channel that
follows it. For standard-resolution select only the temperature channel. “Added

Resolution” should not be enabled unless the corresponding temperature channel is
enabled, otherwise the data will be invalid.

Data Archiving

The HOBO Pro Temp/RH IS logger preserves the data from up to seven
deployments preceding the current deployment. You will be able to retrieve data
from all eight deployments by using the archive reader function in the logger
software. (In some versions of the software it is a separate utility for Windows 95/
98/NT on the installation disk.) The reader will contact your logger, readout the last
eight deployments, display information such as the deployment number, start time,
end time, number of points and the description, and then allow you to select which
file(s) you would like to save. For more information on the archive reader function,
consult your logger software manual or the Archive Reader Utility readme.txt file.
This archiving feature provides backup of your measurements in the logger, giving
you another level of protection from accidental data loss.

Battery Life Specifications and Battery Level Indication

The battery level is displayed on the host computer
during Launch. For the HOBO Pro IS logger this will
display one of two states: 98% or 20%. The lowest
battery level that will be shown is 20%. Thus if the
battery status indicates 20%, the battery is
effectively dead and should be replaced immediately.

Launching the logger when the battery level
reads 20% risks data corruption and/or data
loss.

In normal usage the HOBO Pro’s battery can last
up to three years when used with an interval of 1
minute or greater. Battery life is very dependent
upon the sample interval and service temperature.
See Table 1 for approximate run times at various
intervals and service temperatures.

Table 1. Approximate Operational Battery Life for the HOBO Pro

Logging Interval

Operating Temperature < 10 seconds 10 secs - 1 minute 1 minute – 1 hour
+40 - +50°C+ (104 - +122°F) ~ 3 - 6 months
+25 - +39°C (+77 - +102°F) ~ 3 - 6 months
< +25°C (< +77°F) ~ 3 - 6 months

1

/2 - 11/2 years 11/2 - 2 years

1

/2 - 2 years 2 - 3 years

1

/2- 21/2 years 21/2 - 3+ years

The above times are intended only as guidelines. For critical field
applications of long duration we recommend installing a fresh battery before each
deployment. We recommend replacing the HOBO’s battery and O-rings
simultaneously (Onset battery/service kit part #HP-BK includes battery, O-ring,
stainless steel self-sealing screw with O-ring, O-ring lubricant and jack cap.)

Changing or Accessing the Battery

The HOBO data logger must be removed from the hazardous location for changing
the battery. If you can, offload the logger before changing the battery. This will
ensure that no data will be lost (See Non-Volatile Memory). To change the battery,
open the case by removing the Phillips screw in the center of the back of the logger
and removing the stainless steel back plate. Remove the old battery and install the
new one. Be careful to put the battery in the battery holder with the correct polarity
(Diagram B). In order to maintain the Intrinsically Safe rating, your logger

must use a Tadiran TL-5902 (3.6v 1.2Ah) battery, Onset part number HP-B.

The logger’s red LED will blink three times after the battery has been installed. If
you have difficulty seeing the LED flash, use the battery check in the Launch dialog
box of the logger software to verify the battery status. Warning: Do not cut open,

incinerate, heat above +185°F (+85°C) or recharge the removed lithium
battery. Dispose per local regulations.

5896-D MAN-HO8-032-IS 4/21/04, 8:02 AM3