HOBO® U12 Stainless Temperature
Data Logger (U12-015 and U12-015-02) Manual
Test Equipment Depot - 800.517.8431 - 99 Washington Street Melrose, MA 02176 - TestEquipmentDepot.com
The HOBO U12 Stainless Temperature Data Logger is a single-channel
temperature logger with 12-bit resolution that can record up to 43,000
measurements. The logger uses a direct USB interface for launching and data
readout by a computer or HOBO shuttle.
The U12-015-02 model is the same as the U12-015 model, but also includes a
5-inch probe.
Specifications
HOBO U12 Stainless
Temperature Logger
Models: U12-015
U12-015-02
Included Items:
• O-Ring Replacement Kit
(U12-015-ORING-E for EPDM
and U12-015-ORING-V for
Viton)
• Five-inch Probe (with
U12-15-02 only)
Required Items:
• HOBOware®
• USB cable
Measurement Range -40° to 125°C (-40° to 257°F)
Accuracy ±0.25°C from 0° to 50°C (±0.45°F from 32° to 122°F), see Plot A
Resolution 0.03°C at 25°C (0.05°F at 77°F), see Plot A
Drift 0.05°C/year + 0.1°C/1000 hrs above 100°C
(0.09°F/year + 0.2°F/1000 hrs above 212°F)
Response Time in 1 m/s
(2.2 mph) airflow
Response Time in Water
U12-015: <10 minutes, typical to 90%
U12-015-02: 2.25 minutes, typical to 90%
U12-015: <3.5 minutes, typical to 90%
U12-015-02: 20 seconds, typical to 90%
Time Accuracy ±2 minute per month at 25°C (77°F), see Plot B
Operating Environment Air, water, steam, 0 to 100% RH
Operating Temperature
Logging: -40° to 125°C (-40° to 257°F)
Launch/readout: 0° to 50°C (32° to 122°F), per USB specification
Battery Life 3 year typical use, factory replaceable
Memory 64K bytes (43,000 12-bit measurements)
Construction 316 series stainless steel, EPDM or Viton O-ring; see Food-Grade
Compliance section for additional details
Weight
U12-015: 72 g (2.5 oz)
U12-015-02: 82 g (2.9 oz)
Logger Dimensions 17.5 x 101.6 mm (0.69 x 4.00 inches)
Probe Dimensions
4 x 124 mm (0.16 x 4.90 inches)
(U12-015-02 only)
Pressure/Depth Rating 2200 psi (1500 m/4900 ft) maximum
Vibration Rating
Navy spec: NAVMAT P-9492 (non-probe model only)
NIST Certificate Available for additional charge; temperature range -30° to 120°C
(-22° to 248°F)
The CE Marking identifies this product as com
plying with all
relevant directives in the European Union (EU).
Plot A
200
100
0
-100
-200
Time Base Error (PPM)
-300
-400
-40 -20 0 20 40 60 80 100 120
Temper ature (°C)
Plot B
7938-M MAN-U12-015
8.6
4.3
0.0
-4.3
-8.6
-13.0
-17.3
Connecting the Logger
The U-Family logger requires a USB interface cable to connect to the computer. If possible,
avoid connecting at temperatures below 0°C (32°F) or above 50°C (122°F).
1. Remove the stainless steel end-cap from the logger by turning it counter-clockwise. If
the cap is difficult to turn, place the stem of a small screwdriver through the hole in the
Time Base Error (Min/Month)
end-cap for better leverage.
2. Plug the large end of the USB
interface cable into a USB port on the
computer.
3. Plug the small end of the USB
interface cable into the logger as
shown in the diagram at right.
HOBO U12 Stainless Temperature Data Logger (U12-015 and U12-015-02) Manual
4. If the logger has never been connected to the computer
before, it may take a few seconds for the new hardware to
be detected.
5. Use the logger software to launch the logger. (The first time
you launch the logger, the deployment number will be
greater than zero. Onset launches the loggers to test them
prior to shipping.)
6. You can read out the logger while it continues to log, stop it
manually with the software, or let it record data until the
memory is full. Refer to the software user’s guide for
complete details on launching, reading out, and viewing
data from the logger.
IMPORTANT: USB communications may not function properly
at temperatures below 0°C (32°F) or above 50°C (122°F).
Sample and Event Logging
The logger can record two types of data: samples and events.
Samples are the sensor measurements recorded at each logging
interval (for example, the temperature every minute). Events are
independent occurrences triggered by a logger activity. Examples
of events recorded asynchronously during deployment include
when the logger is connected to the host, when the battery is
low, and the end of a data file once the logger is stopped. The
logger stores 64K of data, and can record up to 43,000 samples.
Mounting
A 4.8 mm (3/16 inch) diameter hole is provided in the end-cap
to secure the logger to an object.
Food-Grade Compliance
The logger components meet US Food and Drug Administration
(FDA) guidelines as follows:
• Logger case: 316 series stainless steel is GRAS by the FDA
and meets NSF 51 & 61 requirements.
• EPDM O-ring: Meets FDA 21 CFR 175.2600
• Lubricant (applied to O-ring): Meets FDA 21 CFR 175.300
and NSF 51 & 61 requirements
Care and Maintenance of the logger
The logger is shipped with an installed EPDM O-ring and with a
replacement O-ring kit, containing both EPDM and Viton Orings. Refer to the following chart to determine which type of
O-ring is appropriate for your application.
O-ring type: Use with: Do not use with:
EPDM (Black) Hot water, steam, food-
grade applications
Viton (Brown) Petroleum oils Hot water, steam,
The logger can be permanently damaged by internal corrosion
from condensation or foreign matter entering the case. The
logger electronics depend upon the integrity of the O-ring seal
Petroleum oils
food-grade
applications
for protection. Prior to every deployment, the O-ring should be
inspected for cracks or tears, and for proper lubrication. The Oring’s surface should be smooth and lightly lubricated. If
needed, the O-ring should be re-lubricated or replaced. In
addition, the end-cap must be securely in place with no visible
gap between the housing and the end-cap. Before opening the
end-cap for read out, make sure that the logger is clean and
dry. The logger should always be capped when it is not
connected to the computer.
316L stainless steel has good corrosion resistance, but it can be
damaged by contact with dissimilar metals or through crevice
corrosion. The logger should not be deployed in salt or brackish
water, or the housing will eventually fail and water will destroy
the electronics. If long-term deployment in salt water is
required, place the logger in a sealed bladder containing a noncorrosive liquid. Always rinse the logger with fresh water after
deployment in salt or brackish water.
On the U12-015-02, the 5-inch piercing probe can be bent
and/or broken with excessive force. Damage to the 5" probe is
expressly not covered by the product warranty, and cannot be
repaired.
Note! Static electricity may cause the logger to stop logging.
To avoid electrical static discharge (ESD), transport the logger
only with its end-cap on, or in an anti-static bag. Ground
yourself by touching an unpainted metal surface before
handling the logger.
Battery
Expected battery life varies based on the temperature and the
frequency at which the logger is recording data (the logging
interval). With 60 minutes of operation at 125°C (257°F) per
day, a new battery will typically last approximately three years
with logging intervals greater than one minute. Deployments in
extremely cold or hot temperatures or logging intervals faster
than one minute may significantly reduce battery life.
The logger has the ability to report and log its own battery
voltage. If the battery falls below 3.1 V, the logger will record a
“bad battery” event in the datafile. If the datafile contains “bad
battery” events, or if logged battery voltage repeatedly falls
below 3.3 V, the battery is failing and the logger should be
returned to Onset for battery replacement.
Do not attempt to replace the battery. If the battery needs to
be replaced, contact Onset or an Onset Authorized Dealer for
factory replacement battery service.
WARNING: Do not cut open, incinerate, heat above 125°C
(257°F), or recharge the 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 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.
© 2003–2018 Onset Computer Corporation. All rights reserved. Onset, HOBO, and HOBOware are registered trademarks of
Onset Computer Corporation.
This product has been manufactured by Onset Computer Corporation and in compliance with Onset’s ISO 9001:2015
Quality Management System.
All other trademarks are the property of their respective companies.
7938-M MAN-U12-015
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