PCE Instruments PCE-IR10 Users guide

Pyrometer

PCE-IR10

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

PCE Americas Inc.
711 Commerce Way
Suite 8
Jupiter
FL-33458
USA
From outside US: +1
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
[e-mail]

www.pce-instruments.com/english

PCE Instruments UK Ltd.

Southpoint Business Park

Hampshire / Southampton

United Kingdom, SO31 4RF

[e-mail]

www.pce-instruments.com

Unit 11

Ensign way

From outside UK: +44

Tel: [phone]

Fax: [phone]

CE-Conformity

The product complies with the following standards:

EMC: EN 61326-1
Safety Regulations: EN 61010-1:1993/ A2:1995

The product accomplishes the requirements of the EMC Directive 89/336/EEC
and of the low-voltage directive 73/23/EEC.

Scope of supply

 PCE-IR10 electronic box,
 pre-installed sensing head (cable length according to order),
 operators manual

You will find the serial number on a label on the electronic box. The cable is labeled with the serial number of the head.

Always use these numbers when you contact the customer service concerning maintenance, additional order of components,
spare parts or repairs.

1

Content

Page

1 Quick Reference 5

2 Technical Data 10

2.1 General Specifications 10

2.2 Electrical Specifications 11

2.3 Measurement Specifications 12

2.4 Optical Charts 13

2.5 CF-Optics 14

3 Mechanical Installation 16

4 Electrical Installation 19

4.1 Cable Connections 19

4.2 Exchange of the Sensing Head 21

4.3 Outputs 22

4.4 Digital Interfaces 23

4.5 Functional Inputs 25

5 Operation 26

6 Software CTconnect 29

6.1 Installation 29

3

6.2 30

6.3 31

6.4

6.4.1 Signal Processing 38

6.4.2 Output Signals 45

6.4.3 Advanced Settings 48

7 Principle of Operation 50

8 Emissivity 51

9 Maintenance 52

Starting the Software
Diagram Functions
Configuration of the PCE-IR10

Appendix A – Visual Alarms 53
Appendix B – Emissivity Tables 54

37

4

1 Quick Reference

Thank you for choosing the PCE-IR10 infrared sensor.
In this chapter you will find concentrated information for a quick start with the PCE-IR10 sensor.

Comments to this manual

Read the manual carefully before the initial start-up.
You will find important information and notes in the grey coloured boxes.

The producer reserves the right to change the herein described specifications in case of technical advance of the product.

Mechanical Installation

PCE-IR10 heads are equipped with a metrical M12x1-thread and can be installed either directly via the sensor thread or with the
help of the hex nut (delivered as standard) to the mounting bracket available.

IMPORTANT

Various mounting brackets, which make the
adjustment of the sensing head easier, can be
additionally ordered as accessories. Make sure to
keep the optical path clear of any obstacles when
adjusting the head to the object (see chapter 2.4).

► More information in chapter 3

The sensing head is a sensitive optical system. Please use only the
thread for mechanical installation.
Avoid mechanical violence on the head – this may destroy the
system (expiry of warranty).

5

Electrical Installation

Please open at first the cover of the PCE-IR10 electronic box (4 screws). Below the display are the screw terminals for the cable
connection.

Use shielded cables only. The sensor
shield has to be grounded.

Please use a power supply unit wi

th an output voltage of 8 – 36 VDC/ 100 mA.
The standard delivery includes the connected cable of the sensing head to the electronic box. You may shorten but never lengthen
the cable.

► More information in chapter 4.1

Head exchange

Sensing heads of the PCE-IR10 series are exchangeable. Every head has a specific calibration code, which is printed on the head cable. For
a correct temperature measurement and functionality of the PCE-IR10 this calibration data must be stored in the electronic box. The
calibration code consists of three blocks with 4 characters each.

Example: EKJ0 – 0OUD – 0A

block 1 block 2 block 3

1B

6

then

Y

For entering the code please press the Up- and Down-key (keep presse

d) and

the Mode-key.

The display shows HCODE and then the 4 signs of the first block. With Up and Down each sign can be changed, Mode
switches to the next sign or next block.

ou will find the calibration code on a label fixed on the
head cable (near the electronic box). If you shorten the
cable, please make sure to note the calibration code. The
code is needed if the head will be changed.

► More information in chapter 4.2

Analog Outputs

You can select the desired analog output via the programming keys (see Tab. 5-1).

Output

Voltage 0 ... 5 V OUT-mV/mA
Voltage 0 ... 10 V OUT-mV/mA
Current 0 ... 20 mA OUT-mV/mA
Current 4 ... 20 mA OUT-mV/mA
Thermocouple TC J OUT-TC
Thermocouple TC K OUT-TC

Range

Connection-Pin on PCE-IR10-Board

According to the chosen output signal there
are different connection pins on the PCE-
IR10 board (OUT-mV/mA or OUT-TC).

Factory default setting is 0-5 V (temperature range 0-500 °C).

► More information in chapter 4.3

7

Digital Interfaces (optional)

If you want to install an interface, please do the following:

 plug the interface board into the place provided, which is located beside the display
 use both M3x5 screws for fixing it onto the electronic box
 plug the preassembled interface cable with the terminal block into the male connector of the interface board

If you use the USB-interface, the PCE-IR10 needs no
external power supply for operation – it will be powered
by the USB-interface.
Please install the software CTconnect as described in
chapter 6.1.

► More information in chapter 4.4

If you use the USB-interface board or the RS232-interface board and
your own RS232-to-USB-adaptor you will see the COM port as a
virtual COM port (VCP) in your system.
During the installation of the USB driver a COM port number will be
assigned to the VCP (open the Device Manager to figure out).
After starting CTconnect please enter the correct COM port number in
the menu item Setup/ Interface.

Operation

The programming keys Mode, Up and Down enable the user to set the sensor on-site. The
current measuring value or the chosen feature is displayed. With Mode the operator obtains
the chosen feature, with Up and Down the functional parameters can be selected. If no key is
pressed for more than 10 seconds the display automatically shows the calculated object
temperature (according to the signal processing).

8

Pressing the Mode button again recalls the last called function on the display.
The signal processing features Peak hold and Valley hold cannot be selected simultaneously.

► More information in chapter 5

Factory default setting

To set the PCE-IR10 back to the factory default settings, please press at first the Down-key and then the Mode-key and keep both
pressed for approx. 3 seconds.
The display shows RESET for confirmation.

Error messages

The display of the PCE-IR10 can show the following error messages:

 OVER tem
 UNDER temperature underflow
 ^^^CH head temperature to high
 vvvCH head temperature to low

perature overflow

9

2 Technical Data

2.1 General Specifications

Sensing head Electronic box

Environmental rating IP65
Ambient temperature -20 – 180 °C (20:1/ 15:1 head) 0 – 65 °C

Storage temperature -40 – 180 °C (20:1/ 15:1 head) -40 – 85 °C

Relative humidity 10 – 95 %, non condensing 10 – 95 %, non condensing

Material stainless steel die casting zinc

ions 28 mm x 14 mm 89 mm x 70 mm x 30 mm

Dimens
Weight 40 g

Vibration IEC 68-2-6: any axis, 11 – 200
Shock IEC 68-2-27: any axis, 11 ms, 50G

Cable length
Cable diameter 2,8 mm

10

1 m (Standard), 3 m, 8 m, 15 m

(NEMA-4) IP65 (NEMA-4)

-20 – 130 °C (2:1 head)

-40 – 130 °C (2:1 head)

420 g

Hz, 3G

2.2 Electrical Specifications

Power supply 8 VDC – 36 VDC
Current draw max. 100

mA

Outputs/ analog
Channel 1
Channel 2
Relais

(Object temperature) 0 – 20 mA or 4 – 20 mA or 0 –
(Head temperature) 0 – 5 V or 0 – 10 V; 10 mV/ K or alarm output

2 x 60 VDC/ 42 VAC

Output impedances
mA max. loop re

sistance 500 Ω (at
mV min. 100 KΩ loa
Thermocouple 20 Ω

5 V or 0 – 10 V or thermocouple type J or K

, 0,4 A; optically isolated (optional module)

RMS

8 -36 VDC),

d imp

edance

Functional inputs F1 – F3; softwa

external emissivity adjustment,

-

- ambient temperature compensation,

- trigger (reset of

Digital interface USB, RS232,

RS485 (optional modules)

grammable for the following functions:

re pro

hold functi

ons)

11

2.3 Measurement Specifications

Sensing h

ead 20:1 Sensing head 15:1

Sensing head 2:1

Spectral range 8 – 14 µm 8 – 14 µm 8 – 14 µm
Temperature range

-40 – 900 °C -40 – 600 °C -40 – 600 °C

Optical resolution 20:1 15:1 2:1

Response ti

System accuracy

me 150 ms (95 %) 150 ms (95 %) 150 ms (95 %)

1), 2)

±1 % or ±1 °C ±1 % or ±1 °C ±1 % or ±1 °C

Repeatability 1) ±0,5 % or ±0,5 °C ±0,5 % or ±0,5 °C ±0,5 % or ±0,5 °C

3)

Temperature resolution
Temperature Coefficient

0,1 °C 0,1 °C 0,1 °C

1), 4)

±0,05 %/ K or ±0,05 K/ K ±0,05 %/ K or ±0,05 K/ K ±0,05 %/ K or ±0,05 K/ K

Signal processing peak hold, valley hold, average
Emissivity 0,100 – 1,100 (manual or digital adjustable)
Transmission 0,100 – 1,100 (manual or digital adjustable)

1)

whichever is greater

2)

T> -20 °C; ambient temperature 23 °C ±5 °C

3)

at a temperature span of 300 °C, e.g. temperature range 0 °C – 300 °C

4)

at head temperature 0 – 180 °C (0 – 130 °C at 2:1)

12

2.4 Optical Charts

The following optica

l charts show the diameter of the measuring spot in dependence on the distance between measuring object

and sensing head. The spot size refers to 90 % of the radiation energy.

Fig. 2-1: Optical charts sensing head 20:1, 15:1 and 2:1

The size of the measuring object and the optical resolution of
the infrared thermometer determine the maximum distance
between sensing head and measuring object.
In order to prevent measuring errors the object should fill out
the field of view of the optics completely.
Consequently, the spot should at all times have at least the
same size like the object or should be smaller than that.

13

2.5 CF-Optics

The optional CF-lens allows the measurement of small objects. The minimum spot size depends on the used sensing head:

2:1 2,5 mm@ 23 mm

2,5 mm@ 21 mm with laminar air purge

15:1 0,8 mm@ 10 mm

0,8 mm@ 8 mm with laminar air purge

20:1 0,6 mm@ 10 mm

0,6 mm@ 8 mm with laminar air purge

1)

measured from front edge of the laminar air purge

Fig. 2-2: CF-lens Fig. 2-3: laminar air purge with integrated CF-lens

1)

1)

1)

If the CF-lens is used, the transmission has
to be set to 0,78 (see chapter 5 and 6.4.1).

14

Fig. 2-4: 2:1-head with CF-lens

Fig. 2-5: 15:1-head with CF-lens Fig. 2-6: 20:1-head with CF-lens

15

3 Mechanical Installation

p

PCE-IR10 heads are equipped with a metrical M12x1-thread and can be installed either directly via the sensor thread or with
the help of the hex nut (delivered as standard) to the mounting bracket available. Various mounting brackets, which make the
adjustment of the sensing head easier, can be additionally ordered as accessories.

Make sure to keep the optical path clear of any

ter 2.4).

obstacles (see cha

Fig. 3-1: Dimensions PCE-IR10 head and electronic box

16

A combination of mounting bracket and bolt
forms a mounting bracket, which is adjustable in

The mounting fork can be combined with the
mounting bracket with the M12x1-thread.

two axes.

Mounting bracket, adjustable in Mounting bolt with M12x1 thread, Mounting fork with thread M 12x1,
one axes adjustable in one axes adjustable in 2 axes

Fig. 3-2: Mounting Brackets

17

The lens must be kept clean at all times from dust, smoke, fumes and other contaminants in order to avoid reading errors.
These effects can be reduced by using an air purge collar. Make sure to use oil-free, technically clean air, only.

The PCE-IR10-high-temperature sensing heads are designed to measure temperatures while tolerating ambient temperatures ranging
between 0 and 180 °C (20:1/ 15:1 head) or 0 and 130 °C (2:1 head). The cable between head and electronics is teflon coated and also
usable for this ambient temperature range. Therefore measurements in the specified range can be done without a cooling of the sensing head.

The needed amount of air
(approx. 2...10 l/ min.) depends
on the application and the
installation conditions on-site.

A combination of the laminar air
purge collar with the bottom
section of the mounting fork
forms a unit, which is adjustable
in two axes.

Standard air purge collar, may be combined Laminar air purge collar – the side air outlet
with mounting bracket; hose connection: 3x5 mm prevents a cooling down of the object in short

distances; hose connection: 3x5 mm

Fig. 3-3: Air purge collars

18

4 Electrical Installation

4.1 Cable Connections

For the electrical installation please open at first the cover of the PCE-IR10 electronic box (4 screws). Below the display are
the screw terminals for the cable connection.

Designation:

+8 ... 36VDC Power supply
GND Ground (0V) of power supply
GND Ground (0V) of internal in- and outputs
OUT-AMB Analog output head temperature (mV)
OUT-TC Analog output thermocouple (J or K)
OUT-mV/mA Analog output object temperature (mV or mA)
F1

-F3 Functional inputs
PINK Power supply lase
GRAY Power supply laser (–)
BROWN Temperature probe head
WHITE Temperature probe head
GREEN Detector signal (–)
YELLOW Detector signal (+)

Power supply:

Please use a power supply unit with an output voltage of 8 – 36 VDC/ 100 mA.

r (+)

Fig. 4-1: Open PCE-IR10 electronic box with screw terminals

19

Cable assembling:

The cable gland M12x1,5 allows the use of cables with a diameter of 3 to 5 mm.
Remove the isolation from the cable (40 mm power supply, 50 mm signal outputs, 60 mm functional inputs). Cut the shield down
to approximately 5 mm and spread the strands out. Extract about 4 mm of the wire isolation and tin the wire ends.
Place the pressing screw, the rubber washer and the metal washers of the cable gland one after the other (according Fig. 4-2)
onto the prepared cable end. Spread the strands and fix the shield between two of the metal washers. Insert the cable into the
cable gland until the limit stop. Screw the cap tight.
Every single wire may be connected to the according screw clamps according to their colors.

Use shielded cables only. The sensor
shield has to be grounded.

Fig. 4-2: Cable assembling

20

4.2 Exchange of the Sensing Head

Y

The standard delivery includes the connected cable of the sensing
head to the electronic box. You may shorten but never lengthen the
cable. To shorten the cable may cause additional measuring errors of
about 0,1 K/ m. The head is exchangeable.

Entering the calibration code:

Sensing heads of the PCE-IR10 series are exchangeable. Every head has a specific calibration code, which is printed on the
head cable. For a correct temperature measurement and functionality of the PCE-IR10 this calibration data must be stored in
the electronic box. The calibration code consists of three blocks with 4 characters each.

Example: EKJ0 – 0OUD – 0A1B

block 1 block 2 block 3

For entering the code please press the Up- and Down-key (keep pressed) and
The display shows HCODE and then the 4 signs of the first block. With Up and Down each sign can be changed, Mode
switches to the next sign or next block.

ou will find the calibration code on a label fixed on the head
cable (near the electronic box). If you shorten the cable, please
make sure to note the calibration code. The code is needed if
the head will be changed.

After exchanging a head the calibration code of
the new head must be entered into the
electronics.

then

the Mode-key.

21

4.3 Outputs

The PCE-IR10 has two output channels. Output channel 1 is used for the object temperature. The CTconnect software
allows the programming of this output as an alarm output.

Output Range

Voltage 0 ... 5 V OUT-mV/mA
Voltage 0 ... 10 V OUT-mV/mA
Current 0 ... 20 mA OUT-mV/mA
Current 4 ... 20 mA OUT-mV/mA
Thermocouple TC J OUT-TC
Thermocouple TC K OUT-TC

Tab. 4-1: Analog outputs

Connection-Pin on PCE-IR10-Board

According to the chosen output signal there are
different connection pins on the PCE-IR10 board
(OUT-mV/mA or OUT-TC).

Output channel 2 (connection pin OUT AMB) is used for the head temperature (-20 – 180 °C as 0 – 5 V or 0 – 10 V) or as alarm
output. Activating this channel as alarm output requires the CTconnect software. Additionally to the head temperature also the
object or electronic box temperature can be selected as alarm source.

22

4.3 Digital Interfaces

PCE-IR10 sensors are optionally equipped with an USB-, RS232-, RS485- or
relais-interface.
If you want to install an interface, plug the interface board into the place
provided, which is located beside the display (see Fig. 4-1). In the correct position
the holes of the interface match with the thread holes of the electronic box. Now
press the board down to connect it with the PCE-IR10 and use both M3x5

d
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W
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­D
N
G

Schraubklemm e
terminal block

screws for fixing it. Plug the preassembled interface cable with the terminal block
into the male connector of the interface board. In case you want to use the
delivered cable gland M12x1,5 for the preassembled cable, the terminal block has
to be disassembled/ assembled. Make sure the wiring is correct (Fig. 4-3).

Fig. 4-3: Interface cables: USB (left), RS232 (right)

USB-interface:

If you use the USB-interface, the PCE-IR10 needs no external power supply for operation – it will be powered by the USB­interface. If an external power supply has already been installed, this will have no effect on the functionality of the PCE-IR10.
After the interface board has been installed and the USB-cable has been connected to your PC, please install the USB driver as
described in

23

chapter 6.1. After this you can start the CTconnect software and the communication will be established.

RS232-interface:

If the RS232-interface is used, the PCE-IR10 unit in any case needs an external power supply for operation. After the interface
board has been installed and the RS232-cable has been connected to your PC, the communication will be established.

Relais-interface:

After installing the interface board as described above please connect the electrical circuit with the terminal block. A red LED
shows the closed current switch. The relais board provides two fully isolated switches, which have the capability to switch max.
60 VDC/ 42 VAC

RMS

, 0,4 A DC/AC.

The factory default settings for the switching thresholds (alarm values) are: Alarm 1 = 30 °C/ norm. closed (low alarm)
and Alarm 2 = 100 °C/ norm. open (high alarm). To make advanced settings (change of low- and high alarm) a digital
interface (USB, RS232) and the software CTconnect is needed.

RS485-interface:

Please install the interface board as described above and connect the RS485-USB-adapter via the supplied USB cable with your
computer. After it has been connected the computer will recognize a new USB-device and (if connected the first time) will ask for
installation of the according driver software. Select Search and install the RS485-adapter USB-driver from the software CD.
The RS485-USB-adapter provides a 2-wire half-duplex mode. Please connect terminal A of the adapter with terminal A of the
RS485-interface of the first PCE-IR10 and from there to terminal A of the next PCE-IR10 and so on. With the B terminals
proceed as well.

24

Make sure, that you always connect A to A and B to B, not reverse. You may run up to 32 PCE-IR10 units on one RS485-USB­adapter. The 120R-switch is to be turned to ON at one of the connected PCE-IR10 units, only. Each PCE-IR10 unit
connected to the RS485 needs a different multidrop address between 1 and 32 (see chapter 6.4.3).

Independend from the used interface the setting for
baud rate in the software must be the same as on

the PCE-IR10 unit (factory default: 9,6 kBaud).

4.5 Functional Inputs

The three functional inputs F1 – F3 can be programmed with the CTconnect software, only.

F1 (digital): trigger (a 0 V level on F1 resets the hold functions)
F2 (analogue): external emissivity adjustment (0 – 10 V: 0 V Æ ε=0,1; 9 V Æ ε=1; 10 V Æ ε=1,1)
F3 (analogue): external compensation of ambient temperature (0 – 10 V Æ -40 – 900 °C; the range is scalable via CTconnect

software/ preset range: -20 – 200 °C)

F1 – F3 (digital): emissivity (digital choice via table, non-connected input represents high-level)

high-level: ≥ +3
low-level: ≤ +0,4 V…–36 V

V…+36 V

25

5 Operation

The programming keys Mode, Up and Down enable the user to set the sensor on-site. The current measuring value or the chosen
feature is displayed. With Mode the operator obtains the chosen feature, with Up and Down the functional parameters can be
selected. If no key is pressed for more than 10 seconds the display automatically shows the calculated object temperature
(according to the signal processing).

Factory default settings:

Signal output object temperature 0 – 5 V
Emissivity 0,970
Transmissivity 1,000
Average time 0,2 s
Peak hold inactive

hold inactive

Valley
Lower limit temperature range 0 °C
Upper limit temperature range 500 °C
Lower limit signal output 0 V
Upper limit signal output 5 V
Temperature
Lower alarm limit 30 °C (norm. closed)
Upper alarm limit 100 °C (norm. open)
Ambient te

Baud

unit °C

mperature compensation head temperature

(0-5 V/ -20 – 180 °C)

rate 9,6 kBaud

Pressing the Mode button again recalls the last called
function on the display.
The signal processing features Peak hold and Valley hold
cannot be selected simultaneously.

Fig. 5-1: Display and programming keys

26

Display Mode [Sample] Adjustment Range

142.3C
127CH

25CB

142CA

□0-20

E0.970
T1.000

A 0.2

P----

V----

u .0

n500.0

[ 0.00

]20.00

U °C

| -40.0

||900.0

XHEAD

M 01

B 9.6

Object temperature (after signal proces
Head temperature [127 °C] fixed
Box temperature [25 °C] fixed
Current object temperature [142 °C] fixed
Signal output channel 1 [0 - 20 mA] □0-20 0 – 20 mA Current loop □4-20

Emissivity [0,970] 0,100 ... 1,100
Transmissivity [1,000] 0,100 ... 1,100
Signal output average [0,2 s] A---- = inactive/ 0,1 … 999,9 s
Signal output peak hold [inactive]
Signal output valley hold [inactive]
Lower limit temperature range [0 °C] -40,0 … 9
Upper limit temperature range [500 °C] -40,0 … 900,0 °C/ inactive at TCJ- and TCK-output
Lower limit signal output [0 mA] according to the range of the selected output signal
Upper limit signal output [20 mA] according to the ran
Temperature unit [°C] °C/ °F
Lower alarm limit [-40 °C] -40,0 … 900,0 °C
Upper alarm limit [900 °C] -40,0 … 900,0 °C
Ambient temperature compensation [head temperature] XHEAD = head temperature/ -40 – 900 °C as fixed value for compensation/

Multidrop address [1] (only with RS485 Interface) 01 … 32
Baud rate = 9,6 kBaud 9,6/ 19,2/ 38,4/ 57,6/ 115,2 kBaud

sing) [142,3 °C] fixed

□ MV5 0
□ TCJ Thermocouple type J □ TCK Thermo couple

P---- = inactive/ 0,1 … 999,9 s/ P ∞ = infinite
V---- = inactive/ 0,1 … 999,9 s/ V ∞ = infinite

retur

– 5 V Voltage output □MV10 0 – 10 V Voltage output

00,0 °C/ inactive at TCJ- and TCK-output

ning to XHEAD (head temperature) by pressing Up and Down together

Tab. 5-1: Adjustment modes

4 – 20 mA Current loop

type K

ge of the selected output signal

27

Factory default setting:

To set the PCE-IR10 back to the factory default settings, please press at first the Down-key and then the Mode-key and
keep both pressed for approx. 3 seconds.
The display shows RESET for confirmation.

Error messages:

The display of the PCE-IR10 can show the following error messages:

erature ov

 OVER tem
 UNDER temperature un
 ^^^CH head temperatu
 vvvCH head temperatu

p

erflow
derflow

re to high
re to low

28

6 Software CTconnect

6.1 Installation

Features:

 configure PCE-IR10 sensors
 setup parameters and adjust the sensor to your

application

 display and record temperature trends

Insert the CTcon
If the auto run option on your computer is activated the installation wizard will start automatically. Otherwise please start
setup.exe on the CD-ROM. Follow the instructions of the wizard until the installation is finished.

If you want to uninstall the software from your system please use the uninstall icon in the start menu.

USB driver:

To use the PCE-IR10 unit with USB interface please connect the sensor via the supplied USB connection cable with a free USB
slot of your computer. The operating system will auto detect the new hardware and open a wizard. Chose the automatic
installation and follow the instructions. The drivers will be copied to your computer.

nect Installation CD.

System requirements:

 Windows XP, 2000
 RS232 or USB interface (depends on the interface

board plugged in the PCE-IR10)

 Hard disk with at least 30 MByte free space
 At least 128 MByte RAM
 CD-ROM-drive

29

If you use the USB-interface board or the RS232-interface board and
your own RS232-to-USB-adaptor you will see the COM port as a
virtual COM port (VCP) in your system.
During the installation of the USB driver a COM port number will be
assigned to the VCP (open the Device Manager to figure out).
After starting CTconnect please enter the correct COM port number in
the menu item Setup/ Interface.

Fig. 6-1: COM-Port number in Device manager window

6.2 Starting the Software

Please connect your PCE-IR10 with the USB cable to a free USB port or with the serial
cable (9-pin-plug) to a free RS232 port (choose the connection according to the plugged
interface board).
Launch the CTconnect software.
The default setting for the communication is: COM1 with 9600 baud.

The setting for baud rate in the software must be the same as on the PCE-IR10 unit (factory default: 9,6 kBaud).

30

If you use the PCE-IR10 on a different port or with a different baud rate you have to
change the interface settings under Setup/ Interface.

Adress mode:

no

address: Single sensor operation via USB/ RS232

scan: automatic address search (RS485 op

auto

afixed ddress: input of a known address

Deactivating Checksum´s allows compatibility to older PCE-IR10 sensors (presetting:

activated).

Connection state: In the lower left corner the current connection state will be displayed:

Online:
Offline:
Connecting:
Addr. xx:

Application is properly connected with the PCE-IR10/ normal data
exchange No connection to the PCE-IR10/ no data exchange
Connection to a PCE-IR10 unit will be established
only during network operation (RS485): shows the current PCE-IR10
address

eration)

6.3 Diagram Functions

The diagram will be started by pressing the Start button or by opening a stored data file. In any case the graph shows the object
temperature.

31

Temperature displays:

TObj: The big display and the assigned temperature bar show the object temperature.

If no measuring is started this temperature will be actualized every 200 ms
(after starting the measurement: every 20 ms).

TBox: Display and temperature bar show the temperature of the electronic box

THead: Display and temperature bar show the temperature of the PCE-IR10

head The values for TBox and THead will be actualized every second.

Temperature bars:

The temperature values on the left and on the right side indicate the range of the bar
graph. Above the bar you will find two markers for low alarm and high alarm. If low
alarm is active the color of the bar will change from green to blue, if high alarm is
active from green to red.

Both alarms have nothing to do with the alarm values from the PCE-
IR10 unit. A hystereses of 2 K is set fixed on both alarms.

The values for temperature range and alarm can be set in the menu item

Setup/ Display Ranges.

Fig. 6-3: Temperature bar graphs and display ranges

Fig. 6-2: Temperature displays

32

Fig. 6-4: Displays and setting features of the software

33

Time axis:
To zoom the x-axis set the cursors according to the time range you are interested in. Use both sliders under the diagram. After you
pushed the Zoom-in button + the marked range will expand to full size. With the Zoom-out button – you will reach the opposite
effect. With the scroller of the x-axis you can move through the time range of the diagram. The full range button
|<- ->| helps you to zoom-out of the diagram to the full range of the available data.

The temperature values
in the diagram will be
updated every 20 ms.

Fig. 6-5: Time axis below the diagram

Freeze and Continue:

Any action with the time axis will set the diagram into the Freeze modus. If you want to continue with the live data please press
the button Continue. The button changes its function between Freeze and Continue. Stopping the diagram with the Freeze
button will only stop the updating. The application proceeds with data collecting in the background. To stop the measurement
you have to press the button Stop.

34

Temperature axis:
The range adjustment of the y-axis depends on the selected scaling settings under View/ Settings. Only if Manual scaling is
activated, both sliders are enabled to set the upper and lower temperature range of the diagram (Fig. 7-4). Both y-sliders are of
equal rank. The prevailing higher slider represents the high range of the diagram and vice versa.

Recording and play-back of data:

To record temperature data, please activate the Recording checkbox. Under Recording Interval you can define the time interval
of the recorded values (shortest time: 20 ms).
After the Start button was pressed the application will record the temperatures (TObj, TBox and THead) to an appropriate data
file. After you stopped the measuring the program will ask you for a path and filename to store the file. The stored data file (*.dat)
is readable with any text editor and can easily be imported into MS Excel. To play back the recorded data open the data file with
the menu item File/ Open. To zoom the x- and y-axis proceed in the same way like with live data.

Example:

[CT-Connect DataFile][1.0]

Date: 08.04.2004
Time: 10:18:13.879
Unit: °C

Time TObj TBox THead
00:00:00.020
00:00:00.040 20.1 28.4 26.7
00:00:00.060 19.8 28.4 26.7
00:00:00.080 19.8 28.4 26.7
00:00:00.100 19.9 28.4 26.7
00:00:00.120 19.7 28.4 26.7
00:00:00.140 19.8 28.4 26.7

19.9 28.4 26.7

35

Scaling settings:

The scaling of the diagram can be set with the menu item View/ Settings. This menu item will open the following dialog:

For the scaling of the y-axis three alternatives are available:

 Auto-Scale (global): If a value exceeds the shown diagram range, the

range will be extended to fit th

e diagram curve. The range will not be reduced

again. The sliders on the right side of the diagram are inactivated.

 Auto-Scale (local): If a value exceeds the shown diagram range, the

range will be extended to fit the diagram curve. The range will
again if the peak value is not displayed

in the diagram anymore. This option

be reduced

ensures the best fitting of the curve to the diagram but it can cause flickering

ignal is noisy. The sliders on the right side of the diagram are

if the s
inactivated.

 Manually:

If this option is active the scaling can be per-

formed by hand using the sliders on the right-hand side of the diagram.

To prevent odd values on the temperature axis (y-axis) check the option Round temperature axis.

36

6.4 Configuration of the PCE-IR10

An essential part of the software is the parameterization of the PCE-IR10. For this purpose use the menu item Setup/
Sensor. In the top line you will find the serial-number of the connected PCE-IR10 and the firmware revision.

Most of the parameters have an immense effect
on the signal output and functionality of the
sensor. Please double-check that the settings
you carried out match with your aims.

Fig. 6-6: Setup dialog – window

Signal Processing

37

The setup dialog consists of three parts:

 Signal processing: emissivity and transmissivity control, ambient control, post processing
 Output signals : output channels and alarm settings
 Advanced settings: head parameters, device adjustment, multidrop address

6.4.1 Signal Processing

If the setup dialog is open, the following parameters can be adjusted (part Signal processing):

Emissivity adjustment:

There are three options to set the emissivity:

Fixed value: The value can be set by the edit box Emissivity.
External: The value is determined by a voltage on the functional input pin F2.

(0–10 V: 0 V → ε

Table: Input of up to eight emissivity values and corresponding alarm values

(two for each emissivity value) in a material table. The selection of the
tabular values occurs by a combination of low- and high-levels on the
functional inputs F1 to F3 (non-connected input represents high-level).
high-level: ≥ +3
low-level: ≤ +0,4 V…–36 V

=0,1/ 9 V → ε=1,0/ 10 V → ε=1,1)

V…+36 V

38

Editing the material table:

Pushing the button Edit material table calls the material table dialog:

An emissivity value and two alarm values can be set for each entry. Both alarms A and B are
logical entities and must be assigned to one of four possible alarm channels concerning the
following criteria:

If you do not want to use an alarm with the table please activate not specified.
Only one alarm (A or B) can be assigned to each alarm channel.
An assigned alarm value overwrites the alarm value setting of the appropriate alarm on the
Output signals tab.
Other properties like normally open/close, alarm source must be defined on the Output
signals tab.
Output channel 1 and 2 are only useable in this table if they are configured as digital on the

Output signals tab.

Emissivity calculation:

If the current object temperature is the only value known to you, you may determine the emissivity as follows:
Set the Emissivity mode to Fixed Value and press the button Calculate Emissivity:

39

Type the known object temperature in the edit box Required temperature. Press the
button Acquire data and calculate emissivity.

The field Current Temperature should display the object temperature and the field
Emissivity the calculated emissivity. Press the OK button – the window will be closed and
the emissivity value transferred.

Transmissivity adjustment:

In this edit box you can enter a value for transmissivity (e.g. if a protective window is used or if the CF-lens is mounted).

Ambient temperature compensation:

In dependence on the emissivity value a certain amount of ambient radiation will be reflected from the object surface. To
compensate this impact, the CT Connect software provides the feature Ambient control (middle of the window Signal
processing):

 internal (Head): The ambient temperature will be taken from the head-internal Pt1000 probe (factory default setting
 external:

The ambient temperature will be determined by a voltage on the functional input-pin F3
(0 – 10 →V -40 – 900 °C; range scalable). With an external probe or with a second PCE-IR10 a real-
time ambient temperature compensation can be realized.

 fixed value:

In the edit box Value a fixed value can be entered (if the ambient radiation is constant).

Especially if there is a big difference between object
and head temperature the use of Ambient control
with external input or fixed value is recommended.

).

40

Post processing:

The post processing supplies some functions to process data after the basic temperature calculation. The following table shows
these functions:

Modus Average Time Hold Time Threshold Hysterese

Off
Averaging X
Peak hold X X
Valley hold X X
Advanced peak hold X X X
Advanced valley hold X X X

Tab. 6-1: Post processing modes and the used parameters

With the menu item Measuring/ Signal Processing
Monitor you can open a utility to monitor the

behavior of the signal post processing.
It always shows the Current Temperature

(w/o post
processing) and the Process Temperature (with
post processing) as a value and as a graph. The
temperature range is adjustable with the sliders.

41

If the post processing mode is Off no post processing will be done.

Averaging:

In the mode Averaging a plain arithmetic algorithm will be performed to smoothen the signal. The Avg. time is the time constant.
This function can be combined with all other post processing functions.

Peak hold:

In the mode Peak hold the PCE-IR10 unit is waiting for descending signals. If the signal descends the algorithm maintains the
previous signal peak for the specified hold time.

⎯ Signal with Post processing

⎯ Object temperature (without Post processing)

Fig. 6-7: Signal graph with Peak hold (left) and Valley hold (right)/ Hold time = 3 s

42

Valley hold:

In the mode Valley Hold the PCE-IR10 unit waits for ascending signals. If the signal ascends the algorithm maintains the
previous signal valley (minimum) for the specified hold time.

Advanced Peak hold:

In the mode Advanced Peak Hold the PCE-IR10 unit waits for local peak values. The signal must drop below the Threshold
value to detect the next peak (which must be ≥ threshold). Furthermore, the Hysterese causes to only accept a new peak, if the
signal descends by the value of the hysterese.

Fig. 6-8: Signal graph with Advanced Peak hold: Threshold = 20 °C (left)/ Threshold = 25 °C and Hysterese = 12 °C (right)

43

Advanced Valley hold:

The mode Advanced Valley hold is the inverted function of Advanced Peak hold. The PCE-IR10 unit waits for local minima.
The signal must exceed the Threshold value to detect the next valley (which must be ≤ threshold). Furthermore, the Hysterese
causes to only accept a new valley, if the signal ascends by the value of the hysterese (Fig. 6-9 right).

Fig. 6-9: Signal graph with Advanced Valley hold: Threshold = 30 °C (left)/ Threshold = 25 °C and Hysterese = 12 °C (right)

44

6.4.2 Output Signals

If the setup dialog is open, the output- and alarm settings can be done in the window Output signals.

Overview Alarm functions:

 Output channel 1 and 2 (if set digital)

isual Alarms (= color of LCD-Display = alarm

 V

values of th

 Software alarms (Set

have only influence on the colors of the
temperature display in the software screen

e optional rela

is-interface)

up/ Display ranges) –

Fig. 6-10: Setup dialog – window

Output signals

Output channel 1:
The output channel 1 is used for the object temperature. To define it as alarm output, activate digital. With the selection
Normally open/ closed you can define the output as High- or Low-alarm.

45

Edit the threshold in the menu box Alarm to set the trigger of the alarm.
The source of output channel 1 can not be chosen – it is always TObj (object temperature).
The following analog outputs (if analog is activated) are available:

0-5 V


 0-10 V
 0/4-20 mA
 Thermocouple (TCJ or TCK)

After you have selected the desired output (edit box: Output mode), you can adjust the temperature range of the PCE-IR10 by
pushing the button Adjust output slope.

Fig. 6-11: Example for setting of the ranges

46

In the example (Fig. 7-11) the measurement range was defined as follows:

 10 °C = 2 V
 330 °C = 7 V

After you have entered the values push the Check button. The result will be visualized in the diagram. You may additionally check
the ranges in the field Limits (temperature and output signal).

Output channel 2:

This channel is normally used as output for the head tem

perature (THead), which equals the ambient temperature. The source can
also be set to TObj or TBox. The channel can also be used as alarm channel (same procedure as output channel 1).
The Ran

ge can be switched between 0-10 V and 0-5 V

– for analog mode and alarm mode (digital) respectively.

Alarm 1 and 2 (Visual Alarms):

The alarms, set under Visual alarms are availa

ble via the optional relay interface board and as visual alarms (change of color of
the LCD backlight). The selection normally open/ close defines the alarm as High- or Low-alarm. In Source you can choose
between the signals TObj, THead and Tbox.
Both alarms will cause a color change of the LCD display:

lue: alarm 1 active

 b
 red: alarm 2 active
 green: no alarm active

47

In Appendix A you will find a table with all possible alarm combinations. The standard mode for the visualization of the alarms
can be reset with the button Standard visual alarms.

The button Blue backlight is a presetting to achieve a permanent blue backlight on the LCD display. Pushing this button will
cause the following:

 both alarms will be set to normally open,
 alarm limits will be set to the lower and upper measurement range limit of the connected PCE-IR10,

ow alarm 1 is permanent active [blue] and alarm 2 is permanent inactive.

N

All alarms (alarm 1, alarm 2, output channel 1 and 2 if used as
alarm output) have a fixed hysterese of 2 K.

6.4.3 Advanced Settings

If the setup dialog is open, the window Advanced settings allows the setting of the following parameters:

Head-parameters:

This function allows the exchange of sensing heads. The 12-digit code contains the calibration data of the head. For a correct
temperature measurement make sure to enter the code (labeled on each head cable) into the electronics without mistakes.
The factory setting includes the entering of the code – a change of this setting (button Change Head Parameter) is only
necessary, if the head will be exchanged.

48

Fig. 6-12: Advanced settings – Change of the head parameters

Unit adjustment:

For certain applications or under certain circumstances a temperature offset or a change of the gain for the temperature curve may
be useful. The factory default settings for Offset and Gain are:

et: 0,0 K

 Offs
 Gain: 1,000

Multidrop-address:

In combination with the RS485 interface you can build a network of several PCE-IR10´s (max. 32
sensors). For the digital communication each sensor must have its own address.

49

7 Principle of Operation

Basics of Infrared Thermometry:

Depending on the temperature each object emits a certain amount of infrared radiation. A
is accompanied by a change in the intensity of the radiation. For the measurement of “thermal radiation” infrared thermometry
uses a wave-length ranging between 1 µ and 20 µm.
The intensity of the emitted radiation depends
emissivity which is a known value for most materials (see enclosed table emissivity).

Infrared thermometers are optoelectronic sensors. They calculate the surface temperature on the basis of the emitted infrared
radiation from an object. The most important feature of infrared thermometers is that they enable the user to measure objects
contactless. Consequently, these products help to measure the temperature of inaccessible or moving objects without difficulties.
Infrared thermometers basically consist of the following components:

lens

-

- spectral filter

- detector

- electronics (amplifier/ linearizat

The specifications of the lens decisively determine the optical path of the infrared thermometer, which is characterized by the ratio
Distance to Spot size.
The spectral filter selects the wavelength range, which is relev
with the processing electronics transforms the emitted infrared radiation into electrical signals.

on the material.

ion/ signa

l processing)

This material contingent constant is described with the help of the

ant for the temp

erature measurement. The detector in cooperation

change in the temperature of the object

50

8 Emissivity

Finding the Emissivity of an Object:

The intensity of infrared radiation, which is emitted by each body, de
of the surface material of the measuring object. The emissivity (ε – Epsilon) is used as a material constant factor to describe the
ability of the body to emit infrared energy. It can range between 0 and 100 %. A “blackbody” is the ideal radiation source with an
emissivity of 1,0 whereas a mirror shows an emissivity of 0,1.
If the emissivity chosen is too high, the infrared thermometer may disp
temperature – assuming the measuring object is warmer than its surroundings. A low emissivity (reflective surfaces) carries the
risk of inaccurate measuring results by interfering infrared radiation emitted by background objects (flames, heating systems,
chamottes). To minimize measuring errors in such cases, the installation should be performed very carefully and the sensor should
be protected against reflecting radiation sources.

To determine an unknown emissivity use the following procedure:

- First, determin
the temperature with the infrared thermometer and modify the emissivity until the displayed result corresponds to the
actual temperature.

- If you mon
covers it completely. Now set the emissivity to 0,95 and take the temperature of the sticker. Afterwards, determine the
temperature of the adjacent area on the measuring object and adjust the emissivity according to the value of the
temperature of the sticker.

- Cove a part of t
emissivity of your infrared thermometer to 0,98 and take the temperature of the colored surface. Afterwards, determine

e the actual temperature of the measuring object with a thermocouple or contact sensor. Second, measure

tor temperatures of up to 260 °C you may place a special plastic sticker onto the measuring object, which

i

h

e surface of the measuring object with a black, flat paint with an emissivity of 0,98. Adjust the

pends on the temperature as well as on the radiation features

lay a

temperature value which is much lower than the real

51

the temperature of a directly adjacent area and modify the emissivity until th
temperature of the colored surface.

Characteristic Emissivities:

In case none of the methods mentioned above help to determine the emissivit
These are average values, only. The actual emissivity of a material depends on the following factors:

- tem

- measuring angle

- geometry of the surface

- thickness of th

- constitution of t

- spectral range of the m

- transmissivity (e.g. with thin films)

perature

e material

he surface (polished, oxidized, rough, sandblast)

easurement

y you may use the emissivity table in Appendix B.

e measured value corresponds to the

9 Maintenance

In case of problems or questions which may arise when you use the PCE-IR10, please contact our service department. The
customer service staff will support you with questions concerning the optimization of the work with the infrared thermometer,
calibration procedures or customer related adjustments of the product and with repairs.
The lens of the head can be cleaned with a soft, humid tissue.
the head, nor for the cable and electronic box).

Never use cleani

ng compounds which contain solvents (neither for

52

Appendix A – Visual Alarms

Alarm 1 Alarm 2 Alarm status

normally t emperature normally temperature 1 2

Close Below Open Below 1 0 On Off Off Standard visual alar ms

Close Below Open Above 1 1 On Off On Standard visual alarms

Close Above Open Below 0 0 Off On Off Standard visual alarms

Close Above Open Above 0 1 Off Off On Standard vis ual alarms

Close Below Close Below 1 1 On Off On

Close Below Close Above 1 0 On Off Off

Close Above Close Below 0 1 Off Off On

Close Above Close Above 0 0 Of f On Off

Open Below Open Below 0 0 Off On Off

Open Below Open Above 0 1 Off Off On

Open Above Open Below 1 0 On Off Off Blue backlight

Open Above Open Above 1 1 On Off On

Open Below Close Below 0 1 Off Off On

Open Below Close Above 0 0 Off On Off

Open Above Close Below 1 1 On Off On

Open Above Close Above 1 0 On Off Off

Blue

LED

Green

LED

Red
LED

Preset

The first four lines represent the standard mode for visualizing the alarms (in connection with TObj as source) on the LCD-display
(alarm 1: Low-alarm [blue]; alarm 2: High-alarm [red]). If no alarm is activated the display color is green.

53

Appendix B – Emissivity Tables

METALS

Material Emissivity

1,0 µm 1,6 µm 5,1 µm 8 – 14 µm

Aluminium non oxidized 0,1-0,2 0,02-0,2 0,02-0,2 0,02-0,1

oxidized 0,4 0,4 0,2-0,4 0,2-0,4

Leg. A3003, oxidized 0,4 0,4 0,3

roughened 0,2-0,8 0,2-0,6 0,1-0,4 0,1-0,3

polished 0,1-0,2 0,02-0,1 0,02-0,1 0,02-0,1

Lead polished 0,35 0,05-0,2 0,05-0,2 0,05-0,1

rough 0,65 0,6 0,4 0,4

oxidized 0,3-0,7 0,2-0,7 0,2-0,6
Chrome 0,4 0,4 0,03-0,3 0,02-0,2
Iron oxidized 0,7-0,9 0,5-0,9 0,6-0,9 0,5-0,9

non oxidized 0,35 0,1-0,3 0,05-0,25 0,05-0,2

molten 0,35 0,4-0,6

Iron, casted oxidized 0,9 0,7-0,9 0,65-0,95 0,6-0,95

non oxidized 0,35 0,3 0,25 0,2

molten 0,35 0,3-0,4 0,2-0,3 0,2-0,3
Iron, forged blunt 0,9 0,9 0,9 0,9
Gold 0,3 0,01-0,1 0,01-0,1 0,01-0,1
Magnesium 0,3-0,8 0,05-0,3 0,03-0,15 0,02-0,1

Haynes alloy 0,5-0,9 0,6-0,9 0,3-0,8 0,3-0,8

Inconel oxidized 0,4-0,9 0,6-0,9 0,6-0,9 0,7-0,95

sandblast 0,3-0,4 0,3-0,6 0,3-0,6 0,3-0,6

electro polished 0,2-0,5 0,25 0,15 0,15

Copper polished 0,05 0,03 0,03 0,03

54

Material Emissivity

1,0 µm 1,6 µm 5,1 µm 8 – 14 µm

roughened 0,05-0,2 0,05-0,2 0,05-0,15 0,05-0,1

oxidized 0,2-0,8 0,2-0,9 0,5-0,8 0,4-0,8

Brass polished 0,35 0,01-0,05 0,01-0,05 0,01-0,05

rough 0,65 0,4 0,3 0,3

oxidized 0,6 0,6 0,5 0,5

Molybdenum oxidized 0,5-0,9 0,4-0,9 0,3-0,7 0,2-0,6

non oxidized 0,25-0,35 0,1-0,3 0,1-0,15 0,1
Monel (Ni-Cu) 0,3 0,2-0,6 0,1-0,5 0,1-0,14
Nickel oxidized 0,8-0,9 0,4-0,7 0,3-0,6 0,2-0,5

electrolytic 0,2-0,4 0,1-0,3 0,1-0,15 0,05-0,15

Platinum black 0,95 0,9 0,9
Mercury 0,05-0,15 0,05-0,15 0,05-0,15
Silver 0,04 0,02 0,02 0,02

Steel cold-rolled 0,8-0,9 0,8-0,9 0,8-0,9 0,7-0,9

heavy plate 0,5-0,7 0,4-0,6

polished plate 0,35 0,25 0,1 0,1

molten 0,35 0,25-0,4 0,1-0,2

oxidized 0,8-0,9 0,8-0,9 0,7-0,9 0,7-0,9

rustless 0,35 0,2-0,9 0,15-0,8 0,1-0,8

Titanium polished 0,5-0,75 0,3-0,5 0,1-0,3 0,05-0,2

oxidized 0,6-0,8 0,5-0,7 0,5-0,6

Wolfram polished 0,35-0,4 0,1-0,3 0,05-0,25 0,03-0,1

Zinc oxidized 0,6 0,15 0,1 0,1

polished 0,5 0,05 0,03 0,02

Tin non oxidized 0,25 0,1-0,3 0,05 0,05

55

NON METALS

Material Emissivity

1,0 µm 2,2 µm 5,1 µm 8 – 14 µm

Asbestos 0,9 0,8 0,9 0,95
Asphalt 0,95 0,95
Basalt 0,7 0,7
Concrete 0,65 0,9 0,9 0,95

Iron 0,98
Soil 0,9-0,98

Paint (non alkaline) 0,9-0,95

Gypsum 0,4-0,97 0,8-0,95

Glass plate 0,2 0,98 0,85

melt 0,4-0,9 0,9
Rubber 0,9 0,95
Wood, natural 0,9-0,95 0,9-0,95
Limestone 0,4-0,98 0,98
Carborundum 0,95 0,9 0,9
Ceramic 0,4 0,8-0,95 0,8-0,95 0,95
Grit 0,95 0,95

Carbon non oxidized 0,8-0,9 0,8-0,9 0,8-0,9

graphite 0,8-0,9 0,7-0,9 0,7-0,8
Plastic transparent >0,5 µm 0,95 0,95
Paper (any color) 0,95 0,95
Sand 0,9 0,9

Snow 0,9

Fabric 0,95 0,95

Water 0,93

56