3 General description ............................................................................................................................. 24
3.1 Power supply...................................................................................................................................... 24
3.4 Analog output signals ......................................................................................................................... 24
3.5 Digital interface .................................................................................................................................. 25
4 User configurable settings and functions ......................................................................................... 27
4.1 Function overview .............................................................................................................................. 28
6.1 General guidelines for fixed installation .............................................................................................. 32
6.2 Analog signal wiring ........................................................................................................................... 33
6.3 Minimum analog output load .............................................................................................................. 33
6.4 Digital signal wiring ............................................................................................................................ 33
10 Technical data ...................................................................................................................................... 40
HygroClip 2 (HC2) Humidity Temperature
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Applicability:
This manual applies to all HC2 probes with firmware version 3.0 or higher. Changes to the last digit of the
version number reflect minor firmware changes that do not affect the manner in which the probe should be
operated.
1 Overview
The HC2 series are digital humidity-temperature probes based on the AirChip 3000 technology. These probes
feature a UART serial interface and two 0…1 V linear analog output signals.
The HC2 probes are designed for use with the HygroClip 2 generation of ROTRONIC humidity-temperature
instruments: hand-held and bench top indicators, data loggers, transmitters, hygrostats, etc. The HC2 probes
maintain all of the benefits of the original HygroClip technology such as the possibility of hot-swapping probes
and feature significant improvements in the area of measurement accuracy and functio nal it y .
The HC2 probes can also be used as a stand-alone device using either the analog output signals or the probe
digital interface. Connectors, cables and digital interface adapters are available to this purpose. Digital
integration with OEM applications is facilitated by the probe communication protocol options.
The HC2 probes offer the following user functions:
o User configurable settings
o Calculation of the dew or frost point
o Humidity temperature calibration and adjustment
o Simulator mode
o Automatic humidity sensor test and drift compensation
o Sensor failure mode
o Data recording
The ability for the user to easily update the AirChip 3000 firmware means that the HC2 probes can be kept upto-date regarding any future functionality improvement.
Available in different configurations, the HC2 probe series is designed to meet the requirements of a large
number of applications and environme nts.
1.1 Hardware and software compatibility
The HC2 probes are compatible only with the AirChip 3000 generation of ROTRONIC humidity-temperature
instruments and are not backward compatible with instruments based on the previous technology.
Configuration of the HC2 probes and access to the probe functions requires a PC with the ROTRONIC HW4
software version 2.1.0 or higher or connection to a compatible instrument from ROTRONIC. For firmware
updates HW4 software version 3.3.0 or higher is needed.
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2 Models
In the following tables, we have indicated the type of instrument primarily used with each probe model. The
following should also be noted:
o The HC2 probes can be directly connected to a PC or to an Ethernet network using one of the available
digital interface adapters (see separate document E-M-HC2-accessories).
o The HC2 Probes can also be used as a stand alone device with two analog output signals. Different
connectors are available to this purpose (see separat e doc u ment E-M-HC2-accessories).
Regardless of the probe model, the analog outputs signals are always scaled in the same way by the factory
(0…1 V = 0…100 %RH and 0…1 V = -40…60 °C). The user is responsible for reconfiguring the probe analog
outputs (requires the ROTRONIC HW4 software) and for providing power to the probe.
For use with indicators, data loggers and transmitters
Humidity measuring range: 0…100 %RH
Same as HC2-C05 but with 5 mm diameter (0.2”)
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Temperature limits -40…85 °C (-40…185 °F)
HC2-C04
HC2-C05
Diameter: 4 mm (0.16”), cable length (electronics – probe tip: about 0.59 m (1.9 ft)
Probe electronics housing: polycarbonate, black
Weight: approx. 150 g ( 5.3 oz )
Can be equipped with Teflon dust filter SP-T05
Weight: approx. 160 g (5.6 oz)
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Note:
Accuracy of the HC2-C04 and HC2-C05 probe models is affected by the temperature of the cable separating
the sensors from the electronics (see §10.3).
Spot check measurements in air ducts, chambers and ovens
Handheld probe for use with indicators and data loggers
Humidity measuring range: 0…100 %RH
Humidity measuring range: 0…100 %RH
Weight: approx. 240 g ( 8.5 oz )
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Temperature limits at sensor -100…150 °C (-148…302 °F)
Barrel: diameter: 15 mm (0.6”), length: 250 mm (9.8”)
HC2-HK25
HC2-HK40
Probe cable length: 2 m (6.5 ft)
Handgrip: POM, black -, barrel: PEEK, black
Filter base (NSP-ME) with wire mesh filter cartridge (SP-M15)
Weight: approx. 210 g ( 7.4 oz )
Temperature limits at sensor -100…200 °C (-148…392 °F)
Same as HC2-HK25 but with barrel 400 mm barrel length (15.7”)
WP-40 sample cup holder
Prior to use, verify the integrity
and cleanliness of the sealing
O-ring located under the probe
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Note:
When using the HC2-AW probe, check that the red LED on top of the probe is lit. This indicates that the probe
is being powered. I f nece ssary , pow er the pr obe by pr essing once on t he re d butt on l ocated on t op of the prob e.
When the red LED is not lit, t he prob e is not powered a nd the i nstrument is not r eceiving a signal fr om the pro be.
HygroClip 2 (HC2) Humidity Temperature
Probes: User Guide
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Humidity measuring range: 0…100 %RH
Temperature limits at sensor: -100…200 °C (-148…392 °F)
Diameter barrel: 15 mm (0.6”)
Length (probe head): 120 mm (4.7”). See note below
HC2-IM102
HC2-IM105
Cable length: 2 m (6.5 ft)
5 m (16.4 ft)
Housing material: PEEK (connector)
Stainless steel, DIN 1.4301 (probe head)
Standard filter: None, must be ordered separately
Sensor: HYGROMER
Weight: 260 g / 9.2 oz, 2 m cable
420 g / 14.8 oz, 5 m cable
®
IN-1
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Humidity measuring range: 0…100 %RH
Temperature limits at sensor: -100…200 °C (-148…392 °F)
Diameter barrel: 15 mm (0.6”)
Length (probe head): 280 mm (11.0”). See note below
HC2-IM302
HC2-IM305
Cable length: 2 m (6.5 ft)
5 m (16.4 ft)
Housing material: PEEK (connector)
Stainless steel, DIN 1.4301 (probe head)
Standard filter: None, must be ordered separately
Sensor: HYGROMER
Weight: 400 g / 14.1 oz, 2 m cable
HygroClip 2 (HC2) Humidity Temperature
Probes: User Guide
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Humidity measuring range: 0…100 %RH
Temperature limits at sensor: -100…200 °C (-148…392 °F)
Diameter barrel: 15 mm (0.6”)
Length (probe head): 430 mm (16.9”). See note below
HC2-IM402
HC2-IM405
HC2-IM502
HC2-IM505
Cable length: 2 m (6.5 ft)
5 m (16.4 ft)
Housing material: PEEK (connector)
Stainless steel, DIN 1.4301 (probe head)
Standard filter: None, must be ordered separately
Sensor: HYGROMER
Weight: 540 g / 19.0 oz, 2 m cable
780 g / 27.5 oz, 5 m cable
Humidity measuring range: 0…100 %RH
Temperature limits at sensor: -100…200 °C (-148…392 °F)
Diameter barrel: 15 mm (0.6”)
Length (probe head): 580 mm (22.8”). See note below
Cable length: 2 m (6.5 ft)
5 m (16.4 ft)
Housing material: PEEK (connector)
Stainless steel, DIN 1.4301 (probe head)
Standard filter: None, must be ordered separately
Sensor: HYGROMER
Weight: 680 g / 24.0 oz, 2 m cable
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3 General description
3.1 Power supply
The accuracy specified for the HC2 probes is valid only when the probe is supplied with a voltage within the
range of 3.3…5 VDC. The probes are tested and adjusted at the factory using a supply voltage of 3.3 VDC.
When a voltage source of 3.3…5 VDC is not available, the probe should be used toget her with a v oltage adapter
(see separate document E-M-HC2-accessories) so as to provide 3.3…5 VDC to the probe. Use of a voltage
adapter allows powering the probe from a voltage source of 5 to 24 VDC or 5 to 16 VAC.
During start-up the typical current consumption of the probe is initially 8 mA during 2ms and 5 mA during the
next 2s. Without a power supply limiter, the start-up curr en t may reach a max imum of 50 mA. After start-up the
current consumption is on average less than 3 mA. Randomly distributed current spikes of maximum 1 mA
during 2μs are normal during operation and are caused by the probe micro-processor and associated
components.
The HC2 probes are polarity protected by a keyed connector. There is no electrical polarity protection.
3.2 Measured parameters
The HC2 probe measures relative humidity with a ROTRONIC Hygromer® IN1 capacitive sensor and
temperature with a Pt100 RTD.
3.3 Calculated parameters
Using the ROTRONIC HW4 software, the HC2 probe can be configured by the user to calculate either the dew
point or the frost point.
3.4 Analog output signals
The HC2 probe features two 0…1 V linear analog output signals. The default factory settings are as follows:
Output 1: 0…1 V (humidity) = 0…100 %RH
Output 2: 0…1 V (temperature) = -40…60˚C
Using the ROTRONIC HW4 software any output signal can be made to correspon d one of the following:
o Relative humidity
o Temperature
o Dew or frost point
The scale of each analog output can be set within the numerical limits of -999.99 and 9999.99.
If so desired, any output can also be disabled (no signal).
The D/A converters used to generate the analog output signals feature a 16-bit resolution. The 0…1 V analog
output signals exhibit a small positiv e offset of 3 mV or le ss at 0 V.
Minimum load requir ements ap ply to the ex ternal devi ce or circuit connected to the pro be voltage outputs. Thes e
requirements are defined in the “Operation” cha pter
Note:
Users who require an analog signal other than 0…1 V should either contact ROTRONIC or connect the probe
to one of the available transmitters.
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3.5 Digital interface
The HC2 probe features a UA R T inter face (Universal Asynchronou s Rec eiv er Transmitter) that allows two-way
communication with the probe. For connecting the HC2 probe to a PC, use any of the following digital adapter
cables AC3001, AC3002 or AC3005 (see document E-M-HC2-accessories). The probe can also be indirectly
connected to a PC using an instrument from the ROTRONIC program.
The ROTRONIC HW4 software (version 2.1.0 or higher) allows full access to the following:
o Measurement data (humidity and temperature) and calculated parameter (dew or frost point)
o Probe information: name, RS-485 address, humidity sensor status, etc.
o Probe alarm functions
o Probe data logging functio n
o Probe calibration and probe adjustment fu nct ion s
o Probe configuration
The ROTRONIC HW4 software (version 3.3.0 or higher) allows full access to the following:
o Firmware update of HygroCli p probes
Communication protocol options
The probe measurement data can be read without having to use the ROTRONIC HW4 software. Starting with
firmware version 1.3, the HC2 probe offers the following communication protocol options (ASCII) which can be
selected by connecting the probe to a PC running the ROTRONIC HW4 software (version 2.1.1 or higher):
oRO-ASCII: this is the standard (default) communication protocol used by all AirChip 3000 devices and
by the HW4 software. In principle, this protocol supports all of the AirChip 3000 functions but some of
the functions require a certain amount of c omp utations to be carried o ut by a n external device suc h a s a
PC.
oCustom: this communication protocol can be used to provide compatibility of the HC2 probe with an
existing communicatio n syst em. T he Cu stom com munica tion pr otoco l is limited to read ing mea surement
data from the HC2 probe. Fu nctions su ch as device c onfigurat ion, humidity and temper ature adju stment,
etc. are not supported. The Custom protocol is applicable to all AirChip 3000 devices with a digital
interface and allows RS-485 networking
oI2C: The I2C protocol available with the HC2 probe does not allow the networking of devices and is
limited to a one way communic at ion w her e th e H C2 probe automatically sends data d ur in g e ach refresh
interval to an external device with I2C input.
When using either the RO-ASCII or the Custom protocol, the HC2 probe can be set to send data automatically
after each refresh cy c le w it hou t requiring a data r eque st. When this mode is enabled, the receiving dev i ce mu st
be listening at all times in order to get the measurement data.
particles (clogging) and in bioactive environments
Stainless steel sintered
200 °C (392 °F)
Good response at low humidity levels. Do not use
Probe connector (7-pin male – looking at probe)
Pin #
Wire Color
Name
Function
1
Green
VDD (+)
3.3 to 5 VDC
2
Grey
GND
Power and digital signal
3
Red
RXD
UART
4
Blue
TXD
UART
5
White
Out 1 analog (+)
Humidity 0…100%RH (default)
6
Brown
Out 2 analog (+)
Temperature -40…60°C (default)
7
Yellow
AGND
Analog signal ground
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3.6 Connector
All standard probe models of the HC2 series use the same keyed connector (male). The connector is located
either directly on the probe b ody or at the end of a cabl e. The probe conn ector is secured to t he matching femal e
connector with a threaded collar.
Pin-out diagram
3.7 Sensor pr otection (dust filter)
Most probes of the HC2 series are supplied with a filter to protect the sensors against dust particles and high
air velocity. Depending on the probe model the following types of filter materials are used:
mesh
filter
Note:
Depending on the probe model, the dust filter is either automatically included with the probe or it must be
ordered separately (see Models).
below 100 °C. Good response and good
protection against fine dust particles. No water
salt (marine environments). Moderately slow
response
recommended in environments with fine dust
at high humidity levels. Provides best protection
against abrasive particles
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4 User configurable set ti ngs a nd f unctions
The HC2 probe ships configured as per the factory defaults:
o Users who intend to use the probe as a stand-alone analo g device can use the pro be as any conventional
humidity and temperature probe. A connecting cable with active electronics may be required to power
the probe. Most such users will never have to use the probe configurable settings and functions
o Users who purchased a probe for use with another ROTRONIC instrument can also use the probe right
away and do not necessarily have to use the probe configurable settings and functions
o Users that intend to use the probe as a stand-alone digital device typically need to use a connecting
cable with active electronics and generally need to configure either the probe or the PC
Making use of the probe configurable settings and funct ions is entirely up to the user and the appropriate settings
depend on the user application. We have provided below a short description of the probe functions and also
indicated the factory default settings.
o 1-point or multi-point humidity calibrat ion or adjus tme nt
o Generate calibration and adjustment protocols
► Automatic humidity sensor test
Tests the humidity sensor for drift caused by contaminants and
► Data recording
The data recording function differs from a true data logging
AirChip 3000 Functions
Description
► Simulator mode
Used to make the probe generate fixed values for the
configured, enabled or disabled
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4.1 Function over view
o 1-point or 2-point temperature calibrat ion or adjus tme nt
o Generate a time stamp for calibrations and adjust ment s
o Retain and view last adjustment date and adjustment values
and optional drift compensation
can be used to automatically apply a correction. The test is
automatically carried out at regular intervals of time. Can be
configured, enabled, or disabled
The humidity sensor status can be verified either with the HW4
software and is shown as Good, SQ-tuned (corrected for drift) or
Bad (defective)
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MEASUREMENT LOOP VALIDATION
function in the sense that the AirChip 3000 does not time stamp
the data. This data recording function can be used to investigate
events such as a sensor malfunction as well as to retrieve data
that would otherwise be lost
o Start or stop data recording - up to 2000 value pairs (%RH
and temperature). Starting a recording session erases all
previously recorded data
o The recording mode and log interval can be specified
o When the probe is powered off, the recording session is
paused but not ended As long as the recording se ss ion has
not been ended, the probe automatically resumes recording
data when powered up again
o The recorded data can be downloaded to a PC with the
HW4 software, time stamped and viewed
humidity, temperature and calculated parameter. Can be
Enabling / Disabling only by HW4 user rights possible
Device write protection
Disabled
Limit humidity output to 100 %RH
Enabled
Out-of-limit value digital alarm
Disabled
Data recording
Disabled
Automatic humidity sensor test
Disabled
Humidity sensor drift compensation
Disabled
Fail safe mode
Disabled
Simulator mode
Disabled
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4.2 Factory default settings
Note:
Configuration of the probe by the user and access to its functions requires a PC with the ROTRONIC HW4
software (version 2.1.1 or higher) installed. For connecting the HC2 probe to a PC, use any of the following
digital adapter cables AC3001, AC3002 or AC3005 (see document E-M-HC2-accessories).
o For a detailed description of all AirChip 3000 / probe main fun ctio ns see docum ent E-T-AC3000-DF-V1
o Instructions regarding the configuration of the probe and access to its functions are provided in the
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5 Mechanical installation
Note:
The following instructions apply only to the situation where the HC2 probe is fixed installed.
5.1 General guidelines for fixed installation
For best results, please observe the following guidelines:
o Install the probe at a location where humidity, temperature and pressure conditions are representative
of the environment or proce ss t o be measured. Avoid the follow ing: ( a) Close proximity of the probe to a
heating element, a cooling coil , a cold or hot wall, dire ct ex posure to sun rays, etc. (b) Clo se pr oximity of
the probe to a steam injector, humidifier, direct exposure to precipitation, etc. (c) Unstable pressure
conditions resulting from excessive air turbulence.
o When installing the probe on a wall, do not place the probe right above a heat producing device of
instrument such as a transmitter or an Ethernet adapter (warm air tends to rise).
o If possible, choose a location that provides good air movement at the probe: air velocity of at least 1
meter/second (200 ft/ minute) facilitates adaptation of the probe to changing temperature.
o When installing the probe through a wall, immerse as much of the probe as possible in the environment
to be measured.
Position the probe so as to prevent the accumulation of condensation water at the level of the sensor leads.
Install the probe so that the probe tip is looking downward. If this is not possible, install the probe horizontally.
Depending on the probe model, a probe holder (mounting flange with a compression fitting) can facilitate
installation through a wall.
Future maintenance can be made easier by providing next to the probe a calibration access orifice. During
maintenance, this permits the insertion of a reference probe (calibrator).The calibration access orifice should
have the same size as the orifice used to install the probe and can be equipped with a probe holder.
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6 Electrical installation
Note:
The following instructions apply only to the situation where the HC2 probe is fixed installed.
6.1 General guidelines for fixed installation
Power supply wiring
Heavy machinery and instru mentation shoul d not share the sa me power supply w iring. If this cann ot be avoided,
noise filters and surge protectors should be used. Most UPS devices have those features already integrated.
General guidelines for signal cables
The following guidelines are derived from European Standard EN 50170 for the transmission of signals by
copper wires. When planning an installation, the rules provided by EN 50170 should be followed under
consideration of local circumstances to determine the position of machines and equipment.
All ROTRONIC HygroClip products are tested for Electromagnetic Compatibility according to EMC Directive
2004/106/EG and following European standards:
o EN 61000-6-1: 2001, EN 61000-6-2: 2005
o EN 61000-6-3: 2005, EN 61000-6-4: 2001 + A11
Whenever the level of electromagnetic interference is expected to be high, both the instruments and signal
cables should be placed as far away as possible from the source of interference.
In general, signal cables should be installed in bundles or channels / conduits, separate from other cables as
indicated in the table below:
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o Bus signals such as RS485
o Data signals for PCs, printers etc.
o shielded analog inputs
o unshielded direct current (<= 60V)
o shielded process s ignals (<= 25 V)
o unshielded alternate current (<= 25V)
o coaxial cables for CRT monitors
o direct current from 60 V to 400 V
(unshielded)
oalternate current from 25V to 400 V
(unshielded)
odirect and alternate current > 400 V
(unshielded)
o Telephone lines
o lines leading into EX-rated areas
in common bundles or channels / conduits
in separated bundles or channels /
conduits, without minimum distance
in separated bundles or channels /
conduits, without minimum distance
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Lightning protection
Cabling in areas with a risk of lightning requires a lightning protection. For cabling underground in between
buildings, we recommen d th e use of special fiber opti c cabl e s. If this is not possible, us e c o pper cables that are
suitable for underground inst al latio n.
6.2 Analog signal wiring
Preferably use a shield ed cabl e to con nect th e analo g ou tputs of the HC2 to other devi ces. The max imum cab le
length is determined by the maximum error that the user will accept. This can be calculated as follows:
Error (V) = cable resistance x current through load
6.3 Minimum analog output load
The HC2 analog outputs are short circuit tolerant and have an internal resistance of less than 10 Ω
For proper operation, the minimum external load of each output should be at least 1000 Ω.
6.4 Digital signal wiring
Use one of the available connecting cables (see Accessories) to connect the UART digital interface of the HC2
probe to other devices. Without a signal booster, the maximum cable length should not ex ceed 5 m (16 ft).
6.5 Grounding
In the case of a fixed installation, ground the HC2 probe, especially if the electronics will be subjected to a low
humidity environment (35 %RH or less). The power supply and digital ground (GND) and the analog ground
(AGND) should be tied separately to a proper ground so as to avoid spikes in the analog signal s.
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7 Operation
7.1 Operation with an indicator, data logger or transmitter
The HC2 probes are compatible with a large number of indicators, data loggers and transmitters from
ROTRONIC. Operating instructions are provided in each device manual.
7.2 Stand-alone operation as an analog probe
The HC2 probes can be used as a conventional analog probe. See Accessories, supply voltage adapters,
connectors and cables. Use the HW4 software to conf ig ure the probe as desired, complete the mechanical and
electrical installation and power up the probe.
Minimum load requirements for the probe voltage outputs
The following requirements apply to any external device or circuit connected to the probe voltage outputs:
In the situation where the external device uses an internal pull-up resistor the value of this resistor should meet
the requirements show n below. It is al so nece ssary to add a p ull-dow n resis tor RL c onnect ed to gr ound in order
to be able to read 100% of the range of the probe voltage output.
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Stand-alone operation as a digital probe (PC or network)
The HC2 probes can be connected to a PC or to an Ethernet network with one of the available digital interface
adapters (see Accessories). Probe configuration and full access to all probe functions requires a PC with the
ROTRONIC HW4 software installed. Starting with firmware version 1.3, the probes accept several
communication proto cols that allow us ers to r ead the measuremen t data w ithout the H W4 software. When using
the standard RO-ASCII protocol, access to some of the probe functions is also possible without HW4. For
details, see document E-M-AC3000-CP.
7.3 Connectivity examples for stand-alone probes
Digital connection example: RS-485 network
Addr. 1
(T Connection)
Adapter
HC2 probe
Addr. n
Note:
o The master device can be either a transmitter such as the HF5 (USB or TCP/IP interface) or an adapter
such as the AC3010 cable (USB)
o Power to the combination E2-01XX-MOD and HC2 probe can be provided by an individual AC adapter
or by a central voltage source connected to the RS-485 network (requires cables with 2 twisted pairs:
one for the data, the other for power)
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Analog connection example:
Voltage
Adapter
HC2 probe
0…1 VDC
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5…24 VDC
or
5…16 VAC
(or other)
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7.4 Hand-held probes used with an indicator
The most common source of error when measuring relative humidity with a hand-held probe is a difference
between the temperature of the probe and the temperature of the environment. At a humidity condition of 50
%RH, a temperature difference of 1°C (1.8 °F) typically results in an error of 3 %RH on relative humidity.
When using a humidity pr obe with a portable indicator, it is g ood practice to monitor the di s play for t emp erat ur e
stability. When moving the probe from one area to another, the probe should be given sufficient time to
equilibrate with the environment to be measured. This time can be shortened, and errors avoided, by using the
probe configuration that fits best for your application.
In extreme situations, condensation may occur on the sensors when the probe is colder than the environment.
As long as the humidity / temperature limits of the humidity sensor are not exceeded, condensation does not
alter the calibration of th e sensor. How ever, the sensor has to dry out before it c an provide a v alid measurement .
Non-moving air is an excellent insulator. When there is no air movement, surprising differences in temperature
and humidity can noted over shor t distance s. Air movemen t at the prob e generally results in mea surements tha t
are both faster and more accurate.
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8 Maintenance
8.1 Cleaning or replacing the dust filter
Depending on the conditions of measurement, the filter should be checked from time to time. Corroded,
discolored or clogged filters should be repla ced .
o If the probe has a rem ovable cartridg e, si mply r eplace the cartr idge (leav e the met al base on the prob e).
o If the probe has a plastic slotted cap with a built-in filter element follow these instructions:
1) Unscrew the filter from the probe and pull it straight away, in the alignmen t of the probe, so as not
the catch the humidity and temperature sensors.
2) Before putting on a new dust filter, check the alignment of both sensors with the probe. The wires
that connect the sensors to the probe are very thin and bend easily. If necessary, correct the
alignment by tapping the sensor very gently with a smooth object such as a small plastic rod. Do
not use sharp pliers or tweezers as this could puncture the sensor and do not pull hard on the
sensor.
8.2 Periodi c calibr ation check
Both the Pt 100 RTD temper ature se nsor and a ssoci ated ele ctron ics are v ery stab le and sh ould not r equire a ny
calibration after the initial facto ry adjustme nt.
Long term stability of the ROTRONIC Hygromer humidity sensor is typically better than 1 %RH per year. For
maximum accuracy, calibration of the probe should be verified every 6 to 12 months. Applications where the
probe is exposed to contaminants may require more frequent verifications. Calibration and adjustment of the
HC2 probe can be done with either a PC with the HW4 software installed (version 2.1.0 or higher) or with the
HP23 hand-held calibrator. For connecting the HC2 probe to a PC, use any of the following digital adapter
cables AC3001, AC3002 or AC3005 (see document E-M-HC2-accessories).
Procedure for adjusting the HC2 probe with the ROTRONIC HW4 software:
o Connect the HC2 probe to the HW4 PC as explained in the HW4 manual E-M-HW4v3-Main
o Start HW4 software on the PC and sear ch for th e HC 2 probe. ( H W4 Main Menu Bar > Devices an d
Groups > Search for USB masters or Search for RS232 masters or search for Ethernet masters,
depending on the connecting cable).
o After finding the HC2 probe with HW4, expand the device tree to see the HC2 probe functions and
select Probe Adjustment.
o For further instructions see HW4 manual E-M-HW4v3-A2-001
HygroClip 2 (HC2) Humidity Temperature
Probes: User Guide
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Instruction Manual
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8.3 Validation of the output signals transmission
If so desired, transmission of the HC2 probe output signals can be validated by using the probe simulator
function. The HW4 software is required to enable and configure this function. When the function is enabled the
probe generates digital and analog sig nal s corresponding to values specified by the user.
HygroClip 2 (HC2) Humidity Temperature
Probes: User Guide
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Instruction Manual
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9 Firmware updates
Firmware updates w ill be avail able on the R OTRONIC website for dow nloading. F irmware files are given a name
that shows both to which device the file applies and the version number of the firmware. All firmware files have
the extension HEX. For connecting the HC2 probe to a PC, use any of the following digital adapter cables
AC3001, AC3002 or AC3005 (see document E-M-HC2-accessories).
Procedure for updating the firmware:
o Connect the HC2 probe to the HW4 PC as explained in the HW4 manual E-M-HW4v3-Main
o Copy the firmware update file from the ROTRONIC website to the PC.
o Start HW4 software on the PC and search for the HC2 probe. (HW4 Main Menu Bar > Devices and
Groups > Search for USB masters or Search for RS232 masters or search for Ethernet masters,
depending on the onnecting cable).
o After finding the HC2 probe, expand the device tree to see the HC2 probe functions. Select Device
Manager. In the Device Manager menu bar select Tools > Firmware Update. For instructions see
document E-M-HW4v3-F2-001
HygroClip 2 (HC2) Humidity Temperature
Probes: User Guide
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Instruction Manual
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45 of 49
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10.3 Dew point accuracy
The HC2 probes can be configured to calculate either the dew point or frost point based on the measurement
of relative humidity and temperature. The accuracy of this conversion varies, depending on the humidity and
temperature conditions as shown in the graph below:
Example: at a temperature of 20 ˚C, a dew point value of -37 ˚C is measured with an accuracy of
±1.0 ˚C or better.
System atic er r or as a function of the length of c able
exposed to tempera ture
-10
-8
-6
-4
-2
0
2
4
6
8
10
020406080100120140160180200
Cable Length [cm]
Error [%RH]
-40 °C
-20 °C
0 °C
23 °C
40 °C
60 °C
85 °C
Document code Unit
Rotronic AG
Bassersdorf, Switzerland
HygroClip 2 (HC2) Humidity Temperature
Probes: User Guide
Document title
Instruction Manual
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46 of 49
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10.4 Effect of cable temperature on the accuracy of probes HC2-C04 an d
HC2-C05
Accuracy of the HC2-C04 and HC2-C05 probes is affected by the temperature of the cable separating the
sensors from the electronics.
Error on humidity:
Humidity measurement accuracy is specified at ±1.0 %RH when both the humidity sensor and the cable are at
23 °C. Depending both on the value of temperature and on the exposed length of cable, the probe exhibits a
predictable error (bias) as illustrated below:
Error on temperature:
Temperature measurement accuracy is specified at ±0.3 °C when both the temperature sensor and the cable
are at 23 °C. When the ful l le ngth of the 2 meter probe c able is exposed to temperature values within the range
of -40 to 85 °C, the additional error is limited to 0.125 °C.
HygroClip 2 (HC2) Humidity Temperature
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Instruction Manual
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11 Accessories and parts
For accessories and parts such as the HW4 config uration softw are, extension cables, adapte r cables, calibration
accessories and spare dust filters, please see document E-M-HC2-accessories
HW4 software version 3: General instructions and functions common to all
devices
HW4 software version 3: HC2 probe series
Device configuration and AirChip 3000 functions
Configuration procedures for ROTRONIC devices
Temperature and humidity adjustment basics
Document code Unit
Rotronic AG
Bassersdorf, Switzerland
HygroClip 2 (HC2) Humidity Temperature
Probes: User Guide
Document title
12 Supporti ng doc um e nt s
E-M-HC2-accessories
E-T-AC3000-DF-V1
E-M-HW4v3-DIR
E-M-HW4v3-Main
E-M-HW4v3-F2-001
E-M-HW4v3-A2-001
Accessories and parts for probes, indicators and transmitters
AirChip 3000 Description and Main Functions
List of the HW4 manuals
HW4 software version 3: Probe Adjust ment function AirChip 3000 devices
Instruction Manual
Page
48 of 49
Document Type
E-M-HW4v3-DR-001
E-M-AC3000-CP
E-M-TCPIP-Conf
E-M-CalBasics
E-T-HumiDefs
Note:
All document file names have an extension corresponding to the document release number (example of a first
release: E-M-HW4v2-Main_10). This extension is not shown in the above table.
HW4 software version 3: Data Recording Function AirChip 3000 Devices
AirChip 3000 Communication Prot ocol
with Ethernet (TCP/IP) interface
Instructions for using the ROTRONIC humidity standards
Added probe model HC2-AW
Corrected the specification of some of the probe materials
Page 10: reduced maximum pressure to 100 bar / 1450 PSI for
Changes for HygroClip2 with firmware v3.0
Added HC2-IExxx-M
Update of Pt100 class. Industrial probes are deliv er ed with
IP protection class added
Document code Unit
Rotronic AG
Bassersdorf, Switzerland
HygroClip 2 (HC2) Humidity Temperature
Probes: User Guide
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Instruction Manual
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49 of 49
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13 Document releases
Doc. Release Date Notes
_20 Apr. 11, 2009 Original release
_21 Aug. 19, 2009
_22 Jun. 18, 2010 Updated document to HW4 software v.3
_23 May 20, 2011 Modified dimensional specifications of the HC2-C04 probe
_24 Jan. 6, 2012 Changed the factory default for data recording to “disabled”
_25 May 30, 2013
_26 Nov. 2013
the HC2-IE102/105 and HC2-IE302/305
Power supply range changed to 3.3…5 VDC
HC2-IE maximum pressure range changed to 100 bar.
Added HC2-SM
Added HC2-IMxxx-M
_27 July 2014 Korrections of technical specification
_28 March 2015
_29 March 2015 Accuracy range updated
_30 March 2015
_31 April 2015 HC2-S-HH, HC2-ICxxx-HH probes integrated
_32 June 2015 Update of document layout
_33 July 2015 Specification of HC2-IC / HC2-IM / HC2-IE adpated