ROTRONIC HygroLab C1 User Manual
E-M-HyLabC1-V1
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Rotronic AG
Bassersdorf, Switzerland
HygroLab C1 bench-top indicator:
User Guide
Document title
HygroLab C1 Bench-Top Indicator
User Guide
Instruction Manual
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© 2011; Rotronic AG E-M-HyLabC1-V1
E-M-HyLabC1-V1
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Rotronic AG
Bassersdorf, Switzerland
HygroLab C1 bench-top indicator:
User Guide
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Instruction Manual
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Table of contents
Overview ...................................................................................................................................................... 3
1
2 General description .................................................................................................................................... 4
2.1 Configuration software ............................................................................................................................. 4
2.2 Power supply ............................................................................................................................................ 4
2.3 Probe inputs ............................................................................................................................................. 4
2.4 Measured parameters .............................................................................................................................. 4
2.5 Calculated parameters ............................................................................................................................. 4
2.6 Alarm Indication on the display ................................................................................................................ 5
2.7 Real time clock ......................................................................................................................................... 5
2.8 Back panel and digital interface ............................................................................................................... 5
3 Basic operation ........................................................................................................................................... 6
3.1 Display ..................................................................................................................................................... 6
3.2 Keypad ..................................................................................................................................................... 7
3.3 ON/OFF key ............................................................................................................................................. 7
3.4 Internal menu ........................................................................................................................................... 8
3.5 Frequently used settings ........................................................................................................................ 11
3.5.1 Unit system ............................................................................................................................ 11
3.5.2 Date and time ......................................................................................................................... 11
3.5.3 Select the calculated parameter for a probe input .................................................................. 11
3.5.4 Select which probe and/or parameters are shown on the display .......................................... 11
3.6 Connecting the HygroLab C1 to a PC .................................................................................................... 11
3.7 Practical advice for measuring humidity ................................................................................................. 12
4 Aw Measurement ...................................................................................................................................... 12
4.1 Enabling Aw Measurement .................................................................................................................... 12
4.2 Water activity measurement settings:..................................................................................................... 13
4.3 Aw probe usage guidelines .................................................................................................................... 13
4.4 Using the AwQuick mode ....................................................................................................................... 14
4.5 Using the AwE mode .............................................................................................................................. 17
4.6 Viewing the captured data (automatic data cap tur e ena bled) ................................................................ 19
5 User configurable settings and functions .............................................................................................. 20
5.1 Factory default settings .......................................................................................................................... 20
5.2 Interaction between the HygroLab C1 and HygroClip 2 probe ............................................................... 21
5.3 User defined parameter .......................................................................................................................... 21
6 Maintenance .............................................................................................................................................. 22
6.1 Periodic calibration check of the HygroClip 2 probe ............................................................................... 22
6.2 Cleaning or replacing the probe dust filter .............................................................................................. 22
6.3 Firmware updates................................................................................................................................... 22
7 Probe Calibration and Adjustment Procedures ..................................................................................... 23
7.1 Overview ................................................................................................................................................ 23
7.2 Calibration against a reference environment .......................................................................................... 23
7.3 Calibration against a reference HygroClip 2 probe ................................................................................. 24
7.4 Adjustment of humidity and temperature ................................................................................................ 24
8 Technical data ........................................................................................................................................... 25
8.1 Specifications ......................................................................................................................................... 25
8.2 Dew point accuracy ................................................................................................................................ 26
9 Accessories ............................................................................................................................................... 27
10 Supporting documents............................................................................................................................. 27
11 Document releases ................................................................................................................................... 28
© 2011; Rotronic AG E-M-HyLabC1-V1
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User Guide
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Applicability:
This manual is valid for the HygroLab C1 with firmware version 1.xx, where 1.xx can be 1.0a, 1.1b etc.
Changes to the last two digits of the version number reflect minor firmware changes that do not affect the
manner in which the instrument should be operated.
1 Overview
The HygroLab C1 is a multifunction bench-top indicator that can read simultaneously up to 4 HygroClip 2
digital humidity-temperature probes. The HygroLab C1 is primarily designed for measuring the water activity
(aw) of foods, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. The HygroLab C1 can also be used in other laborat ory
applications that require measuring humidity and temperature.
The HygroLab C1 is equipped with both a USB and an Ethernet interface.
The HygroLab C1 features two distinct operating modes:
► Aw Measurement: This specialized mode is used for measuring the water activity (Aw) of product
samples and materials in bulk such as powders, seeds, etc. When set to operate in the water activity mode,
the HygroLab C1 automatically displays humidity as Aw (1.000 a
following options:
Accelerated water activity measurement (AwQuick): permits measuring the water activity of
most products in typically 5 minutes. The measurement starts simultaneously for all four probe inputs
and is ended automatically.
Conventional water activity measurement (AwE): the measurement starts simultaneously
for all four probe inputs. The HygroLab C1 automatically detects full equilibrium conditions and ends
the measurement at that time.
The HygroLab automatically signals the end of each water activity measurement and offers the option of
automatically capturing both the end result and the value of temperature in 4 separate data bins (one nonvolatile memory per probe). Up to 500 records can be captured per probe and each record is stamped for date
and time. Data viewing can be done from the keypad and the data can be saved to a PC using the Rotronic
HW4 software.
► Standard Mode:
following functions:
o Relative humidity and temperature data measured by up to 4 HygroClip 2 digital probes
o Calculated humidity parameter such as dew / frost point or other, for up to 4 HygroClip 2 probes
o Up to 4 user defined calculations such as the difference between the temperature and the dew point
measured by a probe, the average of the temperature measured by two probes, etc.
The HygroLab C1 is available with a wide assortment of HygroClip 2 humidity-temperature probes to meet
almost any requirement. The HygroClip 2 probes feature well proven, durable sensors. Digital signal
processing ensures consistent product performance and also facilitates the task of field maintenance with
features such as potentiometer free – digital calibration.
in this mode the HygroLab C1 can be used as a general purpose indicator with the
= 100 %RH). The Aw Mode offers the
w
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1: RXD (UART- digital probe)
7: TXD (UART – digital probe)
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2 General description
2.1 Configuration software
Most of the HygroLab C1 settings can be configured directly from the key pad. However, some of the settings
and access to some of the functions requires connecting the HygroLab C1 to a PC running the HW4 software
version 3.1 or higher, using either USB or Ethernet. For instructions see the following HW4 manual: E-M-
HW4v3-F2-019
2.2 Power supply
The HygroLab C1 requires the power adapter model AC1211 (100…240 VAC – 12 VDC, 200 mA).
As an alternative, the HygroLab C1 can also be powered via the USB port (no power adapter - current draw:
about 70 mA). In this case, the Ethernet port is inactive and cannot be used.
2.3 Probe inputs
The HygroLab C1 has 4 probe inputs designed for use with all HygroClip 2 digital probes with the standard
UART interface (see also Back panel and digital interface options).
Pin-Out Diagram
2.4 Measured parameters
The HygroClip 2 probe measures relative humidity with a ROTRONIC Hygromer® IN1 capacitive sensor and
temperature with a Pt100 RTD.
2.5 Calculated parameters
The HygroLab C1 can calculat e any of the following parameters based on the humidity and temperature
values measured by the probe (to select the calculated parameter, use either the keypad or the HW4 software
> Device Manager):
o Dew point (Dp) above and below freezing
o Frost point (Fp) below freezing and dew point above freezing
o Wet bulb temperature (Tw)
o Enthalpy (H)
o Vapor concentr atio n (Dv )
o Specific humidity (Q)
o Mixing ratio by weight (R)
o Vapor concentr atio n at satur ati on (Dv s)
o Vapor partial pressure (E)
o Vapor saturation pressure (Ew)
2: GND (digital and power)
3: V+: 3.3 VDC nominal
4: Not used
5: Not used
6: Not used
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Note: calculating some of the above parameters requires barometric pressure as an input parameter. A fixed
barometric pressure value can be specified using either the keypad or the ROTRONIC HW4 software.
In addition, the HygroLab C1 can display for each probe input a user defined calculation such as the
difference between the temperature and the dew point measured by a probe, the average of the temperature
measured by two probes, etc. Configuration of the HygroLab C1 for a user defined calculation requires the
Rotronic HW4 software version 3.1 or higher (see separate documen t E-M-HW4v3-F2-019)
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2.6 Alarm Indication on the display
Depending on the type of alarm, the display shows either a symbol or a text when the HygroLab C1 detects an
alarm condition:
o Out-of-limits value (defined with the HW4 software for each probe input, includes measured values
and calculated parameter).
o Display of fixed values when no probe is connected the input. Easily identified humidity and
temperature values can be specified with the HW4 software for each probe input.
o Bad RH sensor or major sensor failure (open or shorted sensor – humidity and temperature)
2.7 Real time clock
The HygroLab C1 clock keeps track of the date and time and can be adjusted from the keypad. Using the
HW4 software, the clock can be synchronized with the PC date and time. The clock does not automatically
adjust for daylight saving time (DST).
2.8 Back panel and digital interface
As an option, the HygroLab C1 is available with any of the following digital interfaces:
o USB only (can be used to power the HygroLab C1)
o Ethernet only (RJ45)
o USB and Ethernet (only one interface can be used at any time)
Use of the Ethernet interface always requires the HygroLab to be powered with the AC1211 power adapter.
HygroLab C1 back panel showing the four probe inputs as well as the USB and Ethernet ports:
© 2011; Rotronic AG E-M-HyLabC1-V1
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Standard:
o Date and time
3-line display:
o
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3 Basic operation
3.1 Display
The LC display has a backlight which can be set to be on all the time or whenever a key is pressed. The
backlight can also be disabled.
Using the HygroLab C1 Menu > Display Settings > Mode, the display mode can be changed as shown below:
The display can also be configured to show a trend indicator on each line:
▲: increasing value
▼: decreasing value
Both arrows: stable
In the event of an alarm the symbol [ ! ] appears to the right of the value.
o %RH
o Temperature
The bottom of the display shows the date and time as well as which probe is currently selected:
o %RH
o Temperature
o Calculated
parameter
No date and time
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ON/OFF:
MENU: Activates the internal
UP / DOWN:
ENTER:
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3.2 Keypad
o Changes the probe being displayed
o When the menu is active, use to navigate the menu,
make a selection or change a value
menu. Press this key
again to go back to the
previous sub-menu or to
exit the menu
Instruction Manual
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o When the menu is active, use to confirm the
selection of a menu item, effect a change of
settings and confirm any change
o In the Aw Mode, use to start, hold or stop the
water activity measurement function
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Turns the instrument
on or off.
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3.3 ON/OFF key
The ON/OFF key is used as follows:
o To turn the instrument on: press the ON/OFF key
o To turn the instrument off: press the ON/OFF key
© 2011; Rotronic AG E-M-HyLabC1-V1
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Submenu
Items
Selections or
Information
Device Info
Serial Nbr
Serial number
Version
Firmware version
Name
Device name
User defined
Device Settings
Fixed barometric pressure
psychrometric parameters
Unit Sys
Metric / English
Reference probe input
inputs
Display Settings
Trend indication on the
display
Decimals
1 or 2
Display resolution
Standard
H+T+Calc
LC display contrast
adjustment
Back Light
Key Press/ON/OFF
Display backlight mode
Time Settings
Press on ENTER when
Down to adjust
dd mm yyyy
yyyy mm dd
Date format
Separator
. or / or -
Date separator
Press on ENTER when
Down to adjust
Time Fmt
24h / 12 h
Time format
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3.4 Internal menu
Note: Unauthorized access to the menu can be prevented by disabling “display menu”
(use the HW4 software > Device Manager > Display)
Main Menu Menu Items
Type
Pressure
Ref. Probe
Device type
1 / 2 / 3 / 4
Notes
value required for
calculating some
used to adjust probes
connected to the other
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Trend
Mode
Contrast
Date
Date Fmt
Time
ON / OFF
See 4.1.1
highlighted and use UP or
mm dd yyyy
highlighted and use UP or
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Submenu
Items
Selections or
Information
Aw Settings
Enable AW
ON / OFF
Enable = ON changes the
parameter
SaveResult
ON / OFF
ON: When the Aw
Probe 2: to Bin 2, etc.
Mode
AwQuick / AwE
o AwQuick: accelerated
measurement
Dwell Time
minutes
Dwell time (AwQuick)
AwQ Temp
°C / minute
Temperature stability
definition (AwQuick)
AwE Temp
°C / minute
Temperature stability
definition (AwE)
AwE Humi
aw / minute
Humidity stability definition
(AwE)
Data Storage
o Displays the names of
data bin
o Shows the individual
records
Shows the minimum,
values for the data bin
Clear Data
Clears the data bin
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Main Menu
Menu Items
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Notes
display as follows:
o Humidity unit changes
to a
o No calculated
measurement is ended,
both the end result and
temperature are saved in
the following data bins:
Probe 1: to Bin 1
o AwE: conventional
w
water activity
measurement
water activity
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View Samples
Summary
the 4 data bins
Bin 1 = Probe 1
Bin 2 = Probe 2, etc.
o Press on ENTER to
select the highlighted
data records
o Use the up and down
keys to navigate the
maximum and average
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