FCC Compliance and Advisory Statement.................................................................................... 27
Sensorsoft Thermometer User’s Manual
About this Manual
This document contains information about using Sensorsoft Thermometers.
When other sections of this manual are referenced, italics are used.
The Sensorsoft Thermometer may be referred to as a thermometer, device, Soft Thermometer,
Sensorsoft device or SSD (Sensorsoft Soft Device) throughout the manual.
Glossary of Acronyms
RWME – Remote Watchman Enterprise software for Windows
RWMC – Remote Watchman Client software for Windows
SCOM – Serial Communications Tool software for Linux and UNIX
SSDP – Sensorsoft Device Protocol
SSA – SensorSoft Alert appliance
SSD – SensorSoft Device
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Sensorsoft Thermometer User’s Manual
Overview
The ST6105J, ST6105C and ST6154J Soft Thermometers are RS232 compatible serial devices
based on the Sensorsoft Device Protocol (SSDP). The ST6105C and ST6105J have a built-in
temperature sensor and are intended for applications requiring measurement of temperature in
heated or air conditioned rooms and warehouses. These products are not conformal coated and
are therefore not intended for environments with high moisture or condensation.
The ST6154J has an external stainless steel probe for measuring temperature in the following
applications or environments:
outdoors
refrigerators, freezers and cold rooms
pools and saunas
in liquids or on pipes
Only the probe portion of the ST6154J is suitable for exposure in the above listed environments.
The plastic electronic housing must be protected from moisture, condensation and sunlight (UV).
Sensorsoft devices offer the following benefits over other RS232 serial devices:
Powered from the serial port (no external power or battery required)
CRC error detection (detects transmission errors and improves reliability) (SSDP only)
Virtually unlimited cable lengths (1000 ft) (SSDP only)
Plug and go operation (little or no user configuration required)
Sensorsoft makes several SSDP-compliant software applications that permit you to read these
thermometers, send alerts, record and (in some cases) graph data. These include:
Sensorsoft Remote Watchman Client (RWMC) for Windows
Sensorsoft Remote Watchman Enterprise (RWME) for Windows
Sensorsoft Serial Communications Tool (SCOM) for Linux and UNIX
Sensorsoft Alert Appliance (SSA)
In addition, there are many manufacturers who provide support for Sensorsoft devices within
their products. Some of these include:
ServersCheck Sensor Gateway and software
Lantronix SecureLinx (SLC) Console Manager
Evertz, Harris and Miranda/Grass Valley broadcast TV products
As of firmware version 6.5, Sensorsoft Thermometers respond to Simple Text Commands when
used with a text-based terminal or scripting language. Additionally, we’ve provided several
means for customers to write software integrating Sensorsoft devices into their systems. This is
discussed further in the section, Writing custom software programs for the Sensorsoft Thermometer.
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Sensorsoft Thermometer User’s Manual
Installing the Sensorsoft Thermometer
Installation of the Sensorsoft Thermometer requires the following steps:
Choosing an Installation Location
Connecting the Sensorsoft Thermometer to a serial port
Starting the Sensorsoft software. (Please refer to the specific software manual that applies to
your installation.)
Choosing an Installation Location
Model ST6105C and ST6105J
Locate the Sensorsoft Thermometer close to the equipment or airflow you’re monitoring. Since
the ST6105C/J Sensorsoft Thermometer isn’t waterproof or weatherproof, keep the following
rules in mind:
Keep the Sensorsoft Thermometer housing out of contact with direct sunlight, UV exposure,
and dripping water.
Protect the Sensorsoft Thermometer from high traffic areas that could wear/damage the
housing or cable.
Never allow the plastic housing of the Sensorsoft Thermometer to come into contact with
harsh chemicals or cleaning agents. If the housing needs to be cleaned, use a damp cloth or
vacuum cleaner.
Use a Velcro fastener (P/N F1000 or F1001) to affix the Sensorsoft Thermometer to a stable
surface.
Model ST6154J
This Sensorsoft Thermometer has an external stainless steel probe, that may be exposed to liquids
or outdoor environments. The plastic housing of the ST6154J, however, has the same restrictions
as the ST6105C/J models above.
Connecting the Sensorsoft Thermometer to a serial port
If you have a ST6105C (C-Suffix) Sensorsoft Thermometer, plug its molded DB-9F connector
into an available RS232 serial port connector (DB-9M) on your computer or device server.
If you have an ST6105J or ST6154J (J-Suffix) Sensorsoft Thermometer, use the appropriate
C200X cable to connect this device to your computer or device server. (Please refer to the
Sensorsoft price list for available types of cables).
If you intend to make a custom cable for a J-Suffix Sensorsoft device, please refer to Making
communication cables for J-Suffix Sensorsoft Devices.
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Sensorsoft Thermometer User’s Manual
When connecting a Sensorsoft Thermometer to a serial port or device/console server, configure
the port as follows:
1200 bps, 8 bits, no parity, 1 stop bit
Turn off autobaud
Flow control set to “None”
Non-telnet binary (raw) transfer mode
Assert RTS and DTR always
If using a device/console server, refer to its documentation for more details on the above.
Note the physical port number where you plugged the cable into your computer or device/console
server. If the Sensorsoft Thermometer is being plugged into a Windows based computer that has
only one COM port, the port number is usually COM1. If you are using a USB to serial adapter,
you need to refer to the operating system’s serial port (COM) listing. In Microsoft Windows, this
is usually “Device Manager->Ports (COM&LPT).” In Linux or UNIX, refer to the /dev/tty
directory.
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Sensorsoft Thermometer User’s Manual
ST6105J (v6.5) Sensorsoft Thermometer S pecifications
Measurement/Operating Temperature Range: -40 º C to +60 º C (-40 º F to +140 º F)
Resolution or precision: 0.5 º C (0.9 º F) or 0.1 º C (0.18 º F)
Accuracy: +/- 0.5 º C (+/- 0.9 º F) over 0 º C to +60 º C (32 º to 140 º F) and
+/- 1 º C (1.8 º F) over remainder of temperature range
Calibration: Calibrated at the factory. Re-calibration in the field is not possible, but sensor can
be replaced. NIST traceable if ordered with certificate.
Humidity: < 90% RH (non-condensing)
Maximum measurement rate: One reading every second
Housing Dimensions: 8 cm (3.1") x 4 cm (1.6") x 2 cm (0.8")
Housing Material: Injection-molded ABS thermoplastic
Housing Colour: Light gray
Sensor type: Semiconductor
Communications connector: 8 position modular jack, (accepts 8 position plug RJ45)
Power source: Port-powered (RTS and DTR, both asserted) or via External DC power connector
Power supply current drain: 1.5 mA average, 6 mA maximum when port powered (5V RS232)
External DC power connector: 2.1 mm power jack, automatic polarity correction and over-
voltage protection.
External power supply voltage: 6.0 - 12.0 VDC
Communications Interface: RS232C using TX,RX,RTS,DTR and GND. One device per serial
port.
Maximum communications cable length: 305 m (1000 ft.) using recommended cable type. Low
capacitance shielded cable or UTP is recommended.
Firmware Version: 6.5
Communications Protocol: Sensorsoft Device Protocol (SSDP) Version 2.0 and Simple Text Commands Interface
Error control: 16 bit CRC (cyclic redundancy checking) for detection of communication errors
between the device and host computer (SSDP only).
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Sensorsoft Thermometer User’s Manual
ST6105C (v6.5) Sensorsoft Thermometer S pecifications
Measurement/Operating Temperature Range: -40 º C to +60 º C (-40 º F to +140 º F)
Resolution or precision: 0.5 º C (0.9 º F) or 0.1 º C (0.18 º F)
Accuracy: +/- 0.5 º C (+/- 0.9 º F) over 0 º C to +60 º C (32 º to 140 º F) and
+/- 1 º C (1.8 º F) over remainder of temperature range
Humidity: < 90% RH (non-condensing)
Calibration: Calibrated at the factory. Re-calibration in the field is not possible, but sensor can
be replaced. NIST traceable if ordered with certificate.
Maximum measurement rate: One reading every second
Housing Dimensions: 8 cm (3.1") x 4 cm (1.6") x 2 cm (0.8")
Housing Material: Injection-molded ABS thermoplastic
Housing Color: Light gray
Sensor type: Semiconductor
Communications cable: Integrated 6 m (20 ft.) colour matched cable with DB-9F (female) mini
D-SUB connector
Power source: Port-powered (RTS and DTR, both asserted).
Power supply current drain: 2 mA average, 6 mA maximum when port powered (5V RS232)
Communications Interface: RS232C using TX,RX,RTS,DTR and GND. One device per serial
port.
Maximum extension cable length: 305 m (1000 ft.) using recommended cable type. Low
capacitance shielded cable or UTP is recommended.
Firmware Version: 6.5
Communications Protocol: Sensorsoft Device Protocol (SSDP) Version 2.0 and Simple Text Commands Interface
Error control: 16 bit CRC (cyclic redundancy checking) for detection of communication errors
Probe temperature measurement range: -55 º C to +125 º C (-67 º F to +257 º F)
Resolution or precision: 0.5 º C (0.9 º F) and 0.1 º C (0.18 º F)
Accuracy: +/- 0.5 º C (+/- 0.9 º F) over 0 º C to +70 º C (32 º to 158 º F) and
+/- 1 º C (1.8 º F) over remainder of temperature range
Calibration: Calibrated at the factory. Re-calibration in the field is not possible. Sensor probe
can be replaced if returned to the factory. NIST traceable if ordered with certificate.
Maximum measurement rate: One reading every second
Probe dimensions: 15.2 cm (6") long, 6 mm (1/4") diameter, stainless steel probe with 1.2 m (4
ft.) long, high-temp silicone rubber cable.
Sensor type: Semiconductor
Housing Dimensions: 8 cm (3.1") x 4 cm (1.6") x 2 cm (0.8")
Housing Material: Injection-molded ABS thermoplastic
Housing Color: Light gray
Electronics Housing Temperature Operating Range: -40 º C to +60 º C (-40 º F to +140 º F)
Electronics Housing Humidity Operating Range: < 90 % RH (non-condensing)
Communications connector: 8 position modular jack, (accepts 8 position plug RJ45)
Power source: Port-powered (RTS and DTR, both asserted) or via External DC power connector
Power supply current drain: 1.5 mA average, 6 mA maximum when port powered (5V RS232)
External DC power connector: 2.1 mm power jack, automatic polarity correction and over-
voltage protection.
External power supply voltage: 6.0 - 12.0 VDC
Communications Interface: RS232C using TX,RX,RTS,DTR and GND. One device per serial
port.
Maximum communications cable length: 305 m (1000 ft.) using recommended cable type. Low
capacitance shielded cable or UTP is recommended.
Firmware Version: 6.5
Communications Protocol: Sensorsoft Device Protocol (SSDP) Version 2.0 and Simple Text Commands Interface
Error control: 16 bit CRC (cyclic redundancy checking) for detection of communication errors
between the device and host computer (SSDP only).
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Sensorsoft Thermometer User’s Manual
Resolution, Accuracy and Calibration
The terms resolution, accuracy and calibration frequently cause misunderstanding for many
individuals who have not been trained in metrology. We explain these terms here and how they
might apply to your application of Sensorsoft devices.
Resolution or precision is the fineness of the measurement. It is usually specified in terms of the
smallest unit that can be resolved.
Accuracy is the trueness of the measurement or how close it can be to the true value (National
Standard). Accuracy is often specified as a percentage (i.e. +/- 3 %) of the reading, or a fixed
value (i.e. +/- 0.5) that can vary from the true value of the reading.
Calibration is a process where accuracy is verified (and often corrected) with respect to a
standard. Calibrations are routinely carried out to certify that a device has not lost its accuracy,
linearity and stability. Calibrations can be carried out at a time interval that is required by your
industry. In many cases, this is at least once every year.
When a calibration or verification takes place, it must always be done with equipment that has
significantly better accuracy and resolution then the device under testing. When a calibration
check is performed on a “Unit under Test” with an instrument traceable to the National Standards
Laboratory, the “Unit under Test” is also considered to be traceable.
Avoiding invalid judgments or comparisons
Using any of the following measurement devices or situations is unacceptable for comparing to,
or judging the accuracy of a Sensorsoft device:
Low cost measurement device purchased from a retail store
Digital display on HVAC or cooling/heating equipment
Location of the active sensing element is unknown or hidden
Measurement device has its active sensing element more than one inch (2.5 cm) away from
the Sensorsoft device’s sensing element
Measurement device has lower accuracy specifications as compared to the Sensorsoft device
Measurement device has unknown accuracy specifications
Measurement device has not been calibrated within one year, has no calibration certificate or
is not traceable to a reference standard
Appropriate measurement instruments for making comparisons
We recommend one of the following instruments (or equivalent with a recently dated traceable
calibration certificate for judging the accuracy or stability of your Sensorsoft device:
Vaisala HM40 series Hand held Humidity & Temperature Meter (approx. price $500-1000
US)
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Sensorsoft Thermometer User’s Manual
Vaisala HMT330 series Humidity & Temperature Transmitter and external probe (Wall
mount, RS232 interface, order with 115/230 VAC power supply, approx. price $1900-2500
US)
More details about the above instruments are available on Vaisala's web site:
http://www.vaisala.com
Correct method for making comparisons
Keep the following points in mind when checking the Sensorsoft device for accuracy or stability:
1. Use one of the above recommended instruments (or equivalent that has a recent calibration
certificate within one year).
2. The sensing elements of Sensorsoft device and the traceable instrument must be touching or
within one inch (2.5 cm).
3. Allow sufficient time (30-60 minutes) for the Sensorsoft device and the traceable
measurement instrument to acclimatize to the environment.
4. Make sure you know how to get a live (up to the second) temperature reading from the
Sensorsoft device through its software.
5. For reading the Sensorsoft device during the comparison use the 0.1 C resolution variable,
not the 0.5 C resolution variable.
6. Have the published accuracy specifications for the Sensorsoft device and the traceable
measurement instrument readily available for comparison.
What to do if you believe the Sensorsoft device is reading incorrectly
If, after following the above method, you find the Sensorsoft device isn’t reading within its stated
specifications, you can obtain an RMA to return it to our factory for repair. See Returns at the end
of this manual. Charges may apply if the device is out-of-warranty or if we find no evidence that
it’s out-of-calibration.
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Sensorsoft Thermometer User’s Manual
Making extension cables for C-Suffix Sensorsoft
Devices
In some applications it’s not possible to use pre-assembled cables. When installing the Sensorsoft
device at a remote location it may be necessary to run cables through walls, ceilings or conduits
where connectors would get jammed. In this situation it makes sense to terminate the cables onsite using hand crimp tools. The following details will assist you in this process.
NOTE - A C-suffix Sensorsoft device has a built-in cable. This includes
model ST6105C.
Figure 1: Illustrates a C-suffix Sensorsoft device with a built-in molded cable and DB-9F connector.
IMPORTANT - A properly made extension cable will allow your
Sensorsoft device to operate reliably over long cable lengths up to
305 m (1000 ft) using SSDP-compliant software.
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Sensorsoft Thermometer User’s Manual
Figure 2: C2100 cable is used to extend the cable length for model ST6105C. The DB-9F end of the cable plugs into a
DB-9M serial port. The DB-9M end of the cable plugs into the DB-9F connector on the SSD.
PIN-OUT OF THE DB-9F CONNECTOR ON MODEL ST6105C
Note: Only positions used in Sensorsoft device application are shown
Position Function
2 TX (data to computer)
3 RX (data from computer)
4 POWER (connects to DTR on computer)
5 Ground
7 POWER (connects to RTS on computer)
The following are specialized tools and parts needed to make good quality extension cables:
Hand Tools:
Tyco Crimping Tool P/N 90312-1 or 90302-1, for subminiature D pin or socket contacts
Tyco PROCRIMPER P/N 58448-2, for subminiature D pin or socket contacts
Tyco Insertion/Extraction Tool P/N 91285-1, for subminiature D connector contacts
(4 pair, 8-#24 AWG wires, category 4 or better, 75 C)
Tyco DB-9 receptacle subminiature D connector (crimp-snap-in), P/N 205203-1 or -3
Tyco DB-25 receptacle subminiature D connector (crimp-snap-in), P/N 205207-1 or 207463-1
Tyco socket crimp contact for subminiature D connectors, P/N 1-66504-0
Tyco pin crimp contact for subminiature D connectors, P/N 1-66506-0
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Sensorsoft Thermometer User’s Manual
Making communication cables for J-Suffix Sensorsoft Devices
In some applications it’s not possible to use pre-assembled cables. When installing the Sensorsoft
device at a remote location it may be necessary to run cables through walls, ceilings or conduits
where connectors would get jammed. In this situation it makes sense to terminate the cables onsite using hand crimp tools. The following details will assist you in this process.
NOTE - A J-suffix Sensorsoft Device has a RJ45 jack connector. It
accepts a plug-in cable. This includes models ST6105J and ST6154J.
Figure 3: Illustrates a J-suffix Sensorsoft device that accepts a cable with RJ-45 plug.
IMPORTANT - A properly made cable will allow your Sensorsoft device
to operate reliably over long cable lengths up to 305 m (1000 ft) using
SSDP-compliant software.
You may connect the Sensorsoft device to the port with as little as three wires (RX, TX and
GND), using inexpensive unshielded telephone wire. However, the host may need to set the
number of retries high in order to overcome the effect of occasional noise/interference and would
require the use of an external power supply (PA6106 or PA6206) at the Sensorsoft device.
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Sensorsoft Thermometer User’s Manual
The Sensorsoft device modular-jack connector uses the same UTP wire map as 10-BASE-T. It is
therefore possible to use this type of cabling system for Sensorsoft devices.
PIN-OUT OF THE MODULAR 8 POSITION JACK/PLUG ON A SENSORSOFT DEVICE
Note: Terminal No. 1 is the terminal to the extreme left as you face the cable opening, latch tab down.
Terminal Function UTP wire color
1 Receive Data white-green
2 Ground green
3 Transmit Data white-orange
4 Power +V blue
5 Ground white-blue
6 Ground orange
7 Power +V white-brown
8 Ground brown
The following are specialized tools and parts needed to make good quality cables:
Hand Tools:
Tyco Crimping Tool P/N 1-231652-0 or 2-231652-1, for modular plugs
Tyco 8 position modular die set P/N 853400-1
Tyco Crimping Tool P/N 90312-1 or 90302-1, for subminiature D pin or socket contacts
Tyco PROCRIMPER P/N 58448-2, for subminiature D pin or socket contacts
Tyco Insertion/Extraction Tool P/N 91285-1, for subminiature D connector contacts
(4 pair, 8-#24 AWG wires, category 4 or better, 75 C)
Tyco 8 position modular plug for round stranded wire cables, P/N 5-554169-3 (CAT4)
Tyco 8 position modular plug for round stranded wire cables, P/N 5-557961-3 (CAT5)
Tyco DB-9 receptacle subminiature D connector (crimp-snap-in), P/N 205203-1 or -3
Tyco DB-25 receptacle subminiature D connector (crimp-snap-in), P/N 205207-1 or 207463-1
Tyco socket crimp contact for subminiature D connectors, P/N 1-66504-0
Tyco pin crimp contact for subminiature D connectors, P/N 1-66506-0
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Sensorsoft Thermometer User’s Manual
Figure 4: The C2000 cable is used to connect a J-suffix Sensorsoft device to most computers or devices that have a
DB-9M serial port. The DB-9F end of the cable plugs into a DB-9M serial port. The RJ-45 end of cable plugs into the
SSD. M indicates male/pin type connector. F indicates female/socket type connector.
Figure 5: The C2012A cable is used to connect a J-suffix Sensorsoft device to multi-port serial cards or device servers
(UDS1100, EDS1100) which have a DB-25F connector with DCE pin-out. The DB-25M end of the cable plugs into a
DB-25F serial port. The RJ-45 end of cable plugs into the SSD. M indicates male/pin type connector. F indicates
female/socket type connector.
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Sensorsoft Thermometer User’s Manual
Writing custom software programs for the Sensorsoft
Thermometer
Sensorsoft provides three methods for allowing your custom software programs to communicate
with Sensorsoft Thermometers, outlined here:
Simple Text Commands Interface
The Simple Text Commands Interface can be used interactively with a terminal program
(HyperTerminal, TeraTerm, Putty, Telnet, Screen, etc.) or by user-written programs and language
scripts. These commands make it possible to read Sensorsoft devices in many systems including
Linux, UNIX and embedded applications. The following single letter (lower case) commands
should be ended with a carriage return and or line feed character:
r read temperature
m read model number
v read firmware version
This interface outputs temperature readings in Celsius and only supports 0.5 C resolution
measurements. If you need temperatures in Fahrenheit (F), you will need to do a conversion in
your software (i.e. F = 9/5C + 32).
Using this method, we recommend keeping the cabling short (<100 ft) as the Simple Text Commands Interface does not support the built-in CRC error detection.
Sensorsoft Device Monitoring .NET Component for Windows
This method involves use of the Sensorsoft Device Monitoring.NET Component for creating
software on Windows based systems. It provides a high-level Windows .NET-based API to
implement the Sensorsoft Device Protocol. You can download and learn more about this free
software at: http://www.sensorsoft.com/developers.html
Sensorsoft Device Protocol (SSDP) for Advanced Programmers
This software method is the most advanced way of supporting Sensorsoft devices. It has several
advantages over the Simple Text Commands Interface discussed above. These include:
CRC error detection for use over long serial cables (1000 ft)
higher resolution measurements (0.1)
auto-discovery by reading device ID record
The Sensorsoft Device Protocol uses a binary, packet-formatted, master-slave protocol. Your host
computer (master) must send commands to, and receive responses back from, the Sensorsoft
device (slave). All data is represented in the little endian format - least significant byte first and
the most significant byte last.
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Sensorsoft Thermometer User’s Manual
Use the following parameters when programming the serial port where the Sensorsoft device is
connected:
Bit rate: 1200 bps
Bits: 8
Parity: none
Stop bits: 1
Flow control: none
Null discard: do not strip NULL bytes
In order to make use of the port-powered feature of the Sensorsoft device, you must enable serial
port lines DTR and RTS when the port is opened. A delay of 1-2 seconds is required after
opening the serial port before any commands are sent to the Sensorsoft device. This delay allows
the Sensorsoft device to power-up correctly and prevents incorrect readings.
You should also be aware that the Sensorsoft device has an inter-packet retry time-out delay. This
delay is one (1) second and is encoded into the Sensorsoft device’s firmware. If your program
sends a command to the Sensorsoft device without a response, your program must wait at least
one (1) second before re-sending that command. Possible reasons that a Sensorsoft device may
ignore your commands can be due to data transmission (CRC) errors or improper power-up delay
during hot-plugging.
Sending SSDP commands to the Sensorsoft device
Each command packet your host sends to the Sensorsoft device must be in the following format:
CMD-byte
A single byte command indicating the desired action you want the Sensorsoft device to perform.
PACKETlength-bytes
Two bytes indicating the total length of the packet from start to finish (includes CRC bytes).
ADDRESS-bytes
The six-byte (48-bit) address of the device you are sending the command to. This is always
“decimal 1.”
ARGUMENT-byte
The number of the Sensorsoft Thermometer's internal register or variable you want to read or
write. This byte is required for commands that request temperature readings. This byte is not
required for the status command.
CRC-bytes
A two byte (16 bit) Cyclic Redundancy Check that is calculated on the entire packet from the
CMD byte to the last ARGUMENT byte or ADDRESS byte. In the examples below, the last two
bytes in each command string are CRC bytes that were pre-calculated.
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Sensorsoft Thermometer User’s Manual
Send the following bytes to request a status reading:
<C1h><0Bh><00h><01h><00h><00h><00h><00h><00h><47h><98h>
Send the following bytes to request a temperature reading in Celsius (0.5 C resolution):
<C5h><0Ch><00h><01h><00h><00h><00h><00h><00h><01h><0Eh><49h>
Send the following bytes to request a temperature reading in Celsius (0.1 C resolution):
<C5h><0Ch><00h><01h><00h><00h><00h><00h><00h><02h><6Dh><79h>
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Sensorsoft Thermometer User’s Manual
Receiving SSDP responses from the Sensorsoft device
Each response packet the Sensorsoft device returns is in the following format:
RESPONSE-byte
A single byte response code indicating the type of response. Valid codes are 90 hex or 94 hex.
PACKETlength-bytes
Two bytes indicating the total length of the packet from start to finish (includes CRC bytes).
DATA-byte(s)
Most responses return additional data in the form of byte(s). In response to a temperature
command, two bytes are returned for DATA-byte(s). In response to a status command, one byte is
returned for DATA-byte(s). See SENSORSOFT DEVICE STATUS BYTE FORMAT chart.
CRC-bytes
A two byte (16 bit) Cyclic Redundancy Check. This placeholder is filled with CRC bytes
calculated by the Sensorsoft device on the entire packet from the RESPONSE byte to the last
DATA-byte. These bytes allow the host to verify the integrity of the response packet. You may
choose to use or ignore these bytes depending on your programming skill or application.
The Sensorsoft device returns a normal RESPONSE-byte (90 hex) in acknowledgement that the
previous host command was received and executed without errors. The Sensorsoft device only
acknowledges correctly received commands that have no CRC errors. If the Sensorsoft device
detects a CRC error in a received command packet, it does not respond to the command. It is
considered the job of the host to time-out and re-transmit that command packet.
When an internal problem occurs inside the Sensorsoft device, it sends out an abnormal response
byte (94 hex) to any command from the host. If the host receives this response byte, it must
immediately read and interpret the Sensorsoft device’s status to determine the problem. See
SENSORSOFT DEVICE STATUS BYTE FORMAT chart.
The generator polynomial used for the CRC is hexadecimal 1021. The following references
provide information for readers who wish to use the CRC capability;
Calculating CRC’s by Bits and Bytes, Greg Morse, Byte Magazine, September 1986, Pg.
115-124
Implementing CRC's, Jack Crenshaw, Embedded Systems Programming Magazine, January
1992, Pg. 18-45
Technical Aspects of Data Communication, John McNamara, Digital Equipment Press 1982,
Pg. 110-122
Data and Computer Communications, 2nd edition, William Stallings, Macmillan Publishing,
Pg. 107-112
The modem reference: the complete guide to selection, installation, and applications, 2nd
edition, Michael A Banks, Brady Publishing 1991, Pg. 27-42
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Sensorsoft Thermometer User’s Manual
SENSORSOFT DEVICE STATUS BYTE FORMAT
BIT NAME DESCRIPTION
0 Low power supply Voltage is unacceptable for reliable operation
1 IRQ enable N/A
2 IRQ pending N/A
3 Power-up Sensorsoft device just powered-up
4 Tamper Sensor element is disconnected or broken
5 NV option N/A
6 EEPROM fail N/A
7 Future use N/A
A “logic one” condition on any of these bits indicates the condition is set or active. Otherwise,
they are reset to “logic zero”. It’s a good practice for the host to check the status of the Sensorsoft
device regularly in case a bit status changes.
If bit 0 is set, the Sensorsoft device power supply voltage is too low.
If bit 3 is set, the Sensorsoft device has just powered-up. This bit gets reset after the status is read.
If bit 4 is set, the sensor element has become damaged, disconnected, or is being subjected to a
high level of RFI (Radio Frequency Interference) or EMI (Electro Magnetic Interference).
Bits 1,2,5,6 and 7 can be ignored - they are not used.
Converting SSDP DATA-byte(s) to temperature readings
Recent Sensorsoft temperature measuring devices can output temperature readings in two
different formats.
The first format is common to all Sensorsoft temperature measuring devices and is easiest for
programmers to support. It provides a resolution of 0.5 degree Celsius. Commands that query
register or variable <01h> in the Sensorsoft Thermometer will receive a two byte response in the
DATA-byte(s) placeholder, as described below.
It is the job of the host software to convert the DATA-byte(s) to a floating-point number. It is
then possible to display readings in Celsius or Fahrenheit scale. The following procedure explains
the required steps:
1. Check the value of the most significant DATA-byte. If it is FFh, the number is negative and
requires processing by steps 2,3,4 and 5. If it is 00h, the number is positive and requires
processing by steps 3 and 5.
2. Invert the bits of the least significant DATA-byte, then add 1 to it.
3. Convert the least significant DATA-byte to a floating-point number.
4. Multiply the previous by -1 to get the negative result.
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Sensorsoft Thermometer User’s Manual
5. To obtain a temperature in Celsius, divide the previous result by 2. For Fahrenheit, multiply
the Celsius value by 9, divide by 5, and add 32 (F = 9/5 C + 32).
SENSORSOFT TEMPERATURE DATA-byte(s) FORMAT
Temperature Binary
Hex
MSB LSB
+ 125 °C 00000000 11111010 00FAh
+ 85 °C 00000000 10101010 00AAh
+ 70 °C 00000000 10001100 008Ch
+ 25 °C 00000000 00110010 0032h
+ 0.5 °C 00000000 00000001 0001h
0 °C 00000000 00000000 0000h
– 0.5 °C 11111111 11111111 FFFFh
– 25 °C 11111111 11001110 FFCEh
– 40 °C 11111111 10110000 FFB0h
– 55 °C 11111111 10010010 FF92h
Please note that the least significant temperature DATA-byte is in terms of a 0.5 ° C. The sign bit
is duplicated into all of the bits of the most significant DATA-byte.
The second format provided by this device for temperature is in IEEE 754 Floating-Point
Standard (single precision) and has a useable resolution of 0.1 degree Celsius. Commands that
query register or variable <02h> in the Sensorsoft Thermometer will receive a four byte response
in the DATA-byte(s) placeholder. Decoding these IEEE 754 Floating-Point bytes is beyond the
scope of this document.
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Sensorsoft Thermometer User’s Manual
Reading the SSDP ID Record
Every Sensorsoft device (SSD) accepts an identification (ID) command in order to uniquely
identify the type of SSD currently connected. The model number and description can be
extracted from the SSD’s ID response, allowing application software to determine the specific
model of the SSD and to configure the software appropriately.
The format of the ID command is identical to the format of all other commands, described earlier.
Send the following bytes to the SSD to request the ID:
The ID response contains four variable-length, null-terminated strings. The sequence of four
strings begins at the 10
To read the SSD’s description, count to the 10
th
byte in the response packet.
th
byte in the ID response and extract the
subsequent ASCII null-terminated string.
Following this is the manufacturer’s name - a null-terminated string.
The third null-terminated string is the SSD’s model number. The model number can be used to
uniquely identify the type of SSD, so your software can configure itself appropriately for
different models of SSDs.
The fourth and final null-terminated string is the SSD’s firmware version.
Structure of the ID response packet
Byte Description of field
1 Response byte
2-3 Packet length
4-9 Not used
10 Device name or description (null-terminated)
~ Manufacturer (null-terminated)
~ Model Number (null-terminated)
~ Firmware Version (null-terminated)
~ Record Terminator (FFh)
~ CRC bytes (2)
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Sensorsoft Thermometer User’s Manual
Sample ID response packet from a ST6105J Sensorsoft Thermometer
Byte Contents
1 <90h>
2 <4Fh>
3 <00h>
4-9 <01h> <00h> <00h> <03h> <03h> <07h>
10 Sensorsoft (R) Thermometer<00h>
~ Sensorsoft Corp.<00h>
~ ST6105J<00h>
~ 4.00<00h>
~ <FFh>
~ <CEh> <CBh>
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Sensorsoft Thermometer User’s Manual
Getting Help
Limited Warranty
Sensorsoft Corporation warranties Sensorsoft products to be free from manufacturing defects for
a period of two years. This includes parts and labor. All shipping and brokerage fees are your
responsibility when returning a Sensorsoft product for warranty claims. The following will void
the warranty:
signs of water or chemical damage
cracks to the housing
lightning or electrical storm damage
signs of tampering or reverse engineering
Technical Support
In the unlikely event you should have problems installing or using your Sensorsoft product and
the previous sections of this manual have failed to provide a solution, we offer technical support
to help you overcome your difficulties (see web site address below). Sensorsoft Corporation does not provide free support to those wishing to write their own software, although this is available
on a charge-per-incident basis. Please contact our sales department for current rates.
World Wide Web: http://www.sensorsoft.com
30 Day Money Back Guarantee
If for any
days (calendar days) of your purchase. The refund does not include shipping or brokerage fees
you may have incurred.
reason you want to return a Sensorsoft product for a refund, you can do so within 30
Returns
If returning a product or item, please observe the following guidelines:
Contact Sensorsoft for an RMA number (Return Material Authorization).
Provide an explanation or reason for returning the product.
Return shipments that bear no RMA number (on the outside of the package) or are not
prepaid for shipping/clearing charges, will be refused.
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Sensorsoft Thermometer User’s Manual
FCC Compliance and Advisory Statement
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device
pursuant to Part 15 of FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection
against such interference when operating in a commercial environment. This equipment
generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy, and if not installed and used in
accordance with this guide, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. Operation
of this equipment in a residential area may cause interference that requires the user to take
measures to correct at his or her expense.
Warning: Changes or modifications to this device not explicitly approved by Sensorsoft
Corporation will void the user's authority to operate this device.
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