USB-5100 SeriesMulti-Channel Data Loggers
FeaturesUSB-5100 Series data loggers offer low-cost, stand-alone collection from multiple data channels. The USB-5106 (shown above) logs temperature, current, and/or voltage from each of its
four analog channels.

SoftwareOverview• Easy‑to‑use USB-5100 Series
software available as a freedownload• Configure loggers and read out,
display, analyze, and export
logger data.

The USB-5100 Series consists of two high-accuracy, easy-to-deploy data loggers
designed for indoor applications.
••• Stand-alone, high accuracy,
remote multichannel dataloggers−− USB-5104 logs data from up to
four thermocouple channels−− USB-5106 logs data from up to
four analog channels• High-accuracy, four-channel
Built-in LCD screen displays
readings and other device
information• Software-selectable logger alarmindicates high or low readings• Logger control buttons formanual control of logging,
display options, and event
generation• Powered by two AAA batteries(included)• Includes accessory kit for logger
mounting• Compatible sensors soldseparately

The USB-5104 is a four-channel thermocouple (TC) data logger that is ideal
for various temperature measurement and recording applications. The logger
supports any combination of standard-type TC sensors (sold separately) on
its four, 20-bit channels. It also includes an internal 12-bit, 10K thermistor torecord ambient temperature for further applications.

Supported Operating Systems• PC: Windows® 10/8/8.1/7(32- and 64-bit)• Mac®: OS X version 10.9.x andlater (32- and 64-bit)• Java™ Runtime Environment(JRE) 7 or later required on both
Windows and Mac platforms

The USB-5106 is a 16-bit four-channel analog logger for developing performance monitoring systems that involve voltage, temperature, and/or current
measurements.

USB-5100 Series software provides a user-friendly interface for configuring loggers and reading out, displaying, analyzing, and exporting logged data.

USB-5100 Series Comparison Chart
Model

Channels

Measurement Type

Logging Interval

MemoryMaximum #of Readings

FeaturesUSB-5104

4

Thermocouple

1 s to 18 h, 12 min, 15 s

4 MB

1.6 million

Internal 10K thermistor

USB-51064

Temperature, current, voltage

1 s to 18 h, 12 min, 15 s

4 MB

1.9 million

Supports linear scaling

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USB-5100 Series
General Information

USB-5106

Sensor Input
All USB-5100 Series loggers support software-selectable burst
logging, enabling the logger to record data at a different intervals based on user-specified conditions

The USB-5106 provides four high-accuracy analog input
channels (using 2.5 mm connector) that support input fromtemperature, 4-20 mA, and voltage sensors.

Users can easily configure logger logging intervals (one second
to over 18 hours), high/low alarms for each type of data being
logged using the USB-5100 Series Data Logger software.

The USB-5106 can store up to 1.9 million measurements.
Refer to Sensors on page 8 for a list of supported temperature, current, and voltage sensors that can be purchased
separately.

The built-in LCD screen displays the sensor reading, logging
status, battery use, and memory consumption in between
readouts.

Device Buttons
USB-5100 Series devices provide two software-configurable
buttons on the device for users to manually control logging
and data display.

USB-5104
The USB-5104 provides four high-accuracy TC input channels
that support J, K, T, E, R, S, B, or N type TC sensors. Each channel can be individually-configured based on the connected TC
type.

Start/Stop button: Depending on the software configuration,
users can:The USB-5104 also includes an internal 10K thermistor torecord ambient temperature and to provide cold-junction
compensation of the TC output.
The USB-5104 can store up to 1.6 million measurements.

•press this button for three seconds to start/resume logging,or to stop logging.

•press this button for one second to record an internal eventor to turn on the LCD screen

Alarm/Stats button: Depending on the software configuration, users can:Refer to Sensors on page 8 for a list of supported thermocouple sensors that can be purchased separately.

•press this button to clear a tripped alarm•press this button to switch between statistics, alarm readings, and the current sensor reading (and the internal
temperature reading, if supported)LCD Screen
USB-5100 Series data loggers include a LCD screen that displays the following information:
The device is waiting to be launched by pressing the Start/
Stop button.
The device is currently logging; stop logging by the pressing Start/Stop button.
The device is currently logging.
A sensor reading is above or below the high or low alarmthat you configured.
An alarm waiting to be cleared by pressing the Alarm/Statsbutton for three seconds.
Battery indicator displays the approximate battery power
remaining.
Temperature reading – the displayed temperature units are
configured in software.

The USB-5104 offers four individually-configurable channels that
support standard TC sensors.

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The channel number associated with the TC reading (channel 1 in this example). Up to four channels are displayed at
one time.

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USB-5100 Series
Software Information
LCD Screen (cont'd)

Logging Modes and Filters
The following logging modes can be configured using theUSB-5100 Series software:

The logger is configured to start logging at a set date/time.
The display counts down in days, hours, minutes, and seconds until logging begins.
The logger is configured to stop logging when memory fills.
The memory bar indicates the approximate space remaining in the logger to record data.
The logger is configured to never stop logging (wrapping).
The logger records data indefinitely, with newest data overwriting the oldest data.
These symbols indicate the maximum, minimum, average,
and standard deviation values most recently calculated by
the logger.

•

Normal: Configures the logger to collect data at the
selected logging interval.

•

Burst Logging: Configures the logger to use a different logging interval when specific conditions are met. Burst logging is not available for the internal temperature channel.

•

Statistics: Configures the logger to calculate maximum,
minimum, average, and standard deviation values during
logging for all enabled sensors except battery voltage. Statistics logging is not available for the internal temperaturechannel.

Statistics are calculated for each logging session, and can bedisplayed on the LCD screen.

The sensor reading that tripped the alarm.
The launch settings are being loaded onto the logger fromsoftware.

You can also create custom statistics, called a filtered series, byselecting a configured channel, selecting a filter (maximum,
minimum, or average), and selecting how often to calculate
the filter for the channel. A filtered series is calculated when
you read out and plot the logger data, and are not displayedon the LCD screen.

An error occurred while loading the launch configurations
onto the logger from software.
The logger has been stopped by software or because thememory is full.
Voltage and Current Sensor Channels Only: Example ofthe units entered for a current sensor, which appears to
the right of the channel number. Enter the unit type in the
LCD Units field for that sensor in the USB-5100 Series software. Units for temperature sensors are displayed as°F or °C only.

Linear Scaling Assistant (USB-5106 Only)
The USB-5106 also supports the Linear Scaling Assistant,which converts a data series from a compatible sensor to someother measurement when you enter two raw values and theircorresponding measurement values. The conversion must be
based on a linear relationship.

The LCD screen on USB-5100 Series data loggers displays information
on readings, alarms, statistics, memory, and battery power.

USB-5100 Series Software
Logging Interval
The USB-5100 Series software provides both preset and custom
logging intervals that range from 1 second to over 18 hours (18hours, 12 minutes, and 15 seconds maximum) depending on
your data collection needs. The logger stores the data and users
can upload it to a computer through USB when collection iscomplete.

The USB-5100 Series software provides options for configuring alarms,
filters, and scaling of logger data, and logging intervals, modes, andstart/stop conditions.
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USB-5100 Series
Software Information
Start Logging Modes

The following options are available for maintaining alarms
and clearing alarms based on the following conditions:

The following start logging modes can be configured using theUSB-5100 Series software:

Alarm Reset Condition•

Now: Logging begins by clicking Start in the Launch Logger software window.

•

At Interval: Logging begins at an exact interval (forexample 9:00:00 rather than 8:47:00 when you choose a
one-hour logging interval). The exact start time depends on
the selected logging interval you choose.

•

On Date/Time: Logging begin at a selected date and time,
up to approximately six months from the present. The
LCD screen counts down to the start date/time and thenlogging begins.

•

Push Button: Logging starts when the Start/Stop buttonon the logger pressed for three seconds. The LCD screen on
the logger displays
until the button is pressed.

Host has relaunchedloggerCleared with button
press

•

Never (wrapping): The logger records data continuously
until either the logger battery runs out or the Start/Stopbutton on the logger pressed for three seconds. When thelogger memory is full, the newest data overwrites the oldest
data.

Alarm remains visible on the LCD
until the Alarm/Stats button on thelogger is pressed.

Internal Logger Events
USB-5100 Series loggers can track logger operation and status
by recording the following internal events. You can plot these
events in the USB-5100 Series software after reading out thelogger and opening the data file.

The following stop logging modes can be configured using theUSB-5100 Series software:
When memory fills: The logger stops recording data oncethe memory is full.

Alarm remains visible on the LCD
until the logger is relaunched.

Sensor reading within Alarm clears once sensor reading
limitsreturns to the normal range between
the high and low alarm limits.

Stop Logging Modes•

Definition

Event Name

Definition

Host Connected

The logger was connected to the computer.

StartedThe Start/Stop button was pressed to
begin logging.

Stopped

The logger received a command to stop
recording data (from software or bypushing the Start/Stop button).

•

Push button: The logger stops recording data when theStart/Stop button on the logger is pressed for three seconds.
The LCD screen on the logger displays
when thisoption has been selected.

Button Up/Button Down

The Start/Stop button was pressed for 1
second.

Resume logging on next button push: Resume a stopped
logger by pressing the Start/Stop button for three seconds(only available when Push button is selected as a Stop
Logging option.

Chan <#> Alarm
TrippedAn alarm has tripped on that channel.

•

Chan <#> Alarm
ClearedAn alarm has cleared on that channel.
This event also contains the value thatwas furthest out of range for the sensor
before the alarm cleared.

New Interval

The logger has entered or exited burst
logging mode.

Safe Shutdown

The battery level dropped below 1.85 V;
the logger performs a safe shutdown.

•

Specific stop date: Select the date that the logger stops
recording data. Choose either a preset time or set your own
custom date and time.

AlarmsUSB-5100 Series loggers provide high alarm and low alarm
options that can be set through software. Alarm conditions
and readings are indicated on the LCD screen (refer to LCD
Screen on page 2).
Alarms can be set based on the number of readings outside thealarm range – for example, trip an alarm when five readings
are above/below the configured alarm value. Alarms conditions can be cumulative – five readings out-of-sequence trip an
alarm – or consecutive – five readings in a row trip an alarm.
Alarms are not supported when Burst Logging is selected.
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USB-5100 Series
Software Information

Reading Out and Plotting Data
After configuring a logger and logging data, users can stop thelogger, save the data to file, and plot the data.

Details Pane – Shows device information, deployment information, and statistics for each series and event displayed in
the plot.

The USB-5100 Series software interface provides the following
visual components when plotting logged data:

Users can also use a context menu on the Details pane to show
and hide a series on the plot and in the Points table.

Points Table – Chronologically lists data points (values) andlogged events displayed in the plot. The Points Table is linked
to the graph – only the data for the series and events on theplot are listed in the Points Table.

Toolbar Icons – The toolbar includes icons that enable users
perform the following operations on the plot or on a specificseries:• show/hide gridlines, data • several other graph/plot
point markers, legend, title,
optionsand border• zoom in/out• add graph labels• convert units• show graph at full scale• create a filtered series

Plot – The plot displays the data series and events in a graph,and includes a time axis (x-axis), value axis (y-axis), and legend for each series







À

The USB-5100 Series software interface includes the À Details Pane, which shows information for each series and event displayed in theplot; the Á Points Table, which chronologically lists data points and logged events; the Â Toolbar Icons that perform operations on the Plotor individual series; and the  Plot, which displays the data series and events in a graph.
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USB-5100 Series

Software Information & Specifications
Exporting Data

USB-5104
These specifications apply only to the USB-5104 thermocouple sensor.

The data plotted and displayed in the Points Table can beexported to a .csv, .txt, or Microsoft Excel (.xls) file. Information in the Details Pane can be exported to a .txt file.

USB-5104 Thermocouple Accuracy
Type

Range

Accuracy

Resolution

Saving to a Project File

J

Logged data along with any customized display and analysis
settings can be saved to a custom project file.

–210 °C to 760 °C(–346 °C to 1,400 °F)±0.6 °C (±1.08 °F)± TC probe accuracy

0.03 °C(0.06 °F)

K–260 °C to 1,370 °C(–436 °C to 2,498 °F)±0.7 °C (±1.26 °F)± TC probe accuracy

0.04 °C(0.07 °F)

T–260 °C to 400 °C(–436 °C to 752 °F)±0.6 °C (±1.08 °F)± TC probe accuracy

0.02 °C(0.03 °F)

E–260 °C to 950 °C(–436 °F to 1,742 °F)±0.6 °C (±1.08 °F)± TC probe accuracy

0.03 °C(0.05 °F)

R

–50 °C to 1,550 °C(–58 °F to 2,822 °F)±2.2 °C (±3.96 °F)± TC probe accuracy

0.08 °C(0.15 °F)

S

–50 °C to 1,720 °C(–58 F° to 3,128 °F)±2.2 °C (±3.96 °F)± TC probe accuracy

0.08 °C(0.15 °F)

B

550 °C to 1,820 °C(1,022 °F to 3,308 °F)±2.5 °C (±4.5 °F)± TC probe accuracy

0.1 °C
0.18 °F)

N–260 °C to 1,300 °C(–436 °F to 2,372 °F)±1.0 °C (±1.8 °F)± TC probe accuracy

0.06 °C(0.11 °F)

Customizations made when the file was saved will display
when you open the project.

Specifications
All specifications are subject to change without notice.
Typical for 25 ˚C unless otherwise specified.

All USB-5100 Series Devices
These specifications apply to all USB-5100 Series sensors unless noted otherwise.
Operating Range
Logging: –20 °C to 70°C (–4 °F to 158°F); 0% to 95% RH (non-condensing)
Launch/Readout: 0 °C to 50 °C (32 °F to 122 °F) per USB specification
Logging Rate: 1 s to 18 h, 12 min, 15 s
Logging Modes: Normal, burst, or statistics
Memory Modes: Wrap when full or stop when fullStart Modes: Immediate, push button, date & time, or next interval
Stop Modes: When memory full, push button, or date & time
Restart Mode: Push button
Time Accuracy: ±1 min per month at 25 °C (77 °F) (see Plot A)

Environmental (Internal 10k Thermistor (Temperature))
Range: –20 °C to 70 °C (–4 °F to 158 °F)
Accuracy: ±0.21 °C from 0 °C to 50 °C (±0.38 °F from 32 °F to 122 °F)(see Plot A)
Resolution: 0.024 °C at 25 °C (0.04 °F at 77 °F)(see Plot B)
Drift: <0.1 °C (0.18 °F) per year

Plot A: USB-5100 Series Time Accuracy
Plot B: USB-5104 Internal Temperature Accuracy and Resolution

Battery Life: 1 year, typ with logging rate of 1 min and logging interval of 15 s
or greater
Battery Type: Two AAA batteries or non-rechargeable lithium batteries
Memory: 4 MB
USB-5104: 1.6 million measurements, max)
USB-5106: 1.9 million measurements, max)
Download Type: USB 2.0 interface
Full Memory Download Time: Approximately 1.5 min
LCD: LCD is visible from 0 °C to 50 °C (32 °F to 122 °F); the LCD may react
slowly or go blank in temperatures outside this range
Size (L × W × H):10.8 × 5.41 × 2.54 cm (4.25 × 2.13 × 1 in.)
Weight:107.5 g (3.79 oz)
Environmental Rating: IP50

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USB-5100 SeriesSpecifications
USB-5106

Connected to a 4-20 mA Sensor (CABLE-4-20MA)

These specifications apply only to the USB-5106 temperature sensor.

The CABLE-4-20MA connects a 4-20 mA output to a USB-5106. This sensor is
attached to a 47 cm (18.5 in.) cable and can be plugged directly into the external input jacks of the USB-5106.

Connected to Air/Water/Soil Temp Sensor (TMC6-HD)
The TMC6-HD measures temperature in air, water, or soil, and is attached to a
1.8 m (6 ft.) cable. This sensor can be plugged directly into the external input
jacks of the USB-5106.

This sensor must be connected so that the current flows through, and with theproper polarity, as shown below. Do not expose to current above 20 mA or negative current. Do not cut off the end of the gray cable where it connects to theblue and yellow wires as that contains the precision resistor required for current
measurements.

The TMC6-HD can be used indoors and underwater.
Connector Type: 2.5 mm plug
Temperature Measurement Range: –40 °C to 50 °C (–40 °F to 122 °F) in water;–40 °C to 100 °C (–40 °F to 212 °F) in air
Temperature Accuracy: ±0.15 °C from 0 °C to 70 °C (±0.27 °F from 32 °F to
158 °F), insert probe 2.3 cm (0.9 inches) min
Temperature Resolution: 0.002 °C at 25°C
(0.003 °F at 77 °F)

Connector Type: 2.5 mm plug
Measurement Range: 0 mA to 20.1 mA
Accuracy: ±0.001 mA ±0.2% of reading
Resolution: 0.3 µA
Length: 47 cm (18.5 in)Connected to a DC Voltage Sensor (CABLE-ADAPxx)
The USB-5106 supports the following voltage sensors:
CABLE-ADAP5: Supports sensor inputs of 5 VDC max
CABLE-ADAP10: Supports sensor inputs of 10 VDC max
CABLE-ADAP24: Supports sensor inputs of 24 VDC max
Connector Type: 2.5 mm plug (all voltage sensors)
Measurement Range
CABLE-ADAP5: 0 V to 5 V
CABLE-ADAP10: 0 V to 10 V
CABLE-ADAP24: 0 V to 24 V
Accuracy
CABLE-ADAP5: ±0.2 mV ±0.3% of reading
CABLE-ADAP10: ±0.4 mV ±0.3% of reading
CABLE-ADAP24: ±1.0 mV ±0.3% of reading
Resolution:
CABLE-ADAP5: 80 µV
CABLE-ADAP10: 160 µV
CABLE-ADAP24: 384 µV
Length: 1.9 m (6.3 ft) (all models)
Weight: 38.6 g (1.4 oz) (all models)Plot C: USB-5106 Accuracy with TMC6-HD

Plot D: USB-5106 Resolution with TMC6-HD
Drift: <0.1°C (<0.2°F) per year
Response Time in Air: 2 minutes typ to 90% in air moving 1 m/s (2.2 mph)Response Time in Stirred Water: 30 sec. typical to 90%.
Operating Range: Sensor tip and cable immersion in fresh water up to +50 °C(122°F) for 1 year
Sensor Housing: Copper-plated sensor tip
Sensor Dimensions: 5.1 × 33 mm (0.2 × 1.3 in.)Sensor Weight: 34 g (1.1 oz)
Sensor Mounting Considerations: Mount the sensor where there is good air
circulation for measuring air temperature, and mount the sensor tip as far
off of the mounting surface as possible so temperature measurements are notaffected by the surface itself.

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USB-5100 Series
Ordering

Ordering Information
Part No.

Description

USB-5104

Battery-powered four-channel thermocouple data logger; includes mini-USB cable, Command™ strip, double-sided tape, hook & loop strap,
and two AAA 1.5 V alkaline batteries

USB-5106

Battery-powered four-channel analog data logger; includes mini-USB cable, Command™ strip, double-sided tape, hook & loop strap, and
two AAA 1.5 V alkaline batteries

SoftwarePart No.

Description

USB-5100 Series
software

Software for USB-5100 Series Data Loggers on Windows and Mac platforms.
Download-only from www.mccdaq.com/software.aspx.

Sensors
Compatible with USB-5104

Compatible with USB-5106

Part No.

Description

Part No.

Description

CN-144-JM

Type J male thermocouple connector

TMC6-HD

Air/water/soil temperature sensor,
1.8 m (6 ft.)

CN-144-KM

Type K male thermocouple connector

CABLE-4-20mA

4-20 mA input cable, 47 cm (18.5 in.)

CABLE-ADAP5

Supports sensor inputs of 5 VDCmax, 1.9 m (6.3 ft.)

CABLE-ADAP10

Supports sensor inputs of 10 VDC
max , 1.9 m (6.3 ft.)

CABLE-ADAP24

Supports sensor inputs of 24 VDC
max , 1.9 m (6.3 ft.)

CN-144-TM

Type T male thermocouple connector

745690-J001

J-type thermocouple wire, fiberglass(0 °C to 482 °C, 32 °F to 900 °F) 1 m

745690-J002

J-type thermocouple wire, fiberglass(0 °C to 482 °C, 32 °F to 900 °F) 2 m

745690-K001

K-type thermocouple wire, fiberglass(0 °C to 482 °C, 32 °F to 900 °F) 1 m

745690-K002

K-type thermocouple wire, fiberglass(0 °C to 482 °C, 32 °F to 900 °F) 2 m

745690-T001

T-type thermocouple wire, fiberglass(0 °C to 260 °C, 32 °F to 500 °F) 1 m

745690-T002

T-type thermocouple wire, fiberglass(0 °C to 260 °C, 32 °F to 500 °F) 2 m

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Document Revision 6, January, 2016
© Copyright 2016, Measurement Computing Corporation