USB-5104
4-channel thermocouple logger

User's Guide

Document Revision 4A
February 2015
© Copyright 2015

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Measurement Computing Corporation, InstaCal, Universal Library, and the Measurement Computing logo areeither trademarks or registered trademarks of Measurement Computing Corporation. Refer to the Copyrights &Trademarks section on mccdaq.com/legal for more information about Measurement Computing trademarks.
Other product and company names mentioned herein are trademarks or trade names of their respective
companies.
© 2015 Measurement Computing Corporation. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be
reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form by any means, electronic, mechanical, by
photocopying, recording, or otherwise without the prior written permission of Measurement Computing
Corporation.
NoticeMeasurement Computing Corporation does not authorize any Measurement Computing Corporation product for
use in life support systems and/or devices without prior written consent from Measurement Computing
Corporation. Life support devices/systems are devices or systems that, a) are intended for surgical implantation
into the body, or b) support or sustain life and whose failure to perform can be reasonably expected to result ininjury. Measurement Computing Corporation products are not designed with the components required, and are
not subject to the testing required to ensure a level of reliability suitable for the treatment and diagnosis ofpeople.

HM USB-5104.docx

Table of Contents
Preface

About this User's Guide ....................................................................................................................... 4
What you will learn from this user's guide ......................................................................................................... 4
Conventions in this user's guide ......................................................................................................................... 4
Where to find more information ......................................................................................................................... 4
Chapter 1

Introducing the USB-5104 .................................................................................................................... 5
Chapter 2

Installing the USB-5104 ........................................................................................................................ 6
Unpacking........................................................................................................................................................... 6
Installing the software ........................................................................................................................................ 6
Installing the hardware ....................................................................................................................................... 6
Chapter 3

Functional Details ................................................................................................................................. 7
Logger components ............................................................................................................................................ 7
Start/Stop button ............................................................................................................................................................... 7
Alarm/Stats button ............................................................................................................................................................ 7
Mounting magnets ............................................................................................................................................................ 7
Battery compartment ......................................................................................................................................................... 7
USB port ........................................................................................................................................................................... 7
Mounting loops ................................................................................................................................................................. 7
Thermocouple ports .......................................................................................................................................................... 8LCD Screen ...................................................................................................................................................................... 8

Setting up the logger ........................................................................................................................................... 9
Data logging options ......................................................................................................................................................... 9Connecting thermocouple sensors .................................................................................................................... 10
Setting up alarms .............................................................................................................................................. 10
Alarm modes ....................................................................................................................................................................10

Logging modes ................................................................................................................................................. 11
Burst logging ...................................................................................................................................................................11
Statistics ...........................................................................................................................................................................11

Reading out the logger ...................................................................................................................................... 11
Recording internal logger events ...................................................................................................................... 12
Mounting the logger ......................................................................................................................................... 12
Protecting the logger ......................................................................................................................................... 12
Battery information........................................................................................................................................... 12
Chapter 4

Specifications ......................................................................................................................................14
Thermocouple accuracy .................................................................................................................................... 14
Thermistor ........................................................................................................................................................ 14
Logger .............................................................................................................................................................. 14

3

Preface

About this User's Guide
What you will learn from this user's guideThis user's guide describes the Measurement Computing USB-5104 data acquisition device and lists device
specifications.

Conventions in this user's guide
For more information
Text presented in a box signifies additional information related to the subject matter.
Caution! Shaded caution statements present information to help you avoid injuring yourself and others,
damaging your hardware, or losing your data.
bold text

Bold text is used for the names of objects on a screen, such as buttons, text boxes, and check boxes.

italic text

Italic text is used for the names of manuals and help topic titles, and to emphasize a word or phrase.

Where to find more information
Additional information about USB-5104 hardware is available on our website at www.mccdaq.com. You canalso contact Measurement Computing Corporation with specific questions.


Knowledgebase: kb.mccdaq.com
Tech support form: www.mccdaq.com/support/support_form.aspx
Email: techsupport@mccdaq.com
Phone: 508-946-5100 and follow the instructions for reaching Tech Support

For international customers, contact your local distributor. Refer to the International Distributors section on our
website at www.mccdaq.com/International.

4Chapter 1

Introducing the USB-5104
The USB-5104 is a 4-channel thermocouple data logger that records temperature in indoor environments using
up to four J, K, T, E, R, S, B, or N type thermocouple sensors (sold separately).
Using USB-5100 Series Data Logger Software, you can easily perform the following tasks:Record the ambient temperature with its internal temperature thermistor
Configure the logger alarm to trip for specific high or low temperatures
Set up burst logging in which the logger records data at a different interval during certain conditions
Calculate minimum, maximum, average, and standard deviation statistics

Use the built-in LCD screen to monitor temperature, logging status, battery use, and memory consumption
between readouts.

5Chapter 2

Installing the USB-5104
UnpackingAs with any electronic device, you should take care while handling to avoid damage from static
electricity. Before removing the device from its packaging, ground yourself using a wrist strap or by simply
touching the computer chassis or other grounded object to eliminate any stored static charge.
Contact us immediately if any components are missing or damaged.

Installing the software
Note: Before connecting the USB-5104 logger, first install the USB-5100 Series Data Logger Software.

Perform the following steps to install the USB-5100 Series Data Logger Software:
1.
2.

Download the software from www.mccdaq.com/daq-software/usb-5100-series-software.aspx.
Follow the onscreen instructions.

In addition to the software, the executable also installs electronic copies of the USB-5100 Series Getting Started
Guide and USB-5100 Series Software Help.

Installing the hardware
Install the software before you install your device
The driver needed to run the USB-5104 device is installed when you install the software. Therefore, you need to
install the USB-5100 Series Data Logger Software before you install the hardware.
For operation on a Windows operating system, we recommend that you run Windows Update to update youroperating system with the latest USB drivers.
Perform the following steps to connect a USB-5100 Series data logger:
1.
2.
3.

Launch the USB-5100 Series Data Logger Software.
Plug the large end of the mini-USB cable into a USB port on the computer.
Plug the small end of the mini-USB cable into the USB port on the data logger.

Windows: When connecting a device for the first time, it may take several seconds to detect the new hardware
and report that it has connected successfully. A message may display indicating that you need to reboot before
you can use the device – this is optional; you do not need to reboot at this time.

The device name appears in the status bar once it is recognized by the software. The status bar also lists the total
number of devices connected. At this point, you can access the device using the software.

6

Chapter 3

Functional Details
Logger components
The external components on the USB-5104 are shown in Figure 1.

1
2
3
4

Start/Stop button
Alarm/Stats button
Logger rear (not shown): Mounting
magnets (×4) and battery compartment
USB port

5
6
7

Mounting loops (one on each side)
Thermocouple ports (not shown)
LCD screen

Figure 1. USB-5104 components

Start/Stop button
Press this button for 3 seconds to start or stop logging data, or to resume logging. This requires configuring thelogger with a push button start or stop, and with "Resume logging on next button push" selected; see Setting up
the logger on page 9 for more information.
You can also press this button for 1 second to record an internal event (see Recording internal logger events on
page 12), or to turn on the LCD screen on if it is configured to be off.

Alarm/Stats button
Use this button to clear a tripped alarm (see Setting up alarms on page 10) or to cycle between statistics, alarm
readings, the current sensor reading, and the internal temperature reading, if enabled in the software.

Mounting magnets
Four built-in mounting magnets on the rear of the device are used to mount the logger to a magnetic surface.

Battery compartment
The battery compartment houses the two AAA 1.5 volt alkaline batteries. Refer to Battery information on page
12 for information about the logger batteries.

USB port
Use this port to connect the logger to the computer with the mini-USB cable.

Mounting loops
Use the two mounting loops (only one is visible in the diagram) to mount the logger with the hook-and-loop
strap; see Mounting the logger on page 12 for more information about using the mounting loops.

7USB-5104 User's Guide

Functional Details

Thermocouple ports
Use these ports to connect thermocouple sensor subminiature connectors; see Connecting thermocouple sensors
on page 10 for more information.

LCD Screen
The logger LCD screen displays details about the current status. Figure 2 shows all of the symbols that display
on the LCD screen. The table below lists a description for each symbol.

Figure 2. LCD screen symbols
SymbolDescription
The logger is waiting to be launched. Press and hold the Start/Stop button for 3 seconds to launch
the logger.
The logger was launched with push button stop enabled; press and hold the Start/Stop button for
3 seconds to stop the logger. Note: If you also launched the logger with a push button start, thissymbol does not appear on the display for 30 seconds.
An alarm is ready to be cleared. This symbol appears when Cleared with button press isselected in the alarm settings. Press the Alarm/Stats button for 3 seconds to clear the alarm.
The battery indicator shows the approximate battery power remaining.
This is an example of a temperature reading. Temperature units are set with the software. You
cannot change the temperature unit after the logger is launched.
A sensor reading is above or below the configured high or low alarm. Press and release theAlarm/Stats button until alm displays (explained below).
The alarm symbol clears depending on how alarms are configured. If the alarm is configured toclear when the logger is relaunched, this symbol remains on the LCD. Otherwise, it clears when thesensor reading is back within the alarm limits or you press the Alarm/Stats button for 3 seconds.
The channel number associated with the thermocouple reading. Up to four channels are visible at
one time. Press the Alarm/Stats button for 1 second to cycle through any available statistics andthen to fifth channel, which is the temperature being logged by the internal thermistor (if enabled in
the software).
The logger is configured to start logging on a particular date/time. The display counts down indays, hours, minutes, and seconds until logging begins. In this example, 5 minutes and 38 seconds
remain until logging begins.
Displays when the logger is currently logging.
The logger is configured to stop logging when memory fills. The memory bar indicates theapproximate space remaining in the logger to record data. When first launched, all five segments inthe bar are empty. In this example, the logger memory is almost full (only one segment in thememory bar is empty).
The logger is configured to never stop logging (wrapping). The logger continues recording data
indefinitely, with newest data overwriting the oldest data. When first launched, all five segments inthe memory bar will be empty. In this example, the memory is full (all five segments are filled in)and new data is overwriting the oldest data. This continues until the logger is stopped or the batteryruns out.

8USB-5104 User's Guide

SymbolFunctional Details

Description
These symbols show the maximum, minimum, average, and standard deviation values mostrecently calculated by the logger. The logging mode must be set in the software to Statistics. Press
the Alarm/Stats button for 1 second to cycle through each of the available statistics and then to thechannel 5 thermistor reading (if enabled), and then back to the current thermocouple readings, or to
the alarm value, if applicable.
The sensor reading that tripped the alarm. Press the Alarm/Stats button to view this reading. Press
the Alarm/Stats button again to cycle through any statistics, then to the channel 5 thermistor
reading (if enabled), and back to the current thermocouple readings.
The launch settings are being loaded onto the logger. Do not disconnect the USB cable during thisprocess.
An error occurred while loading the launch configurations onto the logger. Verify that the USB
cable is connected to both the logger and the computer and try launching again.
The logger is stopped or the memory is full.

Notes:You can disable the LCD screen when logging. Select "Turn LCD off" when setting up the logger as
described in the next section. When this option is enabled, you can still temporarily view the LCD screenby pushing the Start/Stop button for 1 second. The LCD will then remain on for 10 minutes.
The LCD screen refreshes every 15 seconds regardless of the logging interval selected in the software. If
you choose a logging interval less than 15 seconds, the data will be recorded at the faster interval, but thetemperature readings will only be updated on the screen every 15 seconds.
When the logger has stopped logging, the LCD screen remains on until the logger is offloaded to acomputer, unless launched with the "Turn LCD off" option. Once the logger is offloaded and disconnectedfrom the computer, the LCD turns off automatically after 2 hours. The LCD turns back on the next time thelogger is connected to the computer.
If a thermocouple is disconnected during logging, erroneous values will display on the LCD for that sensor,
and return to normal readings once reconnected. See Connecting thermocouple sensors on page 10 for
more details.

Setting up the logger
All hardware configuration options on the USB-5104 are programmable with USB-5100 Series Data Logger
Software.

Data logging options
You can configure the following logger options:









thermocouple sensors to log
thermocouple typelogging rate
logging mode
start/stop/restart modes
alarm modes
filter options
LCD off

For detailed information on all software features, refer to the USB-5100 Series Software Help located atwww.mccdaq.com/PDFs/Manuals/USB-5100-Series-Help.pdf.

9USB-5104 User's Guide

Functional Details

Connecting thermocouple sensors
The logger can accept up to four standard thermocouple sensors of the appropriate type with standard
thermocouple subminiature connectors.
ANSI Standard Thermocouple Color Coding
Type-J
Type-K
Type-S
Type-T
Type-E
Type-R
Type-B
Type-N

Iron-Constantan
Chromel-Alumel
Platinum-Rhodium
Copper-Constantan
Chromel-Constantan
Platinum-Rhodium
Platinum-Rhodium
Nicrosil-Nisil

Black
Yellow
GreenBlue
PurpleGreen
GrayOrangeIf the thermocouple has stripped-wire ends, male subminiature connectors with screw terminals are available.
You must use the matching type of subminiature connector for the thermocouple you are using.
Note that the negative terminal on the subminiature connector is wider than the positive terminal. Make sure theplug is inserted into the jack correctly as shown.

Figure 3. Thermocouple inputs

If you disconnect a thermocouple while the device is logging, an erroneous reading can appear on the LCD forthat channel. In addition, erroneous readings will be logged and saved in the data file depending on the logging
interval. For example, if a thermocouple is disconnected for 5 minutes and the logging interval is set to
1 minute, 5 erroneous data points are logged while the thermocouple was disconnected. If you reconnect it, thecorrect values will display on the LCD again and will be logged and saved in the data file.

Setting up alarms
All alarm options are software configurable. You can set an alarm to trip when a sensor reading rises above orfalls below a specified value on any of the thermocouple channels.
The alarm symbol displays on the LCD screen when an alarm is tripped. Alarm limits are checked when the
LCD screen refreshes (every 15 seconds).
The logging mode must be set to Normal or Statistics in order to enable an alarm.

Alarm modes
Set the alarm mode to cumulative to raise an alarm if the thermocouple sensor is out of range for a specificnumber to channels.
Cumulative – raises an alarm when the TC sensor is out-of-range for a specified number of samples.
Consecutive – raises an alarm when the TC sensor is out-of-range consecutively for a specified number ofsamples.
You can configure a tripped alarm to clear on the next launch, when sensor readings are within specified limits,or when the Alarm/Stats button is pressed.
10USB-5104 User's Guide

Functional Details

Notes:

The actual values for the high and low alarm limits are set to the closest values supported by the logger
based on the thermocouple type. In addition, alarms can trip or clear when the sensor reading is within the
resolution specification for each thermocouple type. This means the value that triggers the alarm may differ
slightly than the value entered.
When you read out the logger, high and low alarm levels display on the plot along with "Chan <#> Alarm
Tripped" and "Chan <#> Alarm Cleared" events showing when the temperature alarm tripped and cleared.
The "Chan <#> Alarm Cleared" event contains the value that was furthest out of range for the sensor before
the alarm cleared (see the Points table for the actual value).

Refer to the USB-5100 Series Software Help for detailed information about alarm modes.

Logging modes
Use software to configure the logging mode for Normal, Burst, or Statistics. Burst logging and statistics areavailable on thermocouple channels but not on the internal temperature channel. Refer to the USB-5100 Series
Software Help for detailed information about logging modes.

Burst logging
Burst logging mode allows you to set up more frequent logging when a specified condition is met, such as whensensor readings fall outside of a specified range.
When the plot is configured for events, a New Interval event appears each time the logger enters or exits burst
logging mode.
Burst mode does not support alarm settings.

Statistics
In Statistics logging mode, the logger calculates maximum, minimum, average, and standard deviation statistics
during logging. The results are recorded at each logging interval based on samples taken at a specified rate. This
results in up to four additional series per sensor that record the following information at each logging interval:The maximum, or highest, sampled value.
The minimum, or lowest, sampled value.
An average of all sampled values.
The standard deviation from the average for all sampled values.

Once logging begins, click the Alarm/Stats button on the logger to cycle through the current maximum,
minimum, average, and standard deviation data on the LCD screen. You can plot the statistics series once youread out the logger.
Normal logging mode
Set the logging mode to Normal when you don't need the additional data generated by Burst or Statistics
logging.

Reading out the logger
To read out data logged by the USB-5104, connect it to the computer with the mini-USB cable and read out itwith USB-5100 Series Data Logger Software.
Refer to the USB-5100 Series Software Help for detailed information about reading out logged data.

11

USB-5104 User's Guide

Functional Details

Recording internal logger eventsThe logger records the following internal events to track logger operation and status. You can plot these events
after reading out the logger and opening the data file.
Internal Event Name
Host ConnectedStartedStopped
Button Up/Button Down
Bad Battery
Good Battery
Chan <#> Alarm Tripped
Chan <#> Alarm Cleared
New Interval
Safe Shutdown

Definition
The logger is connected to the computer.
The Start/Stop button was pressed to begin logging.
The logger received a command to stop recording data (from either the USB-5100
Series Data Logger Software or by pushing the Start/Stop button).
The Start/Stop button was pressed for 1 second.
The battery level dropped below 2.7 V (recorded even when the battery channel isdisabled).
The battery level rose to 2.9 V or above after a Bad Battery event was marked.
A temperature alarm is tripped on the specified channel.
A temperature alarm cleared on the specified channel. This event also contains thevalue that is furthest out of range for the sensor before the alarm cleared.
The logger has entered or exited burst logging mode.
The battery level dropped below 1.85 V; the logger performs a safe shutdown.

Mounting the logger
There are several ways to mount the USB-5104 using the materials included:

Use the four built-in magnets on the back of the logger to mount it to a magnetic surface.
Attach the Command strip to the back of the logger to mount it a wall or other flat surface. The Command
strip is included in the accessory kit that shipped with the logger.
Use the double-sided tape to affix the logger to a surface. The tape is included in the accessory kit thatshipped with the logger.
Insert the hook-and-loop strap through the mounting loops on both sides of the logger for mounting to a
curved surface, such as a pipe or tubing. The strap is included in the accessory kit that shipped with thelogger.

Protecting the logger
The USB-5104is designed for indoor use and can be permanently damaged by corrosion if it gets wet. Protect itfrom condensation. If the message FAIL CLK appears on the LCD screen, a failure occurred with the internal
logger clock, possibly due to condensation. Remove the battery immediately and dry the circuit board. It is
possible to dry the logger with a hair dryer, but do not let the board get too hot. You should be able tocomfortably hold the board in your hand while drying it.
Static electricity may cause the logger to stop logging
The logger is tested to 8 kV. Avoid electrostatic discharge by grounding yourself using a wrist strap or touch thecomputer chassis or other grounded object to eliminate any stored static charge.

Battery information
The logger requires two user-replaceable AAA 1.5 volt alkaline batteries. Non-rechargeable lithium batteries
can be used for operation at the extreme ends of the logger operating range.
Expected battery life varies based on the ambient temperature where the logger is deployed, the logging or
sampling interval, frequency of offloading to the computer, number of channels that are active, if burst or
statistics logging modes are active, and battery performance. New batteries typically last 1 year with a logging
interval set greater than 1 minute. Deployments in extremely cold or hot temperatures, with a logging interval
faster than 1 minute, or a sampling interval faster than 15 seconds can impact battery life. Estimates are notguaranteed due to uncertainties in initial battery conditions and operating environment.

12

USB-5104 User's Guide

Functional Details

The logger can also be powered by the mini-USB cable when the remaining battery voltage is too low for it tocontinue logging. Connect the logger to the computer, click the Readout device icon on the software toolbar,
and save the data as prompted. Replace the battery before launching the logger again.
Perform the following procedure to replace the batteries:
1.
2.
3.
4.

Open the battery door on the back of the logger.
Remove the old batteries.
Insert two new batteries with the correct polarity.
Reinsert the battery door and snap it back into place.

Figure 4. Logger rear

Caution! Do not cut open, incinerate, heat above 85 °C (185 °F), or recharge the batteries. The battery may
explode if the logger is exposed to extreme heat or conditions that could damage or destroy thebattery case. Do not dispose of the logger or battery in fire. Do not expose the contents of thebattery to water. Dispose of the battery according to local regulations.
The USB-5100 Series Data Logger Software lets you record the current battery voltage at each logging interval;
this option is disabled by default. Recording battery life at each logging interval takes up memory and therefore
reduces logging duration. It is recommended you only record battery voltage for diagnostic purposes. Even withthe channel disabled, a bad battery event will still be recorded.

13

Chapter 4

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

Thermocouple accuracy
Table 1. Accuracy specifications
Type
J
K
T
E
R
S
B
N

Range
–210 °C to 760 °C(–346 °F to 1,400°F)–260 °C to 1,370 °C(–436 °F to 2,498 °F)–260 °C to 400 °C(–436 °F to 752 °F)–260 °C to 950 °C(–436 °F to 1,742 °F)–50 °C to 1,550 °C(–58 °F to 2,822 °F)–50 °C to 1,720 °C(–58 F° to 3,128 °F)
550 °C to 1,820 °C(1,022 °F to 3,308 °F)–260 °C to 1,300 °C(–436 °F to 2,372 °F)

Accuracy

Resolution (20-bit)±0.6 °C (±1.08 °F) ± thermocouple probe accuracy

0.03 °C (0.06 °F)±0.7 °C (±1.26 °F) ± thermocouple probe accuracy

0.04 °C (0.07 °F)±0.6 °C (±1.08 °F) ± thermocouple probe accuracy

0.02 °C (0.03 °F)±0.6 °C (±1.08 °F) ± thermocouple probe accuracy

0.03 °C (0.05 °F)±2.2 °C (±3.96 °F) ± thermocouple probe accuracy

0.08 °C (0.15 °F)±2.2 °C (±3.96 °F) ± thermocouple probe accuracy

0.08 °C (0.15 °F)±2.5 °C (±4.5 °F) ± thermocouple probe accuracy

0.1 °C (0.18 °F)±1.0 °C (±1.8 °F) ± thermocouple probe accuracy

0.06 °C (0.11 °F)

Thermistor
Table 2. Internal 10K thermistor (temperature) specifications
Parameter

Specification

Range
Accuracy
Resolution
Drift–20 °C to 70 °C (–4 °F to 158 °F)±0.21 °C from 0 °C to 50 °C (±0.38 °F from 32 °F to 122 °F, see Plot A on page 15
12-bit:0.024 °C at 25°C (0.04° F at 77°F), see Plot A on page 15<0.1 °C (0.18 °F) per year

LoggerTable 3. Logger specifications
Parameter
Operating range
Logging rate
Logging modes
Memory modes
Start modes
Stop modes
Restart mode
Time accuracy
Battery life

Specification
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
1 second to 18 hours, 12 minutes, 15 seconds
Normal, burst, or statistics
Wrap when full or stop when full
Immediate, push button, date & time, or next interval
When memory full, push button, or date & time
Push button±1 minute per month at 25 °C (77 °F), see Plot B on page 15
1 year, typical with logging rate of 1 minute and sampling interval of 15 seconds orgreater

14

USB-5104 User's Guide

Specifications

Parameter

Specification

Battery type
MemoryDownload type
Full memory download time

Two AAA batteries or non-rechargeable lithium batteries
4 MB (1.6 million measurements, max)
USB 2.0 interface
Approximately 1.5 minutes
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
10.8 × 5.41 × 2.54 cm (4.25 × 2.13 × 1 in.)107.5 g (3.79 oz)
IP50
The CE Marking identifies this product as complying with all relevant directives inthe European Union (EU).

LCD
Size (L × W × H)
WeightEnvironmental Rating

Plot A: Internal Temperature Accuracy & Resolution

Plot B: Time Accuracy

15

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