Summary of Data logger handles four thermocouples
The Pax Instruments T400 is an affordable, open-source four-channel temperature datalogger designed for reliable long-term logging without constant monitoring. It features a built-in LCD, USB streaming capability, and independent data storage on a MicroSD card. Powered by an internal LiPo battery, it offers high accuracy using industry-standard thermocouples and operates autonomously via its real-time clock.
Parts used in the T400 Temperature Datalogger:
- ATmega32U4 microcontroller
- 132x64 pixel LCD display with blacklight
- Internal BL-5C LiPo battery with USB charging
- MicroUSB port for streaming data
- MicroSD card (FAT16 compatible)
- Industry standard mini-TC connectors
- MCP9800 junction temperature sensor
- MCP3424 ADC
- DS3231 RTC with backup battery
- Molded enclosure
The Pax Instruments T400 is a simple, accurate, inexpensive, open source, four-channel temperature datalogger.
Pax Instruments T400: first of a new class of affordable lab instruments
A Little History
A few years ago, I was engineering a new product and trying to log the temperature at multiple points within my device. I found myself needing a device that could log several temperatures at the same time, for many hours, and could work reliably without me needing to keep a close eye on it.
But, when I looked around for something to meet my needs, the options were slim: I could spend close to a thousand dollars on a very expensive, proprietary lab instrument with limited capabilities, or I could spend my time rather than my money and create a specialized system using an Arduino™.
So, with help from a few friends, I set out to solve this problem by creating an easy-to-use “plug and play” device that’s more than accurate enough for most purposes, yet still has the flexibility of an open system. After many months of careful designing, I’m thrilled to introduce the result of our efforts: the T400 Temperature Datalogger!
About the T400
The T400 comes ready to use out of the box with everything you need to track and record the temperature of a solid, liquid or gas: just plug in one of the provided thermocouples and turn it on. You can read the temperature measurements directly on the T400’s LCD screen.
The T400 can stream live data to your computer via USB. But don’t worry about connecting the T400 to another device: all of the data is logged directly to a MicroSD card, so it works independently of other devices. The long battery life on the T400 means that you can set it up, walk away, and come back when that work is done, all of your recorded data will stay safe and sound on the SD card.
Features
The high-level features of the T400 are listed below. If you would like a detailed look under the hood, visit the T400 source files on Github.
- ATmega32U4 microcontroller
- 132×64 pixel LCD display with blacklight
- Internal BL-5C LiPo battery with USB charging
- MicroUSB for streaming data to a computer
- MicroSD card included for recording data to .csv (FAT16 only)
- Compatible with industry standard mini-TC connectors
- MCP9800 junction temperature sensor
- MCP3424 ADC for measuring thermocouple voltages
- DS3231 RTC with backup battery to trigger readings while processor is in sleep mode
- Molded enclosure
For more detail: Data logger handles four thermocouples
- What is the Pax Instruments T400?
It is a simple, accurate, inexpensive, open source, four-channel temperature datalogger. - Can the T400 log multiple temperatures simultaneously?
Yes, it can log several temperatures at the same time using up to four thermocouples. - How does the device store recorded data?
All data is logged directly to a MicroSD card, allowing it to work independently of other devices. - Does the T400 require a computer to function?
No, you can read measurements on the LCD screen and the device works independently while recording to the SD card. - What type of battery powers the T400?
It uses an internal BL-5C LiPo battery that supports USB charging. - How are thermocouple voltages measured?
The device uses an MCP3424 ADC for measuring thermocouple voltages. - Can the processor sleep while taking readings?
Yes, the DS3231 RTC with a backup battery triggers readings while the processor is in sleep mode. - What file format is used for data on the SD card?
Data is recorded to .csv files using FAT16 formatting.
