Keywords
Citation
(2001), "Temperature measurement on your PC", Sensor Review, Vol. 21 No. 4. https://doi.org/10.1108/sr.2001.08721dad.006
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2001, MCB UP Limited
Temperature measurement on your PC
Temperature measurement on your PCKeywords: Temperature, Sensors, PC
This incredibly simple thermometer plugs straight into any free serial port on a PC or laptop computer allowing the user to display on their PC, the room/office temperature or the temperature of the equipment being monitored. The pcTherma software, developed by Electronic Temperature Instrument Ltd, displays temperature over the range of –20 to +85°C with a resolution of 0.5°C (see Plate 5).
The pcTherma software can display either sensor A (office) or A and B (office and outside) temperatures on the Windows™ taskbar in °C or °F, selectable within the software. It is also possible to record/log temperatures utilising the pcTherma data capture feature which allows the user to store readings in a text file. The pcTherma requires no external power as it is powered by the serial port and is available with a single sensor at £19.75, with two sensors and a two metre lead at £25.75 or with two sensors and a five metre lead at £27.75, all prices exclude VAT and carriage.
Plate 5
The pcTherma software has been developed by Electronic Temperature Instruments
Ltd
The pcTherma software
The free of charge pcTherma software is easy to install and simple to use. It allows the user to run the pcTherma software minimised on the taskbar, providing a "temperature icon" similar to the "clock" icon provided with standard Microsoft Windows™.
When you click the minimised icon on the taskbar it opens the set up window, allowing the user to select the serial port (1 to 4), the number of sensors attached (A or A and B), the interval between successive measurements (0 to 60 minutes), the measuring unit (°C or °F) and if you require temperatures to be logged to a file (pc-therm.txt).
Contact: Electronic Temperature Instruments Ltd, Dominion Way, Worthing, West Sussex BN14 8NW, UK. Tel: +44 (0)1903 202151; Fax: +44 (0)1903 202445; E-mail: sales@etiltd.co.uk