EasyManua.ls Logo

Extech Instruments 42280A - User Manual

Extech Instruments 42280A
30 pages
Print Icon
To Next Page IconTo Next Page
To Next Page IconTo Next Page
Loading...
User Manual
Temperature & Humidity
Datalogger
Model 42280A
Question and Answer IconNeed help?

Do you have a question about the Extech Instruments 42280A and is the answer not in the manual?

Summary

Introduction

Overview

Introduces the Extech 42280A Temperature & Humidity Datalogger and its capabilities.

Product Features

Lists key features like large display, alarms, data storage, USB connectivity, and mounting options.

Supplied Material

Lists items included with the 42280A meter.

Optional Accessories

Details optional accessories available for purchase, such as a power adapter and calibration solutions.

Quick Start

Product Description

Front Panel Description

Details the components and functions of the datalogger's front panel, including sensors, LEDs, and buttons.

Display and LED Indicators

Explains the different elements and readings displayed on the datalogger's screen and the function of its LEDs.

Button Descriptions

Provides detailed explanations of the functions for each button on the datalogger.

Back of Meter

Identifies the wall mounting hole and battery compartment on the back of the device.

Bottom of Meter

Describes the tripod mount and footers located on the bottom of the meter.

Monitoring Mode

Monitoring Mode Overview

Explains the datalogger's operation when powered but not logging data.

Monitoring Mode Operation

Details how to view readings and use functions in monitoring mode.

MAX;MIN Memories

Datalogger Mode

Datalogging Overview

Explains the datalogger's memory capacity and the need for configuration before logging.

Configuring the Datalogger using a PC

Guides users through configuring the datalogger via PC software.

Configuring the Datalogger using the Front-Panel Keypad

Details how to configure the datalogger using its physical buttons and interface.

Starting the Datalogger

Explains how to initiate the datalogging process after configuration.

Start Delay Timer

Describes the function and setting of the start delay timer for logging.

Adding Markers using the MARK button

Explains how to add time-stamped markers to the log during a session.

Putting the Display to Sleep while Logging

Details how to conserve battery by turning off the display during logging.

Stopping the Datalogger

Explains the procedure to stop the datalogging session.

Downloading Data to a PC

Guides users on connecting the logger to a PC and saving data files.

PDF Log Report

Describes the content and structure of the PDF log report generated from logged data.

Text File Log Report

Explains the format and content of the text file log report.

Alarms

Alarm Overview

Introduces the temperature and RH alarm functions of the datalogger.

Alarm Types

Explains the different types of alarms that can be configured (Single, Cumulative, Disabled).

Alarm Thresholds

Details how to set temperature and RH alarm limits.

Alarm Delay Timer

Describes how to use a delay timer to reduce nuisance alarms.

Alarm Alerts

Explains how alarms are triggered and indicated.

Alarm Statistics

Lists the statistical data provided in log reports related to alarms.

Relative Humidity Calibration

Calibration Overview

Explains the possibility of user or factory calibration for RH.

Calibration Process

Provides step-by-step instructions for performing RH calibration using salt solutions.

Calibration Notes

Offers important tips and procedures for accurate RH calibration.

Specifications

Two-year Warranty

Calibration and Repair Services

Details Extech's calibration and repair services and warranty information.

Contact Customer Support

Provides contact information for customer support, calibration, and returns.

Overview

The Extech 42280A is a portable, battery-operated datalogger designed to monitor, display, and log Air Temperature, Dew Point Temperature (DP), and Relative Humidity (RH). It is suitable for monitoring environmental conditions in various residential, commercial storage, and in-transit locations. The device features a large display, a five-button keypad, two LED indicators, and an alert beeper. It comes with PC software for convenient configuration and global parameter settings. The built-in temperature and RH sensor offers high accuracy and quick response to ambient changes, with the capability for field calibration using optional RH reference solutions.

Function Description:

The primary function of the 42280A is to monitor and log temperature and relative humidity data over time. It operates in two main modes: Monitoring Mode and Datalogger Mode.

In Monitoring Mode, the device displays real-time measurements of air temperature and relative humidity, updating every 10 seconds. Users can also view Dew Point Temperature (DP) by pressing the DP button, which replaces the RH measurement on the middle display row while keeping air temperature on the top row. The date and time alternate on the bottom row at 5-second intervals. The device also tracks and displays Maximum (MX) and Minimum (MN) readings for both temperature and RH, which can be cycled through by short-pressing the MAX/MIN button. Long-pressing the MAX/MIN button resets these memories. Alarm conditions are visually indicated by a flashing red LED and an 'H' (high alarm) or 'L' (low alarm) icon on the display when readings exceed programmed limits. Battery status, showing the approximate number of days remaining, can be checked by short-pressing the BATT button. A low battery icon appears when the voltage is very low.

In Datalogger Mode, the 42280A records up to 24,000 temperature and 24,000 RH readings in its internal memory. Before logging, the device must be configured either via a PC (recommended) or using the front-panel keypad. If logging is attempted without configuration, it will not start. Once logging begins, the green Record LED flashes every 10 seconds, and the REC display icon flashes once per second. If a Start Delay has been programmed, the REC icon will be visible but not flashing until the delay elapses, after which it will start flashing. During logging, the display updates readings at the set sampling rate. The red Alarm LED will flash if measurements exceed programmed limits. For extended logging sessions, an optional 9V power adapter is recommended to prevent data loss due to low battery. Users can add up to eight time-stamped markers to the logging record by long-pressing the MARK button, which helps pinpoint specific events or location changes in the log report. To conserve battery during logging, the display can be switched off by short-pressing the START/STOP button, while the logger continues to run in sleep mode. Short-pressing the button again restores the display. Logging stops automatically when the internal memory is full or when the START/STOP button is long-pressed. After a logging session, data can be downloaded to a PC to generate PDF or tab-delimited text file reports.

Important Technical Specifications:

  • Temperature Measurements:
    • Range: -22 to 158°F (-30 to 70°C)
    • Resolution: 0.1°
    • Accuracy at 77°F (25°C): ±0.9°F (0.5°C)
    • Sensor Type: NTC thermistor
  • RH Measurements:
    • Range: 0.1 to 99.9%
    • Resolution: 0.1%
    • Accuracy at 77°F (25°C): ±3% from 10 to 90% (otherwise ±5%)
    • Sensor Type: Capacitive
  • Dew Point Calculation:
    • Range: 32 to 122°F (0 to 50°C)
    • Resolution: 0.1°
  • USB Interface: USB 2.0 (no driver required)
  • Data Log Sample Rate: Programmable: 30 seconds, 5, 10, 30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes.
  • Data Log Start Delay: Programmable: 0, 5, 10, 30, 60, 90, 120 minutes, and 24 hours.
  • Internal Memory: 24,000 temperature readings and 24,000 RH readings (maximum).
  • Alarm Types: Single event, Cumulative (average), or OFF.
  • Meter Power: 4 x AA batteries (supplied). Optional 9V adapter.
  • Battery Life (typical): Three (3) months with beeper disabled; Two (2) months with beeper enabled.
  • Operating and Storage Temperature: -20 to 70°C (-4 to 158°F). Note: The temperature sensor can measure down to -22°F (-30°C), but the meter should not be used below -4°F (-20°C).
  • Operating and Storage Humidity: < 90% RH, non-condensing.
  • Dimensions:
    • Meter: 4.7 x 3.5 x 1.5 inches (121 x 89 x 38 mm)
    • Display: 2.0 x 2.5 inches (51 x 63 mm)
  • Weight: 5.7 oz. (163 g)

Usage Features:

  • User-Friendly Interface: Large display, five-button keypad for easy navigation and operation.
  • PC Connectivity: Plug-and-play USB connection for configuration and data download. No additional USB drivers or software installation required beyond the "PDF Logger Configuration Tool" application.
  • Flexible Configuration: Datalogger parameters (sampling rate, start delay, alarm types, alarm thresholds, temperature units, date/time) can be set via PC software or the front-panel keypad.
  • Multi-Language Support: Reports can be generated in English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, or Portuguese.
  • Alarm System: Visual (red LED, H/L icons) and audible (beeper) alarms for temperature and RH, with programmable high/low limits and an optional delay timer to reduce false alarms. Alarm types include Single (triggers immediately) and Cumulative (triggers when average exceeds limit).
  • Data Markers: Ability to add up to eight time-stamped markers to the log report during a logging session, useful for noting specific events or changes.
  • Power Saving: Display can be switched off during logging to conserve battery while the device continues to record data.
  • Mounting Options: Includes wall-mount hole, detachable desktop stands, and tripod mount for versatile placement.
  • Battery or Adapter Power: Operates on four AA batteries (supplied) or an optional 9V power adapter for continuous long-term logging.
  • Automatic Time Synchronization: Datalogger automatically synchronizes with the PC time zone setting during configuration.
  • Password Protection: Optional password can be set during configuration to prevent unauthorized changes to logger settings.
  • Comprehensive Reports: Generates PDF reports with device specifications, logging statistics (maximum, minimum, average, standard deviation, Mean Kinetic Temperature, total time within/above/below alarm limits), graphical plots of temperature and humidity over time, and a table of logged readings. Text file reports (tab-delimited ASCII) are also available for spreadsheet analysis.

Maintenance Features:

  • Field Calibration: The 42280A supports user calibration for Relative Humidity using optional 33% and 75% calibration salt solution bottles. The calibration process involves placing the sensor in the solution bottles for approximately 60 minutes each, with visual feedback on the display indicating progress.
  • Battery Replacement: Uses standard AA batteries, easily accessible in the rear compartment.
  • Firmware Updates: While not explicitly detailed as a user-performable function, firmware version is listed in reports, suggesting potential for updates.
  • Repair Services: FLIR Systems, Inc. offers calibration and repair services for Extech brand products, including NIST traceable calibration.
  • Warranty: Comes with a two-year warranty on parts and workmanship (six-month limited warranty for sensors and cables).

Extech Instruments 42280A Specifications

General IconGeneral
BrandExtech Instruments
Model42280A
CategoryData Loggers
LanguageEnglish

Related product manuals