TESTO 176 - User Manual

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Summary

Safety and Environmental Information

About this document

Provides essential information about the document's purpose and guidelines.

Ensure safety

Guidelines for safe operation and handling of the data logger.

Protecting the environment

Procedures for responsible disposal and environmental protection.

Specifications

Use

Describes the purpose and typical applications of the testo 176 data loggers.

Technical data

Provides detailed technical specifications for the testo 176 T1 model.

First steps

Unlock the data logger

Instructions for unlocking and removing the data logger from its mounting bracket.

Connecting the data logger to PC

Steps for connecting the data logger to a computer for data transfer and configuration.

Display and control elements

Display

Information regarding the display of testo 176 models, including models without a display.

LED

Explanation of the different LED indications and their meaning.

Key functions

Overview of the main functions and button operations of the data logger.

Using the product

Connecting a sensor

Guidelines for properly connecting sensors to the data logger and measuring points.

Programming data logger

Guide to programming the data logger using the testo Comfort Software.

Menu overview

Explanation of the data logger's menu structure and display indicators.

Mounting the wall bracket

Instructions for installing the wall bracket for the data logger.

Securing the data logger

Steps for attaching the data logger to the mounted wall bracket.

Reading out data

Procedures for retrieving recorded data via USB cable and SD card.

Maintaining the product

Replacing the battery

Step-by-step guide for replacing the internal battery of the data logger.

Cleaning the instrument

Guidelines for safely cleaning the data logger's housing and sensors.

Tips and assistance

Questions and answers

Common questions and their solutions regarding data logger operation and error messages.

Accessories and spare parts

List of available accessories and spare parts for the testo 176 data loggers.

Summary

Safety and Environmental Information

About this document

Provides essential information about the document's purpose and guidelines.

Ensure safety

Guidelines for safe operation and handling of the data logger.

Protecting the environment

Procedures for responsible disposal and environmental protection.

Specifications

Use

Describes the purpose and typical applications of the testo 176 data loggers.

Technical data

Provides detailed technical specifications for the testo 176 T1 model.

First steps

Unlock the data logger

Instructions for unlocking and removing the data logger from its mounting bracket.

Connecting the data logger to PC

Steps for connecting the data logger to a computer for data transfer and configuration.

Display and control elements

Display

Information regarding the display of testo 176 models, including models without a display.

LED

Explanation of the different LED indications and their meaning.

Key functions

Overview of the main functions and button operations of the data logger.

Using the product

Connecting a sensor

Guidelines for properly connecting sensors to the data logger and measuring points.

Programming data logger

Guide to programming the data logger using the testo Comfort Software.

Menu overview

Explanation of the data logger's menu structure and display indicators.

Mounting the wall bracket

Instructions for installing the wall bracket for the data logger.

Securing the data logger

Steps for attaching the data logger to the mounted wall bracket.

Reading out data

Procedures for retrieving recorded data via USB cable and SD card.

Maintaining the product

Replacing the battery

Step-by-step guide for replacing the internal battery of the data logger.

Cleaning the instrument

Guidelines for safely cleaning the data logger's housing and sensors.

Tips and assistance

Questions and answers

Common questions and their solutions regarding data logger operation and error messages.

Accessories and spare parts

List of available accessories and spare parts for the testo 176 data loggers.

The Testo 176 series of data loggers are advanced instruments designed for saving and reading out individual readings and measurement series. These devices are ideal for a wide range of applications, from monitoring environmental conditions in warehouses to precise temperature measurements in industrial settings. Readings are measured and saved internally, and can then be transferred to a PC via a USB cable or SD card for evaluation using the Testo Comfort Software. This software also allows for individual programming of the data loggers, enabling users to customize settings to suit their specific needs.

Function Description

The core function of the Testo 176 data loggers is to accurately measure and record various parameters over time. Depending on the specific model, these parameters can include temperature, humidity, and barometric pressure. The recorded data can then be analyzed to identify trends, ensure compliance with specific conditions, or troubleshoot environmental issues.

The data loggers operate in different modes:

Wait-Mode (Wait): In this mode, the start criterion for a measurement program is programmed but not yet fulfilled. The display can show the last reading, upper alarm value, lower alarm value, and battery capacity in days.
Rec-Mode (Rec): Once the start criterion is met, the data logger enters Rec-Mode and begins saving readings according to the programmed measurement cycle. The display shows the last reading, highest reading, lowest reading, upper alarm value, lower alarm value, number of times the upper alarm value has been exceeded, number of times the lower alarm value has been fallen short of, and battery capacity in days.
End-Mode (End): The measurement program concludes when a stop criterion is reached, such as memory full or a specified number of readings. The display in End-Mode is similar to Rec-Mode, showing the final measurement results and alarm violations.

The display, available on models like the Testo 176 T2, Testo 176 T4, Testo 176 H1, and Testo 176 P1, provides real-time information about the operating status and measurement values. It can be switched on or off via the Testo Comfort Software. Various icons and numerical values indicate the current measurement readings, units, alarm thresholds, and battery status. For instance, "Max" and "Min" indicate the highest and lowest saved measurement values, respectively. "Log" shows the number of saved measurement values with alarm violations, while "Act" displays the current intermediate measurement value that is not yet saved.

LED indicators provide additional visual feedback on the device's status. A red LED flashing once every 10 seconds indicates remaining battery capacity below 30 days, twice for below 10 days, and three times for an empty battery. Three red flashes when pressing the button signify that a limiting value has been exceeded or fallen short of. Yellow LED flashes indicate changes in mode (e.g., from Wait-mode to Rec-mode) or that the instrument is in Rec-mode. Green LED flashes indicate Wait-mode or End-mode. A sequence of red, yellow, and green LED flashes signals that a battery has been inserted and the capacitor is charging.

Usage Features

The Testo 176 data loggers are designed for ease of use, from initial setup to data retrieval.

Unlocking and Mounting: The data logger is secured in a wall bracket with a lock. To unlock, a key is used to remove the lock and locking pin, allowing the device to slide out. For mounting, the wall bracket is positioned, marked, and fastened with suitable screws. The data logger is then slid back into the bracket, and the locking pin and lock are re-secured.
Connecting Sensors: For models with external sensor connections (e.g., Testo 176 T2, T3, T4, H1, H2, P1), it is crucial to ensure correct polarity and firm connection of the plugs to maintain leak tightness and measurement accuracy. The numbers on the housing indicate the corresponding connections for configured sensors.
Programming: The data loggers are programmed using the Testo Comfort Software (Basic 5, Professional, or CFR) on a PC. This software allows users to define measurement cycles, alarm values, start/stop criteria, and other settings. The Basic 5 version is available as a free download requiring registration, while Professional and CFR versions offer more advanced features.
Data Retrieval: Data can be read out via a USB cable connection to a PC or by using an SD card.
- USB Cable: After connecting the data logger to the PC via USB and opening the cover, the Testo Comfort Software is used to read out and process the data.
- SD Card: For SD card retrieval, the card is inserted into the slot, and the [Go] button is held down for more than 2 seconds. "COPY" appears on the display, and the yellow LED lights up during the copying process. Once complete, "OUT" is displayed, and the green LED flashes twice. The SD card can then be removed and inserted into a PC for data processing with the Testo Comfort Software. It's important to note that if the data logger is in Rec-mode, it can continue recording data with a maximum measuring cycle of 10 seconds during the read-out process via SD card. After retrieval, it resumes its programmed measuring cycle of 1 second.
Key Functions: The [GO] button on the device allows users to navigate through different display information depending on the operating mode. In Wait-mode, it toggles between upper alarm value, lower alarm value, battery lifetime, and last measurement value. In Rec or End-mode, it cycles through highest saved measurement value, lowest saved measurement value, upper alarm value, lower alarm value, number of times alarm values were exceeded or fallen short of, battery lifetime, and last measurement value. Pressing [GO] for approximately 3 seconds in Wait-mode (with button start programmed) initiates the measurement program. A quick press of [GO] will display the current measurement value ("Act").

Maintenance Features

Maintaining the Testo 176 data loggers primarily involves battery replacement and cleaning.

Battery Replacement: The battery change stops any currently running measurement program, but stored data is preserved.
1. First, read out any stored measurement data. If the battery capacity is too low to read out data, replace the battery first.
2. Place the data logger on its front, loosen the screws on the back, and remove the battery compartment cover.
3. Remove the old battery (type TL-5903) and insert a new one, observing polarity. Only new branded batteries should be used to ensure correct battery capacity calculation.
4. Replace the battery compartment cover and tighten the screws. The display will show "rST," indicating the device needs to be reconfigured.
5. Connect the data logger to a PC via USB, start the Testo Comfort Software, and reconfigure the device or load a previously saved configuration.
Cleaning: The instrument housing can be cleaned with a damp cloth. It is crucial to prevent any liquid from entering the housing to avoid damage to the sensor. Aggressive cleaning agents or solvents should not be used; weak household cleaning agents or soap suds are acceptable.

TESTO 176 Specifications

General

Type	Temperature and Humidity Data Logger
Resolution Temperature	0.1 °C
Resolution Humidity	0.1 %RH
Battery Life	Up to 8 years
Interface	USB
Dimensions	103 x 63 x 33 mm
Protection Class	IP65
Temperature Range	-20 to +70 °C
Humidity Range	0 to 100 %RH
Accuracy Temperature	±0.2 °C
Memory	2 million readings
Channels	1 (Temperature and Humidity)