HOBO Data Loggers MX2205 TidbiT External Temperature Logger Instruction Manual
- June 12, 2024
- HOBO Data Loggers
Table of Contents
- HOBO Data Loggers MX2205 TidbiT External Temperature Logger
- Product Information
- Product Usage Instructions
- Specifications
- Logger Components and Operation
- Getting Started
- Configuring the Logger
- Setting up Alarms
- Burst Logging
- Statistics Logging
- Setting a Password
- Downloading Data From the Logger
- Logger Events
- References
- Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
- Download This Manual (PDF format)
HOBO Data Loggers MX2205 TidbiT External Temperature Logger
Product Information
Product Name | HOBO MX TidbiT Ext Temp Logger |
---|---|
Manufacturer | Test Equipment Depot |
Address | 5 Commonwealth Ave Woburn, MA 01801 |
Phone | 781-665-1400 |
Toll Free | 1-800-517-8431 |
Website | www.TestEquipmentDepot.com |
Product Usage Instructions
-
Model:
MX2205 Ext Temp -
Items included:
Protective boot -
Required Items:
- HOBOconnect app
- Mobile device with Bluetooth and iOS, iPadOS®, or Android™, or a Windows computer with a native BLE adapter or supported BLE dongle
HOBO MX TidbiT Ext Temp logger measures temperature in streams, lakes, coastal habitats, and soil environments. Housed in a protective boot, this rugged logger is designed for extended deployments in fresh water at depths up to 30.5m (100 ft). The logger uses Bluetooth® Low Energy (BLE) for wireless communication with a phone, tablet, or computer. Using the HOBOconnect® app, you can easily configure the logger, download logged data to your mobile device or computer, or automatically upload the data to HOBOlink® for further analysis. You can also configure the logger to calculate statistics, set up alarms to trip at specific thresholds, or enable burst logging in which data is logged at a faster interval when sensor readings are above or below certain limits.
Specifications
Temperature Sensors Range| Probe: -40 to 100°C (-40 to 212°F), with tip and
cable immersion in fresh water up to 50°C (122°F) for one year
Logger: -20° to 70°C (-4° to 158°F) in air; -20° to 50°C (-4° to 122°F) in
water, maximum sustained temperature in water 30°C (86°F)
---|---
Accuracy| Probe: ±0.25°C from -40 to 0°C (±0.45 from -40 to 32°F)
±0.2°C from 0 to 70°C (±0.36 from 32 to 158°F)
±0.25°C from 70 to 100°C (±0.45 from 158 to 212°F) Logger: ±0.25°C from -20°
to 0°C (±.45°F from -4° to 32°F) ±0.2°C from 0° to 70°C (±0.36°F from 32° to
158°F)
Resolution| 0.01°C (0.018°F)
Drift| 0.01°C (0.018°F)
Response Time (typical, to 90% of change)| Probe: 3 minutes in air moving 1
m/sec; 20 seconds in stirred water Logger: 15 minutes typical to 90% in air
moving 1 m/s, unmounted; 4 minutes typical to 90% in stirred water, unmounted
Logger Operating Range| -20° to 70°C (-4° to 158°F)
Buoyancy (Fresh Water)| 14.26 g (0.50 oz) negative
Waterproof| To 30.5 m (100 ft)
Radio Power
Transmission Range
| 1 mW (0 dBm)
Approximately 30.5 m (100 ft) line-of-sight
Wireless Data Standard| Bluetooth Low Energy (Bluetooth Smart)
Logging Rate| 1 second to 18 hours
Time Accuracy| ±1 minute per month at 25°C (77°F)
Battery| CR2477 3V lithium, non-replaceable
Battery Life| 3 years, typical at 25°C (77°F) with logging interval of 1
minute and Bluetooth Always Off disabled in software.
5 years, typical at 25°C (77°F) with logging interval of 1 minute and
Bluetooth Always Off enabled in the app.
Faster logging intervals and statistics sampling intervals, burst logging,
remaining connected with the app, excessive downloads, and paging may affect
battery life.
Memory| 96,000 measurements
Full Memory Download Time| Approximately 45 seconds; may take longer the
farther the device is from the logger.
Wetted Materials| Epoxy case, Santoprene (TPE) boot
Dimensions| Logger housing: 4.06 x 6.99 x 3.51 cm (1.6 x 2.75 x 1.38 inches)
External temperature sensor diameter: 0.53 cm (0.21 in.) External sensor cable
length: 2 m (6.56 ft.)
Weight| 70.0 g (2.47 oz.)
Environmental Rating| IP68
Logger Components and Operation
- Protective Boot: This waterproof cover protects the logger during deployment. It has two mounting tabs and a built-in magnet to use with the logger’s internal reed switch (see Deploying and Mounting the Logger).
- Magnetic Start Button: This button is functional when the logger is inside the protective boot. Press this button for 3 seconds to start or stop the logger when it is configured to start or stop On Button Push (see Configuring the Logger). Press this button for 1 second to wake up the logger (if configured with Bluetooth Always Off as described in Configuring the Logger). You may need to press the button a second time to wake up the logger if it is logging every 5 seconds or faster and the temperature is -10°C (14°F) or below.
- Mounting Tab : Use the tabs at the top and bottom of the logger to mount it (see Deploying and Mounting the Logger).
- Reed Switch: The logger has an internal reed switch represented by the dotted rectangle on the logger. The reed switch is used in conjunction with the magnetic button in the protective boot. When the logger is removed from the boot, a magnet placed over the reed switch can substitute for the built-in button (see Deploying and Mounting the Logger).
- Temperature Sensor : The internal temperature sensor (not visible in the diagram) is located on upper right side of the logger.
- Status LED: This LED blinks green every 4 seconds when the logger is logging (unless Show LED is disabled as described in Configuring the Logger). If the logger is waiting to start logging because it was configured to start On Button Push or with a delayed start, it blinks green every 8 seconds. Both this LED and the Alarm LED blink once when you press the button to wake up the logger or blink four times when you press the button to start or stop logging. If you select in the app, both LEDs are illuminated for 5 seconds (see Getting Started for more details).
- Alarm LED: This LED blinks red every 4 seconds when an alarm is tripped (unless Show LED is disabled as described in Configuring the Logger).
Getting Started
Install the HOBOconnect app to connect to and work with the logger.
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Download HOBOconnect to a phone or tablet from the App Store® or Google Play™.
Download the app to a Windows computer from www.onsetcomp.com/products/software/hoboconnect. -
Open the app and enable Bluetooth in the device settings if prompted.
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If this is the first time you are using the logger, firmly press the magnetic start HOBO button near the center of the logger to wake it up. The alarm and status LEDs blink once when the logger wakes up. This also brings the logger to the top of the list if you are working with multiple loggers.
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Tap Devices and then tap the logger tile in the app to connect to it.
If the logger does not appear in the list or if it is having trouble connecting, follow these tips.- If the logger was configured with Bluetooth Always Off (see Configuring the Logger), it is currently logging at a fast interval (5 seconds or faster), and the temperature is
- 10°C (14°F) or below, you may need to press the button twice before it appears in the list.
- Make sure the logger is within range of your mobile device or computer. The range for successful wireless communication in air is approximately 30.5 m (100 ft) with full line-of-sight.
- Change the orientation of your device to ensure the antenna is pointed toward the logger. Obstacles between the antenna in the device and the logger may cause intermittent connections.
- If the logger is in water, remove the logger from the water to connect to it.
- If your device can connect to the logger intermittently or loses its connection, move closer to the logger, within sight if possible. If the logger is in water, the connection can be unreliable. Remove it from water for a consistent connection.
- If the logger appears in the app, but you cannot connect to it, close the app and then power down your device to force the previous Bluetooth connection to close.
Once the logger is connected, you can:
Configuring the Logger
Use the HOBOconnect app to set up the logger, including selecting the logging
interval, start and stop logging options, and configuring alarms. These steps
provide an overview of the set up features. For complete details, see the
HOBOconnect User’s Guide.
Note: Specify settings that are important to you. Press Start at any time
to accept the defaults.
- If the logger was previously configured with Bluetooth Always Off, press the button on the logger to wake it up. If the logger is deployed in water, remove it from water. If you are working with multiple loggers, pressing the button also brings the logger to the top of the list in the app.
- Tap Devices. Tap the logger tile in the app to connect to it.
- Tap Configure & Start to configure the logger.
- Tap Name and type a name for the logger (optional). If you do not enter a name, the app uses logger serial number as the name
- Tap Group to add the logger to a group (optional). Tap Save.
- Tap Logging Interval and choose how frequently the logger records data unless operating in burst logging mode (see Burst Logging ).
- Tap Start Logging and select when logging begins:
- On Save. Logging begins immediately after configuration settings are
- On Next Interval. Logging begins at the next even interval as determined by the selected logging
- On Button Push. Logging begins once you press the button on the logger for 3
- On Date/Time. Logging begins at a date and time you specify. Select the Date and
- Tap Stop Logging and specify when logging
- Never Stop (Overwrites Old Data). The logger does not stop at any predetermined time. The logger continues recording data indefinitely, with newest data overwriting the
- On Date/Time. The logger stops logging on a specific date and time that you
- Select this if you want to control how long the logger should continue logging once it starts. Choose the amount of time you want the logger to log data. For example, select 30 days if you want the logger to log data for 30 days after logging begins.
- Stop When Memory Fills. The logger continues recording data until the memory is
- Tap Pause Options, then select Pause On Button Push to specify that you can pause the logger by pressing its button for 3
- Tap Logging Mode. Select either Fixed or Burst logging. With fixed logging, the logger records data for all enabled sensors and/or selected statistics at the logging interval selected (see Statistics Logging for details on choosing statistics options). In burst mode, logging occurs at a different interval when a specified condition is met. See Burst Logging for more
- Enable or disable Show LED. If Show LED is disabled, the alarm and status LEDs on the logger are not illuminated while logging (the alarm LED does not blink if an alarm trips). You can temporarily turn on LEDs when Show LED is disabled by pressing the button on the logger for 1
- Select the power saving mode, which determines when the logger advertises or regularly sends out a Bluetooth signal for the phone, tablet, or computer to find via the app
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* **Bluetooth Always Off.** The logger advertises only during logging when you press the button on the protective boot (or place a magnet where the reed switch is located if the logger is out of the protective boot). This wakes up the logger when you need to connect to it. This option uses the least battery
- Bluetooth Always On. The logger always advertises. You never need to push a button (or use a magnet) to wake up the logger. This option uses the most battery power.
- Set up alarms to trip when a sensor reading rises above or falls below a specified value. See Setting up Alarms for details on enabling sensor
- Tap Start to save the configuration settings and start logging. Logging begins based on the settings you See Deploying and Mounting the Logger for details on mounting and see Reading Out the Logger for details on downloading.
Setting up Alarms
You can set up alarms for the logger so that if a sensor reading rises above or falls below a specified value, the logger alarm LED blinks and an alarm icon appears in the app. Alarms alert you to problems so you can take corrective action.
To set an alarm:
- Tap Devices. If the logger was configured with Bluetooth Always Off enabled, press the HOBOs button on the logger to wake it up. If the logger is currently underwater, remove it from the
- Tap the logger tile to connect to it and tap Configure & Start.
- Tap a sensor (tap the Enable Logging toggle if necessary).
- Tap Alarms to open that area of the
- Select Low to have an alarm trip when the sensor reading falls below the low alarm Enter a value to set the low alarm.
- Select High to have an alarm trip when the sensor reading rises above the high alarm value. Enter a value to set the high
- For Duration, select how much time should elapse before the alarm trips and select one of the following:
- The alarm trips once the sensor reading is out of the acceptable range for the selected duration any time during logging. For example, if the high alarm is set to 85°F and the duration is set to 30 minutes, then the alarm trips once the sensor readings have been above 85°F for a total of 30 minutes since the logger was configured.
- The alarm trips once the sensor reading is out of the acceptable range continuously for the selected duration. For example, the high alarm is set to 85°F and the duration is set to 30 minutes; the alarm trips only if all sensor readings are 85°F or above for a continuous 30- minute period.
- In the configuration settings, select one of the following options to determine how to clear the alarm indicators:
- Logger Reconfigured. The alarm indication displays until the next time the logger is
- Sensor in Limits. The alarm indication displays until the sensor reading returns to the normal range between any configured high and low alarm
When an alarm trips, the logger alarm LED blinks every 4 seconds (unless Show LED is disabled), an alarm icon appears in the app, and an Alarm Tripped event is logged. The alarm state clears when the readings return to normal if you selected Sensor in Limits in step 8. Otherwise, the alarm state remains in place until the logger is reconfigured.
Notes:
- The logger checks alarm limits at every logging interval. For example, if the logging interval is set to 5 minutes, the logger checks the sensor readings against your configured high and low alarm setting every 5
- The actual values for the high and low alarm limits are set to the closest value supported by the logger. For example, the closest value to 85°F that the logger can record is 84.990°F. In addition, alarms can trip or clear when the sensor reading is within resolution specifications.
- When you download data from the logger, alarm events can be displayed on the plot or in the data file. See Logger Events.
Burst Logging
Burst logging is a logging mode that allows you to set up more frequent logging when a specified condition is met. For example, a logger is recording data at a 5-minute logging interval and burst logging is configured to log every 30 seconds when the temperature rises above 85°F (the high limit) or falls below 32°F (the low limit). This means the logger records data every 5 minutes as long as the temperature remains between 85°F and 32°F. Once the temperature rises above 85°F, the logger switches to the faster logging rate and records data every 30 seconds until the temperature falls back to 85°F. At that time, logging then resumes every 5 minutes at the fixed logging interval. Similarly, if the temperature falls below 32°F, the logger switches to burst logging mode again and records data every 30 seconds. Once the temperature rises back to 32°F, the logger returns to fixed mode, logging every 5 minutes. Note: Sensor alarms, statistics, and the Stop Logging option Never Stop (Overwrites Old Data) are not available in burst logging mode.
To set up burst logging:
- Tap Devices. If the logger was configured with Bluetooth Always Off enabled, press the HOBOs button on the logger to wake it up. If the logger is currently underwater, remove it from the
- Tap the logger tile to connect to it and tap Configure & Start.
- Tap Logging Mode and then tap Burst
- Select Low and/or High and type a value to set the low and/or high
- Set the burst logging interval, which must be faster than the logging interval. Keep in mind that the faster the burst logging rate, the greater the effect on battery life and the shorter the logging duration. Because measurements are taken at the burst logging interval throughout the deployment, the battery usage is similar to what it would be if you had selected this rate for the fixed logging
Notes:
-
The high and low burst limits are checked at the burst logging interval rate whether the logger is in fixed or burst condition. For example, if the logging interval is set to 1 hour and the burst logging interval is set to 10 minutes, the logger always checks for burst limits every 10 minutes.
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The actual values for the burst logging limits are set to the closest value supported by the logger. In addition, burst logging can begin or end when the sensor reading is within the specified resolution. This means the value that triggers burst logging may differ slightly than the value entered.
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Once the high or low condition clears, the logging interval time is calculated using the last recorded data point in burst logging mode, not the last data point recorded at the fixed logging rate. For example, the logger has a 10-minute logging interval and logged a data point at 9:05. Then, the high limit was surpassed and burst logging began at 9:06. Burst logging then continued until 9:12 when the sensor reading fell back below the high limit. Now back in fixed mode, the next logging interval is 10 minutes from the last burst logging point, or 9:22 in this case. If burst logging had not occurred, the next data point would have been at 9:15.
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A New Interval event is created each time the logger enters or exits burst logging mode. See Logger Events for details on plotting and viewing the event. In addition, if the logger is stopped with a button push while in burst logging mode, then a New Interval event is automatically logged and the burst condition is cleared, even if the actual high or low condition has not
Statistics Logging
During fixed interval logging, the logger records data for the temperature sensor and/or selected statistics at the logging interval selected. Statistics are calculated at a sampling rate you specify with the results for the sampling period recorded at each logging interval. The following statistics can be logged:
- 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
For example, the logging interval is 5 minutes. The logging mode is set to fixed interval logging and all four statistics enabled, and with a statistics sampling interval of 30 seconds. Once logging begins, the logger measures and records the actual temperature values every 5 minutes. In addition, the logger takes a temperature sample every 30 seconds and temporarily stores them in memory. The logger then calculates the maximum, minimum, average, and standard deviation using the samples gathered over the previous 5-minute period and log the resulting values. When downloading data from the logger, this results in five data series: one temperature series (with data logged every 5 minutes) plus four maximum, minimum, average, and standard deviation series (with values calculated and logged every 5 minutes based on the 30-second sampling).
To log statistics:
- Tap Devices. If the logger was configured with Bluetooth Always Off enabled, press the HOBOs button on the logger to wake it up. If the logger is currently underwater, remove it from the
- Tap the logger tile in the app to connect to it and tap Configure &
- Tap Logging Mode and then select Fixed Logging
- Tap to turn on
Note: Fixed Logging Mode records sensor measurements taken at each logging interval. The selections you make in the Statistics section add measurements to the recorded data.
- Select the statistics you want the logger to record at each logging interval: Maximum, Minimum, Average, and Standard Deviation (average is automatically enabled when selecting Standard Deviation). Statistics are logged for all enabled sensors. In addition, the more statistics you record, the shorter the logger duration and the more memory is required.
- Tap Statistics Sampling Interval and select the rate to use for calculating statistics. The rate must be less than, and a factor of, the logging interval. For example, if the logging interval is 1 minute and you select 5 seconds for the sampling rate, then the logger takes 12 sample readings between each logging interval (one sample every 5 seconds for a minute) and uses the 12 samples to record the resulting statistics at each 1-minute logging interval. Note that the faster the sampling rate, the greater the impact on battery life. Because measurements are being taken at the statistics sampling interval throughout the deployment, the battery usage is similar to what it would be if you had selected this rate for the normal logging interval.
Setting a Password
You can create an encrypted password for the logger that is required if another device attempts to connect to it. This is recommended to ensure that a deployed logger is not mistakenly stopped or purposely altered by others. This password uses a proprietary encryption algorithm that changes with every connection.
To set a password:
- Tap Devices. If the logger is configured with Bluetooth Always Off enabled, press the HOBOs button on the logger to wake it up. If the logger is currently underwater, remove it from the
- Tap Lock
- Type a password and then tap
Only the device used to set the password can connect to the logger without requiring you to entering a password; you must use a password to connect to the logger with any other device. For example, if you set the password for the logger with your tablet and then try to connect to the logger later with your phone, you must enter the password on the phone but not with your tablet. Similarly, if others attempt to connect to the logger with different devices, they also must enter the password. To reset a password, press the button on the logger for 10 seconds or connect to the logger and tap Manage Password and Reset.
Downloading Data From the Logger
To download data from the logger:
-
Tap Devices
-
If the logger is configured with Bluetooth Always On, continue to step 3 If the logger is configured with Bluetooth Always Off, press the button on the logger for 1 second to wake it up.
If the logger is deployed in water, remove it from the water. -
Tap the logger tile in the app to connect to it and tap Download Data. The logger downloads data to the phone, tablet, or
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When the export file has successfully been created, tap Done to return to the previous page or tap Share to use your device’s usual modes of
You can also upload data automatically to HOBOlink, Onset’s web-based software, using the app or the MX gateway. For details, see the HOBOconnect User Guide and see the HOBOlink help for details on working with data in HOBOlink.
Logger Events
The logger records the following events to track logger operation and status. You can view events in exported files or plot events in the app.
To plot events, tap HOBO Files and select a file to open.
Tap (if applicable) and then tap . Select the events you want to plot and tap OK.
Deploying and Mounting the Logger
Follow these guidelines for deploying and mounting the logger.
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You can deploy the logger by using the two mounting tabs on the protective boot. Insert two screws through the holes on the mounting tabs to affix the logger to a flat surface. Insert cable ties through the rectangular holes on both mounting tabs to attach the logger to a pipe or
-
Use nylon cord or other strong cable with any of the holes on the mounting tabs. If wire is used to secure the logger, make sure the wire loop is snug to the holes. Any slack in the loop may cause excessive
-
When deploying in water, the logger should be appropriately weighted, secured, and protected depending on water conditions and desired measurementBe careful of solvents. Check a materials compatibility chart against the wetted materials listed in the Specifications table before deploying the logger in locations where untested solvents are present.
-
The protective boot is designed with a magnetic button that will interact with the reed switch located inside the logger. This means you do not need to remove the boot to start, stop, or wake up the logger (if On Button Push or Bluetooth Always Off configuration settings have been selected). If you remove the logger from the boot or if the magnetic button in the boot is not working properly, you must place a magnet on the logger where the reed switch is located if you want to start or stop the logger with a button push or wake the logger up. Leave the magnet in place for 3 seconds to start or stop it or 1 second to wake it up.
Maintaining the Logger
- To clean the logger, remove the logger from the boot. Rinse both the logger and the boot it in warm water. Use a mild dishwashing detergent if necessary. Do not use harsh chemicals, solvents, or abrasives.
- Periodically inspect the logger for biofouling if it is deployed in water and clean as described above.
Protecting the Logger
Note: Static electricity may cause the logger to stop logging. The logger has
been tested to 8 KV, but avoid electrostatic discharge by grounding yourself
to protect the logger. For more information, search for “static discharge” on
www.onsetcomp.com.
Battery Information
The logger requires one CR2477 3V lithium battery (HRB-2477), which is non-
replaceable. Battery life is 3 years, typical at 25°C (77°F) with a logging
interval of 1 minute and Bluetooth Always On selected or 5 years, typical at
25°C (77°F) when the logger is configured with Bluetooth Always Off. Expected
battery life varies based on the ambient temperature where the logger is
deployed, the logging interval, the frequency of connections, downloads, and
paging, and the use of burst mode or statistics logging. Deployments in
extremely cold or hot temperatures or a logging interval faster than 1 minute
can impact battery life. Estimates are not guaranteed due to uncertainties in
initial battery conditions and operating environment.
WARNING: Do not cut open, incinerate, heat above 85°C (185°F), or recharge the lithium battery. The battery may explode if the logger is exposed to extreme heat or conditions that could damage or destroy the battery case. Do not dispose of the logger or battery in fire. Do not expose the contents of the battery to water. Dispose of the battery according to local regulations for lithium batteries.
Federal Communication Commission Interference Statement
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class
B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are
designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a
residential installation. This equipment generates uses and can radiate radio
frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the
instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However,
there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular
installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or
television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and
on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one of the
following measures:
- Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna
- Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver
- Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected
- Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to
the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful
interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired operation.
FCC Caution: Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party
responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate this
equipment.
Industry Canada Statements
This device complies with Industry Canada license-exempt RSS standard(s).
Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not
cause interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference,
including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.
To comply with FCC and Industry Canada RF radiation exposure limits for
general population, the logger must be installed to provide a separation
distance of at least 20cm from all persons and must not be co-located or
operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter.
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