Some questions about using Amprobe TMD-56 thermometer

Discuss roast levels and profiles for espresso, equipment for roasting coffee.
AMans
Posts: 4
Joined: 10 years ago

#1: Post by AMans »

Hi everybody!
I am a new user of a roaster and I plan to use -as many of you- a TMD-56 thermometer to screen the evolution of different temperatures. I am confused about the TMD-56 (it is new to me) thus I have some questions:

1- In the user manual, it is said that the TMD-56 can operate on an external power of 12V/150mA. But the thermometer itself is powered with 4AAA batteries = 6V, is there any mistake in these information or the thermometer was designed to be extarnally powered by 12V DC and internally by 6V ? Am I missing something? In the case it is powered by a 12V DC in voltage, can I use an output of the car battery (12V) I have at home to power the thermometer (here electricity is cut regularly) ?

2- I don't understand the memory system of this thermometer. It is said that it has a 16 sets, Maximum 16000 data points for built-in memory and 256 samples with real time data per channel for data-logging. What does it mean and what is the difference? is each data point corresponds to a temperature value measured by the thermometer at an instant T (respecting the time interval)? Can I virtually record 16000 temperature values for both channel?

3- The recording process is ON when the temperatures are displayed on the screen and OFF when it goes into the sleep mode? (if APO is activated). Do I loose recorded values after the power is OFF or if I take out the batteries?

4- Can I use rechargeable batteries in the TMD-56? In the affirmative, would they be charged if the thermometer is externally connected to the right power supply?

I know, for you I have understood nothing about this intrument till now but I am really stuck with these questions and I am confused :? and as the chinese proverb says: it is better to ask questions and to appear silly for some time than to be shy and to stay silly all your life :-)

Thank you guys for your help.
AMans

AMans (original poster)
Posts: 4
Joined: 10 years ago

#2: Post by AMans (original poster) »

thanks for your answers,

Well I recently saw on a roaster system that the user connected the TMD-56 to an external power supply (a wire connected to the bottom of the thermometer is evident). On my opinion it is a useful functionality and in case I wish to connect the thermometer externally I should know if it is 6V or 12V, not to mention that it is important if it is connected for a relatively long period of time for other applications.

For the memory system:
for other applications/when PC is not running it is necessary to understand what does these kind of memories mean.

Globally, I prefer, and it is natural for me, to be able to control the thermometer almost in all its aspects.

So I am still looking to understand the TMD-56 especially regarding the external power and the memory specifications. Any additional information is welcomed :D

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Bob_McBob
Posts: 2324
Joined: 15 years ago

#3: Post by Bob_McBob »

I would spend a couple of hours familiarizing yourself with the logging functions using the manual. It's one of the least intuitive interfaces I've ever come across, and I'm very glad I rarely have to use it without direct computer logging.
Chris

AMans (original poster)
Posts: 4
Joined: 10 years ago

#4: Post by AMans (original poster) »

Hi Bob

My questions are clear. I don't ask how to use it :lol: as it is natural for me to spend days and weeks to familiarize with the logger functions. My questions are mainly about the external DC IN "paradoxe" and the memory system of the TMD-56 thermometer. I have come across with some information about the memory system functionality. It seems the 256 logging function acts like a hard drive, a static memory that will not be lost if you take out the batteries, the 16000 points are values that you may loose if you go out of batteries or if you take them out while you have not save your work.

--TO BE CONTINUED-- :)

Any TMD-56 specialist here who can help ? :roll:

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johnny4lsu
Posts: 775
Joined: 12 years ago

#5: Post by johnny4lsu »

Use it with artisan.. It's extremely easy if you do.

AMans (original poster)
Posts: 4
Joined: 10 years ago

#6: Post by AMans (original poster) »

I finaly got in contact with Amprobe (it is true that they are made by Fluke). Fluke called me back and explained many hints about the TMD-56 not figuring in the user manual including my interrogations. Thanks for your attempt to help guys.
Cheers!

fu11c17y
Posts: 113
Joined: 10 years ago

#7: Post by fu11c17y replying to AMans »

Could you please share your answers here?
Thanks.

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keno
Posts: 1409
Joined: 18 years ago

#8: Post by keno »

AMans wrote:I finaly got in contact with Amprobe (it is true that they are made by Fluke). Fluke called me back and explained many hints about the TMD-56 not figuring in the user manual including my interrogations. Thanks for your attempt to help guys.
Cheers!
C'mon, man! That's some poor forum etiquette. You ask people on this forum to take the time to share their experience and knowledge and then you get your questions answered by the manufacturer and don't share what you've learned?

Just got an Amprobe TMD-56 and would like to know more about how to use it, but wasted my time with this thread.