K-CALK-TCManual

K-TC: calibrating channels and updating firmware

Updated

Bring each K-TC channel into line with a calibrated reference, clear a calibration you no longer want and load new firmware safely.

Before you start

  • K-CAL connected to the module. See K-TC: configuring channels and CAN output in K-CAL.
  • For calibration, calibrated thermocouple test equipment that can apply each reference temperature to an input.
  • For a calibration certificate, ask through the contact page. Influx Technology offers calibration and certification on demand.

Calibration tab

The Calibration tab steps you through a set of reference points per channel. When you commit, K-CAL writes the new calibration to the module.

K-CAL Calibration tab: a RUN button, a Reference list set to minus 50 C, the measured temperature, a noise bar, Settings with Go to next channel, Noise Level tolerances of 0.5 and 2.5 C, channel buttons TC 0 to TC 15, and a table of four reference points per channel at minus 50, 0, plus 100 and plus 200 C
Each channel has four reference points. The selected point is outlined in the table.
Load
Reads the calibration stored in the module. Use it to check whether the module is calibrated.
RUN
Calibrates the selected point on the selected channel.
Reference
The temperature you apply to the channel for this point.
Measured Temperature
The raw temperature the channel reads now.
Noise
The noise level on the signal.
Settings
Sets the reference temperatures. Go to next channel moves on to the next channel after each point.
Noise Level
The noise tolerances. Tolerance Default restores the defaults.
Clear calibration
Clears the whole calibration stored in the module.
Clear channel
Clears the calibration of one channel.

Calibrate the channels

  1. Choose the reference points. Use Settings to set reference temperatures that cover the range you expect to measure.
  2. Select the channel and point. Use the channel's radio button, for example TC 0, or select the point in the table.
  3. Apply the reference. Connect your test equipment to the channel and set it to the reference temperature shown in Reference.
  4. Select RUN. If the input is stable and close to the reference, the point is updated in the table.
  5. Repeat. Work through every point on every channel you want to calibrate.
  6. Write the calibration. Select Commit. K-CAL saves the calibration to the module and creates a calibration report.

If the measured value is too far from the reference, K-CAL warns you before it calibrates the point.

Warning dialog: The reference value and Measured Temperature are too different. Do you want to start calibration for this point? Yes and No buttons
Check the wiring and the reference before you select Yes.

The report lists the module's serial number and firmware version, the date and time, the noise tolerances and the pass or fail result for each channel. Keep it with your test records.

The calibration loop, point by point K-CAL · CALIBRATION The calibration loop, point by point Choose the pointsSettingsSelect the pointchannel and pointApply referencetest equipmentPress RUNselected pointAcceptedpoint updatedWarningvalues too farRetryPoints left?on any channelYesNext pointor channelNoCommitwrites to moduleReportcalibration reportBefore you retry a point that gave a warning, check the wiring and the reference. Commit writes the calibration to the module and creates a report with the pass or fail result for each channel.
The calibration loop, point by point.

Watch: calibrate the thermocouple channels (1:39)

Clear the calibration

  1. Start the clear. On the Calibration tab, select Clear calibration. To clear only one channel, select it, then select Clear channel instead.
  2. Confirm. Select Yes.
  3. Watch the status messages. They appear at the bottom of the K-CAL window. If you cannot see them, drag the light blue line at the bottom of the window upwards.
  4. Wait for the confirmation. The status messages show when the calibration table has been cleared.

Update the firmware

  1. Open the Reprogramming tab. The toolbar's first button becomes Open.
  2. Select the firmware file. Select Open, then select the .hex file. Firmware files are installed with K-CAL in its firmware folder, for example C:\Program Files (x86)\Influx Technology\Influx K-Cal\firmware.
  3. Check the file. The tab shows the file's name, dates, size and its boot and flash software versions.
  4. Start the update. Select Commit. A progress bar runs along the bottom of the window.
  5. Wait for it to finish. The firmware update is complete when the progress bar reaches the right-hand side.
K-CAL Reprogramming tab with Open and Commit on the toolbar and the details of the selected hex file: full path in the K-CAL firmware folder, created and modified dates, size, last address, boot and flash software versions
Check the boot and flash versions before you commit.

For newer firmware, see these guides:

This guide ends the K-TC series. To start again, see K-TC: overview and specifications.

Products in this guide

K-CAL

Sensor setup & calibration

View K-CAL Ask an engineer

K-TC

Thermocouple data logger

View K-TC Ask an engineer

Still stuck?

Our engineers answer support questions on every Influx Technology product.