Calibrate the temperature sensor on a Field Gauge

Calibrate the temperature sensor on a Field Gauge

Do-it-yourself instructions for calibrating a Field Gauge with free FieldLab Desktop software. At the end of this process, FieldLab Desktop will compare the readings from your Reference device and Field Gauge (Zero, Mid Point, and Full Span), and if it is out of spec; automatically make any necessary adjustments to bring your Field Gauge to acceptable tolerances.

This article applies to the following devices:

  • Field Gauge LC10 with temp sensor.
  • Field Gauge LC20 with temp sensor.
  • Process Meter LC30 with temp sensor.

Things you will need: 

  • A PC running Windows. 
  • FieldLab Desktop software version 1.28 or later installed on your PC. Download the latest version for free.
  • A Ralston Instruments Field Gauge or Process Meter equipped with temperature sensor.
  • USB Cord, provided with your purchase.
  • A reference device with a temperature probe that is (recommended) at least 4 times more accurate than the Ralston Gauge.
  • A temperature source that can be adjusted from -22°F to 302°F (-30°C to 150°C), and allows the temperature probes of both the Ralston Gauge and the reference device to be connected to; or immersed within.
1

Connect the Ralston Gauge temp probe and reference temp probe to the same temperature source.

2

Connect Ralston Gauge to a PC running FieldLab Desktop with the provided USB cord.

3

Power on the Ralston Gauge if you have not done so already.

4

Select the Ralston Gauge you want to calibrate from the Devices screen in FieldLab Desktop

5

In the Sensors Tab for the Ralston Gauge, select Recalibrate this Field Gauge.

6

Select Recalibrate this Field Gauge

7

Select the temperature units you want to use for the calibration process

8

Adjust the temperature source to the indicated Min Point. -22.00 °F (-30.00 °C).

9

When the live reading on the reference device indicated you have reached the target Min Point temperature, select the "Log Reading" button.

If you cannot get the reference device to the exact Min Point temperature, that's ok. Simply adjust the temperature source to get the reference device to read as close as possible to the reference point, and then manually enter what the reference device reading is in the Reference Reading field.


10

Review the reference and Ralston Gauge readings. If you are satisfied with the logged readings for the Min Point, select the button titled "Up Next, Mid Point".

Repeat steps 8, 9, and 10 each of the remaining reference points.

11

Once you have logged the Min, Mid, and Max Points, select the Make Adjustments button.

When you click the Make Adjustments button, FieldLab Desktop will use the information provided to recalibrate the Ralston Gauge.

12

Set the Next Calibration Date

13

Save Changes so that the next calibration date will be recorded on your Ralston Gauge and in FieldLab Desktop.

14

Select Exit to return to the Overview screen for your Ralston Gauge.

Done! 

Your Ralston Gauge is now calibrated until the next scheduled recalibration date.


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