1. Introduction
The Inkbird ITC-608T is a versatile pre-wired digital thermostat and humidistat designed for precise control of temperature and humidity. This unit features a dual relay output, allowing it to manage both heating/cooling and humidification/dehumidification equipment simultaneously or independently. It is ETL listed for safety and suitable for a wide range of applications.
Key Features:
- US ETL Certificate Listed for quality and safety.
- Three-in-one multifunction control: temperature, humidity, or combined temperature and humidity.
- Dual relay output for simultaneous control of heating/cooling and humidification/dehumidification.
- Supports calibration, compressor delay, and saving reset setting values.
- Centigrade or Fahrenheit degree display.
- PV and SV dual display windows.
- Maximum output load: 1800W (120V, 15A).
- High and low temperature/humidity alarms.
- Over-temperature/humidity and sensor fault alarms.
- Heating/Cooling differential function for stable control.
- Programmable with up to 12 different time stage periods for temperature control mode.
Applications:
The ITC-608T can be universally used for:
- Home brewing (refrigerator)
- Fermenting
- Greenhouses
- Terrariums
- Reptile habitats
- Planting (e.g., mushroom cultivation)
- Meat storage
- Cooking
- Wine cellars
- General room climate control
2. Safety Precautions
- KEEP CHILDREN AWAY: This device is not a toy.
- INDOOR USE ONLY: To reduce the risk of electric shock, use this product only indoors.
- DRY LOCATION ONLY: Ensure the operating environment is dry.
- POWER TAPS/EXTENSION CORDS: Do not plug into another relocatable power tap or an extension cord.
- PROBE CARE:
- If the controller displays "Er", ensure the probe is fully inserted and rotated for good contact. Persistent "Er" may indicate internal probe wire damage from moisture or heat.
- The probe and cable must not be touched by flame.
- Do not exceed the probe's specified temperature or humidity range to prevent damage.
3. Setup and Connections
3.1 Getting to Know Your Controller
Familiarize yourself with the main components of the ITC-608T controller:
- A: Display Screen: Shows Process Value (PV) and Set Value (SV).
- B: Output Sockets (WORK1/WORK2): Connect your heating/cooling or humidification/dehumidification equipment here.
- C: Control Buttons: SET, Up, Down buttons for navigation and setting adjustments.
- D: Indicator LEDs: Red for WORK1 output, Green for WORK2 output, Yellow for setting mode.
- E: Probe Interfaces (P1/P2): Ports for connecting temperature and/or humidity probes.
- F: Probes: Temperature probe (metal tip) and Humidity probe (plastic housing).
3.2 Probe Connection
The ITC-608T supports various probe configurations depending on your control needs:
- Temperature Control Mode: Connect a temperature probe to either P1 or P2.
- Humidity Control Mode: Connect a humidity probe to either P1 or P2.
- Dual Temperature Probes Control Mode: Connect two temperature probes to P1 and P2.
- Temperature and Humidity Control Mode: Connect a temperature probe to one port (e.g., P1) and a humidity probe to the other (e.g., P2).
Ensure probes are securely inserted into the P1 or P2 interfaces. If the controller displays "Er", try re-inserting and rotating the probe to ensure good contact.
4. Operating Instructions
4.1 Display Functions
- PV (Process Value): Displays the measured temperature or humidity in normal mode. In settings mode, it shows the menu code.
- SV (Set Value): Displays the target temperature or humidity setting value in normal mode. In settings mode, it shows the setting value for the current menu item.
- WORK1 Output: Typically for heating (temperature control) or humidification (humidity control). Red LED indicates activation.
- WORK2 Output: Typically for cooling (temperature control) or dehumidification (humidity control). Green LED indicates activation. A blinking green LED signifies compressor delay.
- Yellow LED: Indicates the controller is in setting mode.
4.2 Button Operations
The ITC-608T features UP, DOWN, and SET buttons for configuration.
4.2.1 Restore Default Settings
Press and hold the "DOWN" button while powering on the device. A short beep will confirm that all parameters have been reset to their default values.
4.2.2 Normal Operation Mode
- Viewing Heating/Cooling Difference:
- Press "UP": PV shows "HD" (Heating Difference), SV shows the heating difference value.
- Press "DOWN": PV shows "CD" (Cooling Difference), SV shows the cooling difference value.
- Quick Setting Temperature/Humidity Value:
- Short press "SET" to enter quick setting mode. SV will flash, showing the current setting value.
- Use "UP" or "DOWN" for single-step adjustments.
- Long press "UP" or "DOWN" for rapid adjustments.
- Press "SET" again to confirm and exit. If no operation for 10 seconds, it will automatically exit and save.
4.2.3 Setting Mode
To access advanced settings:
- When the controller is operating normally, press and hold the "SET" button for 2 seconds.
- The PV screen will show the first menu code (e.g., "TS" for Temperature Setting), and SV will show its corresponding value.
- Short press "SET" to scroll through menu items. Each press saves the previous parameter.
- Use "UP" or "DOWN" to change the current setting value.
- To exit and save: Long press "SET" for 2 seconds, or wait 30 seconds for automatic exit.
4.3 Menu Instruction Flow Chart (Temperature Control Mode)
The menu structure varies slightly depending on the selected control mode (Temperature, Programmable Temperature, Dual Temperature, Humidity, or combined Temperature & Humidity). Refer to the specific sections below for detailed menu parameters. For comprehensive flow charts and menu tables for all modes, please consult the official user manual PDF.
4.4 Control Function Details
4.4.1 Temperature Control (TS, HD, CD)
- Heating: When measured temperature (PV) ≤ Temperature Setting (TS) - Heating Difference (HD), WORK1 (heating output) activates (Red LED on). It deactivates when PV ≥ TS.
- Cooling: When PV ≥ TS + Cooling Difference (CD), WORK2 (cooling output) activates (Green LED on). It deactivates when PV ≤ TS. A blinking green LED indicates compressor delay.
4.4.2 Alarm High / Low Temperature Limit (AH, AL)
- If PV ≥ AH (High Temperature Limit), an alarm sounds, and heating/cooling outputs turn off. PV alternates "AH" with current temperature. The buzzer stops when PV < AH or any button is pressed.
- If PV ≤ AL (Low Temperature Limit), an alarm sounds, and heating/cooling outputs turn off. PV alternates "AL" with current temperature. The buzzer stops when PV > AL or any button is pressed.
4.4.3 Compressor Delay Time (PT)
In cooling mode, the compressor will not start immediately when the power is turned on or when the temperature condition for cooling is met. It waits for the set delay time (PT) to protect the compressor. This delay also applies between successive cooling cycles.
4.4.4 Temperature Calibration (CA)
If the measured temperature deviates from a known standard, use the calibration function to adjust the reading. Calibrated Temperature = Measured Temperature + Calibration Value.
4.4.5 Fahrenheit or Celsius Settings (CF)
Users can switch the display unit between Fahrenheit (°F) and Celsius (°C). Changing this setting will restore all other settings to default, and the device will beep briefly.
4.4.6 Timer Setting (TR)
The timer function (TR) can be enabled (TR=1 or TR=2) or disabled (TR=0). When enabled, the controller can execute time-temperature programs with up to 12 stages (S01-S12, H01-H12, U01-U12). Refer to the manual PDF for detailed programming instructions for TR=1 (Continuous Timer Mode) and TR=2 (Target Timer Mode).
For detailed programming instructions for timer modes, please refer to the official user manual PDF linked in the "Warranty and Support" section.
4.4.7 Humidity Control (HS, HD, DD)
- Humidification: When measured humidity (PV) ≤ Humidity Setting (HS) - Humidification Difference (HD), WORK1 (humidification output) activates (Red LED on). It deactivates when PV ≥ HS.
- Dehumidification: When PV ≥ HS + Dehumidification Difference (DD), WORK2 (dehumidification output) activates (Green LED on). It deactivates when PV ≤ HS. A blinking green LED indicates compressor delay.
4.4.8 Alarm High / Low Humidity Limit (AH, AL)
- If PV ≥ AH (High Humidity Limit), an alarm sounds, and humidification/dehumidification outputs turn off. PV alternates "AH" with current humidity. The buzzer stops when PV < AH or any button is pressed.
- If PV ≤ AL (Low Humidity Limit), an alarm sounds, and humidification/dehumidification outputs turn off. PV alternates "AL" with current humidity. The buzzer stops when PV > AL or any button is pressed.
5. Maintenance
- Probe Cleaning: If the humidity probe is used in a high humidity environment, dry it using a hairdryer and then test it at room temperature. If the humidity reading is incorrect, clean the probe with a dry cloth.
- Probe Inspection: Regularly check probes for physical damage. If a probe was used in liquids, dry it thoroughly before retesting.
- General Cleaning: Keep the main controller unit clean and free from dust. Use a dry cloth for cleaning.
6. Troubleshooting Guide
| Issue | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature reading is incorrect |
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| Humidity reading is incorrect |
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| ITC-608T does not power on |
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7. Specifications
| Maximum Output Load | 120Vac, 60Hz, 15A, 1800W |
| Temperature Measurement Range | -40°C to 100°C / -40°F to 212°F |
| Temperature Display Accuracy | 0.1°C/°F (<100°C/°F), 1°C/°F (≥100°C/°F) |
| Temperature Measurement Accuracy |
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| Humidity Measurement Range | 5% to 99%RH |
| Humidity Display Accuracy | 0.1%RH |
| Relative Humidity Measurement Accuracy (10%~95%RH) | Typical: ±3%RH, Maximum: ±5%RH |
| Display Unit | Temperature: °C or °F; Humidity: %RH |
| Ambient Temperature | -20°C to 60°C / -4°F to 140°F |
| Storage Environment | Temperature: 0°C to 60°C / 32°F to 140°F; Humidity: 20% to 80%RH (Unfrozen or condensation state) |
| Temperature Sensor Cable Length | 2m (78.74in) |
| Humidity Sensor Cable Length | 2m (78.74in) |
| Input Power Cable Length | 1.5m (59.05in) |
| Unit Dimension | 20.8cm x 8.5cm x 3.5cm (8.19in x 3.35in x 1.38in) |
| Certifications | US ETL Listed, CE, RoHS, FCC |
8. User Tips
- Power Compatibility: The ITC-608T is designed for 120Vac, 60Hz, 15A, 1800W (US standard). If you require a 220V version or a different plug type (e.g., EU plug), please ensure you purchase the correct model for your region.
- Sensor Selection: When purchasing, carefully select the sensor type. To control both temperature and humidity, you must purchase the combined temperature and humidity sensor. For temperature-only control, purchase a temperature sensor. For humidity-only control, purchase a humidity sensor.
9. Warranty and Support
9.1 Warranty Information
INKBIRD TECH. C.L. warrants this controller for two years from the date of purchase when operated under normal conditions by the original purchaser. The temperature and humidity probes have a one-year warranty. This warranty covers defects caused by INKBIRD's workmanship or materials and is limited to repair or replacement at INKBIRD's discretion. The original receipt is required for warranty purposes.
9.2 Technical Assistance
If you encounter any problems installing or using this controller, please review this instruction manual thoroughly. For further assistance, you can contact INKBIRD support:
- Email: support@ink-bird.com (Replies typically within 24 hours, Monday through Saturday).
- Website: Visit www.ink-bird.com for common technical questions and product usage videos.
A detailed user manual in PDF format is also available for download: ITC-608T User Manual (PDF)
10. FCC Requirement
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.
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device. 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. If not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, it may cause harmful interference to radio communications. 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 or more 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 equipment complies with FCC radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment. This equipment should be installed and operated with a minimum distance of 20cm between the radiator and your body. This transmitter must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter.