1. Safety and Operating Environment
1.1. About this Manual
This user manual provides essential information for the safe and proper use of your Testo 176 data logger. Please read it thoroughly before operation to prevent personal injury and product damage. Keep this manual accessible for reference and pass it on to any subsequent users of the instrument.
Symbols and Markings Explained:
- ⚠ Warning! Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in serious personal injury.
- ⚠ Caution! Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in minor personal injury or equipment damage.
- ℹ Note: Provides basic or detailed information.
- 1. ... Indicates a step to be followed.
- › ... Indicates a basic or additional step.
- - ... Indicates a result of an action.
- Menu Refers to the instrument's operating menu, display, or program interface.
- [OK] Refers to menu execution and operation buttons.
1.2. Safety Precautions
- Use the product only within the limits specified in the technical data and do not apply excessive force.
- Do not measure on or near live electrical surfaces.
- Ensure protective plugs are inserted into unused probe connections, and appropriate probes are correctly connected to active ports to maintain the specified protection class.
- For Testo 176 T3/T4, the maximum permissible voltage between probes is 50V. Use specified thermocouple probes for surface sensors.
- Allow hot sensors and probe handles to cool sufficiently after high-temperature measurements to prevent burns.
- Temperatures specified for probes relate only to the sensor's measuring range. Do not expose handles or leads to temperatures exceeding 70°C unless explicitly permitted for high-temperature applications.
- Perform maintenance and repairs only as described in this manual. Use only original Testo spare parts.
1.3. Environmental Protection
- Dispose of faulty or spent batteries at designated collection points.
- At the end of its service life, dispose of the product according to regulations for electrical and electronic waste, or return it to Testo for proper disposal.
2. Product Specifications
2.1. Product Use
The Testo 176 series data loggers are used for reading and storing measurement values. Stored data can be transferred to a PC via USB cable or SD card for analysis using Testo ComSoft software, which also allows for individual programming of the Testo 176.
Typical Applications:
- Testo 176 T1: Robust metal housing, ideal for temperature measurement in harsh environments like ships or power plants.
- Testo 176 T2: Connects to external high-precision Pt100 sensors, suitable for temperature measurement in food applications or laboratories.
- Testo 176 T3: Connects up to four external T, K, J type thermocouple temperature probes. Robust metal, ideal for simultaneous 4-point temperature measurement in harsh conditions.
- Testo 176 T4: Connects up to four external T, K, J type thermocouple temperature probes, optimized for various applications including HVAC system supply and return points for simultaneous 4-point temperature measurement.
- Testo 176 H1: Manages temperature and humidity simultaneously in facilities such as warehouses.
- Testo 176 H2: Connects to external sensors, robust metal, capable of simultaneous temperature and humidity measurement in harsh conditions.
- Testo 176 P1: Measures pressure, temperature, and humidity simultaneously, ideal for documenting ambient conditions in laboratories.
2.2. Technical Data
The Testo 176 series data loggers offer a range of technical specifications tailored to their specific models. All models feature a lithium battery (TL-5903) with an approximate 8-year lifespan (at +25°C with a 15-minute measurement cycle), 2 million measurement value memory, Mini-USB and SD card interfaces, and compliance with 2014/30/EC and EN 12830 standards. Regular inspection and calibration according to EN 13486 are recommended annually.
Model | Parameters | Sensor Type | Measuring Range | Accuracy (±1 digit) | Protection Class | Weight |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
176 T1 (0572 1761) | Temperature (°C/°F) | Internal Pt 100 (Class A) | -35 ~ +70 °C | ±0.4 °C | IP 68 | ~410 g |
176 T2 (0572 1762) | Temperature (°C/°F) | 2 external Pt 100 sensors (Class A) | -100 ~ +400 °C | ±0.2 °C (-100 ~ +200 °C), ±0.3 °C (+200.1 ~ +400 °C) | IP 65 | ~220 g |
176 T3 (0572 1763) | Temperature (°C/°F) | Up to 4 external thermocouple probes (K, T, J type) | K: -195 ~ +1000 °C, T: -200 ~ +400 °C, J: -100 ~ +750 °C | ±1% (-200 ~ -100.1 °C), ±0.3 °C (-100 ~ +70 °C), ±0.5 % (+70.1 ~ +1000 °C) | IP 65 | ~430 g |
176 T4 (0572 1764) | Temperature (°C/°F) | Up to 4 external thermocouple probes (K, T, J type) | K: -195 ~ +1000 °C, T: -200 ~ +400 °C, J: -100 ~ +750 °C | ±1% (-200 ~ -100.1 °C), ±0.3 °C (-100 ~ +70 °C), ±0.5 % (+70.1 ~ +1000 °C) | IP 65 | ~230 g |
176 H1 (0572 1756) | Temperature (°C/°F), Humidity (%rF, %RH, °Ctd, g/m³, WB) | Up to 2 external NTC temperature sensors or 2 temperature/humidity probes | 0 ~ 100%RH (non-condensing), -20 ~ +70 °C, -40 ~ +70 °Ctd | Temp: ±0.2 °C (-20 ~ +70 °C), ±0.4 °C (rest); Humidity: depends on sensor accuracy | IP 65 | ~220 g |
176 H2 (0572 1766) | Temperature (°C/°F), Humidity (%rF, %RH, °Ctd, g/m³, WB) | Up to 2 temperature/humidity probes | 0 ~ 100%RH (non-condensing), -20 ~ +70 °C, -40 ~ +70 °Ctd | Temp: ±0.2 °C (-20 ~ +70 °C), ±0.4 °C (rest); Humidity: depends on sensor accuracy | IP 65 | ~430 g |
176 P1 (0572 1767) | Temperature (°C/°F), Humidity (%rF, %RH, °Ctd, g/m³), Pressure (mbar, hPa, psi, inH2O) | Internal pressure sensor, up to 2 external NTC temperature sensors or 2 temperature/humidity probes | 0 ~ 100%RH (non-condensing), -20 ~ +70 °C, -40 ~ +70 °Ctd, 600 ~ 1100 mbar | Temp: ±0.2 °C (-20 ~ +70 °C), ±0.4 °C (rest); Humidity: depends on sensor accuracy; Pressure: ±3mbar (0 ~ +50 °C) | IP 54 | ~230 g |
2.3. Battery Life
The remaining battery life can be checked via Testo ComSoft software, calculated based on the measurement cycle and number of connected probes. This calculation is for reference only.
- Battery life may decrease if: The LED blinks frequently, measurement values are read frequently via SD card (multiple times a day), or ambient temperature fluctuates significantly.
- Battery life may increase if: The display is turned off.
The displayed remaining battery life is a calculation. The instrument will automatically turn off when the critical voltage is reached. In such cases, measurement values may continue to be recorded even if the battery display shows "empty," or measurement may stop even if the display indicates remaining battery life. Stored measurement values are preserved even if the battery is depleted or replaced.
3. First Steps
3.1. Unlocking the Data Logger
To unlock the data logger from its wall bracket:
- Open the padlock using the key.
- Remove the padlock from the fixing pin.
- Pull the fixing pin from the hole in the bracket.
- Slide the data logger out of the bracket.
ℹ Note: The data logger is supplied with a battery. The display will show "rST".
3.2. Connecting the Data Logger to PC
Testo ComSoft Basic 5 software can be downloaded for free from the Testo Korea website (www.testo.com). For installation and operation of Testo ComSoft Basic 5, please refer to its dedicated user manual.
For Testo ComSoft Professional and Testo ComSoft CFR:
- Insert the software CD into your CD-ROM drive.
- Install Testo ComSoft.
- Connect the USB cable to a PC USB port.
- Loosen the right screw on the data logger.
- Open the cover.
- Plug the Mini USB cable into the Mini USB port (1) on the data logger.
- Configure the data logger.
4. Display and Control Unit
4.1. Display
The Testo 176T1, Testo 176T3, and Testo 176H2 models do not have a built-in display. For models with a display (176T2, 176T4, 176H1, 176P1), it can be activated or deactivated via Testo ComSoft. The display shows various information depending on the operating status. Detailed explanations of the displayed information can be found in the "Menu Overview" section (6.3).
ℹ Note: For technical reasons, the LCD display response time slows down at temperatures below 0°C (approx. 2 seconds at -10°C, approx. 6 seconds at -20°C). However, this does not affect measurement accuracy.
Display Elements (Example for 176T2, 176T4, 176H1, 176P1):
The display typically shows numerical values and symbols. Key elements include:
- Channels 1, 2, 3, 4: Measured values and their corresponding units (e.g., °C, °F, %RH, mbar), depending on the number of channels and display settings.
- Log: Indicates the number of stored readings that are outside the set alarm levels.
- Act: Shows the current measurement value, which is displayed but not stored.
- End: Indicates that the measurement program has stopped.
- Rec: Indicates that the measurement program is running and recording data.
- Wait: Indicates that the measurement program is waiting for a start condition.
- F: Indicates that a formula is set as the start condition.
- Date/Time: Shows the configured measurement start date and time.
- Battery Icon: Displays the remaining battery life (e.g., bars indicating 150+ days, <150 days, <90 days, <60 days, <30 days). If battery life is below 30 days, it is recommended to read out data and replace the battery.
- Alarm Values: Upper and lower alarm values for channels. These may blink when set or be continuously lit when the measurement value is outside the set alarm range.
- Max/Min: Indicates the maximum and minimum stored values.
4.2. LED Status
LED State | Description |
---|---|
Red LED blinks once every 10 seconds | Battery life remaining is less than 30 days. |
Red LED blinks twice every 10 seconds | Battery life remaining is less than 10 days. |
Red LED blinks three times every 10 seconds | No battery remaining. |
Red LED blinks three times when button is pressed | Measurement value is higher or lower than the alarm value. |
Yellow LED blinks three times | Data logger switches from Wait state to Rec state. |
Yellow LED blinks three times when button is pressed | Data logger is in Rec state. |
Green LED and Yellow LED blink three times when button is pressed | Data logger is in End state. |
Green LED blinks three times when button is pressed | Data logger is in Wait state. |
Green / Yellow / Red LEDs blink alternately | Replace battery. |
4.3. Operation Buttons
For detailed display indications, refer to the "Menu Overview" section (6.3).
- Starting Measurement Program: If the data logger is in "Wait" state and the start condition is set to "Start", press the [GO] button for approximately 3 seconds to begin the measurement program. The display will show "Rec".
- Cycling Display in Wait State: When the data logger is in "Wait" state, pressing [GO] will cycle through the upper alarm value, lower alarm value, battery life, and final value in a defined sequence.
- Cycling Display in Rec or End State: When the data logger is in "Rec" (recording) or "End" (stopped) state, pressing [GO] will cycle through the maximum value, minimum value, upper alarm value, lower alarm value, count of readings exceeding the upper alarm, count of readings not reaching the lower alarm, remaining battery capacity, and recent measurement value.
Displaying Current Measurement Value:
Ensure the [GO] button has not been pressed for 10 seconds. Press [GO]. The current measurement value will be displayed, and "Act" will appear on the display. If you press the [GO] button again within 10 seconds, the current measurement value of the next channel will be displayed.
5. Product Use
5.1. Connecting Probes (Sensors)
When connecting probes (sensors) to the data logger, observe the following:
- Ensure the plug direction is correct.
- Securely fasten the plug to prevent leaks, but do not apply excessive force.
- Verify that the plug is firmly connected to the data logger. Ensure protective plugs are inserted into any unused probe connections.
- Insert probes in the correct position to prevent interference with measurements.
- For Testo 176 T2, Testo 176 T3, Testo 176 T4, Testo 176 H1, Testo 176 H2, and Testo 176 P1 models: always connect the probes to the positions configured using the Testo ComSoft program. The product number is printed on the case.
5.2. Setting up the Data Logger
To configure the data logger according to your requirements, Testo ComSoft Basic 5 software is necessary. It can be downloaded for free from the Testo Korea website (www.testo.com). For installation and operation of Testo ComSoft Basic 5, please refer to its dedicated user manual.
5.3. Menu Overview
ℹ Note: This menu overview is based on the display of the Testo 176 T2 data logger as an example. The Testo 176 T1, Testo 176 T3, and Testo 176 H2 models do not have a display.
To make the display visible on models that have one, it must be activated via the Testo ComSoft program. The display content varies depending on the configured measurement cycle (display cycle). Only the measurement values of activated channels are shown. Channels can be activated using the Testo ComSoft program. The upper/lower alarm symbols illuminate in "Rec" and "End" states when the measurement value is higher or lower than the set alarm value. The display returns to its initial state 10 seconds after the last button operation.
Display States:
- Wait State: The measurement start condition is set, but the data logger is not yet running (measurement standby state). In this state, the display may show the most recent measurement value (not stored) and the final measurement value, upper alarm value, lower alarm value, or remaining battery life (in days).
- Rec State: The measurement start condition has been met, and the data logger is storing measurement values (data recording in progress). In this state, the display may show the recent measurement value, maximum value, minimum value, upper alarm value, lower alarm value, count of readings exceeding the upper alarm, count of readings not reaching the lower alarm, or remaining battery life (in days).
- End State: The measurement program has ended according to the settings (e.g., stop condition reached, memory full, or specified number of measurements completed). The display content is similar to the Rec state.
6. Mounting the Wall Bracket
ℹ Note: Components for fixing the wall bracket (e.g., screws, wall plugs) are not supplied with the data logger.
First, remove the data logger from the wall bracket.
- Fix the wall bracket in the desired location.
- Mark the screw positions with a pen.
- Drill holes and insert wall plugs suitable for the mounting material.
- Secure the wall bracket with appropriate screws.
6.1. Setting Data Logger Lock
To secure the data logger in its wall bracket:
- First, ensure the wall bracket is fixed.
- Slide the data logger into the wall bracket.
- Insert the padlock fixing pin into the hole in the wall bracket.
- Attach the padlock to the fixing pin.
- Remove the key.
7. Reading Measurement Data
7.1. Using a USB Cable
- Connect the USB cable to your PC.
- Loosen the right screw on the data logger.
- Open the data logger cover.
- Plug the Mini USB cable into the Mini USB port (1).
- Read the measurement values from the data logger. For detailed instructions, refer to the Testo ComSoft user manual.
7.2. Using an SD Card
ℹ Note: If reading measurement values while the data logger is in "Rec" (recording) state, the measurement storage interval may slow down to a maximum of 10 seconds during the reading process. After reading, the data logger will resume storing values at its configured interval (minimum 1 second).
- Loosen the right screw on the data logger.
- Open the data logger cover.
- Insert the SD card into the SD card slot (2). The display will show "SdCArd".
- Press and hold the [GO] button for more than 2 seconds. The display will show "COPY".
During the reading process, the yellow LED will blink. Once reading is complete, the green LED will blink twice, and "OUT" will be displayed. Even if measurement values are read via SD card, the measurement state remains "Rec".
- Remove the SD card.
- Insert the SD card into the SD card slot of your PC.
- Process the read measurement values. For detailed instructions, refer to the Testo ComSoft user manual.
8. Maintenance
8.1. Battery Replacement
ℹ Note: The active measurement program will stop during battery replacement, but stored measurement values will be preserved.
- First, read out any stored measurement values. Refer to section 6.6 "Reading Measurement Data". If the battery level is too low to read stored data, replace the battery first, then read the data.
- Flip the data logger over.
- Loosen the screws on the back cover of the data logger.
- Open the battery cover.
- Remove the depleted battery.
- Insert a new battery. Ensure correct polarity. ℹ Note: Always use new batteries. Using partially discharged batteries may result in an inaccurate display of remaining battery life.
- Close the battery cover.
- Tighten the screws. The display will show "rST".
ℹ Note: The data logger needs to be reset. Testo ComSoft software must be installed on your PC, and the data logger must be connected to the PC.
- Connect the data logger to your PC using a USB cable.
- Start the Testo ComSoft program and connect to the data logger.
- Configure the data logger again or load saved settings. For detailed instructions, refer to the Testo ComSoft user manual.
The data logger is now ready for use.
8.2. Cleaning the Data Logger
⚠ Caution! Sensor damage possible!
- Ensure no liquid enters the data logger.
- If the housing is dirty, wipe it clean with a damp cloth. Do not use strong detergents or solvents. Use only general household cleaners, water, or soapy water.
9. Help
9.1. Questions and Answers (Troubleshooting)
Issue | Possible Cause and Solution |
---|---|
Display shows "FULL", red LED blinks twice, then "OUT". | SD card memory capacity is insufficient for storing measurement values. › Remove the SD card, read out the measurement values again, and free up memory. |
Display shows "Err", red LED blinks twice, then "OUT". | An error occurred while storing measurement values on the SD card. › Remove the SD card, read out the measurement values again, and free up memory. |
Display shows "nO dAtA", red LED blinks twice. | No measurement values are stored in the data logger, and it is in "Wait" state. › Remove the SD card and wait until the data logger enters "Rec" state. |
Display shows "rST". | Battery has been inserted. Measurement values are not being recorded. › Reconfigure the data logger using the software. |
Display shows "----". | The data logger's sensor is damaged or an incorrect probe is connected. › Contact Testo customer service. |
Display shows "HCap". | The battery and backup battery are completely discharged. › Replace the battery. The backup battery must be charged.
|
9.2. Accessories and Parts
Product Description | Product Number |
---|---|
Wall bracket with lock (black) | 0554 1703 |
Mini USB cable for PC connection | 0449 0047 |
SD card for Testo 176 data reading | 0554 8803 |
AA battery (TL5903) | 0515 1760 |
Testo ComSoft Basic 5 CD (free download from website) | 0572 0580 |
Testo ComSoft Professional CD | 0554 1704 |
Testo ComSoft CFR CD | 0554 1705 |
ISO Temperature Calibration Certificate (-18 °C, 0 °C, +40 °C, per data logger channel) | 0520 0153 |
ISO Humidity Calibration Certificate (+25 °C: 11.3 %rF, 50.0 %rF, 75.3 %rF, per data logger channel) | 0520 0076 |
ISO Absolute Pressure Calibration Certificate (5 points within measuring range) | 0520 0025 |
For more detailed information on accessories and parts, please refer to the product catalog or the Testo Korea website (www.testo.com).