LogTag VFC400-USB Quickstart Guide

Introduction

This document provides a quickstart guide for the LogTag VFC400-USB temperature data logger. It covers the initial setup, configuration, operation, and data download procedures.

The VFC400-USB is manufactured by Control Solutions, Inc. For detailed information, refer to the Product User Guide.

Quickstart Guide Contents

What's included
Battery Installation
Downloading Control Solutions VTMC
Configuring your VFC400-USB
Installing the Wall Mount
Starting your VFC400-USB
Downloading Results

What's included

Please check you have each of the items shown below before continuing with setting up your VFC400-USB.

VFC400-USB: The temperature data logger unit.
USB Cable: For connecting the logger to a computer.
Glycol Buffer with Acrylic Stand: Used for calibration or specific temperature buffering.
Installation & Mounting Kit: Includes a wall mount bracket.
2x AAA Battery: The primary power source for the logger.
External Probe: An ST100X probe for temperature measurement.

Battery Installation

The AAA batteries are the main power source for your VFC400-USB. A 5V/5W USB power supply is an alternative source for permanent power via the USB socket.

You will need a small phillips (cross-shaped) screwdriver to remove the cover on the back of the VFC400-USB case.

Once the battery cover is removed, install the 2x AAA batteries provided. Take note of the direction each battery must be installed, observing the '+' and '-' markings.

Illustration of the battery compartment showing two AAA batteries inserted with correct polarity (+ and - terminals aligned).

Once both batteries are securely installed, replace the battery cover and secure it with the screw used to open it.

⚠️ Warning: The VFC400-USB will not start if AAA batteries are low or if there is no USB power.

Downloading Control Solutions VTMC

To download the latest Control Solutions VTMC software, open your browser and navigate to:

https://vfcdataloggers.com/software-downloads/

Click the latest VFC 400 Version 3 software (VTMC) download link.
Click 'Run' or 'Save File', then double-click the downloaded file to open the Control Solutions VTMC Setup.
Follow the on-screen prompts to install Control Solutions VTMC.
Click 'Finish' to exit VTMC Setup.

? Note: If you already have Control Solutions VTMC installed, check for updates by clicking 'Check Internet for update' in the 'Help' menu.

⚠️ Warning: Ensure no other LogTag software is currently running on your computer before running the Analyzer software.

Configuring your VFC400-USB

Connect your VFC400-USB to your computer via the USB cable provided. The USB socket on the device is located on the bottom, protected by a rubber seal.

Open Control Solutions VTMC.
Click 'Configure' from the 'LogTag' menu or click the 'Wizard' icon.
Adjust your logger configuration settings as required. For more information, refer to 'Configuring the VFC400-USB' in the Product User Guide.
Click 'Next' to upload the configuration settings to the logger.
Click 'Close' to exit the configuration page.

Installing the Wall Mount

Setup of your VFC400-USB is complete. Attach the Wall Mount Bracket on the side of your refrigerator or freezer, preferably at eye-level, using the adhesive strip provided.

Before sticking the mount, ensure the sensor cable and the USB cable from the VFC400-USB can reach the device comfortably without obstruction or risk of being accidentally disconnected.

Insert the VFC400-USB into the Wall Mount and connect the USB and sensor cables.

The display should show the word 'READY', as seen in the illustration.

Illustration of the VFC400-USB display showing 'READY' and the time '09:16'.

Starting your VFC400-USB

Please ensure you have connected an ST100X external probe to your device before starting.

Press and hold the [START/Clear/Stop] button.

'STARTING' will appear along with 'READY'.

Release the button once 'READY' disappears.

The VFC400-USB now records temperature data.

The Logger will not start if:

You release the button before 'READY' disappears.
You keep holding the button for more than 2 seconds after 'READY' disappears.
The backup battery is critically low and the logger is not connected to power.

Illustration of the VFC400-USB display showing 'READY', 'STARTING', and the time '09:16'.
Illustration of the VFC400-USB display in recording mode showing 'REC' with a checkmark ✔️, 'TIME' 13:47, 'CURRENT' 41.0°F, 'MIN' 39.2°F, and 'MAX' 48.2°F.

Downloading Results