Elitech RC-4 Series: Temperature and Humidity Data Loggers

Overview

The Elitech RC-4 series includes multi-use data loggers. The RC-4 is a temperature logger, while the RC-4HC is a temperature and humidity logger. These devices are designed to record temperature and/or humidity data for goods such as food and medicines during storage and transportation. They are widely used across various stages of the cold chain, including cooler bags, cooling cabinets, medicine cabinets, refrigerators, laboratories, reefer containers, and trucks.

Specifications

Operation

1. Battery Activation

To activate the battery:

1. Turn the battery cover counterclockwise to open it.
2. Gently press the battery to hold it in position, then pull out the battery insulator strip. [battery insulator strip]
3. Turn the battery cover clockwise and tighten it.

Diagram Description: Shows a hand turning a battery cover counter-clockwise, then pulling a small strip from the battery compartment, and finally turning the cover clockwise.

2. Install Probe

By default, the RC-4/RC-4HC uses its internal sensor to measure temperatures. If you need to use an external temperature probe, simply install it as shown below.

Diagram Description: Shows an external temperature probe being plugged into the USB port of the data logger.

3. Install Software

Please download and install the free ElitechLog software (for macOS and Windows systems) from the following sources:

• Elitech US: www.elitechus.com/pages/download
• Elitech UK: www.elitecheu.com/pages/software
• Elitech BR: www.elitechbrasil.com.br

4. Configure Parameters

Connect the data logger to your computer via USB cable. Wait until the [USB connected icon] shows on the LCD. Then, configure the logger using the ElitechLog software:

• If you do not need to change the default parameters (refer to the Appendix), click 'Quick Reset' under the 'Summary' menu to synchronize the local time before use.
• If you need to change parameters, click the 'Parameter' menu, enter your preferred values, and click the 'Save Parameter' button to complete the configuration.

Warning! For first-time users or after battery replacement: To avoid time or time zone errors, ensure you click 'Quick Reset' or 'Save Parameter' before usage to synchronize your local time into the logger.

5. Start Logging

Press Button: Press and hold the button for 5 seconds until the [logging icon] shows on the LCD, indicating the logger has started logging.

Note: If the [logging icon] keeps flashing, it means the logger is configured with a start delay; it will begin logging after the set delay time elapses.

6. Stop Logging

Press Button*: Press and hold the button for 5 seconds until the [stopped icon] shows on the LCD, indicating the logger has stopped logging.

Auto Stop: The logger will stop automatically when the number of logged points reaches the maximum memory capacity of 16,000 points.

Use Software: Open the ElitechLog software, click the 'Summary' menu, and then click the 'Stop Logging' button.

Note: '*Default stop is via 'Press Button'. If this function is set as disabled, the button stop function will be invalid. In such cases, please open the ElitechLog software and click the 'Stop Logging' button to stop the logger.

7. Download Data

Connect the data logger to your computer via USB cable. Wait until the [USB connected icon] shows on the LCD. Then, download the data using the ElitechLog software:

• The logger will auto-upload data to ElitechLog. Click 'Export' to select your desired file format for the report.
• If data fails to auto-upload, manually click the 'Download' button and then follow the export operation.

8. Reuse the Logger

To reuse the logger for a new logging task:

1. Stop the current logging session.
2. Connect the logger to your computer and use the ElitechLog software to save or export the existing data.
3. Reconfigure the logger by repeating the operations in step 4 ('Configure Parameters').
4. Follow step 5 ('Start Logging') to restart the logger for new data collection.

Warning! After re-configuration, all previously logged data inside the logger will be deleted. If you forget to save or export data, please try to locate it in the 'History' menu of the ElitechLog software.

Status Indication

1. Buttons

2. LCD Screen

The LCD screen displays various status indicators:

• ① Battery Level: Indicates the remaining battery charge.
• ② Stopped: Appears when logging has been stopped.
• ③ Logging: Appears when the logger is actively recording data.
• ④ Connected to PC: Appears when the logger is connected to a computer via USB.
• ⑤ High/Low Temperature Alarm: Indicates if temperature limits have been exceeded.
• ⑥ Memory: Shows the number of data points recorded (current count).
• ⑦ Month: Displays the current month.
• ⑧ Day: Displays the current day.
• ⑨ Maximum Temperature/Humidity: Shows the highest recorded temperature or humidity.
• ⑩ Minimum Temperature/Humidity: Shows the lowest recorded temperature or humidity.

3. LCD Interface

The LCD displays real-time and recorded data. The exact display varies depending on the model (RC-4HC shows humidity data).

Note: Only the RC-4HC model displays humidity-related interfaces.

4. LCD-Buzzer Indication

The logger can provide audible alerts:

Note: * To enable the buzzer function, open the ElitechLog software and navigate to the 'Parameter' menu, then select 'Buzzer' and choose 'Enable'.

Battery Replacement

To replace the battery:

1. Turn the battery cover counterclockwise to open it.
2. Install a new CR2450 battery into the compartment, ensuring the '+' terminal faces upward.
3. Turn the battery cover clockwise and tighten it.

Diagram Description: Shows a CR2450 battery with a '+' symbol and an arrow indicating insertion into the battery compartment.

What's Included

• Data Logger x 1
• CR2450 battery x 1
• External Temperature Probe x 1 (1.1m)
• USB Cable x 1
• User Manual x 1
• Certificate of Calibration x 1

Precautions

• Store the logger at room temperature.
• Before first use, pull out the battery insulator strip from the battery compartment.
• For first-time use, ensure you use the ElitechLog software to configure parameters and synchronize the system time.
• Do not remove the battery while the logger is recording data.
• The LCD screen will automatically turn off after 15 seconds of inactivity. Press the button again to wake it up.
• Any parameter configuration via ElitechLog software will delete all previously logged data. Save your data before re-configuring.
• To ensure humidity accuracy for the RC-4HC, avoid contact with unstable chemical solvents or compounds. Do not expose it to high concentrations of ketene, acetone, ethanol, isopropanol, toluene, etc., for extended periods.
• If the battery icon on the LCD is less than half full [low battery icon], do not use the logger for long-distance transport.

Appendix: Default Parameter Configurations