Dickson KT8 Series Remote Sensing Temperature Recorders

Getting Started

Quick Start Guide

1. Remove the protective pen cap(s).
2. Connect Probe(s):
   • KT8P0/2/3: Ensure the KTC probe is connected firmly to the Replaceable Sensor, and the Replaceable Sensor is plugged firmly into the chart recorder.
   • KT856: Ensure both KTC probes are plugged firmly into the chart recorder.
3. Insert batteries and plug in AC adapter:
   • KT8P0: Requires 4 AA batteries.
   • KT8P2/3 & KT856: 4 AA batteries serve as backup power only. (Refer to page 5 for backup life details).
   The unit will power on.
4. The instrument will move pen(s) to the appropriate readings.
5. Install the chart: Match the chart to the Dip Switch settings (See page 4).

   Press the PEN HOME key to move the pen(s) to the outside of the chart. The pen(s) is automatically raised off the chart.

   Remove the old chart. Place the new chart on the Chart Hub, ensuring the edge of the chart slides under the Chart Guide Clips located at the outside of the chart.

6. Set the appropriate time: Two methods are available:
   1. Manual Chart Adjustment: Insert a coin into the groove in the chart hub and turn clockwise until the correct hour (and day, if applicable) on the chart is referenced to the timing arrow (located just to the right of the pen tip on the dial). Press Pen Home to move the pen(s) back onto the chart.
   2. Fine Time Adjustment:
      • To adjust the chart time, press and hold the Adjust-Up ⬆️ and Adjust-Down ⬇️ buttons located on the back of the unit next to the dip switch (See Figure 3).
      • The green LED will blink rapidly for about five seconds, then remain solid green. While in this state:
        • The Adjust-Up button moves the chart backward (counter-clockwise).
        • The Adjust-Down button moves the chart forward (clockwise).
      • Rotate the chart until the correct hour (and day, if applicable) is referenced to the timing arrow.
      • Once set, press the Pen Home button to exit Chart Adjust Mode. The unit takes one minute to exit Chart Adjust Mode after Pen Home is pressed. Press Pen Home again to move the pen(s) back onto the chart.

Place the KT8 recorder on a flat, vibration-free surface in a vertical position and level. For best performance and longevity, the location should be a clean environment, free from dust and corrosive fumes. Do not exceed temperature specifications. For wall mounting, keyhole slots are provided on the KT8 recorder.

Display Symbols

Channel Indicator: Displays current reading or flashes "ALRN" when in alarm condition.

Low Battery Indicator: Appears when the battery is low.

Display Symbols:

• CH 12: Channel number.
• Bat Low: Indicates low battery.
• Max / Min: Displays when setting alarms.
• F / C: Unit of measure for channel displayed (Fahrenheit or Celsius).

Button Operation

On/Off Key: Turns the unit on and off.

Pen Home (Down Arrow) ⬇️: If the pen(s) are on the outside edge of the chart, press Pen Home to move them to the recording position. If the pen(s) are on the chart, press Pen Home to move them to the outside edge of the chart.

Alarm (Optional): Pen 1 typically uses a Red Pen; Pen 2 typically uses a Blue Pen.

Alarm Setup

1. To set the alarm, ensure the unit is on and press and hold the Alarm button. The LED will blink red rapidly for about five seconds, then turn solid green. Release the Alarm button; the LED will then turn solid red. The display will show "On" or "Off".
2. Pressing either the Adjust-Up ⬆️ or Adjust-Down ⬇️ buttons (located on the back of the unit next to the dip switch) toggles the alarm on or off.
3. Pressing PEN HOME will scroll through alarm options: Pen 1 alarm minimum, Pen 1 alarm maximum. For KT856 two-pen models, additional options include: Pen 2 alarm minimum, Pen 2 alarm maximum.
4. Pressing Adjust-Up ⬆️ increases the alarm value; Adjust-Down ⬇️ decreases it. Acceleration occurs if the Adjust-Up button is held down.
5. Repetitively pressing Pen Home scrolls through the five options. Pressing the Alarm button exits alarm adjust mode. Each press of Pen Home or Alarm stores the new settings. The unit takes one minute to exit Alarm Set Mode after the Alarm button is pressed.
6. If an alarm is triggered, the LED shows solid red, and the alarm sounds. Press the Alarm button to silence the audible alarm.

Alarm Relays

The SPST 24V 500mA relay contacts are normally open and close on alarm conditions when alarms are enabled. Relay contacts are functional only during minimum and maximum alarm conditions. The KT856 has two sets of relay contacts that operate independently. Relays do not operate on battery-only power.

Relay Connections (Top view):

Pens

The blue pen has a longer arm and records channel 2 temperature (depending on dip switch selection). The red pen has a shorter arm and records channel 1 temperature. The pens are offset to allow the red pen to glide under the blue pen. The blue pen indicates the correct time, and the red pen precedes it by 3/16 of an inch.

Dip Switch Setup

To configure the KT8 recorder for specific applications, you may need to change Dip Switches located on the back of the unit (See Figure 3). Use a pen or small screwdriver to flip the switches. Install the correct chart to match the corresponding Dip Switch setting.

Dip Switch Positions: Slide toggle up for "on" position; slide toggle down for "off" position. Switches 7 & 8 are not active on this recorder.

Dip Switches for Ranges:

*A203 High Temp Probe required - Range not available on Model KT800.

Recording Time

All KT8 recorders feature user-selectable recording times.

°F/°C

You can record in °F or °C with the KT8 by using dip switch #3.

Note: Remember to install the correct chart to match the corresponding switch setting.

Temperature Ranges

*A203 High Temp Probe required - Range not available on Model KT800.

Power and LED Indicators

Power

The KT8 operates on AC power with an optional 4 AA battery backup. Battery backup duration depends on chart rotation selected and model.

KT8P2/3 & KT856

• 24 Hour Chart Rotation = 1 Day Backup
• 7 Day Chart Rotation = 2 Day Backup
• 31 Day Chart Rotation = 1 Week Backup

Note: Alarm and relays will not operate under battery-only power.

KT8P0

• At 70°F: 24 Hour Chart Rotation = 1 Month, 7 Day Chart Rotation = 6 Months
• At 32°F: 24 Hour Chart Rotation = 3 Weeks, 7 Day Chart Rotation = 4 Months

Note: The unit should not be placed in an environment below 32°F.

LED Indicators

• AC Power with Battery Backup: Solid Green
• AC Power with Low Battery or No Battery: Blinks Red
• Battery Only: Blinks Green
• Battery Only (Low Battery): Solid Red

Note: KT8P0 operates on battery only and will blink one time every minute to conserve battery life.

Pen Home Adjust

If the pen location does not match the display over time, you may need to adjust the pen location on the chart. Pen Home Adjustment does not affect sensor calibration but corrects for natural drift in mechanical moving parts.

1. While the unit is on, press and hold both Pen Home and On/Off buttons until the LED is solid green. Release the buttons. The LED will flash amber and green for one second, then turn off.
2. The pen(s) will move to the outer edge of the chart. The shorter red pen will move to the outer chart ring (maximum temperature/RH line).
3. If the red pen tip does not align with the outer chart ring, use the Adjust-Up ⬆️ and Adjust-Down ⬇️ buttons to move the red pen so its tip is on top of the outer chart ring.
4. Once set, press On/Off to save and exit Pen Home Adjust. (For KT856, continue to step 5).
5. Once the shorter red pen is set, press Pen Home to move it to the outer edge of the chart. The longer blue pen will move to the outer chart ring.
6. If the blue pen tip does not align with the outer chart ring, use the Adjust-Up ⬆️ and Adjust-Down ⬇️ buttons to move the blue pen so its tip is on top of the outer ring.
7. Once the blue pen is set, pressing the Pen Home button moves the longer blue pen to the outer edge of the chart, and the shorter red pen moves to the outer chart ring.
8. Each time Pen Home is pressed, the two pens switch positions (moving to the most recently adjusted position) until On/Off is pressed to exit pen adjust mode.

Note: Pressing the On/Off button exits adjustment and returns the unit to normal operation. Each press of Pen Home or On/Off stores the current adjustment. The unit takes one minute to exit Pen Adjust Mode after On/Off is pressed.

Calibration

KT8P0/2/3:

The R400 Replaceable Sensor was tested and calibrated before shipping. For greatest accuracy, replace the sensor every 6-12 months (N400 and N450 models excluded). To order a Calibrated Replacement Sensor, call customer service at (630) 543-3747 or visit www.dicksondata.com.

When a new sensor arrives, turn off the recorder, remove and discard the old sensor, plug in the new one, and power the recorder back on. The recorder will continue to record temperature and humidity without interruption.

KT856:

The KT856 was tested and calibrated before shipping. For greatest accuracy, factory re-calibration is recommended every 6-12 months. Call customer service at (630) 543-3747.

User Calibration

If you have an accurate standard for comparison, the Replaceable Sensor or unit (KT856) calibration can be adjusted at one point. This does not adjust the span and is less accurate than replacing the sensor or returning the KT856 for recalibration.

1. To activate Calibration mode, turn the unit on and press and hold both the On/Off and Adjust-Down ⬇️ buttons until the LED is solid green. The LED will then blink amber; only the pen being adjusted will show on the display.
2. To raise the unit of measurement, press Adjust-Down ⬇️. To lower it, press Adjust-Up ⬆️. Pressing Pen Home switches between the red and blue pens (on a two-pen unit) and stores the current adjustment value.
3. When Calibration is complete, press the On/Off button. The adjustment is stored in memory even after power loss.

Note: If no buttons are pressed for two hours, the unit will time out of Calibration mode. To cancel Calibration, enter Calibration mode, toggle through steps without adjusting readings, and exit by pressing On/Off.

Note: It is recommended to use a controlled chamber for calibration adjustments, as open room humidity can vary significantly.

Troubleshooting

Need to Know

• Pen Movement (KT8P0): Pen movement is slower on AC-powered models to conserve battery. In 24-hour mode, pens move every 1 minute 30 seconds. In 7-day mode, pens move every 8 minutes 30 seconds.
• Reading Frequency: The recorder takes temperature readings every 50 seconds. The chart draws an average of readings between pen movements.

Why isn't the chart keeping time or running slow?

• The chart may be hung up or restricted (e.g., rip on outer edge, caught between arm and platform).
• Incorrect chart installed for the selected chart speed.

Why did the chart stop turning?

• Chart hung up or restricted (ripped chart).
• Unit may be "locked up": No response to button presses, readings don't change, chart doesn't rotate. Remove power and battery, then re-power.

Why don't the display and chart match?

• Dip switches set for a different range than the chart used, or vice versa.
• Pen(s) not inserted on pen arm(s) fully.
• Refer to "Pen Home Adjust" for pen alignment.

Why does the display read PROB?

• Check sensor pod and KTC probe(s) connection.
• Unit may be "locked up" (see "Why did the chart stop turning?").

Why does calibration seem to be off?

• Consider the tolerance of the unit being compared to.
• It is acceptable if the unit is within the sum of the two tolerances.
• Has an outside calibration house attempted calibration? It may not have been adjusted properly.
• Walk through calibration adjustment procedures.

Why won't the battery back-up work?

• Ensure batteries are good.
• Battery backup varies with temperature, pen movement, and chart rotation speed.
• A momentary power outage (brownout) might not allow the unit to switch to battery mode. The recorder may lock up or shut off.
• This can also occur if the unit shares a circuit with machinery causing high current draws (e.g., phase motors, compressors) that momentarily draw power from the unit.

Why won't the chart recorder respond to changes?

• Unit may be "locked up" (see "Why did the chart stop turning?"). Remove power and battery, then re-power.

Why won't the unit power up?

• Remove batteries and power adapter for a minute or two to reset the unit. The unit should respond when the adapter is plugged in.

Warranty

Dickson warrants this line of instruments to be free from defects in material and workmanship under normal use and service for twelve months after delivery. This warranty does not cover routine calibration and battery replacement.

For Specifications and Technical Support, go to www.dicksondata.com.

Factory Service and Returns

Contact Customer Service at (630) 543-3747 for a Return Authorization (RA) Number before returning any instrument. Please have the model number, serial number, and a PO number ready before calling.

Replaceable Sensor Certificate of Validation

Dickson ensures that the Replaceable Sensors / Instruments listed below were developed, tested, and validated together.

Replaceable Sensor Model: R400

Instrument Models: KT8PO, KT8P2, KT8P3

Operation: The Instruments and Replaceable Sensor models listed were specifically designed to work together. No other sensors will work with these Instrument models, and no other Instrument will work with these Replaceable Sensors. The Replaceable Sensor must be connected for the Instrument to operate properly.

Calibration: Only the Replaceable Sensor is calibrated. Accuracy is strictly controlled by the sensor; no adjustments are made by the Instrument. Readings are sent from the Replaceable Sensor to the Instrument for storage purposes only. Certificates of Calibration / NISTs are supplied only for the Replaceable Sensor.

Recalibration: When a Replaceable Sensor is due for recalibration, it can be replaced with a new one, eliminating the need to return the entire instrument. Replaceable Sensors can also be returned for recalibration.