Your new TEMPROBE will become very quick and easy to use, once you understand how to create a solid thermal contact between the TEMPROBE thermocouple and your test point. This page includes basic instructions, as well as a number of ways to customize TEMPROBE.

 

Positioning the TEMPROBE sensor tip

• The thermocouple sensor tip projects slightly out of the end of the small tube. This tip must be in contact with the test point in order to provide an accurate reading.
• First, center the pivoting range of the ball joint around the test point. Release the locking lever on the ball joint by holding the large diameter tube, lifting the sensor tip clear of the PCB and pivoting it about one inch past the test point.
• Next, create the correct spring force. Slide the thermocouple tube through the ball joint and position the sensor tip beside the test point. Press down gently on the tapered end of the large tube to bend the small tube until it is parallel to the larger tube. Tighten the locking lever on the ball joint to lock the sensor tip in place. This produces a pre-load force, ensuring good thermal contact with the test area.
• Finally, lift the sensor tip and set it down on the test point. If necessary, the ball joint can be pivoted slightly. The sensor tip can be placed directly in solder paste.

Adjusting the mounting clamp

• The flat Phillips head screw in the bottom plate of the clamp adjusts the clamp jaws to grip the PCB. The screw can be loosened to accommodate boards up to 1/4 inch thick.
• Adjust the screw so the clamp jaws start to grip the PCB when the cam lever is vertical. Rotate the cam lever down to its horizontal stop for a secure grip on the PCB.

Adjusting the ball joint

• The locking lever on the ball joint can be set to lock when it is horizontal, to give the lowest profile to the TEMPROBE.
• To adjust the locked angle of the locking lever, turn the knurled nut in or out slightly, as required. The nut has a left handed thread.
• To reduce the drag of the thermocouple tube through the ball joint, turn the knurled nut about half a turn, and reset the locking lever angle.
• The self-locking nut that holds the ball joint to the clamp should be snug enough to prevent the ball joint from being accidentally pivoted when in use.

Removing TEMPROBE from the PCB

• CAUTION: Allow TEMPROBE to cool before handling!
• Release the ball joint locking lever so that the sensor tip springs clear of the board.
• Release the mounting clamp cam lever and remove the TEMPROBE from the PCB.
• We recommend that you store the TEMPROBE in its foam lined plastic box to protect the thermocouple tip.

Customizing Your TEMPROBE

Mounting Two TEMPROBEs on One Clamp
The second TEMPROBE will be mounted on the left stud on the clamp of the first TEMPROBE. To do this, you will need to slide the ball joint off the second TEMPROBE, reverse it and replace it. When installing the second ball joint on the clamp, the two thick and one thin flat washer are placed under the tang, and the two conical spring washers under the nut, with the cones pointing up.

Mounting TEMPROBE Without the Clamp
TEMPROBE can be mounted on any #6-32 stud using the locking nut provided, or with a #6-32 locking screw. The conical washers should be under the nut or screw head, with a nut or three flat washers under the tang of the ball joint to provide clearance.

Minimizing the Overall Height of TEMPROBE
The overall height of the ball joint can be reduced by 1/16 in (1.5 mm) by removing the two thick flat washers between the ball joint and the clamp. Be sure to replace the single thin washer that serves as a bearing between the ball joint and clamp.

Shortening the Cable
The extension cable may be shortened to make it more convenient to use. Remove the connector and slide the rubber strain relief and the shrink tube spacer inside it up the cable beyond the point where the cable is to be cut. It may be necessary to split the shrink tube to slide it. Cut the cable, strip the leads and reconnect the cable. Make sure the yellow lead is connected to the positive (+) terminal.

Lengthening the Cable
Saunders Technology provides a 15 foot accessory cable (EC), in one-, two- or three-channel capacities. (See Specs.)

Specifications