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General Questions Contact Us
 
What is HACCP?
Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points, it is a guidline that can minimize the actual risk of acquiring a food-borne illness. It was developed by NASA to keep astronauts from getting sick in space. Most Health Departments are requesting restaurants and food processors to comply with these guidelines.

Some of your sensors use lasers. Do they take temperatures? Are they dangerous?
No on both questions. Lasers are used only for aiming or sighting. The lasers Cooper uses are low voltage units and are not dangerous. Note, however, that all lasers have government-regulated labels on them stating power ratings and any necessary measures (usually "do not stare into beam").

What is the availability of the products?
We are committed to a 3-day shipment on Distributor stock items.

How much is it?
For a price on a specific unit contact customer service, an end-user will be quoted the suggested retail price. Many times your distributor will have stock and special pricing available.

Can I get information sent to me?
Yes, contact the Customer Service Department by phone or go to the Customer Service section on this site and fill out the information request form.

Where can I buy Cooper Instrument Products?
By contacting the Customer Service Department, they will direct you to your closest Representative or Distributor.

How can I return the product for repair/credit?
Contact Customer Service to obtain a return number. Mark the outside of your package with this number and mail the package to:

Cooper-Atkins Corporation
ATTN: Returns Department
33 Reeds Gap Road
Middlefield, CT 06455

Questions about the products?
If you have specific questions regarding one of Cooper's products, Customer Service will be able to answer your questions or connect you to our engineering department, if necessary.

How do I make a proper ice bath?
A Proper Ice Bath Includes: ¾ crushed Ice to ¼ cup water – it should be slushy. If crushed ice is not available note that ice water made with large cubes will not usually reach 32°F unless vigorously and constantly stirred.
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TempTrak Contact Us
 
Is TempTrak web based?
TempTrak is a browser based application utilizing Internet Information Services (IIS) as the backbone.

Can the TempTrak application reside on one server with the database on a seperate server?
TempTrak can be set up in multiple different configurations:
  • Single Server (Application and Database reside on same server)
  • Single Server with Multiple Databases
  • Split Server (Seperate Application and Database Servers)
  • Split Server with Multiple Databases

Can the software reside on a Virtual Server?
VMware servers are supported.

Are there any restrictions on the number of users?
TempTrak is designed to support an unlimited number of users.

Are there any restrictions on the number of transmitters that the system can handle?
TempTrak is designed to support an unlimited number of transmitters.

Are there any restrictions on the number of transmitters that the system can handle?
TempTrak is designed to support an unlimited number of transmitters.

What external regulatory bodies does your system comply with?
HACCP, JCAHO, AABB, FDA

Why must I register the TempTrak software?
The software is programmed to run for 30 days in evaluation mode. During this time, all of the TempTrak features are available. Once the 30 day evaluation period expires, the software will no longer function completely.
  • TempTrak - no temperatures will be recorded.
  • Intelli-PDA - you will be unable to log into the application.

At what frequency does Temp Trak communicate?
TempTrak transmitters communicate in the range of 905 MHz to 920 MHz spread spectrum.

How do I reset a transmitter?
Pop open the transmitter lid and look for a small black button located next to three prongs (opposite corner from the battery). Press the black button. A red light will blink (next to the battery) indicating a successful reset and transmission of a temperature packet.

How do I verify that an external transmitter is transmitting?
Pop open the transmitter lid and make sure the battery is secure. Examine the red and white wires of the thermistor to make sure they are connected to the Mini-Sentry. You may have to reattach the wires by screwing them into place. Finally, look for a small black button located next to three prongs (opposite corner from the battery). Press the black button. A red light will blink (next to the battery) indicating a successful reset and transmission of a temperature packet.

How can I tell my software version?
You can locate the software version on the login screen next to the Logon button. The software's version is also visible in the title bar of Internet Explorer if you are logged into TempTrak.

What do the red, green and yellow bells mean in the sensor alerts page?
The color of the bells indicates whether or not notifications were sent out successfully. If the bell is green that means that notifications were sent out; if they are red they failed. When the bell has a yellow background, it means that an alert has been acknowledged, but not cleared.

Where can I locate the Sensor ID?
The Sensor ID should be located on the outside of the box the sensor came in as well as on the inside of the battery cover.

Does TempTrak come with SQL Server?
Yes, TempTrak is a complete software package, and comes with SQL 2005 Express.

Does Intelli-PDA allow for custom form creation?
Yes, Intelli-PDA allows for easy creation of custom forms and reports for both the PDA and back office. To begin setting up your forms, log into TempTrak and go to Configuration > Intelli-PDA > Forms and select the appropriate category.

How does Intelli-PDA transmit data?
Intelli-PDA has two ways to transmit data back to the TempTrak Server. Data gathered on the PDA is either wirelessly transmitted, or uploaded via a batch process, to the back office application for paperless reporting, trend analysis, corrective action and historical data files.
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Thermocouples Contact Us
 
General Troubleshooting
  • If the instruments reads "Prob", "LO" or "-1", check that the probe is plugged in.
  • If the battery icon, "B", or "Batt" appears on the display, change the battery.
  • To test a probe, use a known-good thermometer and insert the probe into an ice bath. It should read ~32°F. Flex the cable at the handle and connector to test for intermittant opens while testing.
  • If the instrument does not read ~32°F, pull the probe out slightly, and place a coin, key, or paperclip (any small metal object) across the connector pins. If you then get approximately a room temperature reading, the probe is no good and needs replacement.
  • To test a probe without a thermometer, use a multimeter. Look for a basic short circuit (continuity) between the connector pins. Flex the cable at the handle and connector to test for intermittant opens while testing.
  • When checking the accuracy of the thermometer with an ice bath, realize that the results do not have to be within the stated accuracy printed on the instrument label. The accuracy limits applied are determined by the user, based on their application. Additionally, this test includes the probe error, while the limits on the instrument do not include probe error.

My thermometer reads -1 (or "Prob" or "Lo") all the time. What does this mean?
These are built in functions to let you know that your probe is not plugged in, or has a broken wire in it. Make sure the probe is plugged in, or try another probe.

My thermometer reads the temperature, then reads -1 (or "Prob" or "Lo"), and switches back and forth between these readings. What does this mean?
The probe may have an intermittant open circuit and need replacement. Test as described in the troubleshooting section.

Why does my thermometer seem to read OK in an ice bath, but seem way off at higher temperatures?
If the readings seem "off" make sure the probe is the correct thermocouple type for the instrument. (Type K probe with type K instrument, etc.)

What does it mean that "no calibration is required" for some thermometers? Don't all thermometers need regular calibrations?
For the thermocouple line of instrumentation when we say "no calibration required", we mean calibration with adjustment. A regular calibration program of calibration by comparison to another standard, such as an ice bath, is needed so that you can prove to auditors that the instrument is still calibrated. You could also simply return the instrument to Cooper-Atkins for a factory calibration with adjustment.

How far off is my thermometer when I use it in the freezer?
Let the thermometer rest in the freezer for 45 minutes or so. Measure an ice bath. This is the absolute offset, and it is repeatable. Apply this to your measurements when using the thermometer in the freezer.

How do I make an ice bath?
Fill a cup with crushed ice. Add enough water to make a slurry. It should be slushy. (Ice water made of large ice cubes and water will not usually reach 32°F unless vigorously and constantly stirred.)
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Thermistors Contact Us
 
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Infrareds Contact Us
 
What is infrared?
Infrared is an invisible portion of the light spectrum extending from 0.75 to 1000 microns. Any object warmer than absolute zero (0 degrees Kelvin) emits energy somewhere within that range.

What is an infrared thermometer?
An infrared thermometer (sensor) can take an object?s temperature without touching it. Cooper?s sensors can measure the amount of infrared energy objects emit.

Can the product or object being measured be moving?
Yes. Measuring moving targets is one of the many benefits of using noncontact infrared thermometers.

How close do I have to be to an object to take its temperature?
Distance does not affect the measurement. However, infrared sensors measure the energy from a circular spot on the target, and size of that spot is a function of distance between the sensor and target. The farther away from the target the sensor is, the larger the spot. Consequently, distance is only limited by the size of the object you want to measure.

Does color affect infrared?
No. However, a different surface characteristic, called emissivity, does. Emissivity is a function of both the type of material you are measuring and its surface finish.

Can infrared sensors measure water or ice?
Yes. As mentioned above, any object warmer than absolute zero emits energy.

Will infrared sensors measure air?
No. An infrared thermometer needs a surface to measure. Cooper?s units are specifically designed so that air between the sensor and target does not affect the measurement.

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Digitals Contact Us
 
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TTM Series Contact Us
 
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Timers Contact Us
 
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Bi-Metals Contact Us
 
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Panel Meters Contact Us
 
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Probes Contact Us
 
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