What type of recorders should I use?

You need to decide how important under- and over-temperature conditions are to your situation. If you only need to know once a week that there has been a problem then the MR recorders may well suit. The MR is a robust, stand-alone, manual download recorder. The temperature data can be downloaded direct to a printer or stored on a PC. For a more sophisticated approach with real-time data, immediate notification of any problems on your mobile phone, and a flexible but tamper-proof temperature record you should consider the System5. If your application involves monitoring a moving product then a System5 Mini-System is worth considering and for a hostile environment look at the T-Bar.

I need more than one channel, which units should I choose?

	System5 can be supplied to operate with hundreds of channels, all channel data being sent to a central collection point where values are continuously displayed and updated. There are no wires between the sensors and the recording unit.
	Each SCOUTplus has one internal temperature sensor and an optional external sensor that can measure a variety of parameters.
	MR units have one internal sensor for temperature, and the option of two external sensors: one temperature and one door open/close sensor. Each sensor needs to be visited and connected to a printer or PC to obtain the readings.

I have a very cold and wet environment, is your equipment suitable?

Probably, all our equipment is constructed and sealed to IP65 and IP67 standards and to operate from -80ºC to +140ºC with correct choice of sensors, thus making them suitable for most environments. If you are still not sure, please contact us.

What is the life of the battery.

	Sysytem5 SCOUT and SCOUTplus under normal operating conditions have a battery life of up to five years.
	The MR and RL sensors, under normal operating conditions, have a battery life designed to be ten years.
	The BASE unit, and System5 ECHO, are mains-powered but have backup batteries to cover power-cuts for over 8 hours.

What happens if there is a power cut?

No effect on System5 SCOUT and SCOUTplus as their power source is a long life battery. All System5 BASE and ECHO's will operate from internal batteries for up to eight hours in the event of a power cut. The units will continue to record normally until these batteries run down. An internal battery powered clock keeps track of the time. A "power-down" alarm can be sent to the user. In the event of a long term power failure, the SCOUT will continue to log data regardless and the data can be retrieved via the Bridge and wireless backfill function.

How easy is it to expand the system after installation?

	Very easy!  With the System5 you just purchase extra sensors and install them. The BASE unit will automatically find them and immediately start recording their data.
	When you have more than 60 sensors on System5, Thermal Systems can Install an extra BASE for you.

How easy are the sensors to install?

Thermal Systems are a Specialist Installation company we will install your system for you and also train you on its functions!  The mini system with the BRIDGE and SCOUT and SCOUTplus come with a special mounting plate that can be either tie wrapped or screwed in place, and depending on your IT skills can be Installed by yourself.   Installation The installation of the logging system should be given as much consideration as loggers themselves.  It should be easy to install and to access afterwards for easy downloading of the data. Thermal Systems will design and install the system for you!

What types of sensor are available?

Apart from temperature sensors we can also supply door open/close sensors, humidity sensors and general 4-20mA input.

When using more than one sensor, how are they all identified in printouts and screen displays?

Each recording unit has a unique serial number programmed into it when manufactured. In addition, each has memory space for allocating meaningful names such as "Chilled Veg.", "Ice-cream" or "Culture Incubator 3", etc.

Can Scouts operate (log and transmit) through a closed fridge, freezer or incubator?

Generally yes - if they have rubber or plastic seals to allow the signal out and the distances to the nearest Echo or Base is not too great. Many of our customers use our Scouts in this way. The Scouts operate down to -40C. If there is any doubt about the transmission is is safer to use an external temperature sensor through an access port and fix the Scout to the outside of the fridge.

Does System5 equipment need a radio licence?

No, all IceSpy equipment operates on 434MHz licence free EU harmonised band. The radio transmitters have Type Approval for most countries and the system carries a CE mark.

Will System5 interfere with, or be subject to interference from other equipment like mobile phones or electrical plant?

No. Many hospitals use our equipment with no interference issues.

What is the range of the System5 Scout?

There is no simple answer to this as the range is influenced by so many factors. In the open  a range of at least 1000 metres (1km) can be expected. Where there are obstacles such as walls of buildings and cold room enclosures, the range can be substantially reduced. The attainable range can be increased by the addition of our Echo units. If in doubt please contact us: a plan of your site will help us assess your needs.

What is the function of Echo Units?

Echo units are used where the distance between a Scout or group of Scouts and the Base Unit is too great for reliable operation. An Echo placed between Scouts and a Base will receive signals and re transmit them to the Base Unit. Several Echo units can be used on a site to increase the distance even further.

What alarm types does System5 cater for?