This installation guide explains how to install the Temperature Probe Sensor to monitor the temperature in cryogenic and ultra-low freezers using the built-in probe channel. If your unit does not have an available probe channel, please refer to the instruction manual: How to install Temperature Probe Sensors through the door.
Pre-requisite
- Ensure the freezer is turned off and that there is no more ice in the unit before beginning the installation process.
- Claim the sensor in Studio.
- Set the heartbeat interval to 2 minutes 30 seconds. This configuration lets you quickly confirm that the probe is working after you connect it to the sensor unit. The sensor requires at least one report before the new configuration takes effect, so do this at least one hour before installation.
1. Locate the external probe channel
Find the designated circular probe channel (port) on the exterior of the freezer. It is usually located on the back. For upright freezers, it may be on the back or top of the unit. Make sure the port is clean and free of obstructions before proceeding.
2. Prepare the temperature probe
Some probe channels will be filled with foam or textile. If so, make a hole in the center of the foam and thread your temperature probe cable through it. For textile, wrap the textile around the probe cable. This foam or textile insulates the channel and prevents temperature leaks. If no foam is available, go to step 3.
3. Insert the probe into the channel
Feed the sensor's metallic tip through the external port hole. Push the foam sleeve into the channel so that it firmly plugs the opening. If you don't have foam, thread the probe cable through the channel. Ice will ultimately form in the channel, which will work as isolation.
4. Secure the sensor inside the freezer
Open the freezer and locate the metal or plastic framework rack. For a secure, reliable hold in extreme temperatures, use a thin metal wire to tie it to the sensor body and the rack structure, as shown in the reference photo.
If there is no metal framework rack, find a place inside the freezer where the cable and sensing element will not get in the way, and secure it with -80°C- or -150°C-rated tape.
5. Tape the cable securely with tape
Use -80°C- or -150°C-rated tape to secure the routed wire. Apply the tape neatly across the ends and along the inner wall to secure it firmly.
6. Prepare the external port for sealing
Return to the exterior and prepare the port sealing cap/lid. If possible, drill a hole in the middle of the cap/lid to thread the cable through. If not, we advise against using the cap/lid to avoid putting pressure on and damaging the cable.
Optional: Use silicone paste inside the cap/lid to reduce the air gap, as shown below.
7. Seal the exterior port
Press the cap/lid into the exterior port hole on the freezer wall. Ensure it sits flush and fully seals the opening around the existing wire.
8. Thread the cable inside the sensor protective box
Insert the cable through the opened pin. Gently twist the pin to close the gap around the cable. Avoid tightening it too much to prevent excessive pressure on the cable.
9. Connect the probe cable to the sensor
The sensor comes with a 4-pin connector that supports and automatically detects probes with 2, 3 and 4-wire configurations.
1. Open up the terminals fully - this may require some force.
2. Insert the cables according to the diagrams. Colors may differ between manufacturers.
3. Close the terminals. Gently pull on the wires to ensure a secure connection. The sensor will automatically detect the wire configuration and display it in Studio.
10. Remove the plastic sheet and install the sensor in the box
Make sure the box is dust-free. Use the adhesive on the back of the sensor to mount it in the center of the box, leaving a gap at the top. This gap lets you slide the sensor out to replace the batteries if needed.
11. Install the box on the freezer wall
Clean the surface and mount the plastic box to the freezer using the box's adhesive. For the chest freezer, mount the box on the back of the unit. For an upright freezer, mount the box on the side wall near the unit's door handle. Secure the extra probe cable neatly to the freezer's back or side wall using plastic clips.
12. (optional) Print a QR code and place it on the plastic box
Generate a QR code based on the sensor’s ID to redirect to the sensor page when scanned. Print on a label and place it on the sensor box to quickly and easily identify the device.
13. Installation verification
Verify the robustness of your installation by opening the sensor page in DT Studio:
- Confirm that the number of wires is correct.
- The sensor is reporting temperature data.
- Ensure that the signal strength is good (not in boost mode).
Note: Boost mode () is a high-power transmission due to weak signal. Overtime, sensors in boost mode will use more energy, which will affect the battery life. Make sure you avoid High Power Boost Mode.
Once this is confirmed, update the configuration (heartbeat and measurement interval) of the sensor to the desired frequency.