CWE Temperature Controller TC-1000

CWE Temperature Controller TC-1000 monitors and controls the body temperature of small animals. This microprocessor-based instrument features a low-voltage DC proportional controller to provide artifact-free healing using a resistive healing blanket. The smooth Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID) control eliminates the electrical transients common to on/off type controllers. A front-panel LCD panle displays the current body temperature, the targeted set-point temperature, alarm settings, and a heater power bar graph. An analog output provides a linear voltage corresponding to temperature.

The controller uses standard YSI-400 series (or compatible) thermistor probes. These interchangeable probes are available from CWE in a variety of sizes to suit the animal being monitored. Resistive heating blankets are available in mouse, rat or cat size. Other resistive-type heating devices (such as immersion heaters) can be connected, as long as the current draw is less then 3 A at 12 VDC. Heater currents up to 10 A are possible using an external battery or power supply, accessible using binding posts on the rear panel.

Operation: The CWE Temperature Controller TC-1000 is simple to operate. After plugging in the probe and heating blanket, the animal's temperature is shown on the display. The adjustable set-point temperature and alarm band is also displayed, both being adjustable using a single knob. An over/under temperature alarm with adjustable hysteresis is pushbutton activated. The unit automatically detects fault conditions such as a defective or disconnected probe or heating blanket.