Document	
Subject:	Operating manual
Instruction and Operation Manual
NESLAB Exatrol temperature controller
(unnumbered manual)
Rev. 12 August 1997

This manual applies to the analog Exatrol units (Exatrol 30, 150).
It does not apply to the digital Exatrol.

Section 1. General Information

1.1 Unpacking

[this section omitted as this model is no longer manufactured]

1.2 Warranty

[this section omitted as this model is no longer manufactured]

1.3 Description

The Exatrol consists of a solid state, zero-crossover relay which is capable of cycling an immersion heater at a given setpoint temperature. Two models are offered: the Exatrol 30 covers the temperature  range from -100C to +30C and is generally used in conjunction with the NESLAB CryoCool (CC) series to provide closely controlled low temperatures. The Exatrol 150 covers the temperature  range from -50C to +150C and is generally used with the Portable Bath Cooler (PBC) series of bath coolers for sub-ambient operation.

1.4 Specifications

Temperature range:
Exatrol 30: -100C to +30C
Exatrol 150: -50C to +150C

Temperature stability:
+/- 0.05C

Size:
6 1/8" (15.5 cm) x 6 3/4" (17 cm) x 5 5/8" (14.3 cm) high

Sensor:
3/16" (4.7 mm) diameter stainless steel x 10" (25.4 cm) on 4' (1.2 m) lead

Power:
115v, 60 Hz: maximum 10 Amps; or
230v, 50 Hz: maximum 5 Amps

Heaters:
Model H30 (recommended for Exatrol 30): 250 Watts, 115v or 230v
Model H150 (recommended for Exatrol 150): 700 Watts, 115v or 230v

Section 2. Installation 

2.1 Insert the stainless steel heater lead into the grounded 3-pin receptacle labelled "heater".

2.2 Using the heater/sensor holder and support rod, place both the heater and the temperature sensor into the bath fluid. The heater and temperature sensor must be immersed in at least 5" (13 cm) of bath fluid. 

2.3 Plug the Exatrol into a properly grounded 3-pin receptacle of the proper voltage. Actual voltage and current requirements can be found on the serial number label on the rear of the Exatrol.

Section 3. Operation

3.1 Turn the calibrated control dial on the front of the Exatrol to the desired setpoint temperature and place the power switch to "on". As the bath temperature approaches the setpoint temperature, the heat/cool lamps will begin to cycle. After the bath temperature has stabilized, use the fine control knob to set temperature precisely.

3.2 If the bath does not contain an internal stirring motor, a small, slow speed stirrer should be added to the bath to prevent temperature layering and provide good uniform temperatures throughout the bath.

3.3 When the Exatrol is used with the NESLAB cryocool units, the bath should not be operated above -20C for prolonged periods of time. For long term operation above -20C, a PBC cooler should be used.

3.4 The "accessory" outlet on the rear of the Exatrol is provided for powering low amperage accessories not to exceed 5 Amps, such as accessory bath stirrers and/or pumps. Power to the accessory outlet is controlled by the main power switch on the Exatrol front panel.

3.5 Exatrols are equipped with a 8-pin programmer receptacle and control switch. The control switch must remain "off" when the Exatrol is not being used with the ETP-3 or ETP-4RC temperature programmers.

Section 4. Troubleshooting

4.1 Exatrol will not heat. > Check heater fuse.

4.2 Exatrol will not control temperature. > If the cooling capacity overcomes the Exatrol heater, proper temperature control cannot be maintained. > If the heater fuse needs replacing, the heater will not operate, causing a loss of temperature control.

Note: If, after following these troubleshooting steps, your unit fails to operate properly, contact the NESLAB service department.

Section 5. Service

5.1 It is important that only a qualified electronic technician attempt to repair or calibrate this instrument. This information should be studied before any repair or calibration is attempted.

5.2 WARNING: There are 120v and/or 230v line potentials accessible at various locations inside the Exatrol. Use an appropriate transformer to isolate the line voltage before connecting any instruments for service or calibration. Do not allow any portion of the controller or temperature sensor to be connected to ground or to any other potential. No portion of the controller or temperature sensor circuit may be exposed to human contact.

Section 6. Address

NESLAB Instruments, Inc.
PO Box 1178
Portsmouth NH 03802-1178
(800) 4NESLAB
(603) 436-9444
fax (603) 436-8411
web: www.neslabinc.com

Rev. 12 Aug 1997
end of document