T-Logger TL-30 FAQ
T-Logger home page : http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/3M/en_US/Temperature-Logger/Monitor-Shipments/
T-Logger Software download page : http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/3M/en_US/Temperature-Logger/Monitor-Shipments/3M-TL-
Series/Free-Download/
NOTE: The current TL-30 software runs on Windows XP, Vista and Windows 7 computers.
 I cannot program or read data with my T-Logger. What is the problem?
There could be several causes for this:
1.
The cable is not fully inserted into the TL-30 . The user must insert the USB cable connection into the TL-30 firmly.
2.
Before the software can read the TL-30, you must press the “Wake up” button on the TL-
30.
3.
The software is not installed on the PC . Go to the 3M site and download the software following the instructions.
4.
The device has been damaged or the battery is dead.
 I have some T-Loggers that have registered temperatures above 150C; however the loggers were not exposed to such temperatures. What would cause this?
This is a known electronic "noise" error that was found to be caused by the exposure of the TL-
30 to temperature below the lower spec limit of -40C / -40F. In some extreme conditions, temperatures below -40C or above 80C may cause the IC to malfunction generating erroneous rapid and random "up and down" saturation signals. Therefore it is strongly recommended not expose the TL-30 to temperatures below the -40C lower limit or temperatures above +80C limit .
 What would cause the T-Logger to stop working?
Historically the T-Logger can stop working for several reasons, the most common have been:
- a dead battery
- unseated battery, possibly due to hard fall
- exposures to very low or very high temperatures .
 I have some TL-30 units where the batteries are not performing what the data sheet says it may be defective. What is the procedure for this?
If you purchased the units from a distributor, work with them for replacements. They will contact 3M and return the defective units and 3M will check to verify root cause and to provide quality feedback to the manufacturer.
 How can I find out if the battery is working OK and if it can be used for the next shipment?
When the data is read from the TL-30 in the Set Up screen of the software, the battery status is also read and displayed at the bottom of the screen. If it shows “HI” with a full battery symbol, then it means that the battery is OK to use. If it shows
“LO” and the red battery symbol is displayed, the battery is not working at an acceptable power level and the TL-30 should be disposed accordingly.
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T-Logger TL-30 FAQ
 What feedback is there that the unit is working and that logging has started?
Once the 3M TL-30 has started logging, press the "Check" button. You will three options:
- No LED light indicates that there is no data on the TL-30 or it is in the delay time period before starting collecting the data, or the unit is damaged or the battery is dead.
- Green LED light indicates it is working and all the data points are within the set temperature limits
- Red LED light indicates it is working and at least one data point is outside the set temperature limits
 What is the function of the wake up button?
Pushing the “Wake Up” button the TL-30 will flash both LEDs six times signaling that the electronic circuitry in the TL-30 is energized to allow the transfer of information between the
TL-30 and the PC software via the USB cable.
The electronic circuitry is energized for about two minutes and then it return to the sleep mode to save battery life. It is also useful to push the “Wake Up” button any time is needed to verify that the TL-30 is working properly. If there is no LED flashing, the unit is not working properly or the battery is dead.
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T-Logger TL-30 FAQ
 Can I re-use the temperature settings for more than one TL-30?
When you specify the settings you want on both the main screen as well as in the Advanced
Configuration screen, click on File – Save Settings. The default location to save these settings will be in My Documents\3M Temperature Logger\Setup folder. You can then open these settings to retrieve them and then click the Load Configuration button to program these settings to a TL-30.
 How do I get a certificate for my T-Logger?
The only product that is individually tested and certified is a TL-30V. This will have an additional sticker on the front to indicate it has been fully tested and certified.
If you have a TL-30V, you can view and print the certificate by going to the following URL and generate a certificate: http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/3M/en_US/Temperature-Logger/Monitor-
Shipments/Validation-TL-20V/Validation-Certificate/
 Is the 3M T-Logger reusable?
Yes, the T-Logger is designed to be a reusable device. It can be reused by re-programming it every time you start a new operation. This can be done as many times needed throughout the life of battery.
 How long does the battery last?
Battery life is estimated to last up to one year from the first use with normal activity. The battery electrical energy is consumed when the T-Logger is activated by programming it and using it. The TL-30 has an energy saving IC that puts it into a sleep mode after each programming cycle, even when it is collecting time and temperature data. The battery of the
TL-30 is expected to last several years in storage conditions, if not activated.
The TL-30V is different because each unit is tested for 36 hours to verify its accuracy, so the battery may not last as long. It is for this reason that customers should only order the TL-30V units as they need them.
 Can the battery be replaced?
The battery cannot be replaced in these units. The TL-30 was designed to be a low cost device that can be disposed or sent to the appropriate recycling centers when the battery stops working.
 How long can I use the T-Logger when it shows “LOW” battery in the Set Up screen?
If the TL-30 is at room temperature when the LOW battery status is shown in the TL-30 software, it should not be used any longer and should be disposed of. The TL-30 is still usable if the LOW battery signal is displayed when the TL-30 is still “frozen” or at very low temperature (less than or around -20C). The TL-30 unit will show HIGH again when the temperature is raised above 0C or higher temperature.
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T-Logger TL-30 FAQ
 Can the TL-30 be in contact with water or high humidity? Can it be submerged in water?
The TL-30 meets the NEMA 3R requirements for water splash resistance. The regulation states the following: i. "Type 3R: Enclosures constructed for either indoor or outdoor use to provide a degree of protection to personnel against access to hazardous parts; to provide a degree of protection of the equipment inside the enclosure against ingress of solid foreign objects (falling dirt); to provide a degree of protection with respect to harmful effects on the equipment due to the ingress of water (rain, sleet, snow); and that will be undamaged by the external formation of ice on the enclosure."
- It can be exposed to rain or be in contact with water and high humidity but it cannot be submerged in water. If it is accidentally dropped in water it will float for a short time, usually without damage.
 Where should I place the T-Logger units in a pallet or a container?
It is recommended to place the TL-30 units inside of the master pack, pallet or container, in order to obtain a better temperature reading as close as practical to the perishable goods to be monitored. It is recommended to place more than one TL-30 in a pallet, for instance at the bottom and top of the pallet.
It is recommended to set a delay time (usually one hour) for the first measurement to allow the
TL-30 to be conditioned at the internal temperature of the shipment. The first readings will already be within the set limits and the “red LED” alert will not be triggered.
TL-30 units placed close to the external walls of the pallets or containers may be affected by the external temperature, so in this case it is recommended to place units inside the package to verify the temperature excursion within the package itself.
 What areas of a room or container can the T-Logger monitor the temperature?
The TL-30 is like any "digital thermometer" that measures the air temperature around the sensor. The temperature reading does not depend on distance or direction from the sensor, it is the "temperature of the sensor itself". The law of thermodynamics indicates that air temperature tends to equalize with time even without any ventilation in a given space. If the air temperature is made uniform in a given space (for instance using a fan), the temperature is correct for all the space around it independently of the size of it.
 How many units should be placed in a shipment?
This is a difficult question (see the above two questions)
If the temperature control in each box of goods is critical, place one TL-30 per box.
For containers, 2 TL-30 units are suggested to be installed in 20 ft x 3 ft containers, and 3 units in 40 ft x 3 ft containers, at a suggested distance of 3 to 6 ft between them, preferably one at the bottom and one at the top of the pallet.
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T-Logger TL-30 FAQ
 What is the best way to attach the T-Logger units to packages for shipment or to the shelves of the refrigerated rooms for storage?
There are various ways the TL-30 can be attached to substrates:
- Using 3M PLE specifically designed to be applied to the side of boxes for shipping.
- Using 3M Command Adhesive / Dual Lock strips which is the most practical solution for storage application because it allows the TL-30 to be detached from the base location and reattached after downloading the data numerous times very easily.
- Using a plastic zip tie inserted into the string hole of the side of the TL-30 to securely attach it to a pallet, a container or a shelf.
 What is the temperature accuracy and reliability of the 3M TL-30 Temperature Logger?
The performance, quality and conformance statement for the TL-30 is available to customers upon request.
 Is it possible to start or stop the TL-30 just by pressing a button?
Yes, it is very easy to start logging by pressing the red Start/Stop button on the TL-30 for 3 seconds once it is programmed to be started manually (the green light will blink six times to confirm the unit has been started manually. This is done in the Automatic/Manual Start and
Stop selection in the Advanced Configuration menu.
If it was programmed for Automatic + Manual Stop Mode, push the Start/Stop button for 3 seconds and the red LED will blink six times to confirm that the TL-30 was stopped.
 Can the 3M TL-30 be supplied with a temperature accuracy certificate?
Yes, the TL-30V is a version of the TL-30 that carries an additional label with the month and year of temperature accuracy verification. Each unit is individually tested for temperature accuracy at -10C, +10C and +50C and an additional label placed with the date of certification.
The certificate will be available either as a PDF file or downloaded directly from the 3M temperature logger website. This product is certified only on demand when a purchase order is placed so the customer will have the full 12 months of "certified use".
 How many data points and how long can the TL-30 collect data continuously?
The TL-30 can collect up to 50000 data points of time and temperature, keeping track of the time zones of the shipper and of the receiver of the goods.
The data collection frequency can be set from 1 minute to 120 minute interval with one minute increment.
The TL-30 can collect data continuously for up to 360 days if the logging frequency is longer than 20 minutes. The ability to collect data points for more than six months is particularly useful for monitoring the temperature of cold storage facilities.
The TL-30 will stop collecting data point when the memory is full with 50000 data points or when it reaches the total recording time set, whichever come first.
 How long would take to download the data from the TL-30 to the computer?
The time of downloading the data from the TL-30 depends on the total number of data collected and the computer set up. A set of 1000 data points the average time required is less than 30 seconds and a full set of 50000 data points may take less than 90 seconds on average.
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T-Logger TL-30 FAQ
 It says on the back of the device that it needs to be sealed in food grade bag when in contact with food, how does that affect temperature reading?
The food grade bag does not impact the temperature reading in any significant way. Response time is slowed only by a small fraction. The bag should be used when placed in directly contact with food to meet Food Safety Regulations.
 Is there anyway to have the shipping information attached to the device?
It is possible to store the detailed shipping information data including the company logo electronically in the TL-30 logger itself when you load the new configuration. This can be done in the Advanced Configuration window. This is the most practical and safe way to have this information encrypted in the memory chip of the TL-30. This information can be also protected with a password.
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T-Logger TL-30 FAQ
I have been asked to provide a UN number for the T-Logger so that it can be loaded onto planes for air travel. Is there a UN number for the T-Logger?
From: David Rock/US-Corporate/3M/US
To: Jason T. Flora/US-Corporate/3M/US@3M-Corporate
Date: 08/06/2010 12:54 PM
Subject: 70-0064-4895-8
Jason,
Per our conversation this morning here is some additional information regarding 3M ID 70-0064-4895-8.
The batteries, if hazardous materials for transport, would fall under UN3091 (Lithium Batteries contained in equipment or
Lithium Batteries packed with equipment, not sure which one for this product). However, each regulatory agency has exceptions which allow this product to ship as not hazardous for transportation.
DOT: Special Provision 188.
IATA: Packing Instruction 970
IMO: Special Provision 188
The report from 3M.com will include all of this except the UN#. We only print UN#'s when it is regulated by the particular agency (i.e. not hazardous or no special provisions with allow it to be exempt).
David Rock | Regulatory Analyst
3M Supply Chain - Operations
3M Center, 225-4S-18 | St. Paul, MN 55144
Office: 651 736 4186 | Fax: 651 733 9064 drock@mmm.com
| www.3M.com
(3M Internal Web site) intranet.mmm.com/rmg/
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T-Logger TL-30 FAQ
 Where can I call to get support for the T-Logger?
You should contact your distributor as the first point of contact. If they cannot assist you, you can call 1-800-944-3512 in the US or contact your local 3M office.
You can also order them online directly by going to http://www.shop3m.com/ and doing a search on the p hrase “t-logger”.
 How can I order more TL-30 loggers or cables immediately?
The fastest way to get equipment is to order it from a reseller. Please see the T-Logger home page for these vendors.
 Can 3M provide assistance to customers world-wide?
Yes, 3M can provide assistance to customers in more than fifty countries world-wide and the information is readily available at the 3M website. We suggest you contact your local 3M office first to see if they can answer your questions.
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