Temperature Controller

Our new TCAT-2 family of general-purpose PID autotuning controllers provides accurate temperature control in a variety of laboratory applications

Combined with a heat lamp or heating pad, the TCAT-2 may be used to maintain the body temperature of anesthetized animals during surgery or stereotaxic procedures. Small animal cages are easily warmed with a heat lamp. The TCAT-2 may also be used in cooling applications, such as to control independent perfusate cooling systems. Realizing that laboratory applications are diverse, Physitemp can provide several versions of the TCAT Controller. The model specified depends on whether a laboratory has a general or specific need for the controller:

• TCAT-2AC: This version controls only AC-powered heating or cooling devices such as heat lamps. It is the least costly. 
• TCAT-LV: This model provides a low-voltage DC output for electrically sensitive applications where AC frequencies might interfere with other monitoring devices. It comes standard with a built-in DC power supply designed to operate with our HP-1M Heating Plate for small rodents. The TCAT-2LV utilizes a dual set point control circuit to prevent a heating element from overshooting the control point due to thermal lag in the control system. This is an important feature in preventing burns due to incorrect control settings or faulty feedback sensors. On a custom basis, we can provide a variety of DC power supplies depending on the load power requirements.
• TCAT-2DF: This is a combination version that includes both an AC outlet for controlling primarily resistance loads such as heat lamps, and AC-powered warming blankets, and a low-voltage, low-noise" DC output for heating pads. This version allows you to control a variety of different loads.

All TCAT-2 versions may be used with any of our extensive line of accurate Type T thermocouple probes, which act as the temperature feedback sensor. Most commonly used are the RET series of animal rectal probes, but the IT series of implantable flexible probes and MT series of needle probes may also be used depending on the specific application. All instruments are designed to operate on a 110V or 230V AC supply.
The unit comes in a durable baked enamel-painted aluminum housing. Adjustable front feet allow the user to raise the front of the controller to provide a more convenient viewing angle.
A heat/cool switch is provided when using the controller with cooling devices such as small refrigeration compressors or thermoelectric stages. In the cooling mode, it inverts the control function and shuts off the load when the feedback sensor temperature falls below the set point. A small lamp on the front of the control unit indicates when power is being applied to the load.
The TCAT-2 is simple to set up; connect the feedback sensor to the animal and to the back of the controller, and connect the heating pad, blanket, lamp, or cooling device to the appropriate outlet on the rear of the controller. Adjust the set temperature as required (lower green display) according to the instruction label on top of the instrument. The set temperature is stored in memory after the unit is switched off.