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HC2S3-L Temperature and Relative Humidity Probe
Services Available
Calibration Yes

Overview

The HC2S3, manufactured by Rotronic, is a rugged, accurate temperature and humidity probe that is ideal for long-term, unattended applications. The probe uses an advanced capacitive sensor to measure relative humidity. The probe includes a filter to protect the sensor from dust and particles, for superior performance and reliability.

Note: For customers with an HC2S3, the HC2A-S3 replacement sensor is available.  

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Benefits and Features

  • Well-suited for long-term, unattended applications
  • Accurate and rugged
  • Compatible with most Campbell Scientific dataloggers

Images

HC2S3-L
HC2S3-L
HC2S3-L
HC2S3-L
HC2S3-L inserted in shield and mounted to crossarm (other items sold separately)
HC2S3-L inserted in shield and mounted to crossarm (other items sold separately)
HC2S3-L inserted in shield and mounted to pole (other items sold separately)
HC2S3-L inserted in shield and mounted to pole (other items sold separately)

Detailed Description

The HC2S3 comes with a polyethylene filter that protects its sensor from fine dust and particles and minimizes water absorption and retention. Alternatively, a Teflon filter is available for marine environments. The response time is slower when using the Teflon filter.

Specifications

Electronics Operating Limits -40° to +100°C
Storage Temperature Range -50° to +100°C
Filter Description Polyethylene (standard) or Teflon (optional, ordered separately)
Current Consumption
  • < 4.3 mA (@ 5 Vdc)
  • < 2.0 mA (@ 12 Vdc)
Supply Voltage 5 to 24 Vdc
Startup Time 1.5 s (typical)
The startup time is a Rotronics specification. For programming, Campbell Scientific recommends a 2 s delay at 60°C, a 3 s delay at 0°C, and a 4 s delay at -40°C.
Maximum Startup Current < 50 mA (for 2 μs)
Analog Outputs
  • ±3 mV (maximum) offset at 0 V.
  • < ±1 mV (0.1°C, 0.1% R. H.) deviation for digital signal
Diameter 15 mm (0.6 in.)
Length
  • 85 mm (3.3 in.) without connector
  • 183 mm (7.25 in.) with connector
Weight 10 g (0.35 oz)

Air Temperature
Sensor PT100 RTD, IEC 751 1/3 Class B
Measurement Range -40° to +60°C (default)
Air temperature measurement ranges from -50° to +100°C are possible; contact Campbell Scientific for more information.
Output Signal Range 0 to 1 V
Accuracy ±0.1°C with standard configuration settings (at 23°C)
Long-Term Stability < 0.1°C/year
Sensor Time Constant - Standard PE Filter ≤ 22 s (63% step change [1 m/s air flow at sensor])
Sensor Time Constant - Optional Teflon Filter ≤ 30 s (Typical 4 s, 63% of a step change [1 m/s air flow at sensor])
Temperature Accuracy Refer to graph in probe manual.

Relative Humidity
Sensor ROTRONIC® Hygromer IN-1
Measurement Range 0 to 100% RH (non-condensing)
Output Signal Range 0 to 1 Vdc
Long-Term Stability < 1% RH per year
Accuracy ±0.8% RH with standard configuration settings (at 23°C)
Sensor Time Constant - Standard PE Filter ≤ 22 s (63% of a 35 to 80% RH step change [1 m/s air flow at sensor])
Sensor Time Constant - Optional Teflon Filter ≤ 30 s (Typical 10 s, 63% of a 35 to 80% RH step change [1 m/s air flow at sensor])
RH Accuracy over Temperature Refer to graph in probe manual.

Compatibility

Note: The following shows notable compatibility information. It is not a comprehensive list of all compatible or incompatible products.

Data Loggers

Product Compatible Note
21X (retired)
CR10 (retired)
CR1000 (retired)
CR1000X (retired)
CR10X (retired)
CR200X (retired)
CR206X (retired)
CR211X (retired)
CR216X (retired)
CR23X (retired)
CR295X (retired)
CR3000 (retired)
CR500 (retired)
CR5000 (retired)
CR510 (retired)
CR800 (retired)
CR850 (retired)
CR9000 (retired)
CR9000X (retired)

Additional Compatibility Information

Mounting

The HC2S3 should be housed in a 41003-5 10-plate naturally-aspirated solar radiation shield. This radiation shield mounts to a tripod or tower mast, crossarm, or user-supplied pole.

Frequently Asked Questions

Number of FAQs related to HC2S3-L: 6

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  1. Which filter tip should be used with the HC2S3-L?

    Campbell Scientific offers two filter tips:

    • The HC2S3-L comes with a polyethylene filter that provides protection against fine dust particles, doesn't absorb or retain water, and offers a good response time.
    • A Teflon filter can be ordered separately (pn 27755, HC2S3 Replacement Teflon Filter). This filter has a smaller pore size (10 micron) that provides good protection against fine dust particles and salt (marine environments), but it has a slightly slower response time than the polyethylene filter.
  2. If the HC2S3-L is not available for selection in the Short Cut program, how can it be added?

    It is possible that an older version of Short Cut is being used. Download the latest version of Short Cut.

  3. Can the sensor of the HC2S3-L be cleaned by removing the filter cap and washing the sensor with distilled water?

    The sensor should not be cleaned with water. If the sensor is dirty, the filter should be changed or cleaned more frequently. A dirty filter can be cleaned with distilled water.

  4. Which radiation shield model should be used with the HC2S3-L?

    To measure ambient temperature and relative humidity (RH), mount the HC2S3-L probe inside a 41003-5 or 41003-5A 10-Plate Radiation Shield. The 27731 hex plug is shipped with the HC2S3-L so that it can be used with older 10-plate radiation shield models. The 6-plate radiation shield (pn 41303-5A) cannot be used with the HC2S3-L.

  5. What type of field check can be done on a temperature sensor or a temperature and relative humidity sensor to determine if it is within the range of specified accuracy or if it requires calibration?

    Note the difference between calibration and a field check. Calibration cannot be done in the field, as it requires an experienced technician and specialized equipment.

    Field checks of measurements can be done to determine if the data make sense with the real-world conditions. Follow these steps to field check a sensor:

    1. Find a second sensor of the same type as the installed sensor whose data is in question. The second sensor will be used as a benchmark sensor and should be known to be accurate or recently calibrated.
    2. At the site, take readings using both sensors under the same conditions. The best practice is to measure both sensors side-by-side at the same time. Note that the sensors will never have the exact same measurement.
    3. Depending on the sensor model, if the difference in the readings of the installed and benchmark sensors is greater than the sum of the accuracies for both sensors, either return the installed sensor to Campbell Scientific for calibration or replace the appropriate chip.
      • The 107, 108, 109, 110PV-L, and BlackGlobe-L temperature sensors can be calibrated.
      • The HC2S3-L and HMP155A-L temperature and relative humidity sensors can be calibrated.
      • The CS215-L has a replaceable chip for temperature and relative humidity. For more information, refer to the “Maintenance and Calibration” section of the CS215 instruction manual.
      • The HMP60-L has a replaceable chip for relative humidity only. For more information, refer to the “Maintenance” section of the HMP60 instruction manual.
  6. What is needed to connect a sensor that is compatible with wireless sensor interfaces to a CR800, CR1000, or CR3000 in a wireless network?

    To incorporate a sensor that is compatible with wireless sensor interfaces into a wireless network, a CWS900-series wireless sensor interface is needed, as well as an A205 CWS-to-PC interface to configure it. 

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