TCAT-2 Temperature Controllers

The 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.

Key Features

• Controls heat lamps or heating plate
• Use for both heating and cooling applications
• 110 to 230 VAC line operation
• Control Range of -100 to +400°C
• Resolution 0.1°C

The unit comes in a durable, baked enamel painted aluminum housing. Adjustable front feet allow the user to raise the front of 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 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, 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.

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TCAT-2AC Controller

This version controls only AC powered heating or cooling devices such as a heat lamp. It is the least costly.

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TCAT-2LV Controller

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 sensor. On a custom basis, we can provide a variety of DC power supplies depending on the load power requirements.

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TCAT-2DF Controller

This is a combination version which includes both an AC outlet for controlling primarily resistance loads such as heat-lamps, 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.

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Probes

All TCAT-2 versions may be used with any of our extensive line of thermocouple probes, which act as the temperature feedback sensor. Most commonly used are the rectal probes, but the implantable flexible probes and needle probes may also be used depending on the specific application. All instruments are designed to operate on a 110V or 230 VAC supply.

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Heat Lamp HL-1

• Ideal for use with mice and rats
• Easy to use with TCAT-2 models

This infrared heat lamp is table mounted with an adjustable swing arm providing for easy adjustment of radiant heat to specimen. The lamp is supplied with a 250 Watt (infrared) heat lamp bulb and a built in reflector. A chrome bulb guard is also provided and easily snaps onto the lamp housing after the bulb is installed. This Heat Lamp fits a standard 110 VAC socket, so it can plug directly into the wall or it can be used a TCAT-2 Temperature Controller.

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Heating Plates

These Heating Plates are an optional accessory for the TCAT-2Temperature Controller. They are direct current heating plates for small rodents (mice and rats). The Heating Plates are made of black anodized aluminum and have small feet giving them an elevation of 6.4 mm (0.25 in) above the surface they sit on, such as a table or stereotaxic stage. They are easily cleaned with alcohol. These Heating Plates have a feedback sensor to prevent overheating when used with a TCAT-2 Temperature Controller.