Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the battery capacity for the E-Val Pro wired system?

The E-Val Pro has an 8-hour battery. Read more on the E-Val Pro specifications.

What happens to my data if I lose power during a study?

The E-Val Pro module is equipped with an 8-hour backup battery. However, should the backup battery also run out, all data will be saved in the E-Val Pro memory for later access.

What is the best method for performing pre/post verifications on thermocouples?

As thermocouples are quite sensitive to drift over time, verification is often required. This can be achieved using the ValSuite software facilities combined with a setup that includes a dry block and Ellab Temperature Standard (ETS) reference.

For a simple verification, you can also perform a pool test, in which thermocouples are compared to each other within a stable environment.

Can the E-Val Pro wired system run without being connected to the software or power supply?

Yes, the E-Val Pro has a built-in 8-hour battery, can store up to 10 individual sessions and has a memory capacity that can hold a total of 11.5 million data points.

What is the maximum amount of sensors that can be operated in a single study?

It is possible to run a maximum of 3 E-Val Pro modules connected at the same time – this means a total of 120 sensors simultaneously.

Is it possible to add other measuring parameters than just temperature to the E-Val Pro wired system?

Yes, the E-Val Pro Sensor Interface has been developed to accommodate any TrackSense® Pro data logger sensor to unlock several additional parameters for the wired system.

Can the Wireless Data Loggers be submerged in all kinds of liquids?

The Ellab data loggers consist of AISI 316L stainless steel and are IP67 classified. They can therefore tolerate to be fully immersed in water, oils and several other liquids. Contact Ellab if in doubt.

How long does the batteries last and where can I purchase more?

That depends on the type of logger/battery. The battery time of a Micro logger is around 75 hours, while a Frigo logger can reach up to 3000 hours. Batteries are special due to the high temperature requirements, these can be purchased at all the Ellab distribution channels around the world.

What happens if/when a data logger runs out of battery?

The battery manager in the ValSuite® software is very sophisticated and will alert you in due time before any battery is drained. Before starting a session, you can perform a battery test which will show you the current battery status. Should it happen that a logger runs out of power during a process, the memory will still contain all the valid data obtained before the controlled shutdown took place – simply replace the battery and retrieve the data.

How can I figure out which firmware is currently running on my logger?

The ValSuite® software contains a Firmware Manager where the current firmware version is listed together with the latest – use the firmware update tool provided along with the software to update accordingly.

Can I recharge the TrackSense® Pro batteries - and can I use other batteries than the ones purchased from Ellab?

To ensure the best possible performance of our data loggers, Ellab uses the latest battery technologies available on the market. Ellab’s lithium batteries have individual serial numbers and are not rechargeable.

In the case of using non-original batteries, users who attempt this run a high risk of severely damaging the equipment and immediately losing their factory warranty.

What happens if a logger is heated beyond the 150 °C limit?

The maximum temperature that the Ellab logger battery can withstand is 150 °C. Should an application require higher temperatures, a line of Thermal Barriers are available to protect the logger from overheating.

Is ValSuite® FDA 21 CFR Part 11 compliant and validated according to GAMP?

Yes, the ValSuite® Pro version is fully compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11, offering Electronic Signatures, Access Manager and Audit Trail as required. In addition to that, ValSuite® Pro operates with a database structure that prohibits any manipulation of raw data.

Other versions of the software are however not FDA 21 CFR Part 11 compliant.

Do you offer any ValSuite® software support?

Ellab does offers software support, simply go to our support page and request a Call-Back.

Where do I find the newest version of ValSuite®?

New updates are available from the Ellab distribution channels, typically for a small fee.

Is the software for stand-alone use or can I have multiple client-users connected to the same database?

The ValSuite® Pro software is both for stand-alone use (2 floating licenses for 2 PC’s are included) and server installation.

More licenses can be purchased should it be required.

How many licenses am I allowed to use?

When you buy a system, you will get 2 floating licenses (not permanently attached to your 2 PCs). The person in charge of your investment project (IQ Manager) will receive an activation key via email.

How often do I have to update my software?

You do not necessarily have to update your software, unless, of course, the old software is no longer compatible with e.g. your new PC – but if you do decide to upgrade the software through an update, start by requesting the Change Control document to see if the changes are applicable to you.

Is the ValSuite® software compatible with Windows 10?

Yes, all Ellab’s software is Windows 10 compatible.

Are accredited calibrations (ISO 17025) available?

Ellab is DANAK accredited with traceability to NPL, NAMAS and SP. We offer accredited calibrations according to EN17025 and provide certificates that include uncertainty budgets.

How often should equipment factory calibrations be performed?

We recommend that equipment is factory calibrated at least once per year to ensure the utmost precise accuracy.

Where are calibrations performed?

Factory calibrations are offered at all Ellab affiliates around the world – some even offer accredited calibration services.

User calibrations are a part of the ValSuite® software and can be performed on site by skilled operators. This is provided that calibration equipment is available.

Can I calibrate and adjust the E-Val™ Pro thermocouples?

Yes, the calibrations/adjustments are stored in the USB plug of the thermocouples. This allows you to prepare and calibrate extra thermocouples that can be used as replacements.

Can we perform calibrations locally – and where are the calibration offsets stored in the TrackSense® Pro data loggers?

Yes, full-, semi- or manual calibration routines are embedded in the ValSuite® software and together with the full ID/serial number, the calibration info is stored in the database.

When requiring a recalibration of the E-Val™ Pro module, is it necessary to return the whole unit?

No, it is only necessary to return the sensor array(s) to an Ellab calibration facility. These facilities are available in several locations around the world. Contact your local Ellab representative for futher details.

How long would it take for my equipment to be calibrated at Ellab (turn-around time)?

The normal turn-around time for recalibration is a maximum of 15 working days. A 5-day quick service is also available for urgent cases.

Does Ellab offer calibration equipment?

Ellab offers a full line of LiquiCal calibration baths and Dry Blocks. Which will form a complete calibration setup for temperature calibration once combined with our Ellab Temperature Standard (ETS).

In addition to temperature, Ellab also offers an nVision pressure calibrator.

Is it possible to access my certificates digitally - perhaps via ValSuite®?

Calibration certificates that are issued after December 2016 can be accessed via the Ellab Cloud for users that have ValSuite® 5.0.X or later. If this is not the case, a copy of the certificate can be purchased from Ellab, should the original be lost.

What parameters can I measure?

In buildings, the number of parameters that our Hanwell Pro and IceSpy wireless data loggers can measure is virtually unlimited. The products are very versatile, designed with special inputs to accept any sensor. In addition to monitoring Co2, temperature, humidity, light/UV, wind, and flood/gutter levels using our own sensors, we can also measure other parameters, including turbidity, flow, ozone and level by attaching existing third-party sensors.

What is the right monitoring system for me?

It depends on the environment you’re measuring. Data loggers are best for standalone monitoring, small local spaces, or monitoring goods in transit. Use wireless loggers if you need to monitor medium or large buildings, or multiple sites. They are suitable for all building types. Finally, GPRS transmitters are ideal for long-term remote or outdoor monitoring – as long as a GPRS signal is available.

What is the maximum range of Hanwell Pro products?

Range is the key to our products’ success. Using Hanwell Pro wireless data loggers on a 433 to 458MHz band module, you can achieve a line of sight range of 3500m, over 3 times that of our nearest competitor’s products. Performance is related to frequency, so when we use an 868MHz module, around 1200m line of sight is possible. That’s 4 times the range of our nearest competitor.

What is the maximum range of Hanwell IceSpy products?

The Hanwell Icespy system, which is commonly used to monitor fridges, cold rooms, storage facilities, vehicles, warehouses, laboratory equipment such as -80°C freezers and incubators, and manufacturing processes, has a radio strength reaching 300+ meters. This can be extended by using a repeater.

What is the difference between radio frequencies?

2.4 GHz mesh network
The higher the frequency, the poorer the signal propagation in a building is. Mesh networks use the transmitters as jumping points to hop from transmitter to transmitter. For this to work, everything has to be synchronised perfectly, which is rarely the case. The 2.4 GHz band is very polluted; everybody is using it. A typical line of sight range is only 100m, which equates to around 25m in a building.
2.4 GHz 802.11 Wi-Fi
Exploiting Wi-Fi means the system relies on accessing an existing network. However, most large companies will not let you access their corporate network. A new Wi-Fi network is often required, adding significantly to the cost.
868 or 916 MHz mesh network
While not as polluted as 2.4 GHz, these bands are still very busy, and the signal propagation is fairly poor. A typical line of sight range is just 300m, which equates to around 35-50m in a building.
868 or 916 MHz point to point
A typical line of sight range is just 300m, which equates to around 35-50m in a building. These systems require lots of repeaters, which adds cost and ultimately makes the system less reliable.
Narrow band FM 433 to 458 MHz
The lower the frequency, the better the signal propagation in a building is. This is much better than 2.4GHz, 868 or 916MHz. This is pure line of sight. The 433 to 458 MHz bands are much quieter and less prone to interference.

Do I need a dedicated PC to use the EMS software?

Some of our software can run on any PC running Windows 7 or above.
You do not necessarily need a dedicated PC for the software as multiple access can be achieved with differing permission levels.

Contact us for more information about your specific application and we would be happy to advise you on what we would consider to be the best option for you.