Skip to content

Calibrate a temperature sensor

Calibrate the reading of a temperature sensor.

The following procedure will allow you to calibrate any dedicated PASCO temperature sensor which can connect to SPARKvue, including the Wireless Temperature Sensor, Wireless Temperature Link, and PASPORT Temperature Sensor.

Before you start

Calibrating a temperature sensor will require the following components:

  • An ice water bath
  • A container of hot water
  • A thermometer

Calibration

  1. Connect the sensor to SPARKvue.
  2. Create a Graph display with Temperature as one of the measured quantities.

  3. From the Live Data Bar in the bottom left, click on Temperature and select Calibrate measurement from the menu.

    Temperature Live Data Bar

  4. Adjust the settings to the following options, as shown in the image below. Once you have done so, click Continue.

    • Sensor: {The name of the temperature sensor being calibrated}
    • Measurement: Temperature (°C)
    • Calibration Type: 2 point (Adjust Slope and Offset)

    Calibration Settings

  5. Click Continue.

  6. Place the temperature sensor and thermometer into the container of hot water. Wait for both the temperature reading and the thermometer measurement to stabilize.
  7. Using the thermometer, determine the temperature of the hot water. Enter this value into the Standard Value box under Calibration Point 1, then click Set Calibration.
  8. Remove the thermometer and temperature sensor from the hot water container, wipe them both dry, and place them in the ice water bath. Wait for the temperature reading and thermometer measurement to stabilize.

  9. Using the thermometer, determine the temperature of the ice water. Enter this value into the Standard Value box under Calibration Point 2, then click Set Calibration.

    Calibrate Temperature

  10. Review your new calibration for accuracy, then click OK.