Technical Guides · 2025-05-31
TC5 Setup Guide: PT100 Input, Decimal Display and 45–50°C Range Control
Setup guide for the TC5 series temperature controller, covering PT100 input selection, decimal display resolution and 45–50°C hysteresis range control.
This guide covers the setup steps most often asked about on the TC5 series PID temperature controller: selecting a PT100 RTD input, setting the decimal display resolution, and configuring 45–50°C ON/OFF range control. The TC5 is a current production model manufactured by Beijing Strong Electric.
What this guide covers
- Changing the sensor input type from K-type thermocouple to PT100 RTD
- Setting the decimal point (integer or one decimal display)
- Configuring ON/OFF range control between 45°C and 50°C using hysteresis
1. Enter parameter setting mode
- Press and hold SET for about 3 seconds until the parameter codes appear (the display shows P-1).
- Use the ▲ key to move from P-1 to P-2, then press SET again to enter the advanced parameter menu.
2. Change the input type to PT100
- Press SET repeatedly to locate the InP parameter, which controls the input type.
- The default value is usually K (K-type thermocouple). Change the value to Pt for a PT100 RTD.
- Press SET to confirm, then press and hold SET to exit and save.
Notes on PT100 input
- Power-cycle the controller after changing the input type so the new sensor type is recognised.
- If the display shows “---” or a fixed value, check the PT100 wiring connections.
- Allow the reading to stabilise before judging accuracy.
- Parameter codes can vary slightly between firmware versions — always check the manual supplied with the unit.
3. Set the decimal point
- Scroll to the dp parameter.
- Select 0000 for integer display (e.g. 120) or 0001 for one decimal (e.g. 120.5).
- Press SET to save.
Choosing the resolution
- Check the sensor accuracy before enabling an extra decimal place — more digits do not add real precision.
- Fewer decimals give a clearer display on fast-changing processes.
- Re-verify setpoint and alarm values after changing the decimal format.
4. Configure 45–50°C range control
To hold a process between 45°C and 50°C, use ON/OFF control with hysteresis instead of PID:
- Enter the parameter menu as described above.
- Set the control method parameter PID to OFF for ON/OFF control.
- Set the setpoint SV to 50.0°C — the upper cut-off point.
- Set the hysteresis parameter oH to 5.0°C, which creates a lower limit of 50 − 5 = 45°C.
- Make sure the output is configured for heating (reverse action), so the output activates below the setpoint.
Control logic summary
| Condition | Output status |
|---|---|
| Temperature ≤ 45°C | ON (heating) |
| Temperature ≥ 50°C | OFF |
| 46–49°C | Holds the last state until the next threshold |
Typical applications
- Heating incubators and small ovens
- Laboratory and cooling equipment using PT100 sensors
- Food processing and fermentation equipment
Ordering the right TC5
Full specifications, panel cut-out dimensions, input and output options are listed on the TC5 series temperature controller page. Other panel sizes are available across the temperature controller range. Send us the panel cut-out size, sensor type and output type and we will confirm the exact model code.