The EchoTherm RHB20 Series from Torrey Pines Scientific was designed for use in robotic systems. As such, it is a small, self-contained unit that runs off 12 volts DC.
Power is provided from a universal benchtop power supply that takes 100VAC to 260VAC, 50/60Hz inputs and converts that to 12 volts DC for the RHB20 series. The unit comes with an RS232 cable for connection to a PC via any open serial port.
The Serial Command Set is provided with the unit. It gives the user the information needed to control the RHB20. Any number of units can be connected to a PC using any of the available serial ports on the computer. After the RHB20 has been instructed to go to a temperature, the unit can be disconnected from the computer and the computer can be used to instruct another RHB20 using the same serial port on the computer. The unit will retain its instructions when disconnected from the computer until programmed otherwise. As the unit heats toward its target temperature, the LED on the unit will flash. When the flashing stops and the LED is constantly lit, the unit is stable at the target temperature.
If the user opts to run a complex temperature/time profile, the RHB20 can be instructed, via a computer and software generated by the user, to run the profile. In this case, the RHB20 unit will have to remain connected to the computer.
The RHB20 uses all the standard sample blocks. Surface size is 2.875” (73 mm) x 4.375” (111 mm). Custom blocks are available on special order for any sample container.