Pico Technology has released a beta version of a Linux driver to allow programmers to control the USB TC-08 using their own software. As Linux is widely used in educational and scientific computing, and is open-source and available free-of-charge, this driver is expected to open up a range of new applications for low-cost, accurate temperature data-logging.
The USB TC-08 is an eight-channel thermocouple data logger with a USB interface. It is packaged in a robust, compact case and draws its power from the USB cable, so it requires no external power supply. It has standard thermocouple connectors that accept all common thermocouple types - B, E, J, K, N, R, S, T - allowing you to measure temperatures in the range -270 to +1820ºC with up to 0.5 degree accuracy. The TC-08 has automatic cold-junction compensation, and conversion time is 100 milliseconds per channel.
The driver is supplied in source-code form to allow compatibility with the widest possible range of Linux systems, and is accompanied by example programs in C and C++. It is released under an Open Source licence which allows it to be modified and redistributed.