PocketLab Sensor Basics: Thermo Sensor

diagram of PocketLab thermo sensor

Getting Started

NOTE: PocketLab sensors require a computer (Chromebook, Mac, PC) using the Chrome or Edge browser. At this time PocketLab devices are not compatible with Firefox and Safari browsers or iOS/Android mobile devices.

  1. Be sure that bluetooth is enabled on your computer.
  2. Turn on the PocketLab device. The LED will flash green to indicate it is ready to be paired.
  3. Below the activity instructions you will find a box marked “Connect a PocketLab.” Click that box.
    Connect a PocketLab screen
  4. Select the “PL Thermo” device and click “Pair.”
    PocketLab pair device screen
  5. Click on the icon next to “Temperature Probe” to choose to show the data from one or both temperature probes. You can choose to measure in degrees Celsius or Fahrenheit.
    PocketLab Temperature Sensor selection window
  6. You will see a graph of the data your sensor is now collecting.
  7. A green flash every 5 seconds indicates that the sensor is connected to the app.

To Record your Data

There may be instances where you want to record and save your data.

  1. When you are ready to take your measurements, click the “Record” button below your graph.
    PocketLab graph display

  2. When finished taking your measurements, click "Stop."
    Pocketlab graph screen

  3. To copy an image of the completed graph, click "Save." Select "Take Screenshot" to save an image to your clipboard, or select "Download .csv" to save a file to your computer.
    PocketLab graph display

  4. Open the draw box below the graph. Here, you can paste the graph from your clipboard or drag and drop the graph image file into the draw box. You can annotate the graph image in the draw box as needed. When done, click the checkmark in the top right corner to save your content.

When finished using the sensor

  1. Click the Gear icon in the upper right. Select “Unpair From PocketLab” from the list of options.
    PocketLab settings menu

  2. Turn off the PocketLab device by pressing the power button until the LED shows a solid green light, then release the power button.