KICstart2 Profiler

Hardware Guide

Publication Number SLK-334310-000 Rev. E

KICstart2 Profiler Hardware Guide SLK-334310-000 Rev. E

KICstart2 Profiler Hardware Guide

Copyright © 2020 KIC. All rights reserved. Patents pending.
16120 West Bernardo Drive
San Diego, CA 92127
Phone: +1 858 673 6050 Fax: +1 858 673 0085
A Division of Embedded Designs Inc.

This document contains information that is proprietary to KIC. Said information, is copyrighted
as is all associated software and hardware. All rights are reserved. Patents are pending.

This document and the information contained in it may not be sold, duplicated, used, or
disclosed, in whole or in part, except as specifically authorized in writing by KIC. The
information contained in this document and associated software is subject to change without
notice.

There are no warranties with respect to the information contained in this document, express or
implied, except as provided by written contract between KIC and the customer.

All KIC product names and logos are trademarks of Embedded Designs, Inc. All other
trademarks used herein are the property of their respective owners.

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SLK-334310-000 Rev. E KICstart 2 Profiler Hardware Guide

Table of Contents

Introducing the KICstart2 profiler..................................................................................... 4

RECEIVING YOUR KICSTART2 KIT ................................................................................................................. 4
Managing battery life and performance ................................................................................................. 6
Turning the power on and off ................................................................................................................. 6

Setting up data communication between KICstart2 and the computer ............................ 7

Using the thermal shield .................................................................................................. 9

Inside the KICstart2 profiler ........................................................................................... 11

SERIAL NUMBER LOCATION ......................................................................................................................... 11
INTERNAL COMPONENTS ............................................................................................................................. 11

Calibration ..................................................................................................................... 12
BEFORE STARTING THE PROCEDURE ........................................................................................................... 12

Specifications ................................................................................................................ 16
Temperature tolerance ........................................................................................................................ 16
Contacting KIC .............................................................................................................. 17

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KICstart2 Profiler Hardware Guide SLK-334310-000 Rev. E

Introducing the KICstart2 profiler

KICstart2 is KIC’s affordable, easy-to-use line of thermal profilers. The KICstart2 is a

datalogger profiler. As it moves through the thermal process, it captures temperature and time
data through six thermocouple channels. It transfers the data to a computer through a standard
USB cable. Once stored on the computer, KIC software uses this data to create a graphically
visualized thermal profile.

Receiving your KICstart2 kit

Upon receiving your profiler kit, check it to make sure that all the required components are there.
The full catalog of system components appears below:

Part Description

KICstart2 Datalogger (6 channel)

USB Communication Cable
USB dongle key (required to run profiles)
Thermal Shield
Set of 6 thermocouples (Type K)
Aluminum Tape for attaching thermocouples
Batteries 9V (Qty. 4)
KICstart2 Getting Started Guide
Software and manuals (on USB flash drive):
KICstart2 software
KICstart2 User Manual
KICstart2 Hardware Guide
Calibration Certificate
Carrying Case

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SLK-334310-000 Rev. E KICstart 2 Profiler Hardware Guide

Installing and using batteries

The KICstart2 uses a single 9-volt alkaline battery. KIC recommends the use of alkaline
batteries. However, you can use other types including rechargeable batteries.

If you experience negative effects using other types of batteries, or discover that your profiler is
not operating properly, switch back to standard alkaline batteries. If problems persist, contact
KIC Technical Support: tech@kicmail.com.

To load or replace the battery:

1. At the power switch end of the

profiler, loosen the two captive
screws.

2. Slide the cover back to expose the

battery compartment.

3. Remove the old battery.

4. Replace it with a new one, taking

care to match the correct polarity.

5. Slide the cover back until it is flush

with the thermocouple end of the
profiler.

6. Refasten the captive screws at the

switch end.

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KICstart2 Profiler Hardware Guide SLK-334310-000 Rev. E

Managing battery life and performance

The software has a built-in battery monitor and automatically recognizes if battery voltage is too
low to complete a profile. When battery voltage drops below 6.5 volts, the software will not
allow you to start a profile until you have replaced the battery.

Temperature considerations
Operating temperatures can affect battery performance. Since profilers move through heated
ovens, it is to be expected that the batteries inside experience rising temperatures. A battery has
a high capacity to absorb heat and tends to remain hot even after the KICstart2 has exited the
thermal process.

Even if the rest of the profiler hardware has cooled sufficiently to permit running another profile,
the battery may remain too hot to use safely. In this case, if you want to run another profile,
replace the heated battery with a new one that is at room temperature. Substituting a new battery
helps you avoid the chance of overheating the old one and potentially damaging the profiler. It
also lets you run more profiles in a given session.

Note: If a battery becomes heat-damaged or corroded, replace it immediately. Failing to do so

can cause profiler damage or personal injury.

Turning the power on and off

A toggle switch, located on the rear of the KICstart2, turns
power on and off. As shown at the right, raise the switch
upward to power the unit. Press the switch downward to
shut power off.

Note: The profiler emits an audible signal for a few seconds

when you first turn on the power. If you do not hear the
signal, first check to make sure that the battery is connected
properly. If it is, try a new battery.

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SLK-334310-000 Rev. E KICstart 2 Profiler Hardware Guide

Setting up data communication between KICstart2 and

the computer
As a datalogger, KICstart2 records information as it moves through the thermal process. You
later transfer this data to the computer, using the provided USB cable.

Caution: You must install the software before connecting any profiler hardware to the computer.
Connecting the hardware before you install the software will render the KICstart2 unusable. The
normal setup routine must follow the sequence shown below:
1. Install the KIC Software.
2. At the end of the installation, the software prompts you to install a battery into the
KICstart2.
3. Connect the KICstart2 profiler to the computer, but do not turn on the power.
4. Follow the instruction on the installation screens to configure the USB port.

Caution: When connecting the KICstart2 to laptop computers that utilize a floating ground
connection (2-prong power plug); you must manually ground the laptop before connecting the
KICstart2. This procedure will prevent unwanted electrical interference that may distort the
temperature data collected by the KICstart2. Contact KIC Technical Support for assistance,
tech@kicmail.com.

If you have any questions or need assistance connecting your hardware, contact KIC Technical
Support tech@kicmail.com.

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KICstart2 Profiler Hardware Guide SLK-334310-000 Rev. E

To setup data communication:

1. Verify that that the software is on the computer and that there is a fresh battery in the
KICstart2.

2. Plug one end of the USB cable into the port on the
power switch end of the KICstart2.

3. Connect the other end of the USB cable directly to

an available USB port on the computer.

4. Flip the power switch upward to turn on power to

the KICstart2.

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SLK-334310-000 Rev. E KICstart 2 Profiler Hardware Guide

Using the thermal shield

A KICstart2 kit includes a thermal shield—an enclosure that protects the profiler against extreme
heat during runs through a thermal process. The enclosure is made of stainless steel.

Its outer surfaces are covered with Cool

Touch—a special heat insulating material
that makes the shield more comfortable to
handle after absorbing oven heat.

Cool Touch also lets the profiler perform runs at higher temperatures and longer durations.
While Cool Touch makes the shield easier to handle, gloves are still highly recommended,
especially when the profiler has just emerged from the oven. Gloves are included with your
profiler kit.

Caution: The KICstart2’s maximum internal temperature is 105C. ALWAYS use the thermal
shield to protect the KICstart2 from heat damage.

The stainless steel shield has top and bottom halves that fit closely together, secured by a latch
mechanism on each end. The bottom half features a wide metal tab. The top half has a swinging
latch arm and a narrow tab. The latch arm doubles over to enclose both tabs as it swings shut,
clinching both shield halves together.

Inside the stainless steel shield, the profiler rests on a raised metal spacer.

The spacer insulates the unit from direct contact with the shield body, permitting the profiler to
operate in the higher temperatures required for lead-free soldering.

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KICstart2 Profiler Hardware Guide SLK-334310-000 Rev. E

To load the stainless steel thermal shield:

1. Unlatch the ends and take off the top half of the shield.

2. Turn on the unit and place it into

the bottom half with the
thermocouple wires exiting from
the rubber-cushioned end.

3. Make sure the thermocouple

wires clear the sides and exit
from the front of the shield.

4. Place the shield top over the bottom half, and close the latches on both ends, being
careful not to damage exiting wires.

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SLK-334310-000 Rev. E KICstart 2 Profiler Hardware Guide

Inside the KICstart2 profiler

Serial number location

The profiler serial number appears on a label on the circuit board. As shown below, you can
locate the label near the battery compartment. You must slide the profiler cover back to view the
serial number:

Internal components
J16 USB port for data communication.
P1 Main power connector for 9-volt alkaline battery.
R10 Calibration potentiometer.
R6 Maximum temperature potentiometer used to increase or decrease the upper range of
temperatures that the KICstart2 can read.
SW1 On/Off toggle switch.
U12 Socket that holds the KICstart2 EPROM. The EPROM version can change. Check
regularly to ensure you have the latest version firmware in your profiler.

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KICstart2 Profiler Hardware Guide SLK-334310-000 Rev. E

Calibration
To make sure that the profiler operates at its best performance, you should have the unit
calibrated at 12 month intervals. The procedure detailed below lets you calibrate the profiler to
within +0.5°C (+0.9°F).
Note: Only qualified persons should perform the calibration procedure. If you need assistance,
training, or need to arrange for KIC to calibrate your KICstart2 profiler, contact KIC Technical
Support tech@kicmail.com, asia.tech@kicmail.com, europe.tech@kicmail.com.

The calibration procedure itself follows in sequence after two other necessary activities:
1. Activating the KIC Host screen
2. Setting the maximum temperature

The KIC Host screen is part of the KICstart2 software. It displays thermocouple temperature
readings that you use at several points in the calibration process. You enable the screen to
appear by changing a value in the user settings file.

The maximum temperature setting is the highest temperature that the KICstart2 is set to read.
(The highest temperature that the KICstart2 is capable of reading is 1050C (1922F)). The
value is factory preset at 500°C (932°F), but you can change the setting to suit your needs.

Note: While running a profile, if you exceed the maximum temperature setting, your TC inputs
will report an over-range (ovr). If this happens to you, the first thing to suspect is that the
maximum temperature value is not set high enough for the application you're trying to measure.

Before starting the procedure

• Assemble the following hardware:

o The standard USB

communication cable.
o Type K thermocouple simulator.
o Calibration adapter cable with
male connectors at both ends.

Contact KIC to acquire the correct

calibration adapter cable.
sales@kicmail.com Thermocouple Simulator Calibration Adapter Cable

• Be prepared to run the KICstart2 software application and its KIC Host screen

• Do not attempt to calibrate the profiler with an ungrounded computer as this may produce
inaccurate results.

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SLK-334310-000 Rev. E KICstart 2 Profiler Hardware Guide

To activate the KIC Host screen:

1. Close the KICstart2 software application if it is open.

2. Find and open the file: C:\ KICstart2\Log\KIC2000UserSettings.kiccfg.

3. In the [HOST] section of the file, find

the line that reads: ViewHostDialog=0

4. Change the line to read:

ViewHostDialog=1.

5. Save and Exit the file.

6. Restart the KICstart2 software.

The KIC Host screen appears when the software starts:

Note: When the software is running, two KIC icons will appear on the bottom of your windows
desktop. Hold the mouse cursor over the icon to identify which is the KIC Host screen.

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KICstart2 Profiler Hardware Guide SLK-334310-000 Rev. E

To set the maximum temperature value:

1. Connect the USB communication cable between the profiler and the computer.

2. Turn on the profiler.

The temperatures for each connected thermocouple appear on the KIC Host screen:

3. On the Host screen, locate the current

maximum temperature value.

4. Remove the cover of the KICstart2:

a. Loosen the two captive
thumbscrews on the end of the
profiler and slide the cover
until stopped by the set screws
on the underside of the unit.

b. Turn the unit over and use a

0.9 mm hex driver to loosen
the two set screws.

c. Slide the top off to reveal the

whole printed circuit board.

5. Use a small screwdriver to slowly make fine adjustments to the maximum temperature
potentiometer (R6), turning clockwise to decrease/counterclockwise to increase, until
you achieve the desired maximum temperature value.

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SLK-334310-000 Rev. E KICstart 2 Profiler Hardware Guide

To calibrate the KICstart2:

1. Check that the KICstart2 software is running.

2. Check that the communication cable is connected between the profiler and the computer.

3. As needed, wait until the profiler

internal temperature is less than
30°C (86°F), checking the KIC Host
screen to verify the temperature.
Internal Temperature Value

4. Connect the calibration adapter cable

between the output on the
thermocouple simulator and the Air
TC connector (TC#1) on the profiler.

5. Set the thermocouple simulator to

below room temperature and observe
the Air TC temperature on the Host
screen. (The displayed value should
update every 2-3 seconds.). Air TC Temperature

6. Very slowly adjust the calibrate

potentiometer (R10), turning
clockwise to decrease and
counterclockwise to increase, until
the Air TC matches the simulator.

7. Set the thermocouple simulator to

300°C (572°F) and observe the Air
TC temperature.

8. Very slowly adjust the calibrate

potentiometer (R10), until the Air TC
temperature equals 300°C (572°F),

◆When the target temperature is achieved, the calibration procedure is completed.

Note: KIC offers calibration services for all its profilers. Contact KIC Technical Support
for details. tech@kicmail.com.

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KICstart2 Profiler Hardware Guide SLK-334310-000 Rev. E

Specifications
Accuracy: ±0.5° C
Resolution: Variable 0.3° C to 0.1° C
Internal Operating Temp: 0° C to 105° C
Sample Rate: 0.1 to 10 readings/sec
Data Points: 45,000
Thermocouple Compatibility: Type K, Standard
Temperature Range: -150° C to 1050° C
PC; USB 2.0 (Std-
Computer Compatibility:
A/Mini-B)
Power Requirements: 9V alkaline battery
Dimensions—Profiler (L x W x H mm): 205 x 66 x 20
6 Channel Unit
Dimensions—Thermal Shield (L x W x H mm): 296 x 80 x 29
6 Channel Unit

Temperature tolerance
The table below relates the maximum time endurance of the profiler (inside thermal shield) to
specific temperatures:
Temperature (Celsius) 150° 200° 250° 300°
Max. Endurance (Minutes) 21 14 10 8

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Contacting KIC

On the Web
You can find the latest KIC product news
along with a library of useful information
at our website:
www.kicthermal.com or www.kic.cn

KIC Technical Support

KIC Tech Support is available by Email:
USA: tech@kicmail.com
Europe: europe.tech@kicmail.com
Asia: asia.tech@kicmail.com

KIC Product Training

Contact KIC Customer Support: training@kicmail.com

KIC Sales
Contact KIC sales:
USA: sales@kicmail.com
Europe: europe.sales@kicmail.com
Asia: asia.sales@kicmail.com
China: asia.sales@kicmail.com

Find the KIC Representative in Your Area

Send an Email or visit our web page to find a local representative or distributor.

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