Free Devboard From a Used-up Temperature Logger | Details

Many thanks to project contributors:

[muttonchopsjoe] - sharing the pinout of TempTale Ultra LCD.

Note. This project is about electronic waste repurposing. I am not interested in hacking firmware, extracting data from flash of EEPROM chips or meddling with intellectual property of manufacturers, so don't ask me. No one wants to buy medicine or food knowing that some smart cookie modified transportation conditions history. However it does not forgive the fact that manufacturers of these single-use gadgets are careless, unethical and irresponsible. I wish electronic devices were Eco-friendly, free (as in Freedom), open source or at least reusable. If not, well... we could try to make them usable for some purposes. I blurred QR codes and barcodes with ID numbers since I didn’t know whether this information is sensitive.

Model	Performance	Peripherals	Hackability (reuse as a devboard)
TSS TempTracer Cradle 2	★★★ ATSAM4S16	★☆☆ None	★☆☆ Maybe*
Q-tag CLm doc	★☆☆ STM32L152RCT6A	★★☆ LCD	★★★ Yes
Q-tag CLm doc L	★☆☆ STM32L152VCT6A	★★☆ LCD, Winbond 25Q16CLNIG	★★★ Yes
TempTale 4 USB	★★☆ ATSAM4S4B	★★★ LCD, ATMLH414, Winbond25x40	★☆☆ Maybe*
TempTale Ultra	★☆☆ STM32L152RCT6A	★★☆ LCD, Winbond25x40	★★☆ Yes
Testo 184 T3	★★★ MK40DN512VLK10	★★☆ LCD, adesto2106 25df321A	★☆☆ Maybe* (but no point)
Apresys Temp Trak	☆☆☆ MSP430G2452	★★☆ FM24C128A, CH340T	★★★ Yes
Apresys PDF/A Standard	☆☆☆ HT66FB582	★☆☆ FM25Q16A	★☆☆ Maybe*

Check out this project on GitHub.

*Usually it means that I need some specific hardware for further investigation. Like programmers, debuggers etc. Consider supporting this project to let me provide more details about specific boards. You could also donate a used logger to be added to the database or share your findings about the boards you tested.

TSS TempTracer Cradle 2

Official Specifications

First I addressed it as GSK, which is a British pharmaceutical company. But after some research I found out that it was manufactured by TSS, a Swedish company that delivers temperature logger solutions. I also found some evidence that other companies use TSS loggers for their clinical shipments. The exact model of this one is TSS TempTracer Cradle 2. It is currently not available at their website, but I found some specs. My PCB has two button pads, but the buttons are not soldered. They are apparently used in other version of this logger.

Is it officially re-usable? Well, it contains a note on the sticker that tells “Re-usable, do not dispose.” But I have not figured out how to reset it (does ERA pad mean erase?). I found a leaflet by AstraZeneca regarding their reuse policy. So I assume this is a sort of marketing trick. What you get is a single use device that you may send to the manufacturer. They apparently reprogram it and resell the very same device again. It is also possible that this procedure is crucial to ensure proper calibration. Anyway, since there is no point for a courier company to bother about reuse, these completely operational boards often turn into e-waste.

Is it possible to use it as a devboard? Probably yes. Because the manufacturer supposedly reprograms them somehow. There are pads on the PCB for serial interface that probably might be used for this purpose. Apart from it and USB interface, most GPIO pins are not available. But what really restricts its usage in your hobby project is ATSAM4S16B microcontroller unless you already have an expensive programmer to deal with it. If you know a cheap way to program them, please share your ideas. It is also possible that there is some sort of USB bootloader, but I found no signs of it.

MCU ATSAM 4S16 Cortex®-M4 120MHz/1MB flash/128KB SRAM

LCD None

External flash/EEPROM None

Plastic Case is secured with one screw beneath the sticker and could be easily opened and closed without breaking.

Q-tag CLm doc

Official Specifications

These loggers are produced by Berlinger, a Swiss company that delivers temperature monitoring solutions. There are several modifications of them. The official specs of the model I review could be found here.

Is it officially re-usable? Definitely no. Reusable models have suffix “R”. On Q-tag CLm doc you are supposed to break off PCB tabs to start and stop it. So it turns into a piece of e-waste after usage. Moreover, it usually has an expiration date.

Is it possible to use it as a devboard? Believe it or not, but with some reverse engineering you could turn this piece of electronic waste into a nearly equivalent to $12 worth development board. It’s weird for a single use device, but we have an extremely hacker-friendly board with thru-hole pads for standard pin headers for SWD interface and some GPIO. It’s how consumer electronics should look like in a perfect world with Right to repair and everything. You probably will be able to use LCD. Alternatively you might want to use LCD pads to solder some external modules.

MCU Ultra-low-power STM32L152RCT6A Cortex®-M3 32MHz/256KB flash/32KB SRAM.

LCD gives you 3 lines of 7-segment numbers (date/dime/temperature) and some additional segments. It has rubber connector.

External flash/EEPROM None

Plastic Case has IP65 protection class, the board is secured with six screws, everything could be easily opened and closed without breaking. There are holes for pin headers. Very kind of Berlinger.

Q-tag CLm doc L

At first glance this one is very similar to the Q-tag CLm doc, but the board layout and hardware are pretty much different. I suggest that you check out Q-tag CLm doc above.

Official Specifications

Is it officially re-usable? Definitely no. Reusable models have suffix “R”. Unlike Q-tag CLm doc, on “L” version you don’t have to break off PCB tabs. It has additional button for this purpose. It is also advertised to have more memory space. But it still turns into a piece of e-waste after usage. Moreover, these devices have an expiration date.
Is it possible to use it as a devboard? Like in the case of Q-tag CLm doc, with some reverse engineering you could turn this piece of electronic waste into a nearly equivalent to $12 worth development board. The difference between CLm doc and CLm doc L is that “L” version has STM32L152VCT6A MCU in LQFP100 package instead of STM32L152RCT6A in LQFP64. No idea why they needed extra GPIO. The most obvious extra peripheral I found on “L” was an external flash chip (apparently this is where extra memory space comes from). It is still hacker-friendly board with thru-hole pads for standard pin headers for ST-Link interface and some GPIO. Indeed it has mode GPIO pads compared to CLm doc. You still will be able to use LCD. Alternatively you might want to use LCD pads to solder some external modules. They are pretty much friendly either.

MCU Ultra-low-power STM32L152VCT6A Cortex®-M3 32MHz/256KB flash/32KB SRAM.

LCD gives you 3 lines of 7-segment numbers (date/dime/temperature) and some additional segments. It has rubber connector.

External flash/EEPROM Winbond 25Q16CLNIG.

Plastic Case has IP65 protection class, the board is secured with six screws, everything could be easily opened and closed without breaking. There are holes for pin headers. Very kind of Berlinger.

TempTale 4 USB

Official Specifications

It was manufactured by Sensitech, a US supply chain visibility company. The exact model is TempTale 4 USB. The official info could be found here.

Is it officially re-usable? No, they sell them as single-use devices. It is said to exist some specific software to reset them, but it is not officially available for customers. I found out that in 2009 Sensitech launched the recycling program:

To encourage participation at receiving locations, Sensitech will provide display posters to those requesting them.

Apparently it was not encouraging enough since people constantly sell used items on eBay and other platforms. So this completely operational hardware turns into electronic waste.

Is it possible to use it as a devboard? Probably yes. But... what really restricts its usage in your hobby project is SAM 4S4 microcontroller unless you already have an expensive programmer to deal with it. If you know a cheap way to program these MCUs, please share your ideas. It is also possible that there is some sort of USB bootloader, but I found no signs of it. If you short JP1 jumper, the screen begins to blink and an anonymous user suggested that it activates RESET mode. However no idea where to go next. Anyway, you could salvage some useful items like EEPROM and Flash chips, battery and LCD.

MCU ATSAM4S4B Cortex®-M4 120MHz/256KB flash/64KB SRAM

LCD gives you one line of 7-segment numbers and some additional segments. It has rubber connector.

External flash/EEPROM You receive both ATMLH414 EEPROM chip and Winbond25x40 4Mbit serial flash memory chip.

Plastic Case is secured with six screws and could be easily opened and closed without breaking. The board itself is connected to the upper part with another two screws.

What else could be reused: lithium battery (it might be rechargeable, but you do it at your own risk), maybe a 5cm long USB Type-A tail if you badly need it :)

TempTale Ultra

Official Specifications

It was manufactured by Sensitech, a US supply chain visibility company. The exact model is TempTale Ultra. The official info could be found here.

Is it officially re-usable? No, they sell them as single-use devices. The official FAQ tells that

Can I reuse or reprogram a temperature indicator?
No. Temperature indicators are simple, convenient, cost-effective, single-use electronic monitoring devices, programmed with a customer-specific profile during the manufacturing process. The devices are designed for limited operation life and are not reprogrammable.

I found out that in 2009 Sensitech launched the recycling program:

To encourage participation at receiving locations, Sensitech will provide display posters to those requesting them.

Apparently it was not encouraging enough since people constantly sell used items on eBay and other platforms. So this completely operational hardware considered to be e-waste.

Is it possible to use it as a devboard? Definitely yes. There are pads on the PCB for standard SWD interface and some GPIO. Alternatively, you could salvage some useful items like Flash chip, battery and LCD. You might want to use LCD pads to solder some external modules. After writing this post I found out that [zvodd] even made a PlatformIO file for this board. Check out their post for further details.

MCU Ultra-low-power STM32L152RCT6 Cortex®-M3 32MHz/256KB flash/32KB SRAM.

LCD gives you one line of 7-segment numbers and some additional segments. It has rubber connector. [muttonchopsjoe] carried out some research and shared LCD documentation (1) (2). Many thanks! It was made for TempTale Ultra Dry Ice, which is another modification of this logger. Have not tested yet, but it is very likely that all TempTale Ultras have similar LCDs.

External flash/EEPROM Winbond25x40 4Mbit serial flash memory chip.

Plastic Case is secured with two screws and the board is attached to the upper part with another two screws, so you could only take off the bottom part to access the pads and use buttons and LCD normally. Everything could be easily opened and closed without breaking.

What else could be reused: battery. Probably it is rechargeable, but the battery in my item was dead.

Testo 184 T3

Official Specifications

This one is produced by Die Testo Sensor GmbH which was founded in Germany. There are three modifications, and one of them (surprise) is reusable. Namely the one I happened to pick up.

Is it officially re-usable? Yes. Only T3 model. T1 and T2 are not. It is configured with a PDF form that is available when you insert it to USB port.

Is it possible to use it as a devboard? There is no point. But as far as I can see T2 and T3 have similar external cases and are probably similar inside. If you have a single-use Testo T1 or T2 logger and could check it out, please let me know. I have a sneaking suspicion that they might have only firmware difference. So what you find inside is a compact board with NXP MCU underneath the LCD, some LEDs, flash chip, thermistor and other stuff. Nothing special compared to other boards. There are soldering flux residues around through-hole components, which does not make it look like $100+ worth reusable device. However it is, and it deserves my respect. At least until I check out a single use model and compare them. :) There are some PCB test points and I expect they might be used for debug purposes, however you’ll need a special debug probe which I don’t have at the moment. However it is more affordable than Microchip debuggers I mentioned earlier.

MCU MK40DN512VLK10 Cortex®-M4 100MHz/512KB flash/128KB SRAM.

LCD gives you one line of 7-segment numbers and some additional segments. It has thru-hole pins and a ribbon connector, so it probably may be reused in your projects.

External flash/EEPROM adesto2106 25df321A serial flash memory chip.

Plastic Case is apparently the same as in a single-use model. It is glued together, so you could not even replace the battery without vandalizing it. A weird solution for a reusable device.

Apresys Temp Trak

Official Specifications

These red USB dongles are produced by Apresys, which is located in China. When I visited their website, my browser reported the expired certificate issue, and the footer on the website said “Copyright © 2012-2021 Apresys all rights reserved”. Which makes me think they might be out of business. However I found out that there are three modifications of the Temp Trak model, namely D25, D50 and D99. I have no idea which of them I have, but apparently they only have different firmware (25 days with 5 minute interval, 50 days with 10 minute interval and 99 days with 20 minute interval). The official specs could be found here.

Is it officially re-usable? Definitely no. It is clearly advertised as a single use device. There is no recycling program as far as I can see. The manufacturer suggests that the used devices “could be kept permanently”. Have no idea why, unless you assemle an e-waste collection.

Is it possible to use it as a devboard? Apparently yes. I found out that there are debug pads at the edge of the board. Some GPIOs are also accessible. They look like the board is supposed to be inserted into some sort of debug socket, however you could just solder some wires. The TI MSP430G2452 MCU is pretty much humble compared to other loggers’ hardware, but you won’t need an expensive programmer to use it. An affordable LaunchPad should work well. Moreover there is useful and pretty much common CH340T chip. So all in all this is a minimalistic, but hacker-friendly board. Alternatively you could salvage the chips you need, since they have two side leads packages, which is easy to solder and desolder.

MCU Ultra-low-power MSP430G2452 16bit RISC 16MHz/8KB flash/256B RAM.

LCD None.

External flash/EEPROM FM24C128A.

Plastic Case is cheap and minimalistic, yet could be disassembled. The board is secured with four screws, but I easily damaged one of the screw holes due to bad plastic quality.

What else could be reused: CH340T USB-UART chip.

Apresys PDF/A Standard

At first glance this one is very similar to Apresys Temp Trak, but the board layout and hardware are totally different. I suggest that you check out Apresys Temp Trak above.

Official Specifications

These red USB dongles are produced by Apresys, which is located in China. When I visited their website, my browser reported the expired certificate issue, and the footer on the website says “Copyright © 2012-2021 Apresys all rights reserved”. Which makes me think they might be out of business. Unlike Temp Trak model, which uses USB-TTL, PDF model is able to act as USB storage and (surprise, surprise) deliver PDF report. The official specs could be found here.

Is it officially re-usable? Definitely no. It is clearly advertised as a single use device. There is no recycling program as far as I can see.

Is it possible to use it as a devboard? Apparently yes. There are four thru-hole pads for ICP interface, but you’ll need an expensive Holtek e-Link programmer to use it. If you know a cheap way to program these MCUs, please share your ideas. Apart from these pads, most GPIO pins are inaccessible, so I wont’t really recommend this board unless you already have Holtek hardware and need this specific microcontroller.

MCU Holtek HT66FB582 8bit RISC 16MHz/96KB flash/1Kb RAM, 16Kb EEPROM.

LCD None.

External flash/EEPROM FM25Q16A.

Plastic Case is the same as in Temp Trak model. It is cheap and minimalistic, yet could be disassembled. The board is secured with four screws.

To be continued...

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