The PASCO PS-2157 Temperature Array Sensor is a PASPORT sensor interface designed to measure and record data from up to eight separate temperature sensors simultaneously. It is commonly used in educational and scientific settings, particularly for experiments involving temperature gradients and heat transfer.
Multiple Inputs: The primary feature is its ability to connect to and log data from up to eight 10 kΩ thermistor probes at once. This allows for the measurement of temperature at multiple locations or points in time during a single experiment.
Connectivity: It requires a compatible PASPORT interface (like the Xplorer GLX, SPARKlink, or PowerLink) to connect to a computer or data logger and use with PASCO software (such as DataStudio, SPARKvue, or PASCO Capstone).
Measurement Range: The range is probe-dependent, but is typically $-35^\circ\text{C}$ to $135^\circ\text{C}$ when using compatible PASCO Stainless Steel or Fast Response Temperature Probes, or $-35^\circ\text{C}$ to $70^\circ\text{C}$ when using the eight-probe bundle.
Resolution: It offers a high resolution of
Accuracy: $\pm 0.5^\circ\text{C}$.
Maximum Sample Rate: The maximum sample rate varies depending on the number of probes connected (up to $200\text{ Hz}$ for one probe, down to $50\text{ Hz}$ for 4-8 probes).
The PASCO PS-2157 Temperature Array Sensor is a specialized piece of scientific equipment primarily sold to educational institutions (schools, universities) and research laboratories rather than general consumers.
Since the manufacturer, PASCO scientific, typically sells directly or through specialized educational/scientific distributors, you generally won't find it on major retail websites like Amazon or Best Buy.
Here is a guide on where to look and what you need to purchase:
The best places to look for the PS-2157 are:
PASCO Scientific Directly: Contact the manufacturer, PASCO scientific, as they are the primary vendor. Their website or sales team can provide the most current pricing, availability, and information on bundles.
PASCO scientific: You can often find their contact information (phone: 800-772-8700 in the U.S.) on their website.
Authorized Educational/Scientific Distributors: PASCO products are often carried by distributors that supply school and lab equipment. Examples may include companies like Flinn Scientific, Vernier (though they are a competitor, they sometimes carry related gear), or other regional educational suppliers.
Used/Refurbished Equipment Suppliers: For potential cost savings, you can check with companies that specialize in selling used, surplus, or refurbished industrial/scientific equipment (like Radwell International, mentioned in the search results for similar sensors). These prices will vary significantly based on condition and availability.
Online Marketplaces (Secondary Market): Occasionally, the PS-2157 or compatible equipment may appear on auction sites like eBay, often sold by schools or labs clearing out older inventory.
When buying the PS-2157, remember that it is only one component of a complete data collection system. You will also need:
Temperature Probes: The PS-2157 unit itself only accepts the input plugs; it does not come with the actual temperature probes (thermistor probes) unless purchased as part of a specific kit. You will need up to eight of the compatible PASCO probes (e.g., Fast Response or Stainless Steel Temperature Probes, like the PS-2135 or PS-2153).
PASPORT Interface: The PS-2157 is a PASPORT sensor and requires a PASPORT-compatible interface to connect to a computer or tablet. Common interfaces include the 850 Universal Interface, 550 Universal Interface, SPARKlink, or Xplorer GLX.
Software: You need PASCO data acquisition software, such as PASCO Capstone or SPARKvue, to collect, display, and analyze the data.
I can search for the typical retail price of the PASCO PS-2157 Temperature Array Sensor or find details on the specific compatible temperature probes if that would be helpful for your purchase decision.