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1/32, 1/16, and 1/8 DIN Universal Input High Accuracy Controllers

i-Series Temperature, Process and Strain Controllers

$376.50

Item# CNI3253

Volume discounts available
Volume Discount Schedule
Quantity Price each
1-9 $376.50
10-24 $357.68
25-49 $338.85
50-99 $320.03
100-499 $301.20
500+ $282.38

In stock

Lead Time (If not in stock): 6 weeks
i-Series Temperature, Process and Strain Controllers CNI3253 CNI3253
  • Universal Inputs
  • Accuracy at 25°C: ±0.5°C temp nominal 0.03% rdg ±0.03% range process and strain
  • Totally Programmable Color Displays (Visual Alarms)
  • User-Friendly, Simple to Configure

CNI3253 Model Options

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Edit these specs to order a different model. Not all combinations are valid. Options compatible with previous selections will be in bold.

*Highlighted options are not compatible. Please select a different combination.

Measurement Type
Control Outputs
Form Factor
Input Type
Communications
Supply Voltage Type
Ramp and Soak
Display Type
Additional Feature
Output Type
Number of Inputs


*Move on up to our newest line of PID Controller, the CNPT Platinum Series controllers with Modbus connectivity, expanded ramp and soak programs, universal inputs, and simple PC programming.*

The OMEGA™ iSeries is a family of microprocessor-based instruments offered in three true DIN sizes with NEMA 4 (IP65) rated front bezels. All of the instruments share the same set-up and configuration menu and method of operation, a tremendous time saver for integration of a large system. The iSeries family includes extremely accurate digital panel meters "DPi" and single loop PID controllers "CNi" that are simple to configure and use, while providing tremendous versatility and a wealth of powerful features.

The CNi Series covers a broad selection of transducer and transmitter inputs with 2 input models.

The universal temperature and process instrument (CNi models) handles 10 common types of thermocouples, multiple RTDs and several process (DC) voltage and current ranges. This model also features built-in excitation, 24 Vdc @ 25 mA. With its wide choice of signal inputs, this model is an excellent choice for measuring or controlling temperature with a thermocouple, RTD, or 4 to 20 mA transmitter.

The strain and process instruments (CNiS models) measure inputs from load cells, pressure transducers, and most any strain gage sensor as well as process voltage and current ranges. The CNiS has built-in 5 or 10 Vdc excitation for bridge transducers, 5 Vdc @ 40 mA or 10 Vdc @ 60 mA (any excitation voltage between 5 and 24 Vdc is available by special order). This CNiS model supports 4- and 6-wire bridge communications, ratiometric measurements. The CNiS features fast and easy "in process" calibration/ scaling of the signal inputs to any engineering units. This model also features 10-point linearization which allows the user to linearize the signal input from extremely nonlinear transducers of all kinds.

Programmable Color Display
The iSeries are 1/8, 1/16 and 1/32 DIN controllers featuring the big iSeries color-changing display. The digits are twice the size of typical 1/8 DIN panel meters. The iSeries meters feature the only LED displays that can be programmed to change color between GREEN, AMBER, and RED.

Embedded Internet and Serial Communications
Featuring optional "embedded Internet" (specify "-EIT" option) the iSeries are the first instruments of their kind that connect directly to an Ethernet network and transmit data in standard TCP/ IP packets, or even serve Web pages over a LAN or the Internet. The iSeries are also available with serial communications. With the "-C24" option, the user can select from the pushbutton menu between RS232, RS422, and RS485, with straightforward ASCII commands. If Modbus is required, we recommend our latest Platinum controllers - CNPT Series.


SPECIFICATIONS

Universal Temperature and Process Input (DPi/CNi Models)
Accuracy: Accuracy at 25°C: 0.5°C (±0.9°F) temp nominal, 0.03% Rdg ±0.03% range process and strain
Resolution: 1°/0.1° 10 µV process
Temperature Stability:
    RTD: 0.04°C/°C
    TC @ 25°C (77°F): 0.05°C/°C
    Cold Junction Compensation
    Process: 50 ppm/°C
NMRR: 60 dB
CMRR: 120 dB
A/D Conversion: Dual slope
Reading Rate: 3 samples/s
Digital Filter: Programmable
Display: 4-digit 9-segment LED 10.2 mm (0.40"); DPi/CNi32, DPi/CNi16, DPi/CNi16D, DPi/CNi8DV 21 mm (0.83"); DPi/CNi8 10.2 mm (0.40") and 21 mm (0.83"); DPi/CNi8DH RED, GREEN, and AMBER programmable colors for process variable, setpoint and temperature units
Input Types: Thermocouple, RTD, analog voltage, analog current
Thermocouple Lead Resistance: 100 Ω max
Thermocouple Types (ITS 90): J, K, T, E, R, S, B, C, N, L (J DIN)
RTD Input (ITS 68): 100/500/1000 Ω Pt sensor, 2-, 3- or 4-wire; 0.00385 or 0.00392 curve
Voltage Input: 0 to 100 mV, 0 to 1V, 0 to 10 Vdc
Input Impedance: 10 MΩ for 100 mV 1 MΩ for 1 or 10 Vdc
Current Input: 0 to 20 mA (5 Ω load)
Configuration: Single-ended
Polarity: Unipolar
Step Response: 0.7 sec for 99.9%
Decimal Selection:
    Temperature: None, 0.1
    Process: None, 0.1, 0.01 or 0.001
Setpoint Adjustment: -1999 to 9999 counts
Span Adjustment: 0.001 to 9999 counts
Offset Adjustment: -1999 to 9999
Excitation (Not Included with
Communication): 24 Vdc @ 25 mA (not available for low-power option)

Universal Strain and Process Input (DPiS/CNiS Models)
Accuracy: 0.03% reading
Resolution: 10/1µV
Temperature Stability: 50 ppm/°C
NMRR: 60 dB
CMRR: 120 dB
A/D Conversion: Dual slope
Reading Rate: 3 samples/s
Digital Filter: Programmable
Input Types: Analog voltage and current
Voltage Input: 0 to 100 mVdc, -100 mVdc to 1 Vdc, 0 to 10 Vdc
Input Impedance: 10 MΩ for 100 mV; 1 MΩ for 1V or 10 Vdc
Current Input: 0 to 20 mA (5 Ω load)
Linearization Points: Up to 10
Configuration: Single-ended
Polarity: Unipolar
Step Response: 0.7 sec for 99.9%
Decimal Selection: None, 0.1, 0.01 or 0.001
Setpoint Adjustment: -1999 to 9999 counts
Span Adjustment: 0.001 to 9999 counts
Offset Adjustment: -1999 to 9999
Excitation (Optional In Place Of Communication): 5 Vdc @ 40 mA; 10 Vdc @ 60 mA

Control
Action: Reverse (heat) or direct (cool)
Modes: Time and amplitude proportional control; selectable manual or auto PID, proportional, proportional with integral, proportional with derivative and anti-reset Windup, and on/off
Rate: 0 to 399.9 s
Reset: 0 to 3999 s
Cycle Time: 1 to 199 s; set to 0 for on/off
Gain: 0.5 to 100% of span; setpoints 1 or 2
Damping: 0000 to 0008
Soak: 00.00 to 99.59 (HH:MM), or OFF
Ramp to Setpoint:
00.00 to 99.59 (HH:MM), or OFF
Auto Tune: Operator initiated from front panel

Control Output 1 and 2
Relay: 250 Vac or 30 Vdc @ 3 A (resistive load); configurable for on/off, PID and ramp and soak
Output 1: SPDT, can be configured as alarm 1 output
Output 2: SPDT, can be configured as alarm 2 output
SSR: 20 to 265 Vac @ 0.05 to 0.5 A (resistive load); continuous
DC Pulse: Non-isolated; 10 Vdc @ 20 mA
Analog Output (Output 1 Only): Non-isolated, proportional 0 to 10 Vdc or 0 to 20 mA; 500 Ω max
Output 3 Retransmission
    Isolated Analog Voltage and Current
    Current: 10 V max @ 20 mA output
    Voltage: 20 mA max for 0 to 10 V output

Network and Communications
Ethernet: Standards compliance IEEE 802.3 10 Base-T
Supported Protocols: TCP/IP, ARP
RS232/RS422/RS485: Selectable from menu; both ASCII and Modbus protocol selectable from menu; programmable 300 to 19.2 Kb; complete programmable setup capability; program to transmit current display, alarm status, min/max, actual measured input value and status
RS485: Addressable from 0 to 199
Connection: Screw terminals

Alarm 1 and 2 (Programmable)
Type: Same as output 1 and 2
Operation: High/low, above/below, band, latch/unlatch, normally open/ normally closed and process/deviation; front panel configurations
Analog Output (Programmable): Non-isolated, retransmission 0 to 10 Vdc or 0 to 20 mA, 500 Ω max (output 1 only); accuracy is ±1% of FS when following conditions are satisfied: input is not scaled below 1% of input FS, analog output is not scaled below 3% of output FS

General
Power: 90 to 240 Vac ±10%, 50 to 400 Hz*, 110 to 375 Vdc, equivalent voltage
Low Voltage Power Option: 24 Vac**, 12 to 36 Vdc for DPi/CNi/DPiS/CNiS; 20 to 36 Vdc for dual display, ethernet, and isolated analog output from qualified safety approved source

Isolation
Power to Input/Output: 2300 Vac per 1 minute test
For Low Voltage Power Option: 1500 Vac per 1 minute test
Power to Relay/SSR Output: 2300 Vac per 1 minute test
Relay/SSR to Relay/SSR Output: 2300 Vac per 1 minute test
RS232/485 to Input/Output: 500 Vac per 1 minute test
Environmental Conditions:
    All Models: 0 to 55°C (32 to 131°F) 90% RH non-condensing
    Dual Display Models: 0 to 50°C (32 to 122°F), 90% RH non-condensing (for UL only)
Protection:
    DPi/CNi/DPiS/CNiS32, 16, 16D, 8C: NEMA 4X/Type 4 (IP65) front bezel
    DPi/CNi8, 8DH, 8DV: NEMA 1/Type 1 front bezel
    Approvals: UL, C-UL, CE per EN61010- 1:2001
Dimensions
    DPi/CNi8 Series: 48 H x 96 W x 127 mm D (1.89 x 3.78 x 5")
    DPi/CNi16 Series: 48 H x 48 W x 127 mm D (1.89 x 1.89 x 5")
    DPi/CNi32 Series: 25.4 H x 48 W x 127 mm D (1.0 x 1.89 x 5")
Panel Cutout
    DPi/CNi8 Series: 45 H x 92 mm W (1.772 x 3.622"), 1.8 DIN
    DPi/CNi16 Series: 45 mm (1.772") square, 1.16 DIN
    DPi/CNi32 Series: 22.5 H x 45 mm W (0.886 x 1.772"), 1.32 DIN
Weight
    DPi/CNi8 Series: 295 g (0.65 lb)
    DPi/CNi16 Series: 159 g (0.35 lb)
    DPi/CNi32 Series: 127 g (0.28 lb)
* No CE compliance above 60 Hz.
** Units can be powered safely with 24 Vac power, but no certification for CE/UL are claimed.


THERMOCOUPLE CHART
Universal Temperature / Process
Input Type
Range
Accuracy
Process Voltage
0 to 100 mV, 0 to 1 V, 0 to 10 Vdc
0.03% Rdg ±0.03% range
Process Current
0 to 20 mA (4 to 20 mA)
0.03% Rdg ±0.03% range
Excitation
24 V @ 25 mA
J
Iron-Constantan
-210 to 760°C / -346 to 1400°F
0.4°C / 0.7°F
K
CHROMEGA™-ALOMEGA™
-270 to -160°C / -160 to 1372°C
-454 to -256°F / -256 to 2502°F
1.0°C / 0.4°C
1.8°F / 0.7°F
T
Copper-Constantan
-270 to -190°C / -190 to 400°C
-454 to -310°F / -310 to 752°F
1.0°C / 0.4°C
1.8°F / 0.7°F
E
CHROMEGA™-Constantan
-270 to -220°C / -220 to 1000°C
-454 to -364°F / -364 to 1832°F
1.0°C / 0.4°C
1.8°F / 0.7°F
R
Pt/13%Rh-Pt
-50 to 40°C / 40 to 1768°C
-58 to 104°F / 104 to 3214°F
1.0°C / 0.5°C
1.8°F / 0.9°F
S
Pt/10%Rh-Pt
-50 to 100°C / 100 to 1768°C
-58 to 212°F / 212 to 3214°F
1.0°C / 0.5°C
1.8°F / 0.9°F
B
30%Rh-Pt/6%Rh-Pt
100 to 640°C / 640 to 1820°C
212 to 1184°F / 1184 to 3308°F
1.0°C / 0.5°C
1.8°F / 0.9°F
C
5%Re-W/26%Re-W
0 to 2320°C / 32 to 4208°F
0.4°C / 0.7°F
N
Nicrosil-Nisil
-250 to -100°C / -100 to 1300°C
-418 to -148°F / -148 to 2372°F
1.0°C / 0.4°C
1.8°F / 0.7°F
L
J DIN
-200 to 900°C / -328 to 1652°F
0.4°C / 0.7°F
RTD
Pt, 0.00385, 100, 500, 1000 ohm
-200 to 900°C / -328 to 1652°F
0.4°C / 0.7°F
RTD
Pt, 0.00392, 100, 500, 1000 ohm
-200 to 850°C / -328 to 1562°F
0.4°C / 0.7°F

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Rated 1 out of 5 by from Very compicated setup **Review of the CNi3253-DC Temperature Controller** I recently purchased the CNi3253-DC temperature controller for use with geophysical equipment, but my experience has been far from satisfactory. The device itself has potential, but its functionality is severely hampered by a combination of a complicated setup process and inadequate documentation. **Setup Challenges:** From the outset, configuring the CNi3253-DC proved to be a frustrating endeavor. The setup process is far from intuitive, and despite following the manual as closely as possible, I encountered numerous hurdles. The menus are convoluted, and the instructions provided do not align well with the actual options available on the controller. This discrepancy between the manual and the device’s menu options is a major issue, making it difficult to configure the controller correctly. Also I was unable to find how to reset the controller to factory defaults. **Documentation Issues:** The manuals available for the CNi3253-DC are, frankly, disappointing. They are poorly written and lack essential details. Many of the menu options are either described inadequately or not mentioned at all. This oversight leaves users like myself guessing about the functionality of certain features and how to use them effectively. The lack of clear, comprehensive documentation significantly impairs the usability of the controller. **Performance Concerns:** Despite my efforts to get the controller working, I have yet to achieve satisfactory performance. The misalignment between the described functions and the actual options means that I cannot reliably control or monitor the temperature as needed for my geophysical equipment. This has led to operational delays and has compromised the effectiveness of my setup. **Conclusion:** Overall, the CNi3253-DC temperature controller falls short of expectations due to its complex setup process and inadequate documentation. If you’re considering this controller, be prepared for a steep learning curve and significant frustration. The potential of the device is overshadowed by its usability issues, and unless improvements are made to the user manual and interface, I would recommend exploring alternative options for temperature control in critical applications.
Date published: 2024-07-27
Rated 2 out of 5 by from MORE BUTTONS LABELED The unit needs more controls and they need to be labeled clearly in writing not stupid tiny symbols. Works good but it should not be so difficult to set up.
Date published: 2020-10-23
Rated 5 out of 5 by from sales engineer excellent service and very professional, i do recommended for other industries
Date published: 2024-11-30
Rated 3 out of 5 by from I wish returns were easier The products work great and as expected. But we received one part that was the incorrect part; which is understandable, it happens, no big deal. But getting Omega to process a return and more importantly get us the correct part replaced was not as easy as we would have liked.
Date published: 2024-04-04
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Great little meter Great little meter and can handle years of dust and abuse!
Date published: 2023-08-30
Rated 5 out of 5 by from CNi3244-C24 controller Fantastic controller. Very long lasting. Purchased several more of these for our needs.
Date published: 2023-06-07
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Good service Provided the customer with what they needed at fair prices and with prompt service.
Date published: 2023-05-19
Rated 4 out of 5 by from Great product to replace CN77 series units We used this to replace CN77 series units. Same form factor. Very similar communication protocol. One downside for us is that APOn function is missing for Alarm 2 which we have to use for our application. The other downside of course is the price ...
Date published: 2022-09-08
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loading all QA

I have a CNi1644-C24 and want to control it from a computer. I can access the communications menus on the controller. The user manual refers me to the Serial Communications Reference Manual, but I cannot find it on your website.

Asked by: C in Pittsburgh
Please scroll down to manual M3397 from the link choices shown on this link. https://www.omega.com/en-us/pdf-manuals
Answered by: Engineer9
Date published: 2020-03-16

Where do I get firmware to upgrade a Cni16D53-C4EIT?

Asked by: GlenW
Hi GlenW, Firmware would have to be updated at the factory. Last hardware update was several years ago. Best regards OMEGA
Answered by: NorwalkAE_RS
Date published: 2022-08-11

For controller CNI833-C24-DC, where I can get the terminal block (female connector) for the inputs?

Asked by: S Cruise
Hi S Cruise Thank you for the inquiry. For the 10 position input terminal block the part# is CNI-10PIN-CONN. Best regards OMEGA
Answered by: NorwalkAE_RS
Date published: 2022-05-07

Hello, Hello, I am using 4 of your cni8s with the rs232 port everything is working fine. on a device when I turn it on it writes M000.1 I have to press return to switch to run mode, do you know why? codially John

Asked by: johnsly11
Self-Mode is Enabled now. Press UP or DOWN to display MXX.X. To disable Self, press ENTER and then press SCROLL. Display goes to the Run Mode. Self-Mode is Disabled now.
Answered by: Application Engineer CB
Date published: 2021-08-12

The menu to have the alarm come on at startup is not showing up. Only the locations for putting in the High and Low temp alarm limits. Have it set at Dev and Band. Everything else working fine except I want the alarm not coming on right away at powerup.

Asked by: Bergie
A.P.oN should always be available. Please try disabling and then re-enabling the alarm sub menu.
Answered by: tempeng
Date published: 2019-09-06

Your manual does a good job of explaining how the proportional factor relates to the output level, but not the reset time or rate time. Could you elaborate? Does making those factors larger make it more or less sensitive to I and D portions of error?

Asked by: C in Pittsburgh
Thank you for the inquiry. Please forward this request to temp@omega.com so that we can review PID settings with you. Best regards OMEGA
Answered by: AENwlk
Date published: 2020-07-16

We have been using this controller to monitor the temperature of our water tank for many years and it has started to give us the wrong reading. Does this controller or the thermocouple in the tank tend to fail first? Or is it something else altogether?

Asked by: sw123
Thank you for your inquiry. We believe the best assistance would come from speaking to us directly at 888-826-6342 ask for the Temperature Department Mon. – Fri. (HOURS 8:30AM - 5:30PM EST).
Answered by: Application Engineer CB
Date published: 2024-06-25

For the CNI1644 Model, there is one input [e.g. a thermocouple] and two outputs. If two outputs are attached [e.g. two SSRs] are both outputs controlled at the same time?

Asked by: moi38
Thank you for your inquiry. The outputs on this unit are to control two external SSRs. This unit can only control one load at time due to having only one input. Both outputs cannot be operated at the same time.
Answered by: Application Engineer MC
Date published: 2024-09-30
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