Non-Contact Infrared Thermometer

foote2floor · Dec 9, 2012

I also have the sears unit. I bought mine to assist with tuning my RC nitro motors. They are very sensitive and need to be tuned between rounds because of changes in Temps, humidity, track conditions and so forth.

I have used it for all sorts of things though. Cooking, checking for "dead cylinders" in cars, and checking wires for high resistant areas that are causing extra heat.

RobertN · Dec 9, 2012

The Fluke I mentioned before, I only use for 25-50C measurements. Was particularly interested in accuracy, and ability to be calibrated.

DFB · Dec 9, 2012

And the new dual laser is all rage now

Boy today I perused ebay unbelievable you can buy straight from the factory in China w/free shipping!

Brand CEM 812 Non Contact Mini Temp Laser Gun Infrared Thermometer 50

Slow boat savings from the mainland (up to 3 weeks) $20 less than Amazon price

WCI Quality Mini IR Infrared Thermometer Gun With Laser Pointer - Instant Accurate °C Or °F Measurements From Distance - LCD Display - For Electrical, HVAC, Automotive Diagnostics, Or Cooking Etc. - Amazon.com

Of course I can get free shipping from Amazon too .

Really the more you look the more it seems most of them along with a whole lot of other electrical equipment comes from the same place and have a CE logo. So this link looks like the OEM, CEM

CEM,professional measuring instruments manufacturer,Shenzhen Everbest Machinery-Products

George2615 · Dec 11, 2012

I also have a Raytek I bought from Graingers back in 89. It cost about $150 or so (don't remember). It works off a 9V battery and has the laser red dot. I have it in my tool box at work since I use it there more than I would at home. I do see Harbor Freight sells a cheap one but don't know how good it is.

dex3361 · Dec 11, 2012

It is easy to check the accuracy. Ice and boiling water are known temperatures and are a good way to check if you are close on the temps. Thats how I check to see if I need to send the thermal imager out for calibration. An IR gun is a great tool but is not the most accurate way to make temperature measurements. That said I have about 4 IR temp tools. The more you use these tools the more you realize what all you can do with them.

RickB · Dec 12, 2012

dex3361 said:
It is easy to check the accuracy. Ice and boiling water are known temperatures and are a good way to check if you are close on the temps. Thats how I check to see if I need to send the thermal imager out for calibration. An IR gun is a great tool but is not the most accurate way to make temperature measurements. That said I have about 4 IR temp tools. The more you use these tools the more you realize what all you can do with them.

Ice is hardly a known temperature.

Bird · Dec 12, 2012

RickB said:
Ice is hardly a known temperature.

Very true. I guess you'd have to catch it just as it starts to solidify?

I have a thermometer in the freezer section of our refrigerator in the kitchen. I just checked it and it was showing 12-13 degrees, but my non-contact Infrared thermometer showed an ice cube in my hand to be 19 degrees.

dex3361 · Dec 12, 2012

RickB said:
Ice is hardly a known temperature.

Used properly it works well. Look this link over it explains it well. Emissivity of Ice and WaterIts a lot cheaper than a black body tester too.:thumbsup:

newbury · Dec 12, 2012

zzvyb6 said:
I bought a Craftsman 1000 degree version at a Sears store closing for $6.00 It does what I want it to do and also makes a fun dog chasing toy. I only use it very carefull with them for a minute or so. It says I'm healthy, too.

I got the HF version for $20 or $25 on sale w/ coupon. Seems to work well. Settles discussions with SWMBO about temp and the Corgi LOVES it. She'll chase that red dot all over the house.

As far as calibration use an ice water bath, mostly cubes, no gin.

RickB · Dec 12, 2012

dex3361 said:
It is easy to check the accuracy. Ice and boiling water are known temperatures and are a good way to check if you are close on the temps. Thats how I check to see if I need to send the thermal imager out for calibration. An IR gun is a great tool but is not the most accurate way to make temperature measurements. That said I have about 4 IR temp tools. The more you use these tools the more you realize what all you can do with them.

dex3361 said:
Used properly it works well. Look this link over it explains it well. Emissivity of Ice and WaterIts a lot cheaper than a black body tester too.:thumbsup:

Nothing there says ice alone has a constant temperature. Your link references the surface of WATER containing "a sufficient quantity of ice" (whatever that may be) having a near constant temp of 0 degrees C. As I stated much earlier in this thread, uses most of us have for IR thermometers do not require laboratory type finite accuracy. IR thermometers shine as a comparative tool.