How does it work - infra red thermometer

[turnipbmw]

had one of these in the office for quite a few years but never understood how it works

Just point the red spot at anything and it tell you the temp


Infra red

 

[Dave Ett]

Everything gives off an infra-red signature, unless it's at zero kelvin (minus 276 I think) and the sensor in the tool is able to detect these infra-red emmisions and convert them into a temperature.

OUt of interest IR is further up the electro-magnetic spectrum from microwaves, and just below visible light. See here:

http://www.lbl.gov/MicroWorlds/ALSTool/EMSpec/EMSpec2.html

 

[turnipbmw]

cheers - also found this

infrared

 

[rockchunk]

its awe done wey mirrors

 

[Dave Ett]

I use mine often, when the pilots have over-cooked the braking again. Highest I've seen is 560 degrees C!

 

[cookie]

been thinking of investing in one. anyone know of any at a sensible price?

 

[brassmonkey001]

Tis witchcraft I tell 'ee!

 

[ELIMINATOR]

http://www.etiltd.co.uk/infrared_thermometers.html?gclid=CIKruIuNkZwCFZ4A4wodsXh-eA

Surprisingly cheap, (possibly surprisingly inaccurate!) I just hope that one doesn't materialise in my toolbox.

 

[turnipbmw]

just bought one for the paramedic girlfriend for £6 off e bay inc p&p

(they bought her a dosimeter in case of an atomic attack but wouldnt pay for a thermometer FFS !!!!!)

 

[Kritou]

Wonder if this technology could be used to warn of ice on the road?

 

[Dave Ett]

Probably not at typical riding speeds, as it takes a second or two to gather the info and generate a temp.

 

[nedflanders]

more here, remember a guy tuning my classic car used one to check the exhaust manifold, could tell which cylinder was having a misfire.

http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=221048