Here is a handy little toy that can have quite a few different applications in the van - check fridge temp...freezer temp...wheel bearing temp...airconditioner temp...ambient temp...cooking oil temp...oven temp... - the list goes on and on.
Anyway, I bought one from China for $9.99 incl postage and delivered to my door in 2 weeks and it actually works.
You just point it at what you want to measure, pull the trigger and you align the laser spot on whatever (near or maybe up to 10ft), wait 2 secs and the temp is displayed. It's not dead accurate but pretty damn good from what I have checked it on.
Below is the link to the one I bought but there are heaps on Ebay all around this price.
Very handy for fault finding electronics without sticking fingers where you shouldn't too. And for finding hot spots in electrical connections indicating resistive joints.
__________________
Yes I am an agent of Satan, but my duties are largely ceremonial.
Yes I have had one for a while now and use it to check the temp on my van bearings. But your little hint is very interesting Troopy, thanks.
I wish I had one when I was repairing dirty big welding equipment with up to 600A output. It would have been good for finding bad connections pretty quickly.
__________________
Yes I am an agent of Satan, but my duties are largely ceremonial.
It is an OLd old thread, but can any one who has one measure the under bonnet temperature of all sides of battery, ie long side facing engine, short side closest to engine an then outward sides. I have a few different opinions on AGM underbonnet batteries, so far mine is good after 18 months, but am investigating insulation and fresh air directing to battery. Or if they are cheap point me to a thermometer and accuracy. thanks i hope
Craig I am into motorsport and some of my mates and self thought that these would be the ducks nuts for measuring tyre temps across the tyre, which gives information on suspension settings and tyre pressure. Unfortunately all the ones we have tried are quite inaccurate when compared with calibrated probe equipment and could only be used as a guide only.
I would not hang my hat on the temperature actually being what these things say it is.
Thanks greg, prices seem to be from $12.00 to over $2000.00. Was trying to ascertain a differential between the hot and cooler side. I dont think a few degrees will matter
Craig I am into motorsport and some of my mates and self thought that these would be the ducks nuts for measuring tyre temps across the tyre, which gives information on suspension settings and tyre pressure. Unfortunately all the ones we have tried are quite inaccurate when compared with calibrated probe equipment and could only be used as a guide only. I would not hang my hat on the temperature actually being what these things say it is.
We found this when checking the temp on quite a few materials. Solar panel temp surface temp by infrared gun compared to a thermistor and gauge attached to rear of the solar panels, the infra red wasn't even close, 25*C compared to 70*C type of difference. Try shining it at the bright yellow coals in a fire, not even close, steel heated to a bright yellow colour, we know steel glows yellow at around 1100*C, the infra red laser says any where from 700*C to 1500*C, talk about give or take half a brick accuracy :lol:
If you pick up one of the cheap fridge thermometers, you get 2 different sensors so you can check 2 sides at a time. As a guide, Ford fitted air ducting around their semi sealed state battery to stop it from overheating and dieing and early death, Jaguar even went as far as fitting a fan to duct cold air in and blast it around the battery. Under bonnet temps are too extreme for lithium batteries and they can handle 65*C heat soak (the case can handle a lot higher but the continuous high temp shortens the cycle life). The strange thing is, lithium batteries work at their very best at around 60*C, the electric drag racers deliberately heat the cells before a run to extract the highest current possible for the 10 secs or less peak discharge.
T1 Terry
__________________
You can lead a head to knowledge but you can't make it think. One day I'll know it all, but till then, I'll keep learning.
Any links to any sites or products is not an endorsement by me or do I gain any financial reward for such links
