Customer Reviews

MicroTemp MT100 Compact Digital Infrared Thermometer

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1 star:		(1)

 

 

This device works without contact, point at a dark object and it will measure the temperature of that object. As non-heat generating objects equilibrate to ambient, or room, temperature, that object represents room temperature too.

Infrared thermometers, IRTs, measure instantaneously, no waiting. They often cost more than $50, and commercial ones cost near $100.

As the IRT can measure a spot's temperature instantly, you can check for temperature gradients and thus, localize hot and cold spots. Its has many home uses. You can localize a heat source in a room or find leaking insulation; check water temperature after adjusting a thermostat; determine if your big screen TV is overheating inside a cabinet; determine how hot your PC is running before and after you add a cooling fan; determine if your air conditioner compressor is not working --- often what is perceived as cold air is often just the wind-chill effect of flowing air rather than truly cold air, and a thermometer best detects that difference; etc.,

Dark objects are preferred to be measured since they absorb heat, while light colored objects reflect it. Measuring temperature of light colored objects will cause minor errors in reading.

The Microtemp is low cost because its field of view is only 1:1 is limited to 120C, and error of ~ +/- 2% of Celsius reading. The Celsius scale translates to a reading error as high as 4F.

1:1 means it measures a spot as large as the distance of the thermometer from the object you are pointing it at. To measure the temperature of an object 1" in diameter, you should move the IRT 1" away from it.

Expensive IRT have field of views greater than 10:1, so it can detect temperature at very localized spots, and also, measure spots from great distances. They are often larger, and come with a laser pointer to pin point what area is being measured.

More expensive IRT also measure higher temps, over 500F. Water boils at 212F, so these higher temps are often for industrial machines that operate at high temps, but not too much higher to avoid damage. For home use, 212F is more than adequate for measuring anything just short of boiling water.

The device is like a flashlight and bullet proof in operation. You simply point at something and press the ON button. The temperature registers in under 1 second. Changing the batteries is as easy as a flashlight too: unscrew the casing, and pop them out. You can setup the default F or C scale easily and convert between the two. Measurements out of range generates an 'Err' screen, but the device is not toasted, compared to a contact thermometer! 4F error reading is not critical for home usage since trended readings are accurate: meaning if you measure continuously for a time, the relative differences between measured spots is accurate relative to each point.

The MicroTemp or clones are OEM devices, can be found under different brand names for much less than $10 and is very cost effective. Standard thermometers cannot be found as cheaply, or as accurately.

I was recently in a hotel room that felt very very hot even though the air conditioning was apparently on. I wanted to call the front desk and let them know but I had no idea what the temperature was. I was thinking that it would be nice to have a small portable thermometer in my laptop bag to allow me to accurately measure temperature for situations like this. I searched Amazon and found this great little thermometer that works great, is very small and easy to carry in your pocket. I have used it several times since from checking the temperature in my car after parking in the sun all day, to check temperature of windows and wall to check the effectiveness of insulation and even to measure my skin temperature. It works instantly and is very accurate.

Well this product seems to work okay for temperatures under 235 degrees F or so. But when I purchased it I was going to use it for cooking more than anything else. Since cooking pans get up to 400 deg. this will not work for that purpose. I guess I should have read the fine print before I bought it. I did like the compactness of the unit though. So if you want and infrared thermometer for cooking you should look elsewhere.

Unless I have special water that boils at 171 degrees, this is complete junk. There were no instructions, so I am not sure how far away they recommend holding it, but the temperature changes with distance. Even in my freezer the temperature swings by 20 degrees depending on distance from object, from one to three inches. Don't waste your money.

I use this for getting a quick read of trout stream tempatures. its 4.5 degress less than actual temp. this holds true based on insect activity.

Thequestion is: how to check the temperature of something dangerous to touch without being hurt, moving machinery, hot water, automotive and electrical equipment to mention a few places you don't want to put your fingers. For temperature readings without touching the object being measured an infrared non-contact thermometer is a good choice. Simply aim the thermometer at the target and press the button, the closer to the object being measured the greater the accuracy. The response time is a few seconds. A digital display shows the reading. A necessity for technicians in many industries, these instruments have become increasingly affordable in recent years. The most basic should allow you to choose between Celsius and Fahrenheit degrees and also have a hold function that lets you lock in a reading and retain it long enough to see after withdrawing from a tight place. In addition small and light enough for a pocket and easy to change batteries are important features. Auto-off will save your batteries. Clear instructions and specifications should be included.

An excellent example of these features is the compact MCROTEMP MT100 Digital Infrared Non-Contact Thermometer at about $30. The professional quality MT100 uses two LR44 1.5volt battery cells which are included, installed inside a screw secured cover. A pointed object may be inserted into a small hole to select Fahrenheit or Celsius degree readings. "Live" readings are taken by holding the "Meas." button while looking at the digital readout. When the button is released the current reading is locked in until the next time the button is pushed or automatic shutoff after fifteen seconds. The MT100 is the size of a finger and includes a wrist strap. The case is non-conductive plastic with a durable feel and the LCD display recessed for protection. The temperature range is -27 to +230 degrees F. accurate to 2.5% or 4.5 degrees F. Response time is one second with 90% accuracy, a couple more seconds for a more precise reading. It agrees closely with the furnace thermostat and other ambient and surface thermometers I have compared. The card it ships on folds open to show complete information on use and battery replacement. It is easy to believe the manufacturer's claim that it has over a hundred uses. Every technician should have one in the tool box.

So if you are not a technician and you don't even have a tool box why should you care about about this? How hot is your bath water? your tea? your pool? Is it too hot for children? on the sidewalk? the playground? in the car? Is the weather stripping letting in the cold? Is that frozen food case at the grocery store really cold enough? is your own refrigerator? Is the fire out? How hot is that circuit breaker, electrical switch, extension cord, heater? When you can know the answer in seconds do you need to wonder? Sidewalks easily get over 120 degrees F. in the summer. The furnace doesn't provide the same heat at every register. Insulation in walls subsides allowing heat to escape. Monitor your house for energy efficiency. Check the hot water at the tap, the temperature of your tires, radiator, power supply or cold beverage. Many animals have built-in infrared sensors included in their biology. Here is an affordable way to upgrade our senses with the latest digital age technology. Knowing how warm or cold exactly lets us make informed decisions about safety, efficiency and comfort that otherwise are based on someone's guess.

The MT100 includes the important basic features, performs well and is simple to use. Other models may include more features and functions than the point and shoot MT100, but sacrifice fast, easy, small, and affordable in exchange. If you do have a tool box this infrared thermometer is convenient to carry with you and that saves trips to the truck because in time all toolboxes get too heavy.