Intro
Other applications
About IR
Specifications
Instructions
Ordering
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Intro |
Why
use the MH-1 non-contact infrared
thermometer?
Temperature plays an important role in our lives; it is the second most frequently measured physical quantity, time being the first.
The MH-1 infrared thermometer uses advanced infrared technology to quickly and conveniently measure the surface temperature of objects. The MH-1 will provide fast temperature readings without physically touching the object. You simply aim; press and release the action button, then read the temperature on the digital LCD display. Lightweight, compact, and easy-to-use, the MH-1 can safely measure hot, cold or hard-to-reach surfaces. Also, by continuing to press the action button the MH-1 can provide one reading per second, as compared to contact methods where each measurement can take several minutes.
The MH-1 uses Infrared technology to capture the invisible infrared energy naturally emitted from all objects. Infrared radiation is part of the electromagnetic spectrum, which includes radio waves, microwaves, visible light, ultraviolet, gamma, and X-rays. When the temperature is measured by the MH-1 device, the Infrared energy emitted from the measured object passes through the sensor of the MH-1 and is converted to an electrical signal. This signal is then displayed as a temperature reading.
When using IR thermometers keep in mind the following:
All objects reflect, transmit and emit energy. Emissivity is the measure of an object's ability to emit infrared energy - the emitted energy indicates the temperature of the object. When the MH-1 measures the surface temperature it senses this energy. Emissivity can have a value from 0 (shiny mirror surface) to 1.0 (blackbody). Most organic, painted, or oxidized surfaces have emissivity values close to 0.95 (the MH-1 is set at 0.95).
When using a thermometer with a fixed, preset emissivity of 0.95 and need to accurately measure a shiny object, you can compensate by covering the surface to be measured with masking tape, (spray oil or flat black paint could be used on machine parts) then measure the temperature of the taped or painted surface. That is the true temperature. Dealing with emissivity is not as hard as it would seem. The important thing to remember is that "trending" an object can reveal problems regardless of accurate temperature. In the real world you pick an emissivity value and then record the temperature, making sure to maintain the same setting every time you scan the same object. We hope this answers the basic questions regarding emissivity as a full explanation of emissivity is beyond the scope of this web site.
Note: the temperatures of some highly polished metal surfaces are difficult to measure.
Steam, dust, smoke, etc., can prevent accurate measurement by obstructing the MH-1 sensor.
The MH-1 is designed with advanced infrared and ambient temperature compensation technology. If the MH-1 is exposed to abrupt ambient temperature differences of 20 degrees or more, allow it to adjust to the new ambient temperature for at least thirty minutes. (e.g. If you have been using the MH-1 outside in winter, when coming back indoors, allow it to adjust to the indoor temp for approx 30 minutes - and vice versa).
Locate a temperature difference
To find a hot or cold spot aim the MH-1 outside the area of interest, press and hold the action button then scan across with an up and down motion, the MH-1 will continue to monitor the temperature. Release the action button and the MH-1 will display the last reading for 15 seconds before switching off.
Can IRT measure the temperature of air?
Yes.......... and no.
No, because air does not emit infrared, the emissivity is too low to be detected. Yes, because you can tell the temperature by pointing the IRT at anything that has the SAME temperature as the air. Outdoors: a leaf, tree, grass etc (under sunshade) will have the same temperature as the air. Indoors: your desk, a book, the carpet, has the same temperature as the air.
Therefore the key to taking "air temperature" is to measure anything which should have the same temp as the ambient air.
Can the IRT operate in complete darkness?
Yes, that's why the MOD & military are so interested in IR. In fact, the early IR technology was developed by the military.
Can the IRT penetrate a building, measuring what's inside?
Not in real life, only in films. You would need hi-spec Thermal Imaging equipment for that purpose.
Does IR penetrate through anything?
IR can penetrate certain things - silicon and germanium for example. Another material is PE film (e.g. a black bin bag). You can hide something warm inside and the IR thermometer can detect the presence of the object.
Can I measure the body temp of a fish in my aquarium?
No, water & glass are transparent for visible light but completely "opaque" to IR. Any IR coming from the fish does not penetrate the water, so all you measure is the temp of the glass.
How about my cat's temperature?
Just by pointing the IR thermometer at your cat, you only get the temp of the fur. By pointing it into its mouth you will get a more accurate reading.
Can I measure the body temperature of an Ant by IRT?
No, not by pointing the IR thermometer at a single ant on your desk, because what the temperature readout would give, is an average temperature of the ant and the desk, because the "Field Of View" of the IR thermometer is much larger than the Ant.
..........but, if you have 1,000 ants on your desk, which cover the whole FOV, then yes, you can measure the body temp of an ant.
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Intro |