Buying a digital thermometer?

[Maverick2002]

I'm in the market for a ranged digital thermometer (infrared I'm guessing). I need it to be as accurate as possible (within 0.1C if possible). I'm completely clueless on what brands are good and what a decent price is though. I saw Radio Shack selling a store brand for $50, while Sears sells an "industrial" one for $150.

This is predominantly to take temperature readings of computer hardware, but other applications (like in cars) would be great too. Gotta have a laser pointer so I can see where I'm aiming.

Suggestions?

 

[Blain]

The non-contact guns are poor performers for small parts. The farther they are away, the broader the reading area.

Think of their area of reading as a cone, with the tip starting at the gun, then spreading out the farther away they get.
:roll: >> See the illustration on the side <<

 

[Azimuth40]

Originally posted by: Maverick2002
I'm in the market for a ranged digital thermometer (infrared I'm guessing). I need it to be as accurate as possible (within 0.1C if possible). I'm completely clueless on what brands are good and what a decent price is though. I saw Radio Shack selling a store brand for $50, while Sears sells an "industrial" one for $150.

This is predominantly to take temperature readings of computer hardware, but other applications (like in cars) would be great too. Gotta have a laser pointer so I can see where I'm aiming.

Suggestions?

if you want 0.1 degree then I hope you have deep pockets. The $100 range units are 1 to 2 degree resolution. The fact that it is digital even affects accuracy because of slight hand movements affect the ranging count. If you can stand 1 degree then you are looking for a narrow field unit especially made for electrical type heat measurements. Look for the ratio something like six to one meaning if you are six inches away then you can measure a one inch square.

Here are a couple right around $100 a fluke 62 IR and a extech instruments #42529

try this site for a start http://www.action-electronics.com/thermom.htm

They have pricer ones with better accuracy. I believe that you can email them and they will respond based on needs. Fluke has an extensive range of models and so does Extech. Fluke is the old hand at electronic test equipment but can be pricey.