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TempGun non-contact infrared thermometers are easy to use, but that doesn’t mean we won’t try to help you use them even more effectively. Click on the FAQ below to jump down to its answer. What in the world will I use a TempGun for? What in the world will I use a TempGun for?TempGun non-contact infrared thermometers have a million different uses. Some of the most popular uses include Food Service and Cooking, Horticulture, Automotive, Manufacturing, HVAC, Animal Care and Hobby. For the RC hobby, three hot uses would be engine temps, tire temps, and track temps. In animal care, you can quickly and accurately read cage temps, basking temps, incubation temps and more. Of course there are a wide range of cooking and food service uses, including something as esoteric as proper temperature wine service! Nothing gives you the immediate feedback and reliable accuracy of an Infrared TempGun, and the Pro Exotics TempGuns are the smallest, handiest, most affordable guns available! Check out our other uses page for more TempGun applications, or check out our Pro Exotics Reptile site to see how we use TempGuns every single day with our animals! Yes, our TempGuns all shoot in both Fahrenheit and Celsius and it is easy to switch between the two. See the Pro Exotics TempGun specs page for more info.
I’m getting a crazy reading from my TempGun. It says my engine is 27 degrees below zero!Well you have really done it now!! Actually, what has probably happened is your Emissivity setting has been knocked off a bit. It may have happened when you were whizzing through the Min/Max modes. It’s an easy fix. The Emissivity setting on PE2 is adjustable to allow you to fine tune your gun to shoot objects with varying degrees of reflectivity. Unless you are Joe Scientist and have a REALLY GOOD reason to change your Emissivity, try not to screw with the setting. It should read “95E”. If it doesn’t, you will need to reset it to 95. Let’s pickup some info from your TempGun operating instructions: Model Zero Emissivity adjustment
Can you tell me the correct Emissivity setting for the material I am temping out?The default E setting of 95E works for most applications. The adjustable Emissivity setting for the PE2 allows you to “calibrate” the units to shoot proper temps in more esoteric circumstances. Unless you truly understand how and why adjusting the E setting works for your application, it is best to leave it set at the default of 95E. If it is accidentally misadjusted by your kids, your goofy buddy, or your cat, you most likely need to reset it back to 95E. You can find the steps on how to do that in your instructions, which are also available HERE . But let’s say you DO need to adjust the E setting for your application, perhaps you are shooting a highly polished metal surface like aluminum, you can find various E settings listed at these two links: http://www.infrared-thermography.com/material.htm http://www.electro-optical.com/bb_rad/emissivity/matlemisivty.htm
What is the difference between the TempGun models?The PE1 is a great all purpose, entry-level unit. It reads to 428ºF.
I need a TempGun to use from a distance, which one would work best for me?If you need to shoot your object temperature from more than 18 inches or so, the PE2 model would be the best choice. The PE1 model is best used at close distances because of a wider infrared “cone”. For a bit more detail on D:S ratios, check out this FAQ here.
How close do I have to be to an object to take its temperature?The invisible Infrared sensor of the TempGun “shoots out” in a cone shape. The farther away you are from your target object, the larger the spot you will be measuring. The PE1 unit has a Distance to Spot ratio (D:S) of 1:1, meaning at 1 inch away, you are measuring a spot that is 1 inch in diameter. At 1 foot, you are measuring a spot that is 1 foot in diameter. The PE2 and PE-3 units have MUCH TIGHTER CONES. The PE-3 D:S ratio is 8:1, meaning at 8 inches away, your spot is 1 inch. At 10 feet, you are measuring a spot that is a bit over 1 foot in diameter. The PE1 works great at shorter distances. In the RC world, measuring engine temps, the PE1 at $30 works fantastic. The PE1 also works great for many general use needs, like cooking and food temps, or basking temps for animal setups. If you need to measure from a bit further away (or a lot further away) then the PE2 at $55 is a good choice.
How far away does the TempGun shoot?All of the non-contact TempGuns on the market use Infrared technology to get a reflected surface temperature from the desired object. The infrared beam “shoots out” in a cone shape, narrowest right at the sensor of the TempGun, meaning the farther away you are, the wider the area you are temping out. So the usable distance of a TempGun is largely dependent on the object you are shooting. If you want to shoot engine head temps in an RC Car, you are trying to shoot an area about a quarter of an inch in diameter, right in at the glow plug. For such a tight reading, you want to be as close as possible. If you are shooting the tire temps on a Stock Car, you have a much larger area, and you can be further away. For road or track temperatures, you can shoot from a few feet away and get an accurate reading. Remember, the closer you are to your object, the smaller the area that you will be reading. For our use in reptile breeding at Pro Exotics , I typically shoot cages and animals from 8-12 inches away. With the PE1 TempGun, anything over 2 ft is really too far, as you will be taking a wide angle “average” temperature of an area, as opposed to a particular spot or object. Try the PE2 at $55 for a 6:1 cone that can read accurate temps at a much further distance. NOTE: The red laser that is available on some of our TempGun models DOES NOT measure temperature! It is a separate beam that simply serves as a pointing device. The surface temperatures are measured using an invisible infrared sensor. The red laser can shoot a very long distance, across the hall, across the building, across the street. The INFRARED sensor only shoots (effectively) a short to medium distance, depending on the model’s D:S ratio. So while you can use a “laser gun” and see a red dot on the wall 50 feet away, you ARE NOT measuring the temperature of that far away wall, but rather a general average temperature of a large area (from 50 ft). No infrared TempGun is any good at measuring empty air ambient temperatures.
How do I aim my TempGun using the laser?For our models PE2 and PE-3 , aiming from a distance is made easier by use of a red sighting laser. The red laser is offset from the TempGun’s infrared sensor by one half inch. The laser runs PARALLEL to the center of the sensor. This means that from 3 inches away, the laser is one half inch from the center of the temperature measurement. From 20 feet away, the laser is STILL one half inch from the center of the temperature measurement. This means that from a very close distance, say three inches or less, the laser IS NOT going to be at the dead center of your measurement, ya dig? In the RC Hobby, measuring nitro engine temps, you are trying to measure a spot a quarter inch wide down inside the head of the engine. This is typically done by putting the TempGun (regardless of brand) directly over the top of the head. If you do it that way, your sighting laser will be cast one half inch off to the SIDE of the head, and not down the middle at all. THAT IS FINE. Your concern should be with the positioning of the INFRARED sensor at that close range, and not the goofy laser. If you do indeed shoot the red laser down into the head, you will actually be measuring a half inch away, probably down the side fins of your engine. Do you dig it now? The sighting laser will ALWAYS be one half inch from the center of your measurement. For those insistent customers, I will custom build a parallelogram reflective mirror system, in a snap on configuration, that will compensate for this offset, so that regardless of distance, the laser is always spot on, dead center. The fee for this custom accessory is 5 million U.S. dollars, payable by certified funds two weeks before start of production. Better get in line for that add-on right now! NOTE: The red laser that is available on some of our TempGun models DOES NOT measure temperature! It is a separate beam that simply serves as a pointing device. The surface temperatures are measured using an invisible infrared sensor. The red laser can shoot a very long distance, across the hall, across the building, across the street. The INFRARED sensor only shoots (effectively) a short to medium distance, depending on the model’s D:S ratio. So while you can use a “laser gun” and see a red dot on the wall 50 feet away, you ARE NOT measuring the temperature of that far away wall, but rather a general average temperature of a large area (from 50 ft). No infrared TempGun is any good at measuring empty air ambient temperatures.
How do I use the Pro Exotics TempGun to measure my RC engine temps?When temping out the engine of your Nitro car, you are looking for the highest current reading. That highest reading is typically going to come from your glow plug, and you can usually hit it from right over the top of your engine. Hold the “measure” button down on your TempGun, and pass it over the top of the engine. Get right up on the engine, so that you are just about touching the head. Holding down the button gives you continuous feedback, note the highest reading that you get, that is the number you are looking for. With the PE2 unit , you can shoot engine temps from a farther distance because of the tighter D:S ratio of 6:1. The PE2 unit is good for cars with high riding bodies, or where the engine is buried down in there and tough to access. From a distance of 4 inches, the PE2 will measure a spot just one half inch in diameter. With a moderately warm Nitro engine, you are likely to see temps in the 180-210°F range. With a car that has been running hard for a while, you will start to see the engine creep north of 230 or 240°F. If you go much higher than that, you risk melting a hole in the earth’s crust, or at least blowing your engine, so know your car’s limitations! Get to know the parameters of your own car and engine to fully understand what will be the best operational temps for your individual situation, whether it be backyard bashing or serious racing. As a note, also consider using the “Max” feature of the Pro Exotics TempGun. For the PE1 and PE2 models, hit the “measure” once to turn the gun on, and then hit the mode button twice to enter the “Max” mode. This way, as you hold down the measure button and pass over your engine, the TempGun will grab the HIGHEST reading and hold it until it sees something even hotter.
How do I measure RC engine temps with the laser models?You must keep in mind that the laser is offset one half inch from the center of the infrared sensor, and runs PARALLEL to the sensor. This is an important detail for close measurement!
How do I use the Pro Exotics TempGun to measure my RC tire temps?Temping out your tires with the TempGun is pretty easy. Get an inch or two away from your tire, point, and shoot. Read the temp. Done.
How do I use the Pro Exotics TempGun to measure my RC track temps?Track temps can vary quite a bit when you are racing outdoors. Tracks can really suck up the sunshine and get blazing hot. When you shoot a track with your TempGun, you are better able to manage your tire situation and get the most out of your car and race. Consider shooting shaded and open areas of the track to get a whole track feel, and be sure to follow up as the day wears on.
Will a TempGun work for my hobby, industry or application?I am willing to bet it will! We have had absolutely terrific feedback on our TempGuns, and I am confident that one of our models is well suited to your application. Buy one of our TempGuns, use it for 10 days, and if you are not completely satisfied, return it to us in like-new condition and we will refund your purchase price (shipping not included). If you purposely break it, smash it, drown it, have your kid barf on it, drop it in your cement mixer, or an active volcano (among other avoidable tragedies) this offer is void, and you must abide by the terms of our regular one year warranty.
I need an indestructible case for my TempGun. Can you help?Yep. We sell metal cases for each of our TempGun models right here at our site, check those out here . If you want a truly indestructible case, try the Pelican Cases at www.thermoworks.com . They come with a lifetime guarantee, and lots of pretty colors!
Are your TempGuns NIST Traceable? Are they calibrated and tested?Yes, all of the TempGuns we sell are calibrated and tested using NIST rated Calibration Meters (National Institute of Standards and Technology). For larger orders, our TempGuns are also available with individual Certificates of Calibration (COC). Please inquire if your application requires individual calibration documentation.
What is your warranty for the TempGuns?Pro Exotics TempGuns (all models) are warranted to be free from manufacturer’s defects and screw ups for a period of 1 year from the date of purchase. Keep your receipt handy, we just might ask to see it : )
Can I get a TempGun through my local hardware store, gadget spot or hobby shop?The TempGuns are available to hobby shops, hardware stores and other outlets either through direct Pro Exotics orders, or through their regular distributors. If your shop doesn’t carry the Pro Exotics TempGun, have them contact us at (303) 347-0500 or wholesale@tempgun.com for information on how they can carry the TempGun for their customers.
How do I open a wholesale account?To open an account with us, please fax us a copy of your business license and/or Federal Tax ID. You can fax us at (303) 347-0400. We will need this information before shipment.
Why did you stop carrying the Model Zero?Beat Biters, Dope Style Takers… Our original TempGun (retroactively named “Model Zero”) was a great unit. Unfortunately, a number of other companies thought so as well : ) We did not happen to own the tooling for the Model Zero TempGun, so other folks were able to call up the factory and have the same model run, with their own company label. Fine, but not cool for Pro Exotics : ) After selling a ton of Model Zero units in 2003 and early 2004, we decided to switch it up a bit and come out with a NEW model, the PE1, and this time, we definitely own the tooling! We repackaged the PE1 in a more display friendly blister pack, and the design of the actual PE1 body is more ergonomic to your hand. Making crazy moves and being aggressive with our marketing plan, we were also able to bring the retail price down from $35 each to just $30 each. The PE1 has the same great specs as the original Model Zero, so there is no compromise in temp readings or performance. It is an amazing TempGun value at $30!
I lost my TempGun operating instructions. Do you have a copy online?Yes we do, check out these links to go the operating instructions
For the PE2 unit, I see the temperature read 187°F, 198°F, and then 22°F. Does the decimal point drop off at 200°F?Yes, for the PE2 unit specifically, to maximize the size of the readout screen, it only holds three large digits up to 199°F, along with a smaller unit for tenths of a degree. At 200°F, it becomes two large digits, and one smaller digit, making up the full reading, i.e. 23 2 °F, for example. That should be read as “two hundred thirty two degrees Fahrenheit”. Ya dig?
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How to use a TempGun
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PE1A must-have tool for hobbyists and professionals in many fields
PE2Laser sight and tighter field of view for more precise targeting |
