<html> At 09:17 AM 11/13/2005 -0800, you wrote: <blockquote type=cite class=cite cite>List:   It has been my experience in testing that the infrared temp devices also need what is called an " emissivity " (sp?) adjustments depending on the surface type you are pointing it at.  This is due to the fact that it is a reflective device.  Soooooo  if the adjustment is not correct for the surface, then the temp will be a bit off.   I dont think this is a HUGE variance in temp, but saying this just so folks are aware. The temps you get will still likely be a generic average that is usable. I'm not trying to make a big deal about nothing, but just so you are aware thats all.   Dave McKibben  </blockquote> Oh yeah,    When I was testing for class date, I developed a "consistency target", so-to-speak. With my "cheapie" version, it was best to measure at two inches, and about 30 degree angle. Also, for certain fluctuation tests (we cooked a D, several times), I placed masking tape marker targets on the struts. So..... agreed. A generic usable average. Cool thing about averages, when you've got a ton of readings, they're pretty reliable. Regards, Guy <blockquote type=cite class=cite cite>  <dl> <dd>----- Original Message ----- <dd>From: <a href="mailto:JackHouweling@dccnet.com">Jack Houweling</a> <dd>To: <a href="mailto:pianotech@ptg.org">Pianotech</a> <dd>Sent: 11/12/2005 9:53:43 PM <dd>Subject: Re: Infrared non-contact Thermometer <dd>Hi Nichols, <dd>  <dd>Mine has a laser pointer, you just sit on the piano bench and start pointing and record tempertures up to six feet. I now just pointed it to a light bulb and got a reading of 195*f. <dd>  <dd>Jack Houweling <dd>----- Original Message ----- <dd>From: <a href="mailto:nicho@zianet.com">Nichols</a> <dd>To: <a href="mailto:pianotech@ptg.org">Pianotech</a> <dd>Sent: Saturday, November 12, 2005 8:13 PM <dd>Subject: Re: Infrared non-contact Thermometer <dd>Jack, <dd>   Got pages and pages of temps from info gathered for a class. Wait till you get your new toy on stage, man. It's cool. You can check your temps on struts and strings and actually out-guess the pitch drop! If you have a regular venue or two (or ten), you can get some averages for how much change to expect under the lights and with an audience, etc. It's funny how different it can be for different groups, like symphony or choir. Once you get a fair idea of the swings, you're looking at about .8 cent per degree F. The fun comes when you run out during intermission, etc., with an ETD and the IR thermo to check stats. Way cool. <dd>Mine is a Radio Shack 50 buck model. I lust after the one I saw at the radiator shop that had a laser pointer built in, and would read from 2 feet away. <dd>Have fun! <dd>Oh, and don't forget to take it outside with you next time you BBQ. Tells you alot about how your smoker/grill/ whatever is working. <dd>La! ter, <dd>Guy <dd>    </dl></blockquote></html>