Accurate temperature measurements are vital during many industrial processes that involve heating or cooling. That's because too much or too little heat can give poor results, so it's necessary to ensure that the temperature is accurately controlled.

Kilns, for example, often operate at temperatures in excess of 1000°C and measuring temperatures of this order requires a probe that can cope with the heat. Further down the scale, a probe can also be used to measure the temperature of solder in a solder bath - eg, for tin-plating or wave-soldering PC boards. In the latter case, the solder must generally be maintained at a fairly constant temperature to ensure correct adhesion.

Accurate temperature measurements are also vital in the refrigeration industry. After all, many foods and other products can quickly spoil unless kept below specific temperatures.

This new Digital Thermometer/Thermostat can measure temperatures from -55°C to 1200°C, depending on the probe that's used. Its resolution is 0.1°C for measurements from -55°C to 199°C, and 1°C for measurements 200°C to 1200°C. However, the measurement accuracy itself depends on the calibration and the linearity of the probe used. Typically, the accuracy is within 2% of reading for measurements up to 500°C.

Table 1 shows the expected readings from the Digital Thermometer for a given temperature.

Main Features -55°C to 1200°C reading (dependent on probe) 0.1°C resolution to 199.9°C 1°C resolution to 1200°C Under and over temperature alarm indication Suitable for driving relays for thermostat control Adjustable alarm temperature AC plugpack or 2 x 9V battery operation LCD readout Compact case