Frustrated With Temperature Readings

[fkshiu]

The best way to calibrate any thermometer is to put it under your tongue (or where the sun don't shine - your choice). It should read 98.6 degrees F.

[Bryan]

That only works if the thermometer has a linear slope. Best is to purchase a lab grade thermometer and use that as a basis for referencing thsoe cheap digital thermometers.

[o.c.d.]

I just bought a non contact infrared thermometer. I quite like it can get a bulb temp. So far the accuracy is dead on.Would make a good cat toy with the laser pointer although my dog acts like it's a sniper and bolts if he see's it? Little wussy dog.

[viperfish]

Originally Posted by o.c.d.

I just bought a non contact infrared thermometer. I quite like it can get a bulb temp. So far the accuracy is dead on.Would make a good cat toy with the laser pointer although my dog acts like it's a sniper and bolts if he see's it? Little wussy dog.

I have one of those. I'll have to give it a try. Would the glass and water cause inaccurate readings?

[Myka]

I have used those laser thermometers on the oil rigs lots to check the temp of fluids. They are usually fairly accurate, but I wouldn't use them as a calibration tool.

Originally Posted by fkshiu

The best way to calibrate any thermometer is to put it under your tongue (or where the sun don't shine - your choice). It should read 98.6 degrees F.

Originally Posted by Bryan

That only works if the thermometer has a linear slope.

It works great if you use a human designed thermometer to measure your body temp, check its accuracy, and then use that thermometer in the tank beside your aquarium thermometer. I have done this, and I find both of my digital TDS meters (one Hanna, one HM) are both accurate for temperature. Using that I have calibrated some glass aquarium thermometers that stay in the tank and sump permanently. Both the glass thermometers read 2 degrees too high.

[new but handy]

Originally Posted by fkshiu

The best way to calibrate any thermometer is to put it under your tongue (or where the sun don't shine - your choice). It should read 98.6 degrees F.

98.6 is the average temp of people, everyone is slightly different.
I am consistantly 97.4. my gf runs at 99 or so