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PR0TEM1r12-A
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
PN:PT12A
Introduction
The Triplett ProTemp 12-A is a compact,
rugged, easy to use non-contact ther
mometer. It uses state of the art infrared
measurement technology to provide a
convenient method of measuring from a
distance, temperatures of hot, hazardous,
or hard-to-reach objects or surfaces. With
a quick press of the trigger, a built-in laser
identifies the measurement area, and the
backlit LCD display shows the tempera
ture of the target. You will find the 12-A
so convenient and easy to use that you
will find numerous uses for this innovative
thermometer.
How It Works
Infrared thermometers measure the
surface temperature of an object. The
unit's optics sense emitted, reflected, and
transmitted energy, which is collected
and focused onto a detector. The unit's
electronics translate the information into a
temperature reading which is displayed on
the unit. The built in laser aids in pointing
the thermometer by identifying the center
of the measurement area.
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Warning
Never point the laser directly into anyone's
eyes, or at reflective surfaces that may
reflect into someone's eyes.
How to Operate
Trigger
..
Battery
Door
1
2
Open the battery cover and install a new 9
volt alkaline battery in the unit.
ProTemp 12-A Control Buttons
1) LASER
2) Switch from Celsius to Fahrenheit
3) Backlight Symbol
These buttons allow the user turn the
Laser and Backlight on and off. The 12-A
remembers the settings, so the next time
the unit is operated, it will use the settings
programmed by the previous user.
Pull and hold the 'trigger' while observing
the LCD display. The 12-A will perform a
self test and then display the measured
temperature. If the 12-A was recently
used, it may not perform the self test. Note
the behavior of the unit, and if desired,
use the buttons to change the settings.
Symbols in the LCD display indicate what
settings are selected.
B C
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E
A
F
G
A) DATA HOLD icon
B) SCAN Icon
C) LASER ON Icon
D) BACKLIGHT ON Icon
E) BATTERY Icon
F) Temperature Units
G) Measured Temperature
While the trigger is held in, the 12-A is in
the 'live scan' mode and will display the
temperature of objects as the 12-A is
pointed at them. The SCAN icon in the
LCD display indicates that the 12-A is in
the Scan mode. If the laser is activated,
it identifies the center of the area that the
12-A is measuring. The diameter of the
measurement area changes with the dis
tance from the 12-A. For details, see the
section on Distance and Spot Size.
When the trigger is released, the 12-A
will hold the last temperature reading for
about 7 seconds. The DATA HOLD icon on
the LCD display will light. The unit will turn
off automatically.
If the battery is low, the BATTERY icon will
light. Replace the battery to avoid inaccu
rate readings.
How to Accurately
Measure Temperatures
1) Temperature Averaging:
The 12-A measures the temperature of an
area, not a small spot. The laser is used to
aim the 12-A . The spot produced by the
laser is much smaller than the area that
the 12-A is measuring. The 12-A cannot
accurately measure the temperature of
something less than 1" in diameter. When
the 12-A is used to measure something
that is too small, the reading obtained is
an average of the temperature of the small
object and the surrounding surfaces. To
measure small objects, get as close as
possible to the object to minimize the
error.
2) Distance and Spot Size:
As the distance between the 12-A and the
measured object or surface increases, the
area that the 12-A measures increases
also. For the 12-A, the Distance to Spot
Size Ratio is approximately 12:1. This
means that the Spot Size is approximately
1112th of the distance between the PT-
12-A and the measured object or surface.
So at 36 inches, the spot is about 3 inches
in diameter. At 12 feet, the spot is about 1
foot in diameter.
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75mm@
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3) Field of View
To get the most accurate measurement,
the object or surface being measured
should completely fill the Spot Size of the
PT12-A. Consider the Distance to Spot
Size Ratio, and position the PT12-A ac
cordingly.
4) Emissivity
The 12-A is calibrated for an Emissivity of
0.95. Most organic materials and painted
or oxidized surfaces have an emissivity of
0.95. Inaccurate readings will result from
measuring shiny or polished metal sur
faces. To compensate, cover the surface
to be measured with masking tape or
flat black paint. Allow time for the tape
to reach the same temperature as the
material underneath it. Measure the tem
perature of the tape or painted surface.
Test Equipment Depot - 800.517.8431 - 99 Washington Street Melrose, MA 02176 - TestEquipmentDepot.com
