Introduction; How It Works - Omega Engineering OS1300 Series User Manual

1)

Introduction

The OS1300-Series handheld infrared thermometer is a non-contact temperature sensing thermometer. It has a wide
temperature range of -50 to 1300°C (-58 to 2372°F). This thermometer features a backlit display which is automatically
illuminated when the trigger is pulled and allows working in poor or zero-lighting conditions. The single laser is also
automatically active when the trigger is pulled. The laser sight can be turned on and off with the press of a button. The laser
is located above the IR sensor to locate the center of the area being measured. The field of view is 16:1. The thermometer
constantly updates the temperature measurement as long as the trigger is held in and will "hold" on the last temperature
seen when the trigger is released. The OS1300-Series has adjustable emissivity, min, max, and averaging functions, as well
as high and low alarm capability. This safely measures surface temperatures of hot, hazardous, or hard-to-reach objects
without contact.

1.1 How it works

This handheld infrared thermometer measures 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 converts the energy
value into a temperature in °C or °F which is displayed on the digital display. A clean line of sight free of dust or mist is
needed between the sensor and the object. For increased ease of use and accuracy the laser pointer makes aiming even
more precise.
Measurement:
When taking measurement, point the thermometer toward the object to be measured and hold the trigger. The
temperature will be displayed and the word "SCAN" will flash on the left-hand side of the LCD screen to indicate that the
temperature is continually being updated on the display. When the trigger is released, the last reading seen will be held on
the display and the word "HOLD" will be visible on the left-hand side of the LCD screen. The object under test should be
larger than the spot size calculated by the field of view diagram below.
Field of View:
Field of view, or distance to spot ratio, is the size of an area that can be measured from a specified distance. As the distance
from the object increases, the spot size of the measuring area becomes larger. Make sure the target is larger than the unit's
spot size. When accuracy is critical, ensure that the target is at least twice as large as the spot size. Please see field of view
diagram for the OS1300-Series below.
Emissivity:
Most organic materials and painted or oxidized surfaces have an emissivity of 0.95 (pre-set in the unit but adjustable).
Inaccurate readings will result from measuring shiny or polished metal surfaces. To compensate, cover the measured
surface with masking tape of flat black paint. Measure the tape or painted surface when the tape or painted surface
reaches the material temperature. Please see the Emissivity table below for common emissivity values and adjust
accordingly.