Accurate Digital Thermometers?

[SnakeGirl3]

OK, so I've been using these Springfield digital thermometers from Walmart since they were fairly inexpensive yet extremely accurate. Unfortunately, I think Walmart has either ceased to carry these items, or that the manufacturer has stopped producing them. In either case, I need to find another relatively inexpensive, yet highly accurate, thermometer.

I found this one: http://www.herpsupplies.com/images/Z...lterrarium.jpg

I was wondering what everyone's thoughts on this one was. Does it work well for you? Anyone tested it with a temp gun for accuracy? Does it seem to last? The price is in my budget, but if it's a crappy thermometer that's usually off by 2-5 degrees, I'd rather not waste my money. I can always go slightly higher on price if I have to to find one that's accurate as well as lasts a while.

Thanks in advance!

[el8ch]

Hey there - I'm not sure which one you were looking at as the link just directed me to the homepage of the site, but I can offer you some advice based on my experience.

I used digital thermometers (Exo-Terra and Zilla) and thermo/hygro combos in the past and when I bought my first temperature gun I found that there were many discrepancies between the digital probe and the gun (usually in the 5 degree range).

I just stick with my temp gun now...

[SnakeGirl3]

This one is a Zoo Med Digital Thermometer with probe. I've heard that many of the "reptile" thermomters are not all that accurate in the past, but a few friends had tested the Springfields I'd been using with temps guns, and they were usually pretty spot-on for accuracy (within +/- 0.5 degrees F). I wouldn't mind finding a fairly inexpensive thermometer/hygrometer gauge, but most of those are really pricey (~$25-30), and I hate to spend that kind of money if they aren't even accurate.

I'm trying to find something to monitor individual tubs in my in-the-works DIY incubator. I'm usually not very good at this DIY stuff, so I'm trying to see how well my little project is working. LOL I'm using an old wine fridge, taped in some heat tape, and hooked it up to a Spyder Robotics Herpstat thermostat. Just trying to monitor individual tubs now to see if a fan is necessary, or if all the tubs throughout are fairly consistent.

[el8ch]

Cool Project - After posting here I started to do some reading since my herpstat and temp gun don't have similar readings either.

Check this out - Kitedemon has some good posts.

[Robyn@SYR]

I think the digital thermometers are reasonably accurate, although not as accurate as a temp gun.

We use/sell the Accurite Digital thermos which are nice because they have the Minimum/Maximum temperature memory, which really expands their functionality.

I clicked on the thread link above, which was a discussion along these same accuracy lines, and I posted a long detailed reply there, which is relevant to this discussion as well. It centers around the difference between air temps and surface temps, a relationship that is important to understand. Check it out when you have a moment...

http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...=1#post1637918

[kitedemon]

Ir guns like all tools have limitations they are very sensitive to what you are pointing at. They will reflect off some objects (glossy plastics some metals and most metal foil) Incorrect emissivity can also effect the temp as well. The example is paper is rated at 0.95e where basalt is 0.70e. I use IR guns a lot they are fast and easy but be careful in the use like all things they are not always perfectly accurate the +/-2ºF in the specs is to allow for manufacturing variations. I like my PE2 I use it a fair bit but my tests have not ever come with in 0.1ºF I am usually around the 0.9ºF area which is quite good.

Digital probed types are basically all the same until you get to the traceable thermocouple devices (very very expensive) They use an electrical resistor (restive sensor) that measures variable resistance at different temps. A very simple and cheap way unfortunately it also is effected by bad wires bent or broken strands bad or poor solder joints and any junk on the probe. My general advise is not to trust any of them and to buy 3 (5 is better) and pick out the ones that read the exact same when the probes are placed together (after 30min of adjustment) With that in mind I usually suggest the cheapest you can find so you have something that is replaceable when it is soiled or damaged.