Kubs

I would like to keep track of my tire temps while at the track, but I have no idea what a good thermometer would cost, or who makes one. Im not looking for the best one, just a reasonably priced one that works well. Where should I be looking?

Thanks in advance!

johninar

I've seen quite a few of these at the track.
http://www.pegasusautoracing.com/pro....asp?RecID=875

ghoffman

We use and sell the Joe's Racing products. I really like the adjustable probe in these. It is not plastic, but CNC machined aluminum for durability.
"JOES Professional Infra Red Pyrometer has a rubberized surface that feels great in your hand. The rubber corners soften impacts . Laser guided accuracy works great up to 1472 degrees F. Take header temps, brake temps as well as tire and track temps. Use the Data Hold feature to measure for camber adjustments. Record the standard 3 temps per tire or record 5 temps per tire for extra precision. Some of the features include a max or min hold feature records the highest and lowest number, auto shut off, user selectable C or F, backlight for night use, laser guided and comes complete with the JOES Adjustable Tire Probe that is designed with a right angle to fit the tight fender clearance on your race car. The adjustable tip probes can be set for your rubber thickness ensuring you measure temperatures down to the cord where the real action is stored. Tire rubber will be a different temperature based on how deep you insert the probe. For accuracy you need to move quickly and insert probes at a consistent depth at every location."


http://hardbarusa.com/hardbar/produc...roducts_id=128

Kubs

Wow!! That is a lot more than I thought it would be.... It has a lot of cool features though.


This one sounds a little bit more reasonable. I hope I am reading this right, it is IR AND probe? Does the probe plug into the IR thermometer?

ghoffman

Yes, it has both with a laser aiming light for the IR.

Kubs

What is the data hold feature for camber? How does it work?

Haha nevermind I figured it out! It holds the temp data to help with camber adjustments. Dummy me!

Z11409

www.racerpartswholesale.com/

ghoffman

Exactly!
Then you can get the one that does all that and measures the humidity in the tires.
One professional tool does it all! Check tire temps with the JOES adjustable probe and check track temps with the built in laser guided IR sensor. Use the tire adapter and humidity function to check your tires for excessive moisture. Record the outside temperature, relative humidity percent, due point and wet bulb for optimal engine tuning. Weather has an effect on your set ups and the JOES system gives you information you need to store in your chassis set up book allowing you to repeat those winning set ups. One professional tool records your most important data and the USB cable and software are included for quick downloading to your computer. Comes complete with the JOES Adjustable Tire Probe that is designed with a right angle to fit the tight fender clearance on your race car. The adjustable tip probes can be set for your rubber thickness ensuring you measure temperatures down to the cord where the real action is stored. Tire rubber will be a different temperature based on how deep you insert the probe. For accuracy you need to move quickly and insert probes at a consistent depth at every location.

http://hardbarusa.com/hardbar/produc...roducts_id=123

Kubs

I dont think I need the humidity thing. The first one you posted is a contender.

These prices look good, but how good are the parts? Some of them look kinda cheap.

midgetracr

Search for "IR" (infra red) at NorthernTool.com. They have several inexpensive units for sale.

ghoffman

For tires, you really need a probe though.

Kubs

Yes I am looking for one with a probe.

midgetracr

I agree that a probe is the best way of learning internal tire temps. However a cheap IR tool will still give useful info even though the actual numbers will differ from a probe. It all depends on how accurate you need to be and how much you want to spend.

davidfarmer

IR is great for measuring your left front tire (at most tracks) the second you come off of the track.

However, you really want a probe pyrometer with 12 tire storage positions....probing and writing is hard to do alone, and you will surely invert some numbers.

I have one of these, but have no idea how much is cost. http://www.ioportracing.com/instructions/L50690.htm
It does temps and has a stopwatch feature as well. It has 10 memory positions, but I never use them.

davidfarmer

gkmccready

I have this one: http://www.longacreracing.com/catalo...d=1314&catid=7 $214
This is David's: http://www.longacreracing.com/catalo...id=188&catid=7 $370

--

Actually, David has the next model up with the PC/Printer option...

Kubs

Thanks guys. It looks like I have to start saving! I used to just do one lap time trials per NCCC rules but this year I am looking into NASA TT so something like this is a must in my opinion.

MungoZ06

Anyone think something like this GP pyrometer might do for the autoxer and hpde'r?
Found in discussion on Trackpedia ... :o

thermoworks Mini Handheld Thermocouple (MTC)
$43.00 ($35.00 on orders of five or more) for the MTC.
various probes at ~ $30.00 each.
Resolution to 0.1°C or F
Uses interchangeable type K thermocouple probes
Large LCD display
IP 65 Splash Resistant
°C/°F Switchable
Magnetic Back Panel

Basic capability for about $80.00

Kubs

Where did you find this? Do you have a link?

MungoZ06

I'm leery about posting links, so google it or put a www in front of thermoworks and a dot com/ behind
The mtc is on the main page