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Product:
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ThermoHAWK 200 Touchless Thermometer |
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Price:
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$54 (CDN) / $49 (U.S)
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Supplied By:
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Q3 Innovations
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Author:
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clsGrinder
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Date:
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September 2nd, 2006
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Rating:
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MODTHEBOX would like to thank Q3 Innovations
for sending the ThermoHAWK 200 Touchless Thermometer for review.
Introduction:
Today, the world of professional quality personal safety and monitoring devices meets with the world of PC enthusiasts and modders.
"How so", you ask? Q3 Innovations, a maker of environmental sensors, (DOT/NHTSA/FDA) approved breathalyzers, and UV level indicators
recently introduced a product series called the ThermoHAWK touchless thermometer. Today in the MTB Labs, we will be evaluating the
ThermoHAWK 200, a pen-sized thermometer designed for a wide variety of applications
Specifications:
The ThermoHAWK 200, is a touchless thermometer that allows you to instantly check the surface temperature of almost any object. Employing
thermopile technology, the ThermoHAWK series measures the intensity of incident radiation which is typically visible or infrared light.
Because of this, the device is extremely compact in size, does not require calibration, and takes only a fraction of a second to produce
a measured temperature. Here are the features and specifications right from the Q3 Innovations website:
Model
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ThermoHawk
200 |
ThermoHawk
400/400L |
| Measurement
Range |
-33 to 110°C
(-27 to 230°F)
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-33 to 220°C
(-27 to 428°F)
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| Operating Range |
0 to 50°C
(32 to 122°F) |
0 to 50°C
(32 to 122°F) |
| Accuracy |
+/- 2.5% (2.5°C) |
+/- 2.5% (2.5°C) |
| Accuracy |
+/- 1°C |
+/- 1°C |
| Resolution |
0.2°C (0.5°F)
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0.2°C (0.5°F)
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| Response Time |
1 second |
1 second |
| Distant to Spot
Ratio |
1:1 |
1:1 |
| Emissivity |
0.95 fixed |
0.95 fixed |
| Update Frequency |
1.4 Hz |
1.4 Hz |
| Dimension |
13 x 128 mm |
13 x 128 mm |
| Wave Length |
5 um to 14 um |
5 um to 14 um |
| Weight |
45.0 g |
45.0 g |
| Battery |
2 LR44 Batteries |
2 LR44 Batteries;
1 AAA Battery |
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Click image for larger view
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Click image for larger view
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The ThermoHAWK 200 uses clear plastic blister packaging. It opens like a clam shell so you don’t have to chew the package open like a
dog to get at the instrument inside.
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Click image for larger view
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Click image for larger view
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An inventory of the ThermoHAWK 200 yields the following:
- ThermoHAWK 200
- 2 x L1154 button batteries
- Owners manual
The ThermoHAWK 200 is a stylish looking and durable unit. An aluminum body means it can take some professional abuse while tethered
using the keychain or in a pocket. Its profile is quite unique as it is much smaller than competing devices of the same function.
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Click image for larger view
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Click image for larger view
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The infrared sensor is protected by a pop off style cap. In using the ThermoHAWK 200 thoroughly for a week, I’m confident that the
inner plastic lining of the cap will not wear over time. It feels snug and firm when in place, insuring that you won’t lose it during
transport, and it seals the sensor well enough as to keep dust, water, and even pesky pocket lint out of the unit. The butt of the
device is fabricated to mimic that of a Maglight flashlight.
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Click image for larger view
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Click image for larger view
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The LCD on the ThermoHAWK has digits for outputting temperature, declaration of measurement type (Celsius or Fahrenheit) plus a battery
indicator. This simple yet thoughtful design continues with its single button operation. A click of the button gives you an instant
measurement from the infrared sensor. If you keep the button pressed, it reports real-time temperature changes.
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Click image for larger view
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Click image for larger view
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While it has been mentioned that the ThermoHAWK 200 measures temperature in Celsius or Fahrenheit, the toggle switch is found opposite
of the LCD. A paperclip or similar sharp object switches between the two modes.
Observations:
While the ThermoHAWK 200 works entirely as advertised, I wanted to take a moment to explain the distant to spot ratio of 1:1. What
this means, is if you want to take an accurate measurement of the RAM chips on your video card (i.e. a 1.5cm by 1.5cm Integrated
Circuit) you would have to position the tip of the ThermoHAWK 200 1.5cm away from the chip. If you position the ThermoHAWK away from
your point of interest, (say 5cm away) the temperature reported by the device will be cooler.
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Conclusion:
Being in possession of a pocket sized, durable, device that optically measures temperatures quickly, efficiently, and
accurately is quite a charm. The sky is the limit with the ThermoHAWK 200 as you can measure anything within its operating
range of -33 to 110 degrees Celsius. If you need measurements on more extreme temperatures, a 400 and 400L model is available.
For the PC enthusiast, this is an inspirational tool to track the temperature of your RAM’s heat spreaders, power regulator IC’s,
hard drives, etc., and develop internal cooling strategies accordingly. After a full week of hard-core use, the ThermoHAWK 200
performed flawlessly. I see no weakness in its function or design from both a short term and long term perspective. Quality
measurement tools never come cheap, and at $54 CDN I feel this thing holds its value. Overall, I was impressed with the
ThermoHAWK 200 and award a final rating of 9 out of 10. If you
have any questions regarding this review, be sure to visit the Q3 Innovations
website for more information or discuss them in our forums.
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Pros:
- Attractive looks
- Durable materials
- Lightning fast measurements
- Compact design
- Price
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Cons:
- Product availability
- No backlight on LED
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