SeeTemp

An app for the Kookaberry

Developed by
Tony Strasser

AustSTEM

This App measures spot temperatures in the same way that temperature guns are used in COVID-19 testing stations and at airports. It uses a sensor which measures the infrared energy transmitted from a surface.

It allows you take as many readings as you like, and stores the measured values of both ambient and surface temperature for each reading in its memory. Measurements can be accessed later for adding to an Excel file.

Directions

Step 1: Setup

This App requires the non-contact IR Temperature sensor to be plugged into Pin 3 on the Kookaberry using two 4-wire jst cables with the Pin swap module connected inline as shown below.

Use the _config app to identify your Kookaberry by giving it a unique number.

Step 2: Running the App

Navigate to the SeeTemp app in the menu and press B to run. It will prompt you to plug the sensor into P3 if you have not already done so.

Once it has detected the sensor it will enter an initialisation phase for a few seconds

          

When it has completed initialisation it will show the “Ready for measurement” screen

What is showing on the “Ready for Measurement” screen?

  1. Top Row: Name of app and pin number for sensor.
  2. Second to fourth rows:  Instructions for using the sensor
  3. Bottom Row: Button A is Exit from app; Button B takes the measurement

Step 3: Taking the reading

Pressing Button will take the reading and show both the ambient and surface temperatures on the screen as shown below. Readings are numbered in sequence.

   

Step 4: Logging and analysing the readings

Each time a reading is made, the ambient and measured temperatures are logged into the memory together with the number of the reading. If notes are taken of the surface being measured, then the reading number will allow you to match the measurement with your notes.

When you have finished taking readings, connect your Kookaberry to a computer and you will see that an Excel csv has been generated in the Kookaberry’s Directory.

 

Open the csv file to view the readings and save it to another location in your computer for later analysis as part of a learning plan.

Emissivity

Not all surfaces emit the same level of infrared radiation when they are at same actual temperature as measured by a thermometer. Very black matte (not shiny) surfaces are the most efficient emitter of infrared energy, and are said to have an emissivity factor very close to 1. A mirror, or other highly reflective surfaces like the outside of a shiny steel can, have an emissivity factor very close to zero.

All surfaces therefore have emissivity factors between 1 and 0. The type of surface being measured has to be taken into account if an accurate temperature is to be measured. Luckily most surfaces in common use have high emissivity.

Follow this link for a video explanation of emissivity applied to infrared cameras. We are discussing sensors, but the theory is the same.

Measurement tips

  • Hold the sensor 1-2cm from the surface being measured
  • For taking a person’s temperature point it inside their mouth to get an accurate reading. Medical temperature guns are calibrated to take an accurate reading from a person’s forehead.
  • Watch out for shiny surfaces that will give much lower temperature readings than what they should be.
  • For highest accuracy, it’s best to allow some time (about 20 minutes is usually enough) for your IR thermometer to come to the temperature of its surroundings when bringing the thermometer into surroundings that are significantly warmer or colder than where it has been stored.

Peripherals used by this app

Version:


Last updated:1 week ago


Device:Kookaberry


Radio code:


App ID:...


lib_dependencies:


root_dependencies:


Downloads

SeeTemp
SeeTemp-1.pdf


Download on GitHub
Image

Support

Issues resolved in the support forum:

8 out of 11
View support forum

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