Pro Exotics PE-2 Temp gun review

[infernalis]

Wow was my thermometer wrong:confused:

My probe thermometer had my basking spot showing at 134 degrees (F) and I thought that was accurate and fine.

Today I received the excellent PE-2 temp gun from Robyn and tested it out by measuring my basking platform in my Savannah Monitor enclosure.

The first time I pointed it at the platform I was shocked at the difference in readings.

The laser spot was aimed at the centre of the heated platform and the reading displayed was 149.8 (F), skeptical, I tried again and the reading was the same.

That's nearly 16 degrees hotter than my probe thermometer was reading at the same spot.

My animals are very important to me, and this is an unacceptable margin for error to me.

So I personally give the PE-2 temp gun two thumbs up for accuracy and ease of use.

No reptile keeper should be without one.

http://www.varanus.us/husbandry/tempgun1.jpg

[infernalis]

I know some other members of the forum recently purchase temp guns from Pro Exotics / Tempgun.com.

Please share your experiences with us on this thread.

[Trollbie]

Well I noticed that just because my thermostat reads the right temperature, doesn't mean that it stays that high through the layer of substrate... I noticed it because of that same temp gun, of course.

[Gungirl]

I love it.. I dropped and broke my other one. This one does a great job and I have yet to throw it on the floor but when I do ( I always do ) I will let you know how it holds up.

[SpOoKy]

I didn't order one from this deal but I had one already and I love it. it is used every day just to check the temps in all of my cages. Best money I ever spent :)

[infernalis]

Mine just settled a debate...

Someone was concerned about her Sav getting burned on an unprotected light bulb.

It's common practice to use a cluster of lower wattage bulbs (45-50 watt) to achieve a uniform basking spot.

Another member posted that without a guard in place, her sav would suffer burns from the light bulbs.

so I pointed the temp gun right at the light bulb, and the bulb itself is 10 degrees COOLER than my actual basking platform!!

Savs cannot get skin burns from a light bulb that only reaches a surface temperature of 132 degrees.

[Robyn@SYR]

You pointed it at the surface of the bulb? I pull much higher temps doing that : )

As for probes vs. temp guns, that really illustrates the difference between surface temps vs. air temps. No matter how close the probe is to the surface, it is still surrounded by air, even inside the little plastic nub.

Using a high quality and immediate feedback thermocouple, I have measured air temps that are 30+ degrees cooler than the surface temp of a basking spot, and just 1/4" inch off the surface. Sounds about like what you were seeing.

I find temps fascinating, especially in understanding how reptiles use them.

[jarich]

Works great and I love the red sight laser as well. Can't have asked for a better deal (and the case is pretty cool too!)

[infernalis]

You pointed it at the surface of the bulb? I pull much higher temps doing that : ) .

now you have me wanting to try it dead centre.

The thing is, the glowing filament produces direct IR radiation.

http://www.varanus.us/husbandry/IRwaves.jpg

The red line is where I pointed the laser, so I didn't pick up stray IR waves, and I was not trying to measure the filament either.

[KORBIN5895]

Hey Wayne, router out a small grove in your basking platform to insert your thermostat probe then cover it with an epoxy or some such similar product. That way your probe will get the actual surface temps.

[shaunyboy]

my lazer temperature gun was probaly my best investment

i use
http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=raytek+raynger+st80&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CD8QFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.instrumart.com%2Fproducts%2F2 308%2Fraytek-raynger-st80-is-infrared-thermometer&ei=AY-BT8f-FYqA8wO-tOSsBg&usg=AFQjCNEvdj5WHzPu7UBKKKvKrrI37h5Z4A&cad=rja

i picked up a 2nd hand one,like new,still in its original packaging for £50 ($75) on e bay

its crazy how your probe thermometer,was 16 degree's out from your lazer readings wayne

lazer temp guns come in handy for all sorts,including giving you the body temps of your animals

i've even used mines to quickly take the kids temperatures,when they're not feeling too well;)

cheers shaun

[mo9e64]

when your ambient temp is too low is when you can get problems with burning,also the type of bulb you use is important nonhalogen bulbs of low wattage you should not have any problems at all.The bulb shouldn't direct heat into a small spot but evenly.I know some recommend GE, proexotics have a brand they suggest.

If you are using guards on your bulbs and your animals aren't getting burnt,they are too hot and too far away from the basking spot.Because your animals would be getting burnt on the guard if it were the appropiate wattage bulb.Don't use guards.

[marvelfreak]

I didn't order one from this deal but I had one already and I love it. it is used every day just to check the temps in all of my cages. Best money I ever spent :)
This is me and this is why i always say everyone with reptiles should owned a temp gun. My son got mine on e-bay for $6.00 the shipping cost more than the gun. I have had it two years now and it works great. I was stunned the first time i used it. I don't care how spot on you think your temps are, the first time you use one you will be amazed at what you temperatures really are.

[red ink]

I use a temp gun that has a thermo couple probe on it as well as emission settings for different types of materials. I set it on wood for the snakes and sand for the lizards. Temp guns read reflected IR, depending on the material it's reflected off it can give you carrying read outs.

[infernalis]

.Don't use guards.

That was the whole point, on the other forum one guy said put the bulbs above the screen!! (eek)

Another told her to use guards..

I showed her pictures of the widely used hanging bulbs, then illustrated that a proper low wattage bulb will not burn the lizard.

I can set my hand on the face of my 50 watt halogens, yes it's uncomfortable, but I don't blister either.

[Robyn@SYR]

Yes, the side of the bulb, even the edge, is a lot cooler than the face.

The problem with bulb "guards" is that they produce exactly the OPPOSITE effect intended.

I have seen plenty of lizards severely burned in cages with bulb guards or bulb cages. That is because the lizards can't resist grabbing the cage and hanging on, right next to the bulb. Even worse are the few times I have seen lizards get caught INSIDE those dopey cages, literally cooked to death.

I have never had a lizard get a bulb burn using openly hanging bulbs.

In the mid-90s, when we got our first temp gun, it completely revolutionized the way we kept lizard species, and our success with them.

[infernalis]

Yes, the side of the bulb, even the edge, is a lot cooler than the face.

The problem with bulb "guards" is that they produce exactly the OPPOSITE effect intended.

I have seen plenty of lizards severely burned in cages with bulb guards or bulb cages. That is because the lizards can't resist grabbing the cage and hanging on, right next to the bulb. Even worse are the few times I have seen lizards get caught INSIDE those dopey cages, literally cooked to death.

I have never had a lizard get a bulb burn using openly hanging bulbs.

In the mid-90s, when we got our first temp gun, it completely revolutionized the way we kept lizard species, and our success with them.


http://www.thamfriends.com/MPFG/images/dscf1102.jpg

[Robyn@SYR]

"Whoooooooooo!"

[Trollbie]

http://www.thamfriends.com/MPFG/images/dscf1102.jpg

Oh em gee! One of the cutest photos ever!

[infernalis]

Oh em gee! One of the cutest photos ever!


Maybe so, but Anna Savannah kept yanking Dan's wiring out.

That picture illustrates why keepers should not use hoods and guards inside monitor enclosures.

[jarich]

Whose monitor is that Wayne?

[infernalis]

Whose monitor is that Wayne?

Anna Savanna used to belong to a young man I knew who went off to college, she has been rehomed, along with Lyle Nile.

It's a pity, he was taking fairly good care of them, but his parents refused to take care of his 2 monitors while he was away to university.

He sent me pictures of both animals back when he was on my forum.