Infrared Thermometer Module... Parallax?

Tim-M

Hi All,

I just ordered and received my first MLX90614 Infrared Thermometer Module, Parallax Item Code #28040. After downloading the documentation for it (see below) I see that it's available in two field of view versions... 90 degrees(what I bought) and 10 degrees - Parallax Item Code #28042. The 10 degree field of view would much better suit my project so I have the following questions:

1. I don't find the 10 degree field of view module in the Parallax store... is it available? When may it be available?

2. Can I shield the view of the sensor on the module I have by having it 'look' through a piece of rigid tubing at the area to be measured and still get a reliable result? Will it average the temperature of the tubing walls into the result? I have not tried or tested this just in case I have to return this module for exchange with the narrow FOV version, I thought it best to ask first.

I should have looked into the documentation before the purchase.

Thanks for the help,

Tim

Module Documentation: http://www.parallax.com/Portals/0/Downloads/docs/prod/sens/28040-28042-IRThermometer-v2.0.pdf

Post Edited (Tim-M) : 1/21/2009 6:44:34 PM GMT

SRLM

Huh. I thought it was a 60 degree field of view... Anyway, I'll let parallax chime in on #1. For the second question, though, you can't really shield the module. I've tried it with a small piece of black tubing (from the IR emitter shield) and it reduces the range of degrees shown by the module to about 5 degrees. In short, it doesn't work that way. However, one thing that might work is to get a lens (like as flashlight lens) and use that to focus incoming IR. It's on my try list as soon as I get a suitable reflector, but hasn't happened yet.

Bob Lawrence (VE1RLL)

From the Parallax Web store: The MLX90614 Infra Red Thermometer Module is an intelligent non-contact temperature sensor with a 90° field of view and a serial interface for easy connection to host microcontrollers.

It also includes this note" Parallax is using Melexis P/N MLX90614ESF-AAA-TO-39, the single zone infrared thermometer sensor.'"

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Aka: CosmicBob

Tim-M

Parallax, any feedback on this?

Thanks,

Tim

Chris Savage

Tim,

The new sensor is being released this afternoon. You can find it by entering its stock code (#28042) into the search window. This sensor is currently available for purchase and any links should be updated. I hope this helps. Take care.

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Chris Savage
Parallax Engineering

Bob Lawrence (VE1RLL)

Chris said...
This sensor is currently available for purchase and any links should be updated.

Update URL:
www.parallax.com/Store/Sensors/TemperatureHumidity/tabid/174/ProductID/539/List/1/Default.aspx?SortField=ProductName,ProductName

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Aka: CosmicBob

Tim-M

Thanks guys... Chris, I appreciate the product update. I'll get in touch with Customer Support to see if an exchange plus the difference cost to the 10 degree field of view version of the module is possible.

Tim

Tim-M

If you have been following this thread, I want to publicly thank Parallax and Jim Carey in Sales Support specifically, for the outstanding customer service provided in this case. It is yet another episode in the story of how of Parallax really understands how great support of products and customers generates customer loyalty and positive word of mouth exposure. As we all know, service and support seem to be a commodity that is all but extinct these days and the fact that Parallax takes it to levels above and beyond makes them stand way out front.

Like I wrote to Jim, I love being a Parallax customer and spread that word where ever I go... it's the least I can do. Parallax understands the value this has and that is so refreshing!

Thanks Jim and the rest of the staff for making my day.

Tim