Heitronics KT15D Infrared Thermometer
Purpose of instrument:-
The Infrared thermometer is used to measure the radiation temperature of the grass surface. With knowledge
of the emissivity, the true temperature can be calculated.
Principles of operation:-
The instrument measures the thermal radiation emitted by a body. This is dependent on two factors: the
temperature of the body and it's emissivity. The instrument has a programmable switch allowing the emissivity
to be adjusted, depending on the nature of the surface being measured. The calculated temperature is then output.
For practical purposes, however, the emissivity is always kept at 1. Adjustments can always be made during
post-processing to allow for varying emissivities. The instrument outputs both an analogue signal proportional
to the measured temperature, and as serial data.
The spectral sensitivity of the KT15.82D infrared thermometer is 8 to 14 mm, and the
temperature measurement range is -25 to 75oC.
Further information on this instrument can be found on the manufacturer's website:
www.heitronics.com
Instrument setup:-
The IRT is housed in a waterproof shield, and mounted on a mast at a height of 2.5m above the ground.
It is tilted at an angle of approximately 20o to the vertical and the surface
below is short grass, which is representative of the site as a whole.
The detector is a "type A" and an "M6" lens is used on the unit. This particular setup, this gives an
effective target area on the ground of roughly 1 metre diameter.
