Apex temp probe calibration

[jacobB89]

Looking to calibrate my temp probe after seeing how off they can be out the box. Wondering if anyone has some digital temp probes the nicer ones not the $10 ones from pet store. I found some in the hundreds but wondering if anyone has a few I could borrow and take a average of them.

 

Thanks

[Origami]

While it's nice to have accuracy, Jacob. It's not exactly required. Even if the probe is off by a degree or two, it doesn't make a huge difference. It's more important that it accurately detects changes so you can keep the temperature stable. Just an opinion.

 

If you really want to nail down the absolute accuracy, though, invest in a NIST-traceable thermometer (even the old fashioned glass type - personally preferred) and use it to establish your baseline. Unfortunately, the cheaper ones are accurate to +/- 1 degree C (about +/-1.8 degrees F) while the really good ones can be more expensive than your controller.... Averaging several thermometers can help only if you know that they've been calibrated against the same reference or have some understanding of the accuracy of each. 

[smallreef]

I have a floaty thermometer with mercury that I go off of... I mean at 1.5 degrees of possible difference, I'm not going to freeze or fry anything,lol

[jacobB89]

While it's nice to have accuracy, Jacob. It's not exactly required. Even if the probe is off by a degree or two, it doesn't make a huge difference. It's more important that it accurately detects changes so you can keep the temperature stable. Just an opinion.

 

If you really want to nail down the absolute accuracy, though, invest in a NIST-traceable thermometer (even the old fashioned glass type - personally preferred) and use it to establish your baseline. Unfortunately, the cheaper ones are accurate to +/- 1 degree C (about +/-1.8 degrees F) while the really good ones can be more expensive than your controller.... Averaging several thermometers can help only if you know that they've been calibrated against the same reference or have some understanding of the accuracy of each. 

 

gotcha it is pretty close to the mercury one in the tank

I have a floaty thermometer with mercury that I go off of... I mean at 1.5 degrees of possible difference, I'm not going to freeze or fry anything,lol

yea I guess im picky lol