A thermometer

[Simpo Two]

I just bought one of these: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B086HRFHQH

It can be set to either 'Body' - which only gives you a narrow range of temperature readings with just 'Lo' and 'Hi' on either side - or 'Surface' which gives you the full range of temperatures. When set to 'Body' and pointed at the back of my hand it reads 35.6C. But when set to 'Surface' it says 29.2C.

This seems odd; a temperature is a temperature - what am I missing?

[WrekinCrew]

At a guess - different emissivity.
"Body" setting assumes IR radiation specifically from skin, and "surface" is a general average.

[Super Sonic]

Made in China?

[TGCOTF-dewey]

at the difference in the two answers.

[LunarOne]

LPOW, that well-known made up on the spot brand name!

[Fiestapop11]

This is not science until you do an average of 50 readings and, considering Pistonheads, you take a reading off a TVR engine in cool down mode in the 50 watt range.

Edited by Fiestapop11 on Tuesday 28th March 19:03

[Simpo Two]

Thanks for the replies, esp the first 'science' one

Fiestapop11 said:

This is not science until you do an average of 50 readings and, considering Pistonheads, you take a reading off a TVR engine in cool down mode in the 50 watt range.

Oh I can do better than that - how about five 70-20mph run downs in an Aston - don't touch the pedals - before the engine will correct misfires!

Just wondering if I should send it back (the thermometer not the Aston).