Extech Instruments VIR50-NIST User manual

User’s Manual

Dual Laser Video IR Video Thermometer

MODEL VIR50

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Introduction

Congratulations on your purchase of the Video IR Thermometer. This meter is capable of making
non-contact (infrared) and contact (thermocouple) temperature measurements. The built-in camera
offers still image and video capturing functionality for documenting measurement locations. The
meter includes a micro SD card slot for offloading still images and video.

The built-in laser pointer increases target accuracy while the backlit LCD and handy push-buttons
combine for convenient, ergonomic operation. This meter is shipped fully tested and calibrated and,
with proper use, will provide years of reliable service.

Features

 2.2” TFT LCD display

 640 x 480 pixels Digital Camera

 Micro SD memory card

 Image (JPEG) and video (3gp)

 Humidity and Air Temperature Measurements

 Dual laser targeting

 Type-K thermocouple probe for contact measurements

 Adjustable emissivity

 High accuracy

 Fast response time

 Dew-point temperature and Wet bulb temperature functions

Safety

 Use extreme caution when the laser pointer beam is on

 Do not point the beam toward anyone's eye or allow the beam to

strike the eye from a reflective surface

 Do not use the laser near explosive gases or in other potentially

explosive areas

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Meter Description

1. LCD Display

2. Push-buttons (UP/Picture, ESC, and DOWN/VIDEO)

3. Measurement Trigger

4. Retractable Lens Cover

5. Camera, Lasers, and IR sensor

6. Compartment for Type-K jack, USB jack, Reset button

7. Handle Grip and cover for Micro SD memory card slot and
Rechargeable Battery

Rear Panel

1 Display

2 ▲ and Camera button

3 Power and ESC button

4 ENTER button

5 ▼ and Video button

Front View

1 Camera lens

2 IR thermometer lens

3 Measurement trigger

4 Battery

5 Battery cover

6 Laser pointers

7 Micro SD card port

Note: A tripod mount is located on the bottom of the handle

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Operation

Power ON and OFF

1. The instrument is powered by one (1) rechargeable battery (3.7V). The battery is housed in the
compartment in the meter’s handle.

2. The supplied battery charger connects to the USB port on the instrument (in the compartment
above the measurement trigger).

3. Once the battery is charged, Press and Hold the
instrument ON.

4. Press and Hold the

5. In the event that the instrument freezes operation (no reaction when pressing any button), insert
a paper clip into the Reset opening to trigger the RESET function.

6. For accurate readings, wait 30 seconds after powering on to allow the meter to stabilize.

button to switch the unit OFF.

button for 5 seconds to switch the

Measurement Modes

The meter has four (4) measurement modes: Video + Infrared, Infrared-only, Dew Point, and
Datalogging mode. When the meter is switched ON, the first screen that appears is the mode
selection screen. Use the ▲/▼ buttons to highlight the desired mode and then press the ENTER
button to access the mode.

Video + Infrared mode: the meter functions as an IR meter with the
camera capabilities;

Infrared-only mode: the meter functions as an IR meter only;

Dew Point mode: the meter shows the Dew Point temperature value;

Datalogging mode: the meter functions as a measurement
storage/retrieval device.

Display Symbols

Symbol Description Symbol Description

Video + IR mode

High alarm

IR-only mode

Dew Point mode

Laser

Scan

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High alarm triggering

Low alarm

Low alarm triggering

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Video + IR mode

In the Video + IR Mode the meter can measure IR temperature, air temperature, humidity, dew-point
temperature, and wet bulb temperature, along with full use of the video camera capabilities. The IR
Maximum (MAX) Temperature, IR Minimum (MIN) Temperature, IR Differential (DIF) Temperature,
and the IR Average (AVG) Temperature can also be displayed. Press and hold trigger to measure
the temperature.

Capturing Still Images (Photographs)

In the Video + IR mode, press the
save the photo (the SAVE soft-key will appear above the up arrow button after the photograph is
taken). Press the ▼button to cancel the photo
.

Capturing Video

In the Video + IR mode, press the

button again to begin recording video. Press the ESC button to exit. Use the ▼button to stop

the video.

button to take a photograph. Press the button again to

button to enter the video capture mode and then press the

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IR-only mode

In the IR-only Mode the meter can measure IR temperature, air temperature, air humidity, dew-point
temperature, and wet bulb temperature but without the video camera capabilities. The IR Maximum
(MAX) Temperature, IR Minimum (MIN) Temperature, IR Differential (DIF) Temperature, and the IR
Average (AVG) Temperature can also be displayed. Press and hold trigger to measure the
temperature.

Dew Point Temperature Mode

In the Dew Point mode the meter displays the Dew Point temperature measurement along with the
IR temperature value. Press and hold the measurement trigger to take a measurement.

In the Dew Point mode the percentage bargraph
indicates how close the IR temperature is to the Dew
Point temperature. At 100%, the two values are identical.

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Datalogging Mode

The datalogger automatically records readings to memory at a programmed interval. In the
Datalogging mode, the high/low alarm values, low alarm value, datalogging interval sampling rate
(time), can be configured.

Once configured, press the trigger to start logging. The unit will automatically record data at the
specified sampling time. Press the ESC buttom to exit the DATALOG mode, the meter will
automatically save the data to a file.

Set the high and low alarm values for the datalogger
From the Datalogger screen (shown above) use the arrow keys to select the HIGH or the LOW
alarm value parameter and then press the ENTER button. Use the ▲ and ▼ buttons to adjust the
alarm value, then press the ENTER button to confirm.

Set interval time for the datalogger

From the Datalogger screen use the arrow keys to select the interval TIME parameter and then
press the ENTER button. Use the ▲ and ▼ buttons to adjust the time value (logger sampling rate)
in seconds and then press the ENTER button to confirm.

Select the line color for the datalogger

From the Datalogger screen use the arrow keys to select the COLOR parameter and then press the
ENTER button. Use the ▲ and ▼ buttons to select a line color and then press the ENTER button to
confirm.

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System Tools Settings

From the Video + IR, IR-only, or Dew Point modes, press the ENTER button to access the soft-key
screen. The System Tools is the icon on the left. Use the arrow buttons to scroll over to the System
Tools icon if it is not already highlighted.

Press the ENTER button again when the System Tools icon is highlighted to access the System
Tools settings mode. From the datalogger mode scroll down to the Measure Set parameter and press
ENTER to access to the System Tools setting menu.

Use the ▲ and ▼ buttons to select an item and then press the ENTER button to access it.

Item Description

Languages Set the language

Date/Format Set the date and format of the date

Time/Format Set the time and format of the time

Units Select the temperature unit of measure

Memory Display the memory and SD card capacity

Buzzer Set the buzzer on or off

Auto screen-off Select the time before the screen automatically turns

off

Auto power-off Select the time before the VIR50 automatically

powers off.

System Default Setting Restores the VIR50 to its default settings

System Upgrade Upgrades the system via the SD card

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Setting the Language

Use the ▲ and ▼ buttons to select the desired language, and
press the ENTER button to confirm.

Setting the Date

Use the ▲ and ▼ buttons to select the desired format for the
date, and press the ENTER button to confirm. Once the format
has been chosen, use the ▲ and ▼ buttons to select the day,
month, and year.

Setting the Time
Use the ▲ and ▼ buttons to select the desired format for the

time, and press the ENTER button to confirm. Once the format
has been chosen, use the ▲ and ▼ buttons to select the
minute, hour, and AM/PM (where applicable).

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Setting the temperature units (C/F)

Use the ▲ and ▼ buttons to select the desired unit of measure, press the ESC button to exit and
save.

Memory

Use the ▲ and ▼ buttons to select either FLASH or SD CARD, and press the ENTER button to
confirm. Then select either WORKING SPACE or FORMAT, and press the ENTER button to confirm.

If FORMAT was pressed, click YES or NO to confirm.

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Setting the Buzzer ON or OFF

Use the ▲ and ▼ buttons to select either ON or OFF, and press the ENTER button to confirm.

Setting the Auto Power off time

Use the ▲ and ▼ buttons to disable or select an auto-power-off time, press the ESC button to exit
and save.

Setting the Screen Timeout

Use the ▲ and ▼ buttons to disable or select a screen auto-off time, press the ESC button to exit
and save.

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Selecting the Memory Type

If there is no SD card present in the VIR50, then only a single blue icon will be displayed on the LCD
screen in the top left corner.

If there is an SD card present, but the memory is being used by the device, then there will be two
icons, a chip (blue i.e. enabled), and a blank SD card icon to the right of it

If there is an SD card present, and the memory is being used by the SD card, then there will be two
icons, a chip (blank), and a blue SD card icon with the letters “SD” on it., meaning that the SD card
is being used to store memory.

System Default Setting

Use the ▲ and ▼ buttons to select either YES (revert to the factory default settings) or NO (cancel).

System Upgrade

Make sure there is an SD card present in the VIR50. Press the ENTER button, and make sure there
is a steady current powering the VIR50. Press the ENTER button again to confirm the upgrade, and
press the ENTER button one more time to begin the upgrade through the SD card.

When the update is complete, press the ENTER button to return to the home screen.

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Measurement Settings

From the Video + IR, IR-only, or Dew Point modes, press the ENTER button to access the soft-key
screen. The Measurement Settings mode is represented by the middle icon. Use the arrow buttons
to scroll over to the middle icon (if it is not already highlighted.)

Press the ENTER button again when the middle icon is highlighted to access the Measurement
Settings mode as shown below.

Item Description

Emissivity set Set the emissivity

Alarm High Set the high alarm ON/OFF and set the alarm limit

Alarm Low Set the low alarm ON/OFF and set the alarm limit

Laser Enable or disable the laser pointer

Auto Mode Lock the measurement ON

Max Min Display the highest (MAX) or lowest (MIN) IR temperature

Average DIF Display Average temperature or Differential IR temperature

Ambient TEMP Display the air temperature and relative humidity

Dewpoint Wet Bulb Display the dew-point and wet bulb temperature

Type K Enable or disable the type-k contact thermocouple input

Color Set the color

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Emissivity setting

Use the arrow buttons to highlight an emissivity setting and then press ENTER to choose it. Select
emissivity by description (concrete, glass, etc.) or select ε=0.94 to set the emissivity manually using
the arrow buttons. Press the ESC button to exit and save.

Alarm High

Use the ▲ and ▼ buttons enable or disable the alarm. If the high alarm is enabled, press the
ENTER button to adjust its value; use the ▲ and ▼ buttons to adjust the value. Press the ENTER
button to conform and then press the ESC button to exit and save.

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Alarm Low

Use the ▲ and ▼ buttons enable or disable the alarm. If the low alarm is enabled, press the
ENTER button to adjust its value; use the ▲ and ▼ buttons to adjust the value. Press the ENTER
button to confirm and then press the ESC button to exit and save.

Laser

Press the ENTER button to enable or disable the laser.

Auto Mode (Measure Lock)
Press the ENTER button to enable or disable auto mode.

Max/Min

Press the ENTER button to set the MAX/MIN mode ON or OFF. The MAX/MIN mode displays the
highest (MAX) and lowest (MIN) IR temperature.

Average/Dif
Press the ENTER button to switch ON or OFF the Average or Differential IR temperature.

Ambient TEMP/% RH
Press the ENTER button to switch the air temperature and relative humidity displays ON or OFF.

Dew-point/wet bulb temperature
Press the ENTER button to switch the dew-point and wet bulb temperature ON or OFF.

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Type k

Press the ENTER button to enable or disable the Type k contact thermocouple input..

NOTE: If a Type-k probe is inserted into the meter’s thermocouple jack (in the compartment over
the measurement trigger), ‘Enable’ will be selected by default. Select the Disable setting to prohibit
the LCD from displaying Type-k temperature.

Color

Use the ▲ and ▼ buttons choose a color. Press the ESC button
to exit and save.

Memory Setting Mode

From the Video + IR, IR-only, or Dew Point modes, press the ENTER button to access the soft-key
screen. The Memory Settings mode is represented by the icon on the right. Use the arrow buttons to
scroll over to the right icon (if it is not already highlighted). Press the ENTER button again when the
right icon is highlighted to access the Memory Settings mode.

Use the ▲ and ▼ buttons to select Picture, Video or Logs and then press the ENTER button to
access the selection.

Use the ENTER button to view a Picture, Video or Data log. Press the ENTER button to delete a
picture, video or log. Use the ▲ button to confirm a deletion and press the ▼ button to cancel a
deletion.

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Item Description

Picture Display saved images

Video Playback saved videos

Logs Display datalogger data

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Transfer files to a PC

Connect the USB cable from the thermometer to a USB port on the pc or insert the microSD card
into the SD port on the pc.. If the USB cable is used, the USB symbol will appear in the display and
the PC will recognize the unit as a removable drive.

Open the drive to view the three folders:

LOGS: Text files, use the *.txt files
PICTURE: Pictures, use the *.jpg files
VIDEO: Videos, use the *.3gp files

Note: other file types are used by the themometer for internal requirements

Note: If the *.3gp video files will not play on any installed media software, a software plug-in is
available on the supplied CD which will allow compatibility with Media Player.

Battery Charging and Replacement

When the battery display symbol appears empty or close to empty, recharge the
Lithium ion 3.7V/1400mAh rechargeable battery. Connect the supplied USB battery
cable to the mini USB jack in the compartment above the measurement trigger and
then connect the other end of the cable to an AC source. Charge time is approx. 2
hours.

The battery is located in the compartment behind the handle panel and beneath the
meter’s trigger. The panel can be released and folded down as shown in the diagram.
Replace the battery if necessary with one of the same type and specifications and
close the battery compartment cover.

You, as the end user, are legally bound (Battery ordinance) to return all used batteries
and accumulators; disposal in the household garbage is prohibited!

You can hand over your used batteries / accumulators at collection points in your
community or wherever batteries / accumulators are sold!

Disposal: Follow the valid legal stipulations in respect of the disposal of the device at the
end of its lifecycle

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IR Measurement Notes

1. The object under test should be larger than the spot (target) size calculated by the field of view
diagram (printed on the side of the meter and in this guide).

2. Before measuring, be sure to clean surfaces that are covered with frost, oil, grime, etc.

3. If an object's surface is highly reflective, apply masking tape or flat black paint to the surface
before measuring. Allow time for the paint or tape to adjust to the temperature of the surface it is
covering.

4. Measurements through transparent surfaces such as glass may not be accurate.

5. Steam, dust, smoke, etc. can obscure measurements.

6. The meter automatically compensates for deviations in ambient temperature. However, it can
take up to 30 minutes for the meter to adjust to extremely wide changes.

7. To find a hot spot, aim the meter outside the area of interest then scan across (in an up and
down motion) until the hot spot is located.

Field of View

The meter’s lasers converge at a distance of 50 inches (127cm) which is the optimum measurement
distance for this meter. At this distance the measurement spot has a 1 inch (2.54cm) diameter. The
Distance to Spot Ratio determines the measured spot size for the distance used. For this meter the
ratio is 50:1 or: 1”(2.54cm) spot @ 50” (1.27m), 2”(5.08cm) spot @ 100”(2.54m) or 0.5”(1.27cm)
spot @ 25”(0.64m).

50” / 127cm

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Emissivity and IR Measurement Theory

IR Thermometers measure the surface temperature of an object. The thermometer’s optics sense
emitted, reflected, and transmitted energy. The thermometer’s electronics translate the information
into a temperature reading which is then displayed on the LCD.

The amount of IR energy emitted by an object is proportional to an object's temperature and its
ability to emit energy. This ability is known as emissivity and is based upon the material of the object
and its surface finish. Emissivity values range from 0.1 for a very reflective object to 1.00 for a flat
black finish. For the VIR50, the emissivity is adjustable from 0.1 to 1.00 (see the Measurement
Settings section earlier in this User Guide). Most organic materials and painted or oxidized surfaces
have an emissivity factor of 0.94. When in doubt, set the emissivity to 0.94.

Emissivity Factors for Common Materials

Material under test Emissivity Material under test Emissivity

Asphalt 0.90 to 0.98 Cloth (black) 0.98

Concrete 0.94 Skin (human) 0.98

Cement 0.96 Leather 0.75 to 0.80

Sand 0.90 Charcoal (powder) 0.96

Soil 0.92 to 0.96 Lacquer 0.80 to 0.95

Water 0.92 to 0.96 Lacquer (matt) 0.97

Ice 0.96 to 0.98 Rubber (black) 0.94

Snow 0.83 Plastic 0.85 to 0.95

Glass 0.90 to 0.95 Timber 0.90

Ceramic 0.90 to 0.94 Paper 0.70 to 0.94

Marble 0.94 Chromium Oxides 0.81

Plaster 0.80 to 0.90 Copper Oxides 0.78

Mortar 0.89 to 0.91 Iron Oxides 0.78 to 0.82

Brick 0.93 to 0.96 Textiles 0.90

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Specifications

Infrared Thermometer Specifications

Range -58 to 3992oF (-50 to 2200oC)

Resolution 0.1oC/F < 1000; 1oC/F > 1000

Accuracy -50°C to -20°C (-58°F to -4°F) Not specified

-19.9°C to -1°C (-3.9°F to 30°F) ± (2% rdg + 6°F/3.3°C)

-0.9°C to 100°C (30.1°F to 212°F) ± (1.0% rdg + 4°F/2.2°C):

100.1°C to 454°C (212.1°F to 850°F) ± (2.5% rdg + 4°F/2.2°C)

454.1°C to 1000°C (850.1°F to 1832°F) ± (2.5% rdg + 6°F/3.3°C)

1001°C to 2200°C (1833°F to 3992°F) ± (3% rdg + 9°F/5°C)

Note: Accuracy is specified for the following ambient temperature range: 64
to 82°F (18 to 28°C) and at 127cm (50”)

Repeatability -58°F to 68°F (-50°C to 20°C) ± 2.7°F (1.5°C)

68°F to 1832°F (20°C to 1000°C) ± 0.5% or ±0.9°F (0.5°C)

1832°F to 3992°F (1000°C to 2200°C) ± 1.0%

Emissivity Adjustable from 0.1 to 1.00

Field of View D/S = Approx. 50:1 ratio (D = distance, S = spot)

Laser power Less than 1mW (Class II)

Spectral response

Response time 150ms

Type K Thermometer Specifications

Range / Resolution -58 to 2498oF (-50 to 1370oC) 0.1oC/F < 1000; 1oC/F > 1000

Accuracy 32°F to 2498°F (0°C to 1370°C) ± (0.5% + 2.7°F/1.5°C):

8 to 14 m (wavelength)

-58°F to 32°F (-50°C to 0°C) ± 4.5F (2.5C)

Note: Accuracy is specified for the following ambient temperature range:
64 to 82°F (18 to 28°C)

Air Temperature and Relative Humidity Specifications

Air Temperature Range / Resolution 32 to 122oF (0 to 50oC) 0.1oC/F

Dew Point Range / Resolution 32 to 122oF (0 to 50oC) 0.1oC/F

Relative Humidity Range / Resolution 0 to 100% 1%

Air Temperature Accuracy 50°F to 104°F (10°C to 40°C) ± 1.8°F (1°C)

All other ranges ± 3.6°F (2°C)

Dew Point Temperature Accuracy Based on temperature and RH specifications

Relative Humidity Accuracy 40 to 60% ± 5.0%RH:

20% to 40% and 60% to 80% ± 5.0%RH

0% to 20% and 80% to 100% ± 6.0%RH

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General Specifications

Display 2.2” Color TFT LCD (320 x 240 pixels)

Digital Camera 640 x 480 pixels

Operating Temperature 32°F to 122°F (0°C to 50°C)

Memory Internal flash: 49Mbyte, Micro SD card: Max 8Gbytes

Operating Humidity Max. 90% RH (non-condensing)

Power Supply 3.7V Lithium ion rechargeable battery

Battery life 4 hours (continuous) approx.

Battery charge time 2 hours with AC adaptor or USB connection

Automatic Power Off Programmable: OFF, 3, 15, and 60 minutes

Weight 0.9 lbs. / 410g

Dimensions 8.1 x 2.4 x 6.1” (205 x 62 x 155mm)

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