TrakPower Temperature Gauge with Stopwatch User Manual

™

Infrared Temperature
Gauge with Stopwatch

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

The TrakPower ITG (Infared Temperature Gauge) is a non-contact infrared temperature gauge with a built-in stopwatch
specifi cally designed for use with R/C engines, batteries, and motors. Simply aim the ITG at the target and press the
MEASURE button to quickly and easily display the surface temperature. The distance to target ratio is 1:1. Therefore, the
temperature gauge should be positioned as close to the target as possible.

Special Features

● Large, easy-to-read backlit LCD screen

● Built-in stopwatch feature to check lap times

● Soft rubber grips

● Battery level indicator

● Reads temperatures in Fahrenheit (F) or Celsius (C)

● Adjustable Emissivity

● Easy push-button control for setup and measurement

● Auto power-off feature to extend battery life

● Protective belt pouch for easy access and portability

● Compact and lightweight

Important Precautions

● Electromagnetic/Radio Frequency Interference (EMC/
RFI): Readings may be affected if the unit is operated
within a radio frequency electromagnetic fi eld strength of
approximately 3 volts per meter, but the performance of the
instrument will not be permanently affected. Care should
be taken to keep the ITG at least 6 inches away from R/C
transmitters to avoid radio frequency interference.

● Avoid setting the ITG in direct sunlight which can cause
overheating and erratic temperature readings. Keeping your
ITG in its protective pouch or a pocket will help protect it
from overheating.

● Avoid keeping the ITG too close to objects that continuously
generate high heat (like a hot plate) for long periods of time,
which can cause overheating of the ITG.

● Do not allow water or moisture to come in contact with
the ITG.

● Replace battery ONLY with a CR2032 lithium non­rechargeable battery.

The ITG Advantage

Nitro engines should last a long time if they are well maintained.

To assist with extending the life of your engine as well as getting

it to perform its best, TrakPower suggests using the ITG to
monitor engine temperatures. With the ITG, you can measure

engine temperatures quickly and easily to ensure you don’t

cause permanent damage to your engine by allowing it to
overheat. In addition, the ITG can assist with the fi ne tuning
of your engine by helping to fi nd the proper temperature
before you start any needle adjustments. Adjusting the needle
settings properly can only be done on an engine that is running

Specifi cations

● Temperature Reading Range: –27° to + 428°F (–33° to
+ 220°C)

● Infrared Accuracy: 4°F (2°C) or +/– 2% of reading,

whichever is greater

● Ambient Temperature Operating Range: +14° to +122°F

(–10° to + 50°C)

● Adjustable Emissivity: 0.05 to 1.00 (1.00 default)

● Display Resolution: 0.1° F or C

● Response Time: 1 Second

● Field of View: 1:1 optics ratio

● Battery Life: 960 (15 sec) readings or 1 hour continuous

● Battery Type: CR2032 Lithium (3V)

● Dimensions: 3.4 × 1.9 × 0.9 inches (85 × 48 × 23 mm)

● Weight: 1.53 oz (43.6 g)

at normal operating temperature. The ITG is also great for
checking lap times with the built-in stopwatch to see if the
adjustments you have made on your engine are paying off

with faster lap times.

Note: Most two-stroke engines run properly between

200ºF and 270ºF. However, you should consult your engine
manufacturer for the appropriate temperature range for your
specifi c engine.

Warning: Avoid setting the ITG in direct sunlight which can

cause the ITG to overheat and give erratic temperature

readings. Your ITG should always be stored in its protective

pouch. After the unit has been removed from direct sunlight
and allowed to cool, all functions will return to normal.

Taking Temperature Measurements

Point the ITG at the glow plug by inserting the sensor into

the engine head cavity as far as possible as shown on
page 2. It is best NOT to allow the ITG case to actually
touch the engine head, as this could adversely affect the
accuracy of the temperature readings.

Press and release the MEASURE button to turn on the ITG

and immediately begin measuring temperatures. If you press
and hold down the MEASURE button, the temperature reading

will continuously update until the button is released.

Note: As shown in the diagram on the following page, the

small digits at the top of the screen update the MAXIMUM
temperature the ITG reads while the MEASURE button is
being pressed. The big digits at the bottom of the screen
show the current temperature reading.

Helpful Hint:

temperature readings, always insert the sensor into the engine
head cavity 3mm to 8mm, making sure not to allow the ITG
case to come into contact with the head. Aim the ITG directly
at the tip of the glow plug, because this is the hottest area of
the engine, and then press and hold the MEASURE button
for three to fi ve seconds.

Last

Reading

As shown in the diagram, for the most accurate

Maximum

Reading

Do Not

Allow ITG

to Contact

the Engine

Head

Minutes Seconds

Stopwatch
Icon

Hundredths
of Seconds

This screen shows

3 and 36 one-hundredth seconds.

This changes when the stopwatch reaches 30 minutes at

which time the small digits at the top show hours and minutes,

and the large digits at the bottom of the screen show seconds
and 1/10 of a second.

This screen shows

47 minutes, 36 and 8 tenths seconds.

Insert

Sensor

3mm to

8mm

Stopwatch

1. Press the MEASURE button to turn on the ITG.

2. Press the MODE button once and the stopwatch icon
will start to fl ash.

3. Press the MEASURE button to start the stopwatch
counting up from 0:00:00.

4. Press the MEASURE button to pause the stopwatch.

5. Press the MEASURE button to re-start the stopwatch
from where it was paused.

6. Pressing the MODE button will reset the timer to 00:00
whether the stopwatch is running or paused.

7. Pressing the MODE button while the stopwatch is paused
will return you to the main (thermometer) screen.

Notes:

● Backlight does not illuminate while in stopwatch mode, to

extend battery life.

● Stopwatch will run continuously if it is not stopped manually.

● Minutes and whole seconds are displayed in small digits

at the top of the screen. Fractions (1/100) of a second are
displayed in large digits at the bottom of the screen.

Temperature Scale & Emissivity

Press MEASURE button to turn on unit.

Temperature Scale - °F or °C

Press the MODE button twice. The °F icon will fl ash. Press

the MEASURE button once to change the setting. The setting

will change from °F to °C or °C to °F and immediately return

to the main screen. This setting will be retained for future use
until changed manually.

Emissivity

The emissivity can be adjusted to allow the ITG to be used for

a variety of other uses other than taking temperature readings
of nitro engines. The emissivity must be set correctly for the
material being measured or the temperature reading may
not be accurate.

A search of the internet will show many links for ‘emissivity

tables’. Keep in mind these tables are for different types of
materials in general, and are not geared directly for R/C
products. In most cases, only minor adjustments to the

emissivity setting might be needed for different types of engine

heads. If unsure what emissivity setting to use, the default
setting of 1.00 (100E) typically provides the most accurate
temperature reading for nitro engines when used as shown in
the illustration at left. The emissivity of the temperature gauge
can be changed from 0.05 (5E) to 1.00 (100E). To change
the emissivity setting, press the MODE button 3 times. Then
press the MEASURE button once to advance the setting
one at a time. Holding down the MEASURE button will scroll
through the entire range of settings. Once the unit reaches

100E, it will start over at 5E and go through the entire range

again. Once the desired emissivity setting is reached, press
the MODE button once to lock in the setting and immediately

return you to the main screen. This setting will be retained for

future use or until it is changed manually.

2

Auto - Off Feature

1. The temperature gauge will shut off automatically after

approximately 15 seconds of inactivity.

2. In stopwatch mode, the unit will shut off after approximately

15 seconds of inactivity if the stopwatch has not started

timing. It will shut off after approximately 45 seconds of
inactivity IF the stopwatch has been started AND then is
paused – OR– if the stopwatch has been running and was
reset to 00:00.

Battery Level Indicator

Indicates

full battery

level.

Indicates

partial battery

level.

“Er3” is displayed when the ambient temperature of the

temperature gauge EXCEEDS +14ºF (–10ºC) OR +122ºF
(+50ºC). In both cases you should allow plenty of time
(minimum 30 minutes) for the thermometer to stabilize to

the working/room temperature.

For all other error messages it is necessary to reset the

temperature gauge. To reset, wait for the instrument to power

off, remove the battery and wait for a minimum of one minute,

then reinsert the battery and turn on. If the error message
remains, please contact Hobby Services for further assistance.

Indicates

low battery level

and battery will need

to be replaced.

Error Messages

The ITG incorporates the following visual diagnostic error

messages:

“Hi” or “Lo” is displayed when the temperature being measured

is outside of the range of the instrument, “Hi” when higher than

+428ºF (+220ºC) and “Lo” when lower than –27ºF (–33ºC).

Replacing the Battery

1. The unit must be turned off before replacing battery

or a malfunction could occur.

2. Remove the belt clip on the rear of the gauge by

removing the screw and pulling the clip straight off.

3. Twist the battery door clockwise approximately 1/8th

turn and remove door.

4. Carefully remove battery.

5. Replace battery only with a 3 volt CR2032 lithium cell,

which is readily available at many local retailers.

Storage & Cleaning

The thermometer should be stored at –4º to 149ºF (–20º to
+65ºC). The sensor is the most delicate part of the thermometer

and should be kept clean at all times. Care should be taken
when cleaning the lens. Use only a soft cotton swab with
water or medical alcohol, and allow the lens to fully dry before

using the thermometer. Do not submerge any part of the unit

in water or other liquid.

“Er2” is displayed when the temperature gauge is exposed to

rapid changes in the ambient temperature.

1-Year Limited Warranty

TrakPower warrants this product to be free from defects in

materials and workmanship for a period of one (1) year from

the date of purchase. During that period, we will repair or
replace, at our option, any product that does not meet these

standards. You will be required to provide proof of purchase

date (invoice or receipt). If during the one year period, your

TrakPower product shows defects caused by abuse, misuse,

alteration or accident, it will be repaired or replaced at our

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option, at a service charge not greater than 50% of the current

retail price. Be sure to include your daytime telephone number

and email address in case we need to contact you about your

repair. This warranty does not cover components worn by

use, application of reverse voltage, cross connections, poor
installation, subjection of components to foreign materials,
any alterations to wires, or tampering. In no case shall our
liability exceed the original cost of the product.

Under no circumstances will the purchaser be entitled to

consequential or incidental damages. This warranty gives
you specifi c legal rights, and you may also have other rights
which vary from state to state. If you attempt to disassemble

or repair this unit yourself it may void the warranty.

For service on your TrakPower product, either in or out of
warranty, send it post-paid and insured to:

Your warranty is voided if:

A. You tamper with any of the electronic components.
B. You allow water, moisture, or any foreign material to

enter the case.

HOBBY SERVICES [phone]

3002 N. Apollo Drive, Suite 1
Champaign, IL 61822

E-mail: [e-mail]

Internet address: www.hobbyservices.com

trakpowerusa.com

TKPP9000 MnlEntire Contents © 2011 Hobbico®, Inc.

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