View Full Version : Improved/Useable Keychain Thermometer
Does anybody know of a thermometer similar to this (http://www.rei.com/product/408047) that has a better scale on it. -20 to 120 is kind of dumb and only leaves room for 10 degree increments.
Actually looks like it shows 5 degree increments. Is more accurate that important to you, because any of these inexpensive thermometers probably have a + or - 4 degree accuracy range anyway.
saimyoji
01-19-2009, 11:45
I have this one and its just okay, not accurate, but close enough:
http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/Product___87617
Other ideas:
http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/Product___82082
http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/Product___82086
I tried the HighGear TrailDrop...it worked well until I had to change the batteries, then it never worked again. The digital compass was a power drain that I never used, but the temp readings were always right on.
It agree that +- 5degF accuracy and your doing very well, but it would be nice to get something easier to read. You can do a very simple calibration to the freezing point with ice water, and then just add or subtract that same error value at all temperatures. Its mostly around freezing you want to be most accurate anyway.
I have a couple of those KG posted about, but mine are in 2* increments. I think the scale is more practical. At least one is from Campmor.
Surprisingly accurate. (With bifocals.)
I lied. My Campmor unit is just like the one in the origional post.
No wonder I like the one my Dad gave me circa 1990.
Sorry for the bad info.
I have this one and its just okay, not accurate, but close enough:
http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/Product___87617
Other ideas:
http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/Product___82082
http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/Product___82086
I tried the HighGear TrailDrop...it worked well until I had to change the batteries, then it never worked again. The digital compass was a power drain that I never used, but the temp readings were always right on.
I have the Coghlan's C-Tech Time & Temp Digital Dangler which has performed well for me. I've had to change the batteries at least once in the past two years or so but they're cheap.
In all the instances I've used it it has shown to be accurate when compared to weather station readings.
The Min/Max is really cool as well.
-Stephen
Rain Man
01-19-2009, 18:37
I have the Coghlan's C-Tech Time & Temp Digital Dangler which has performed well for me. ...
Not to dispute what your experience has been, Stephen, but sadly I've had a different experience with the Dangler. I ordered one from Campmor. It didn't work at all and they quickly shipped me another one. That's good ... for Campmor, not for the Dangler.
But the second one died too. I found it very hard to fiddle with, to clear the min/max temps, adjust the time, turn OFF the alarm, and etc. The tiny adjustment hole on the back didn't last long at all. Poking it with whatever is handy on the trail ruined it. It should be a push button instead of a "hole" to press something pointed into with mittens on, or frigid fingers, or poor eyesight, or in the dark, or whatever. Trying to hold it so you can see the front, while pushing a pointy whatever into the back is idiotic and something that works sitting at a design desk under a bright light, but not on the trail.
The idea of a small simple watch/alarm/min-max thermometer is good, but the Dangler's complex implementation is just too cheap and too tedious. I've had two, neither work now after only being used a very few times.
HYOH. If it works for another hiker, then more power to them.
Rain:sunMan
.
Wise Old Owl
01-19-2009, 18:54
I discovered a digital temp/humidity window sucker at the big hardware stores. I removed the window sucker and there I was, large easy to read, and very UL! The camp stores don't measure up, on this one.
I hang this on my back pack, I only use it as a thermo meter and watch. The alarm was able to wake me up when I remembered how to set it.
http://www.rei.com/product/745064
the reviews at REI are harsh. I have had mine for 2 years and used it at beach patrol everyday in the summer and it has spent many many trip backpacking and about 6 months on longer backpacking trips. I personally have never had any problems with it, I did discard the lanyard though.
make sure you hang it on your pack away from your body. body temp will screw w/ the temp
Old Grouse
01-23-2009, 18:57
I have a little combination compass/thermometer I bought from EMS. No matter how cold it gets, the darn thing won't go lower than 40 degrees.