Lasersight Guide 1

Sighting Guide for Raytek Infrared Thermometers
Sighting Options
There are several sighting options for IR thermometers. By understanding the sighting choices available, you can
select the most appropriate balance of features and price for your application. From the high precision of the MX
series to the cost-effective professional features of the ST family to the utility of the low-cost MiniTemp™ unit, Raytek®
provides an unsurpassed array of products to fit most any sighting need and budget.
Type of Sighting
Raytek Model
Advantages
Notes
Laser Point
Sighting
Single-point laser,
offset
MT
ThermoView Ti30™
Imager
Single-point laser indicates the
center of the target‘s infrared
energy spot.
Does not indicate target size of
measurement area.
LED
Target Illumination
High brightness
LED
FoodPro™ Model
FoodPro™ Plus
Model
Safe high brightness LED light
indicates the approximate
measurement area.
LED Target Illumination is
intended for measuring at
close ranges.
ST20
ST60
ST80
ST80
Highly visible, more powerful
single-point laser indicates the
approximate center of the
target spot. Easier to see in
indoor and outdoor locations.
Does not indicate target size of
measurement area.
AutoPro™ Model
Half-inch spot size is easy to
find when laser points merge.
D:S must be approximated for
readings at other distances.
MX2
MX4+
MX6
Highlights approximately 90%
of measured IR spot at all
distances—sighting reflects
the actual target size.
Especially useful in the near
field and for close focus.
Laser dots rotate as unit is
moved further from, or closer to,
the focal point.
Multiple models offer
application-optimized
laser and scope sighting
Not all laser sighting options are
available for each model.
Extra Bright
Laser Point
Single-point laser,
offset
SmartSight™
Sighting
Dual laser points,
offset
True Dimension™
Sighting
Three laser points,
coaxial
XB
XB
XB
XB-IS
Additional Sighting 3i1M, 3i2M, 3iG5,
Options
3iP7, 3iLT, 3iLR,
Single, dual or
3iCL
crossed laser,
scope sighting
Choosing a Sighting System for Your Application
Use the chart above as a starting point for choosing a type of laser sighting. Other important factors in choosing the
type of sighting for your application include: target distance, the thermometer’s optical resolution, target size, and cost.
A final key element in evaluating sighting systems is the target's temperature relative to its background. When they
differ greatly, use of a less precise sighting system may give you a reading that differs substantially from the true
temperature. In this case, consider the use of the most precise sighting system, True Dimension, which is found in the
MX Series thermometers.
IR measurement
spot
Laser Sighting, IR Detectors and
the IR Energy Spot
Laser sighting does not measure
temperature—it only helps the
user effectively aim the thermomeLaser
ter. The IR detector, located inside
the thermometer, senses the IR
energy emitted from the target being measured. The infrared
energy spot is the target area emitting measured energy.
Distance to Spot Size
(D:S or Optical Resolution)
Most manufacturers
calculate the optical
resolution for thermometers
as a diameter containing
90% of target energy at a
focus distance. The D:S
chart on the instrument's
side and in the manual
show this ratio at a range
of distances.
Beam Profiles
Laser beams and IR beams
travel with differing profiles.
Laser beams travel in a
straight line from their
source. IR beams have a
“bowtie” profile that narrows
IR beam “bowtie” at
focal point
until the focal point and
then expands. Laser sight
mounting can be either coaxial or offset. Offset lasers are
mounted above or below the IR beam; coaxial lasers are
mounted at the IR beam's center.
SmartSight™ Sighting
SmartSight is a close-focus
system designed to measure a
1/2" spot (13mm) at a safe
working distance of 8 inches
(200mm). Place the laser dots
on the target and simply move
in or out until the two dots
merge into one. The converged
dots indicate the center of the
measurement spot.
Extra Bright Laser Point
Powerful single point laser
guide where brightness is
close to the maximum
strength permitted by
regulatory agencies. The stronger
laser beam is more visible in bright working
conditions such as outdoor applications. The
enhanced laser makes it easier to locate the
approximate center of the target at greater distances in
brighter surroundings.
laser beam
Laser Point Sighting
A single point, often visible
even in daylight, shows the
center of the target area for
accurate aim. The user must understand the
size of the measured spot surrounding the
point. Novice users may mistake the single spot
for the measured area’s size.
LED Target Illumination
Designed for a working range of
approximately 1" to 10" (~25mm
to 250mm), the high brightness
LED illumination indicates the
approximate measurement zone.
True Dimension™ Sighting
True Dimension is a coaxial three-dot laser sighting system
indicating the true diameter of a measurement spot (90%
energy). The target is highlighted at all distances with a
center measurement dot and two accompanying diameter
markers. At the focal point, where the measurement spot
size is the smallest, the dots line up vertically, rotating as the
unit is moved closer to or
further from the target.
This advanced coaxial
system uses a very bright*
635mm laser (tested to
the same safety and
power standards as less bright
laser sights) to clearly highlight
the targeted area.
*perceived to be twice as bright as lasers with the same power by the
human eye.
www.raytek.com
for up-to-the-minute features
© 2004 Raytek Corporation 1-8301 Rev. C 8/2004
Raytek, the Raytek logo and MiniTemp are registered trademarks, and 3i, ST, FoodPro, AutoPro, MX,
ThermoView, True Dimension, SmartSight, and Laser Point are trademarks of Raytek Corporation. All other
trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Specifications subject to change without notice.