Extech Instruments 42510A User manual

User’s Manual
Wide Range Mini InfraRed Thermometer
with Laser Pointer
MODEL 42510A

42510A V3.2 9/08
2
Introduction
Congratulations on your purchase of the Model 42510A IR Thermometer. This Infrared
thermometer measures and displays non-contact temperature readings up to 1200oF
(650oC). The adjustable emissivity feature allows the IR thermometer to measure the
temperature of virtually any surface. The built-in laser pointer increases target accuracy
while the backlit LCD and handy push buttons combine for convenient, ergonomic
operation. Operational functions include adjustable emissivity, high-low alarms, MIN-MAX
memory, and trigger-lock test mode. This instrument is fully tested and calibrated prior to
delivery, proper use and care of this meter will provide years of reliable service.
Warranty
EXTECH INSTRUMENTS CORPORATION (A FLIR COMPANY) warrants this instrument to be free of defects
in parts and workmanship for three years from date of shipment (a six month limited warranty applies on
sensors and cables). If it should become necessary to return the instrument for service during or beyond the
warranty period, contact the Customer Service Department at [phone] ext. 210 for authorization or visit
our website at www.extech.com (click on ‘Contact Extech’ and go to ‘Service Department’ to request an RA
number). A Return Authorization (RA) number must be issued before any product is returned to Extech. The
sender is responsible for shipping charges, freight, insurance and proper packaging to prevent damage in
transit. This warranty does not apply to defects resulting from action of the user such as misuse, improper
wiring, operation outside of specification, improper maintenance or repair, or unauthorized modification. Extech
specifically disclaims any implied warranties or merchantability or fitness for a specific purpose and will not be
liable for any direct, indirect, incidental or consequential damages. Extech's total liability is limited to repair or
replacement of the product. The warranty set forth above is inclusive and no other warranty, whether written or
oral, is expressed or implied.
Safety
•Use extreme caution when the laser pointer 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

42510A V3.2 9/08
3
Description
Meter Description
1. IR Sensor and Laser pointer
2. LCD Display
3. Function Buttons
4. Measurement Trigger
5. Battery compartment
Function buttons
(Laser) and ▲(UP) arrow button
(Backlight) and ▼(DOWN) arrow button
MODE button
Display Description
1. SCAN, measurement in progress
2. HOLD, last measurement locked in display
3. Laser pointer active
4. Power locked ON
5. High limit alarm
6. Low limit alarm
7. C or F temperature units
8. Main temperature display
9. Low battery icon
10. MAX or MIN icon
11. Emissivity setting
12. Emissivity icon
13. MAX or MIN temperature display
1
2
3
4
5

42510A V3.2 9/08
4
Operating Instructions
Temperature Measurements
1. Hold the meter by its handle and point it toward the surface to be measured.
2. Pull and hold the trigger to turn the meter on and begin testing. The temperature
reading will change as the user scans various targets.
3. The ‘SCAN’ icon remains on until the user releases the trigger.
4. When the trigger is released, the reading will hold for approximately 7 seconds (HOLD
will replace SCAN on the LCD) after which the meter will automatically shut off. The
only exception to this is if the LOCK mode is set to ON.
Laser Pointer
The Laser pointer optimizes the user’s aim during scanning. To turn the Laser on/off:
1. Press and release the Trigger
2. While HOLD is on the display, press the laser button once to turn the Laser on or
off.
3. The laser icon will appear in the LCD when the Laser is on.
4. The status of the Laser is remembered by the meter and will remain as the ON
condition until changed.
Backlight
1. Press and release the trigger
2. While HOLD is on the display, press the backlight button once to turn the backlight
on or off.
3. The backlight will illuminate the LCD when the feature is enabled.
4. The status of the backlight will be stored in memory and will remain as the ON
condition until changed.
5. Note: The backlight will shorten the battery life; use sparingly and only as necessary.
Over-range Indication
If the temperature measurement exceeds the specified temperature range, the
thermometer will display dashes in place of a temperature reading.

42510A V3.2 9/08
5
The MODE button options
The MODE button is used to access the emissivity adjustment, unit of measure selection,
MAX-MIN feature, test-lock feature, and high-low alarms
1. Press and release the trigger
2. While HOLD is on the display, press the MODE button to enter the programming mode
and to step through and configure the following features. A blinking icon indicates the
feature is selected.
E= (Emissivity Value)
Press the ▲or ▼buttons to change the emissivity value from 0.10 to 1.00
C/F (Units of Measure)
Use the ▲and ▼buttons to select the unit of measure.
MAX-MIN (highest and lowest reading memory)
Press the ▲or ▼buttons to select MIN or MAX display
(Lock mode On/Off)
Press the ▲or ▼buttons to turn the lock feature ON or OFF.
(High Alarm On/Off)
Press the ▲or ▼buttons to turn the High Alarm feature ON or OFF.
(High Alarm setting)
Press the ▲or ▼buttons to set the high alarm limit value in the main display
(Low Alarm On/Off)
Press the ▲or ▼buttons to turn the High Alarm feature ON or OFF.
(Low Alarm setting)
Press the ▲or ▼buttons to set the Low alarm limit value in the main display.
Emissivity adjustment
An adjustable emissivity allows for accurate measurements on a variety of surface colors,
textures, reflectivity, and finishes. The topic of emissivity is covered in greater detail in a
subsequent section of this guide.
Temperature Units
The temperature units can be set to °F or °C in the programming mode using the ▲and ▼
buttons
MAX (maximum) and MIN (minimum) Temperature display
The highest reading (MAX) or the lowest reading (MIN) encountered during a single
measurement scan is displayed in the lower left-hand display area on the LCD. Select MIN
or MAX in the programming mode using the ▲and ▼buttons
Lock feature
The LOCK feature disables the Auto Power Off feature for the period of use when
selected. The feature is useful for long term temperature monitoring and hands free use.
The meter will revert to auto power off if the trigger is pressed during a locked scan.
High and Low Alarm Feature
The meter has a programmable high and low alarm feature. When either alarm point is
reached the meter will alert the user via an audible beep and a blinking LCD display icon.
The alarm limit is set and the feature is enabled/disabled in the programming mode. The
setting is stored and memory and will remain as the ON condition until changed.

42510A V3.2 9/08
6
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 or side to side motion) until the hot spot is located.
Field of View
The meter’s field of view is 12:1. For example, if the meter is 24 inches from the target
(spot), the diameter of the target must greater than 2 inches. Other distances are shown in
the field of view diagram. Measurements should normally be made as close as possible to
the device under test. The meter can measure from moderate distances but the
measurement may be affected by external sources of light. In addition, the spot size may
be so large that it encompasses surface areas not intended to be measured.
1”
@12”
2”
@24”
4”
@48”
2.54cm
@30.5cm 5cm
@61cm 10cm
@122cm

42510A V3.2 9/08
7
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 Model 42510A, the emissivity is
adjustable from 0.1 to 1.00. Most organic materials and painted or oxidized surfaces have
an emissivity factor of 0.95. When in doubt, set the emissivity to 0.95.
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
Battery Replacement
When the low battery symbol appears on the display, replace the
meter’s battery (9V). The battery compartment is located behind the
panel that surrounds the meter’s trigger. Open the compartment by
pulling the panel down from the trigger area. Replace the 9V battery
and close the battery compartment cover.

42510A V3.2 9/08
8
Specifications
Range / Resolution 0.1° resolution from -58.0 to 999.9°F (-50.0 to 650.0°C);
1° resolution from 1000°F to 1200°F
Accuracy -58°F to -31°F (-50°C to -35°C) ±9°F/4°C
-31°F to 28°F (-35°C to -2°C) ±5°F/3°C
28°F to 200°F (-2°C to 94°C) ±3°F/2.5°C
200°F to 400°F (94°C to 204°C) ±(1.0%rdg + 2°F/1°C)
400°F to 800°F (204°C to 426°C) ±(1.5%rdg + 2°F/1°C)
800°F to 1200°F (426°C to 650°C) ±(2.0%rdg +2°F/1°C)
Note: Accuracy is specified for the following ambient temperature
range: 64 to 82°F (18 to 28°C)
Emissivity 0.10 to 1.00 adjustable
Field of View D/S = Approx. 12:1 ratio (D = distance; S = spot or target)
Laser pointer Class 2 laser < 1mW power; Wavelength: 630 to 670nm
IR Spectral response 8 to 14 μm
Repeatability ± 0.5% of reading or ± 1.8oF/1oC; whichever is greater
General Specifications
Display Backlit LCD display with function indicators
Response time 300ms
Over range indication “---------“
Operating Temperature 32oF to 122oF (0oC to 50oC)
Operating Humidity 10% to 90%RH operating, <80%RH storage.
Storage Temperature 14 to 140oF (-10 to 60oC)
Power Supply 9V battery
Automatic Power Off 7 seconds, with LOCK to disable
Weight 6.4 oz. / 180g
Dimensions 3.2 x 1.6 x 6.3” (82 x 42 x 160mm)

42510A V3.2 9/08
9

Support line [phone]
Technical support: Extension 200; E-mail: [email protected]m
Repair & Returns: Extension 210; E-mail: [email protected]
Product specifications subject to change without notice
For the latest version of this User’s Guide, Software updates, and other
up-to-the-minute product information, visit our website: www.extech.com
Extech Instruments Corporation, 285 Bear Hill Rd., Waltham, MA 02451
Calibration and Repair Services
Extech offers repair and calibration services for the products we sell. Extech also
provides NIST certification for most products. Call the Customer Service Department for
information on calibration services available for this product. Extech recommends that
annual calibrations be performed to verify meter performance and accuracy.
Copyright ©2008 Extech Instruments Corporation (a FLIR company)
All rights reserved including the right of reproduction in whole or in part in any form.

42510A V3.2 9/08
10