Been looking high and low for a Low-Power component that will measure Surface Temperature of a Engine block or a Radiator. Plan to hook this up to a PIC ADC. In all my searches I find these really cool devices like the LM335 or the DS1820. Some of these go to 150 deg C which will work but they seem to only measure ambient temperature. How can I get just the surface temp?
Surface Temperature measurement with PIC
Nov 22, 2006
3 Replies
Get a good epoxy. After mix it, fill it with alumina so that its about
60% or so alumina. Embed you sensor in it and attach it to your radiator at your desired point. So you should wind up with a glob of alumina filled epoxy with the sensor embedded in it with the wires sticking out of it.If you want to be more elaborate, get a large junk stud mounted diode, like the 100 amp kind. Cut the top off and just save the stud with the hex flange. Tap your radiator so that the stud screw thread will fit it. The studs are usually made of copper so they will conduct heat well. Using a drill, hollow out the stud from the top. Embed your sensor in it with the alumina loaded epoxy. Screw this into your radiator. Just leave the leads sticking out.
Al
Thanks. Will this work with the standard plastic package temp sensors?
If your manufacturer's specs. say it will take the high temperature you may encounter in your application, yes.
Al
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