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I think it's about time I got systematic and bought a pyrometer to check my tire temps. Do you have one or more? Do you have a recommendation for one I should buy, or one I should avoid?
From my reading, it seems that probe units are more accurate and reliable than IR ones. Any argument about that?
A basic probe pyrometer can be had for about $100. But I see there are some cool ones out there that display all 12 temps simultaneously and store ten full sets. About $300. Since I don't have a pit crew and will be taking the measurements myself, this seems much preferable. If only it didn't cost 3 times as much! Is there an easy way to make a simple one work, or should I go for the fancy one?
I can't recommend a particular model (other than to say that most racers I know prefer the probe type, and that Longacre seems to be a popular brand), but it seems like it would be worth the extra money to have a memory unit that will store the temps, and save you the time lost to record them as you're taking them.
But since you also asked if there was a good way to make a cheap one work well, the best technique I've seen for that is to put a wide piece of tape on the fender/quarterpanel above each wheel before a session to give you a place to quickly write each temp as it's taken as soon as you come off the track. You can then transfer the temps to your notes after you've taken all of them, rather than waste precious time fumbling with a notepad to record the temps while the tires are just cooling off and giving you less accurate readings the longer they're off track before you can take & record each temp.
I can't recommend a particular model (other than to say that most racers I know prefer the probe type, and that Longacre seems to be a popular brand), but it seems like it would be worth the extra money to have a memory unit that will store the temps, and save you the time lost to record them as you're taking them.
But since you also asked if there was a good way to make a cheap one work well, the best technique I've seen for that is to put a wide piece of tape on the fender/quarterpanel above each wheel before a session to give you a place to quickly write each temp as it's taken as soon as you come off the track. You can then transfer the temps to your notes after you've taken all of them, rather than waste precious time fumbling with a notepad to record the temps while the tires are just cooling off and giving you less accurate readings the longer they're off track before you can take & record each temp.
I love the advise for the masking tape above each fender, that's excellent for the reason's stated. Thanks.
I love the advise for the masking tape above each fender, that's excellent for the reason's stated.
Just make sure you remember or note on the tape the order that you took the temps. More then a few tiems I've quickly written tire temps on a napkin, the back of my hand, etc. and then forgot which order I wrote them. I use a mnemonic when I'm not writing on a chart: IMO (inside, middle, out) so that if I see a series of tire temps that I've written down I know, from left to right, what the temps refer to.
I have had the longacre probe for years now with good results. I only wish I spent the extra $$ on the memory one. It's very hard to work fast and write / remember numbers (I am also my own pit crew, crew cheif and #1 driver )
One technique I've used in the past is to keep my in-car camera rolling while taking the temps. I just shout out the numbers as I read them and pick it up later during the replay. I like the tape idea though.
__________________ NASA TTC 350Z - Team Z Car Garage : NASA TTB champion 2006; TTC 2nd place 2007; 2007 Instructor of the year.
I love the advise for the masking tape above each fender, that's excellent for the reason's stated. Thanks.
I'm glad that you (and others) find that helpful. I can't take credit for it...it's just something that I saw somebody do once that seemed like a clever way to solve a common problem.
Recommend a pyrometer
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