Pyrometer tech

["Graydon D. Stuckey" <graydon@apollo.gmi.edu>]

On Fri, 23 Feb 1996, Glen Powell wrote:

> Again, I cannot get the 205-55-14s anywhere near up to optimum temp, even on
> RR courses, with the lightweight 4Kq, as indicated with a contact tire
> pyrometer. Would I be better of trying a narrower tire like 195-55-14 or am

I find that hard to believe, because although the 4KQ is light compared 
to others in its class, it is by no means light compared to most of the 
cars that run your tire size.  I would have expected those tires to 
overheat on a road course.  I guess we learn something new every day!

> I better off staying with the wider tire? What is your opinion on
> non-contact infrared pyrometers? A gimmick? Worth the price?

I've used these in industry, and borrowed them for the weekend to check 
tire temps.  They are great.  The biggest advantage is that you don't 
have to wait for the thermocouple to get up to temp at all like you do 
with contact-type thermocouples.  This is because there is no 
thermocouple in the pyrometer - it uses an infrared beam.  It is pretty 
accurate, and instantaneous.  That's a big advantage fro measuring tire 
temps, because you can get around to all four tires before they cool down 
too much.  You'll still see a lower temp on your last tire, but not as 
bad as with a contact pyrometer.  The other advantage is that the 
infrared pyrometer can read at long range if you can aim it.  I've seen 
thousands of degrees from the inside of a light bulb at 30 feet!

	I think they are worth it if you are a serious racer.  I'm not 
_that_ serious yet. (read, 'rich')

Later,								
Graydon D. Stuckey								
graydon@apollo.gmi.edu								
Flint, Michigan   USA
'86 Audi 5000 CS Turbo Quattro, GDS Racing Stage II				
'85 Mazda RX7 GS 12A-leaning-towards-a-13B-soon