Sensors

Types of Sensors

Distance Measurement
A Laser Distance Meter sends a pulse of laser light to the target and measures the time it takes for the reflection to return. On-board processing allows the device to add, subtract, calculate area, distance, and volume as well as triangulate.
Thermometer
A laser thermometer, also known as an infrared thermometer or non-contact thermometer, is a device that measures temperature without contacting the object being measured. It works by detecting and measuring the infrared radiation emitted by the object. The basic principle behind a laser thermometer is that all objects above absolute zero temperature emit infrared radiation, which is related to their temperature. The thermometer uses a lens to focus the infrared radiation onto a detector, which converts the radiation into an electrical signal. The signal is then processed by the thermometer's electronics to calculate the temperature of the object.
Moisture Meter
The basic principle behind electronic moisture meters is that water is a good conductor of electricity, while dry materials are not. The device typically consists of two pins or probes that are inserted into the material being tested. The probes are connected to a small electrical circuit, which applies a small amount of electrical current to the material between the probes. As the electrical current flows through the material, it encounters the water molecules and conducts more easily through the material. The moisture meter measures the electrical resistance of the material, which is inversely proportional to the moisture content. A higher resistance reading indicates a drier material, while a lower resistance reading indicates a moister material. The device typically displays the moisture level as a percentage or a relative scale, depending on the model. Some electronic moisture meters also have built-in temperature sensors to compensate for changes in temperature, which can affect the accuracy of the moisture readings.
Stud Finder
An electronic stud finder is a device that helps to locate the position of studs or joists behind drywall or other materials. It works by detecting changes in density or thickness in the wall, which indicate the presence of a stud. The basic principle behind electronic stud finders is that they use sensors to detect changes in the dielectric constant of the wall. The dielectric constant is a measure of the ability of a material to store electrical energy, and it varies depending on the material's composition and density. When the stud finder is placed against the wall, it emits a small electrical signal, which is sent into the wall. The signal encounters the different materials in the wall, such as drywall, insulation, and the wood of the stud. As the signal passes through these materials, it is reflected back to the sensor. The stud finder measures the time it takes for the signal to travel to the stud and back, as well as the strength of the returned signal. By analyzing these measurements, the device can determine the location of the stud.
Borescope
A borescope is a device that allows you to view and inspect hard-to-reach or difficult-to-see areas, such as the inside of engines, pipes, and other confined spaces. It works by using a flexible cable with a camera attached to one end to capture images and transmit them to a display screen. The flexible cable typically contains a series of small lenses that are connected to a light source, such as LEDs, which illuminates the area being inspected. The camera is located at the end of the cable, and it captures images or video of the area being inspected. The camera is often adjustable, allowing you to focus on specific areas or objects. The images captured by the camera are transmitted through the cable to a display screen, where they can be viewed in real-time or saved for later analysis. The display screen may be built into the borescope itself or may be a separate device, such as a tablet or computer.
Thermal Cameras
A thermal camera, also known as an infrared camera or thermographic camera, is a device that detects and measures the temperature of objects and surfaces. It works by detecting and capturing the infrared radiation that is emitted by objects and surfaces based on their temperature. Thermal cameras use a special sensor called a microbolometer, which consists of an array of tiny heat-sensitive elements that detect the infrared radiation emitted by objects. The camera then uses this information to create a thermal image of the scene, where different colors or shades represent different temperatures. The colors or shades in the thermal image are based on a color palette or temperature range that is set by the user or the camera's software. For example, red or yellow colors may represent hotter temperatures, while blue or green colors may represent cooler temperatures. Thermal cameras are useful in a variety of applications, including electrical and mechanical inspections, building inspections, and firefighting. They can detect temperature differences that are invisible to the naked eye, allowing users to identify potential issues, such as hotspots in electrical panels or insulation defects in buildings.