Calibration

Each FireBoard is calibrated at our lab before it ships. We use high precision resistors that simulate temperature, resulting in a precise temperature curve for each thermometer. This calibration is not NIST traceable. We offer the option to send the FireBoard to a separate testing facility for an extra fee; this additional calibration would include a NIST traceable certificate.

The process of temperature calibration is a relatively detailed and technical scientific process. Although calibration work can be done outside of a laboratory environment, we don’t generally recommend it. Below is an overview of the calibration process, with links for more information.

True Temperature

“True” temperature can be generally defined by traceability to a NIST standard. In other words, if an expensive, high grade temperature bath reads a temperature of 100°C, how do we know it is really 100°C? Perhaps we have a thermometer which was tested against another thermometer which was tested using a high precision thermometer which was calibrated at NIST’s testing laboratory directly.

In this case, we would have a “chain of traceability” back to the NIST standard and a true reference temperature standard. Direct testing at NIST is available for anyone, with calibration fees ranging from approximately $3,000 to $18,000. You can read more about traceability here.

One of the key components in running a calibration is to provide an accurate reference temperature to test against. Typically, this is achieved with a liquid bath.

These baths provide a steady temperature, usually within 0.1°C, as well as the ability to adjust the temperature so a multi-point calibration can be performed.

Adjusting for Error

A user can input a temperature offset per channel if necessary, but we urge caution in making these adjustments because each FireBoard is already calibrated. We encourage customers with any concerns about temperature discrepancies to perform a check using an ice bath.

If you still wish to input temperature offsets, follow these steps:

• Open the FireBoard App.
• Tap Settings.
• Tap your FireBoard.
• Tap Advanced Settings.

• Tap Probe Configuration

  Each channel can be configured for an offset, with respect to the degree type currently selected (Celsius or Fahrenheit). For example, if a channel is found to be 0.3°C too high, a -0.3°C should be entered to offset this error.