I need a 12v IR temp sensor with gauge

Permanent installation in a vehicle? What type of gauge? A display?

If the belt is narrow and the sensor needs to be 1+ feet away, you need to pay attention to the distance-to-spot ratio of the sensor. If the ratio is too low then the spot it measures will be large at distance, and the cooler surroundings will be averaged in to the temp it reads.


Assuming you've googled and come up empty, then I would suggest building (or having someone build) a custom arduino (or similar) device. Do you need to monitor temps continuously? You can probably add bluetooth to it and make a companion mobile app to monitor temps. Or just a simple display. Or whatever really. Need more details on the requirements.

I wouldn't worry too much about voltage right now if that's restricting your search results. Just look for something that will handle the function that you need, then worry about getting the voltage right. You can get whatever voltage your device needs from a 12v system.

I'm not aware of any IR temp sensors with remote display (though obviously it could exist), so my first DIY thought (aside from full DIY with arduino) would be to just buy any of the ~$25 IR guns, take it apart, and see what you can do. Maybe watch some teardown videos on youtube to see if there's a particular model that might be easier to convert to a split system. Maybe there is one where the sensor can be easily detached from the gun and extended with a small wire harness (a length of cat5 might work). If this is possible and it works, get a voltage regulator (probably 9v) to power it continuously, then tie the trigger back. Or eliminate the housing entirely and 3d print something a little nicer.


I don't know whether you've got more time or money in the budget for this project. Maybe someone will come along shortly with something already made commercially and priced well enough.

There is a commercial kit available for 300 bucks.

A but much given how simple it is. Looking for parts now.

Probably your cheapest and most redneck option would be to buy a pre-packaged IR thermometer break it down and re-package and wire it for your use.

Arduino would be the 2nd cheapest. Either of these options will require fabricating a mount to mount the IR thermometer