A good EDC (everyday carry) kit values quality tools that are portable and functional. To some people, the best are the ones that can also clip on to things. Or that have a built-in bottle opener. Take your pick. But while the latest piece of portable gear won’t help open up your beer, it slips into pockets or rides on keychains with ease. The TEMPMi thermometer connects to mobile devices for fast, no-contact temperature readings wherever you go. Plus, it glows with Tritium power.

Although the global pandemic has sparked innovation to fulfill needs, the TEMPMi thermometer isn’t the first of its kind. We’ve seen Thermodo, which found success on Kickstarter years ago, yet fell flat with the execution. Even though Thermodo does have a split ring, users fumed about poor software support and gross temperature inaccuracy (we had pledged for one and confirmed these aspects as huge fails). However, TEMPMi is different, being that it utilizes an infrared sensor and connects via USB-C or Lightning ports to communicate data. No batteries are needed, since power is drawn from the connected smartphone or tablet.

Measuring 55 mm (2.17 in) long at a scant 8 g (0.28 oz), the TEMPMi thermometer is not much bigger than your average mailbox key. Built into the cap, a split ring offers convenient portability from keys, clips, or loops. Heck, even from zippers, if you want. The operation is as simple as using a USB cable; plug TEMPMi into a mobile device and open the mobile app to connect. Hold the end of the thermometer about an inch away from the target to get a reading. The sensor measures temperatures between -20° to 180° C (-4° to 356° F) with an accuracy of ±0.3° C (0.5° F).

The TEMPMi mobile app (Android and iOS compatible) keeps a record of all data, with a filter to separate body and non-body temperature measurements. Although unknown at this point, it would be nice if the app could assign user-created tags. That way, a parent could keep track of and monitor individual readings (e.g. family members). But this is a wait-and-see situation; software/apps can make or break the experience or functionality of hardware.

The engineering team has designed this thermometer with a strong click system so that it stays securely attached. This was a major pain point about Thermodo, which was prone to separating from its cap and becoming lost. However, if misplaced, TEMPMi has its own light source to help you find it. Featuring a strip of Tritium built into the exterior, each TEMPMi thermometer glows in the dark. This self-illumination needs no battery power and lasts for years before fading.

The TEMPMi thermometer is currently funding on Kickstarter. More than 1000 backers have helped raise over US$52 thousand dollars in almost two weeks, and the campaign still has 45 days left of funding to go. Pledges start at approximately $40 for one, saving half off the estimated retail price. If everything goes according to schedule, backers can expect shipments to start July 2021. Similar project, ThermGo, suffered a production delay and just recently started fulfilling shipments. Hopefully the TEMPMi team will be able to avoid a similar situation.

Source: Kickstarter