How to Measure an Active Probe With an RF Detector

You can use a meat thermometer to measure an active probe with a radio-frequency, or RF, detector. RF detectors show energy fields in a variety of ways. They have two parts: a probe that picks up the energy field and a display that shows the presence of the energy field. Some RF detectors have both parts in a single unit, while others connect the probe to the display with a wire. The display also varies with different models, from a simple tone in the presence of an electrical field to a numerical readout.

Things You'll Need

• RF detector
• Television
• Digital meat thermometer
• Analog meat thermometer

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Turn on the RF detector. Hold the probe next to the television to check the readout of the meter. Televisions have a large electromagnetic field and make it easy to see the readout.

   • 2

     Turn on the digital meat thermometer.

   • 3

     Hold the probe of the RF detector next to the probe of the meat thermometer. Note the RF readout.

   • 4

     Hold the probe of the RF detector next to the probe of the analog meat thermometer. Since it uses mechanical means to measure temperature, there is no electrical field. Note the lack of findings.