The Isotech 878 Cyclops is a precision spherical blackbody source designed for calibrating infrared thermometers and radiation pyrometers across a wide temperature range of 100°C to 1300°C. Its unique spherical construction—featuring an inner black sphere suspended within a spherical furnace—creates a highly uniform and stable radiation source essential for accurate non-contact temperature measurement validation.

The instrument achieves an effective emissivity greater than 0.999, derived from the material's inherent emissivity of 0.98 combined with the spherical cavity geometry, ensuring minimal reflection and near-ideal blackbody behavior. Temperature stability is maintained at ±0.1°C, providing confidence in calibration results.

The 230 mm diameter inner sphere is accessed through an optical sighting tube. Two aperture configurations are available: a standard 17 mm aperture and a 45 mm aperture for special applications requiring a larger target area. The display resolution automatically switches from 0.1°C below 1000°C to 1°C at higher temperatures for optimal readability.

A distinctive feature of the 878 Cyclops is its dual-purpose design. By removing the inner black sphere and installing the optional 878-02-08 ceramic equalizing block, the furnace converts to a thermocouple calibration system capable of simultaneously calibrating up to eight thermocouples. This versatility makes it a valuable investment for calibration laboratories with diverse workload requirements.

The system includes Cal Notepad software for automated temperature logging, data acquisition, and control via the built-in RS232 interface. Heating time is approximately 90 minutes to reach 700°C and 4 hours to reach 1300°C. Power consumption is 3 kW typical, with selectable voltage options for worldwide compatibility.

Each unit is supplied with a 935-14-22 control thermocouple and comprehensive documentation. The robust construction features a 425 mm diameter housing weighing 25 kg, designed for long-term reliability in laboratory or industrial environments.

Applications

• Primary calibration of infrared thermometers and radiation pyrometers
• Infrared thermal imaging camera validation
• Thermocouple calibration (with optional equalizing block)
• Research and development temperature measurement verification
• Quality control in aerospace, automotive, and materials processing industries

Features

• Temperature range: 100°C to 1300°C
• Effective emissivity: >0.999
• Stability: ±0.1°C
• Spherical cavity design for uniform radiation
• Interchangeable aperture: 17mm standard, 45mm optional
• Dual-use capability: blackbody source or thermocouple furnace
• RS232 interface with Cal Notepad software included
• 0.1°C resolution below 1000°C
• Heating time: 90 min to 700°C, 4 hrs to 1300°C
• Optional ceramic block for 8-channel thermocouple calibration