Howard and all -
I benchmark tested the Temprobes a few years ago.  I found the trick to
getting a reltatively accurate reading was to make sure that the probe tip is
in firm and tangent contact with the solder joint.  If it is not making good
contact, as in only a portion of the tip on the joint due the angle of the
joint, you will get the noise you noticed (and a very inaccurate reading)l.
Very similar to attaching a TC with kapton tape (another no--no) = you're
reading air temp, IR, and not just the interconnection.  Some users have
actually put thermal "grease" on top of the Temprobe/Joint interconnection
(yuk).
I've been very dubious of temporary probe attachment but, having worked in
contract assembly, know the reality of some situations.  The Temprobe can
work but with the caveats.  Greg Jones of KIC and others have experimented
with aluminum tape with very good, reliable results.  I have yet to test this
method thoroughly but Greg is very credible.
Happy profiling!
Phil Zarrow
ITM Consulting
Durham, Great White North of NH     USA
www.ITM-SMT.com

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