Timex TX5170 Indoor/Outdoor Thermometer with Indoor Hygrometer and Clock

Timex TX5170 Indoor/Outdoor Thermometer with Indoor Hygrometer and Clock
by Maverick Industries, Inc

Timex TX5170 Indoor/Outdoor Thermometer with Indoor Hygrometer and Clock
List Price: $14.99
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Category: CE
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Digital Photo Product Details

Manufacturer: Maverick Industries, Inc
Model: TX5170
Product features:
  • Compact electronic indoor/outdoor thermometer with hygrometer and built-in quartz clock
  • Indoor temperature range of 32 to 122 degrees F and outdoor range of -4 to 158 degrees F
  • Reads relative humidity between 20 and 90 percent; includes wired remote sensor with 10-foot cord
  • Records day's maximum and minimum temperatures; requires single AAA battery (not included)
  • Sleek white plastic housing; measures 2.88 x 5.44 x 0.81 inches (W x H x D); 1-year warranty
Accessories:

Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Timex TX5170 Indoor/Outdoor Thermometer with Indoor Hygrometer and Clock

Customer Review: So-so product, not supported by Timex
Summary: 3 Stars

I purchased this thermometer in order to produce objective evidence about the temperature and humidity in my office during the summer (both uncomfortably high). I loaned it to my wife for the same purpose (but her office was uncomfortably cold). It's reasonably attractive, and it more or less did what I wanted, but I don't have a great deal of confidence in the accuracy of its temperature and humidity measurements.

As advertised, the unit measures both "indoor" and "outdoor" temperature, where the indoor temperature is measured directly by the main unit and the outdoor temperature is measured by a probe at the end of a wire that's (reportedly) 10 feet long. The main problem is that there is a difference between "indoor" and "outdoor" temperature of on average 1.5 degrees when the "outdoor" probe is sitting right next to the main unit. (I have seen this vary from 1.0 degrees to 2.0 degrees, but it usually settles at around 1.5 degrees.) Obviously, there should be no difference. Also, in summer, the humidity seemed to vary too much over short periods of time, and in the winter (when the heat kicks in), the reading is correctly but not very helpfully "low" rather than a specific number.

Technically, the product *does* have a warranty, but warranty follow-up is probably not worth it. When I called Timex about the problem with indoor/outdoor variance, they told me the same thing it says on the back of the product -- it's manufactured by Maverick Industries, and you have to contact them for support. The package provides a web address that's no good [...], but the company can be reached via their web site at [...]. I have an e-mail in to them now; I'll update if/when I hear back. The policy on the back of the package is "Repair or replacement will be made at our option without additional charge if the instrument is returned postage paid to [their address]". The cost of sending the unit to them and providing return postage is probably greater than the cost of the unit, and so not worth it.

In other words, buying this product is a craps shoot. On the other hand, I've seen people complaining about similar technical problems in much-more-expensive units. Despite the risk, this might be a better value than most of the rest.

Update: No response from the manufacturer.

Description of Timex TX5170 Indoor/Outdoor Thermometer with Indoor Hygrometer and Clock

Top window shows indoor temperature. Middle window shows outside temperature. Bottom window shows both the humidity reading or the quartz clock. Temperature range indoor thermometer - 32° to 122° Fahrenheit. Outdoor Temperature range -4° to +158° Fahrenheit. Fahrenheit and Celsius thermometer scales. Easy to use set buttons in classic new style. The LCD clock has AM/PM icon. Records Minimum and Maximum temperatures for both indoor and outdoor thermometers. Ten foot all weather temperature sensor. Case molded in durable plastic and finished in Pearlized white finish. Requires 1 AAA battery. Battery not included. Case size is 5 7/16 and 2 7/8 x 13/16 Backed by Timex one year limited warranty.
They say it's not the heat, but the humidity. Well fret not, because the versatile Timex TX5170 electronic thermometer displays both at the same time. The compact unit--which sits unobtrusively on a desktop, table, or shelf--sports a three-line LCD panel with bold, conspicuous readouts. The top line displays the indoor temperature, the middle line displays the outdoor temperature, and the bottom line shows either the indoor relative humidity or the time, depending in your preference. As a result, you can instantly gauge whether to wear shorts or pants on a seemingly mild summer day, make sure the humidity level is correct in the greenhouse, or crank the air conditioner as the afternoon progresses. The temperature readings range from 32 to 122 degrees F (0 to 50 degrees C) for the indoor temperature to -4 to 158 degrees F (-20 to 50 degrees C) for the outdoor temperature. The relative humidity, meanwhile, is measured on a scale of 20 to 90 percent, with the hygrometer performing best between 40 and 70 percent.

The display is remarkably easy to read--even from across the room--thanks to the bold digits and crisp readout. At the same time, the TX5170 includes an integral minimum/maximum memory function that records the high and low temperatures of the day. The values are available at the push of a button, with a second button clearing and resetting the memory on command. Best of all, the unit is notably compact at 2.88 by 5.44 by 0.81 inches (W x H x D), making it a great choice for home offices, backyard greenhouses, and everywhere in between.

The TX5170 comes with a wired, weather-resistant temperature probe (with a 10-foot cord) for gauging the outdoor temperature, along with an integral folding stand. Because of the wired probe, the main unit will need to located near a window to enjoy the outdoor temperature functions. And should you want to mount the unit on a wall rather than place it on a shelf or desk, simply suspend it from its rear hanger hole (you'll need to provide the nail or screw). As a final bonus, the TX5170 is streamlined and attractive, with a sleek white plastic housing and a snazzy seven-button control panel on the front.

The TX5170 requires a single AAA battery (not included) and is backed by a one-year warranty.

What's in the Box
Base station, wired weather sensor with 10-foot cord, integral folding stand, user's manual.

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