This article describes a new two‐color pyrometer able to obtain multiple temperature reading using charge couple device type sensors. The device was tailored to fit the characteristics of self‐propagating high‐temperature synthesis processes in order to be able to detect temperature profiles and propagation rates of the combustion front. The light intensities at the two working wavelengths and the relative temperature profile are detected in 512 or 1024 points on the sample surface. The time between the acquisition of two profiles can be varied between 100 ms and 10 s. The pyrometer is interfaced with the BUS of a PC and is fully software programmable. The constructive details, procedure for sensors alignment, and temperature calibration are described. Few examples of applications are discussed. ©1995 American Institute of Physics.