max13855 thermocouple problems

Hi guys,

I am using a MAX13855 thermocouple digital amp to read a k-type thermocouple with my Uno. I have a .1uF cap across the thermocouple leads and the chip communicates well with the Arduino. I'm taking an average of 100 samples and when it settles for a few minutes it seems to be fairly accurate. Accurate untill:...

The problem I'm having is that the temperature reading drifts up or down by around 20 °F when my body gets near the thermocouple or it's leads. I'm guessing capacitance interference of some sort. Is there a way to eliminate this? It makes it very difficult to calibrate, since I have to be near the system to do so.

It also goes kind of wacky when I move the leads around.

The datasheet does not recommend any capacitor across the TC leads, what's with that? I have some MAX31855s but have not tried them yet. Had very good luck with its predecessor, MAX6675.

Define "wacky"?