Thermal image cameras

[gimpyrobb]

I just moved into a house that needs lots of attention. I'm thinking a thermal camera would help get the house more energy efficient. Who has one and what should I be looking for? Anyone know of a good black Friday deal? I haven't used one but see the potential. Are the hand held units leaps and bounds over the ones that attach to your cell phone? Please bring me up to speed.

T.I.A.

 

[zendriver]

I have this one, even if it's smart phone based.

https://www.amazon.com/P2-Pro-High-Resolution-Infrared-Smartphones/dp/B0C3TQPFPF/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Seems to do what it is supposed to do. Smart phones have a hi resolution display, the work capability is in the imager, so not seeing how a dedicated unit would be much better.

I purchased it through AliExpress for less than Amazon.

 

[danski0224]

Smart phones have a hi resolution display

The phone display resolution has zero to do with the resolution of the thermal camera.

Lots of "super resolution" claims, so be wary of the specs unless you read them carefully.

 

[American Locomotive]

The ones that plug into your phone typically have high resolution sensors and faster refresh rate. The InfiRay is a good unit.

 

[MongoTA]

I bought this last year during a sale. It's been quite good. Maybe too many bells and whistles, I pretty much use the basic functions. It's somewhat surprising the number of things I use it for. I do like that it has wifi allowing me to send thermal images as needed.

F2VW Thermal Camera 256x192 IR Resolution​

 

[TurnipTruck]

Here is my $300 5yo FLIR for iPhone. I’m sure the imagers nowadays are better.

 

[Higgins]

I just moved into a house that needs lots of attention. I'm thinking a thermal camera would help get the house more energy efficient. Who has one and what should I be looking for? Anyone know of a good black Friday deal? I haven't used one but see the potential. Are the hand held units leaps and bounds over the ones that attach to your cell phone? Please bring me up to speed.

T.I.A.

i purchased one several yrs ago! A started using it on electrical wiring, and the CB connection in the main panel, along with suspect overladed electrical circuits!

This yr. a new sub pump stopped working for a couple of months.. the area in the basement smelled of something HOT. the discharge pipe was hot!! Took a picture of the well pit area, it was glowing cherry red,,,, Temp was 185 degrees , sent it to mfg, they sent out a replacement pump!! Which brings up another question, Why (?) didn't the CB in the main panel pop ?

Carnac would love to know!!

AL

 

[signcrafter]

I don't know too much about what makes one a good one but I have this one for a few years now and it works good on house stuff and also use it on car stuff.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09P8BL7CW?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[darkzero]

I bought this last year during a sale. It's been quite good. Maybe too many bells and whistles, I pretty much use the basic functions. It's somewhat surprising the number of things I use it for. I do like that it has wifi allowing me to send thermal images as needed.

F2VW Thermal Camera 256x192 IR Resolution​

Wow, that's a surprise to see for me. I have the same one and I'm really happy with it.

I first ordered their HF256, before it shipped I had buyers remorse, cancelled & got the F2W. While the F2W did exactly what I needed, I ended returning it & got the F2VW. Couldn't be happier for what I paid. They were all on sale at the time. Part of the reason for deciding to get the higher model is cause I had $200 in gift cards from work so I figured might as well.

The company is very responsive also. I emailed them asking if I could purchase a replacement carrying case due to a minor cosmetic issue. They told me they don't offer them individually but they gave me a $20 refund on my purchase.

I bought a Flir TG165 way back when. Yeah I know it was one of their basic models but I was never happy with it for the high price and this was way before the pandemic inflation. I'm glad I sold when I did. I can't justify purchasing another Flir, not for non-professional use anyway.

 

[Ohio Andy]

I ordered the fluke, it arrives Friday

https://a.co/d/19PUGVW

These extenders are recommended

https://a.co/d/iKPZuGA

I also ordered a carrying case

Amazon.com: RLSOCO Hard Case for FLIR ONE Gen 3/PRO/Pro LT & TOPDON TC002/TC002C DUO/TC001/TC001 Plus & Fluke TC01A/TC01B Thermal Imaging Camera (Case Only) : Industrial & Scientific

Amazon.com: RLSOCO Hard Case for FLIR ONE Gen 3/PRO/Pro LT & TOPDON TC002/TC002C DUO/TC001/TC001 Plus & Fluke TC01A/TC01B Thermal Imaging Camera (Case Only) : Industrial & Scientific

a.co

 

[zendriver]

The phone display resolution has zero to do with the resolution of the thermal camera.

Lots of "super resolution" claims, so be wary of the specs unless you read them carefully.

You still have to look at it and differentiate the different colors

My point was using a smart phone isn’t a hindrance to the operation of a thermal image

 

[Ohio Andy]

The phone display resolution has zero to do with the resolution of the thermal camera.

Lots of "super resolution" claims, so be wary of the specs unless you read them carefully.

Yeah I saw that and I wondered what it was. I assumed it means they do upscaling... So average out the pixels around it to generate new values using some algorithm that I should know since I've studied an awful lot of computer graphics and how all that's done... So for me it's I guess more a question of is that what they're doing

 

[GeoBruin]

I do not (yet) own a thermal camera, but in my quest I have stumbled upon a YouTube channel called CheapCheerful that has a lot of reviews and discussions of thermal cameras that are within a hobbyist's price range. This video in particular explains a lot of the elements of comparison that are being discussed here. I found it informative and the Aussie accent is a bonus.

 

[zendriver]

I do not (yet) own a thermal camera, but in my quest I have stumbled upon a YouTube channel called CheapCheerful that has a lot of reviews and discussions of thermal cameras that are within a hobbyist's price range. This video in particular explains a lot of the elements of comparison that are being discussed here. I found it informative and the Aussie accent is a bonus.

Thermal imaging cameras seemed to have gone the route of many other technology items today

Initially, they were high dollar brand-name items because well it was new technology and there was no competition

Now the low cost competition has come on board offering the same features sometimes better

 

[rlitman]

Thermal imaging cameras seemed to have gone the route of many other technology items today

Initially, they were high dollar brand-name items because well it was new technology and there was no competition

Now the low cost competition has come on board offering the same features sometimes better

ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations) kept the technology cost up and really held back consumer product release. For a long time, domestic thermal imagers were excellent, but the most affordable ones were just barely within the budget of fire departments. American companies never had the opportunity to sell their products to a global market, so it took time for companies abroad to catch up and make things legal to import.

The first thermal imager I was able to afford was made in England, with a laughable 16x16 resolution and a late model color Palm Pilot for a display. Being an import, it had no ITAR issues. Things really took off since then, and just a few years later I had a Flir at work. I now have a Fluke as a backup.

The ones that plug into your phone typically have high resolution sensors and faster refresh rate. The InfiRay is a good unit.

Be aware that thermal cameras with refresh rates above 9hz (InfiRay sells 25hz sensors) are considered dual-use products, and InfiRay has been sanctioned, since it (and a large contingent of brands it spins off to avoid sanctions) directly support the Chinese military.

 

[tak1313]

I believe FLIR is still the standard bearer, albeit the expensive standard bearer. Years ago I got the E4 because it was on sale ($700 at the time) and there was a hack for the firmware to increase resolution because they all actually used the same chip and each model was resolution limited via firmware rather than have multiple chips. The hack removed the limitation and basically turned it into their $4,000+ model (with slightly less features).

As a true GJ member, I've used it maybe 10 times just to look around at stuff, and I don't know where it is right now.

For what you are trying to do, you can save some money by not worrying about ACCURACY (as far as actual temps) - you just want something that readily shows DIFFERENCES between warm/cold in image.

Also, you want to read up a little on emissivity as that definitely affects how things appear in a thermal image - especially where what you are really doing is comparing what APPEARS to be warm/hot spots with colder spots.

Edit - bottom line on emissivity: red doesn't always mean hot and blue doesn't always mean cold when looking at a thermal image.

 

[zendriver]

ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations) kept the technology cost up and really held back consumer product release.

Doesn't this just cover US Exports? Seems most of the new imagers are developed overseas.

Be aware that thermal cameras with refresh rates above 9hz (InfiRay sells 25hz sensors) are considered dual-use products, and InfiRay has been sanctioned, since it (and a large contingent of brands it spins off to avoid sanctions) directly support the Chinese military.

Fluke sells a 25Hz refresh rate smart phone imager (probably used the InfiRay chip). Are they sanctioned?

 

[zendriver]

I used mine to find roof leaks in the attic

Here is a sample of its functionality. This was with default settings when new.

 

[danski0224]

Be aware that not all of the low cost ones save or export a radiometric image with thermal data.

A HTI HT-A2 pocket model uses a Seek camera module and if you saved the displayed image, the device took a screenshot to save it. There was no pixel data. This can be useful to analyze the images later.

Of course, this wasn't exactly in the product description.

This was several years ago, and that particular model is no longer available on Amazon. But, I'd bet that other "brands" are doing something similar today. I don't know how to figure this out beforehand. If the device only saves or exports a jpeg, or has no software/app to view the thermal images, those are probably big clues.

 

[finn]

I bought a Seek that uses my IPhone display probably seven or maybe a little more years ago. Bought it to locate the tubes in my hydronically heated floor to help place my two post lift.

Worked great for that. Also surveyed the house and shop for thermal leaks, although I don’t know that I found any surprises.

I also can see where the electric lines run, but since almost the entire shop is surface mount emt, that feature isn’t terribly useful..

I doubt if I have used it since the novelty wore off, although I should check out my pump house at the shop.

I have no idea where it is now, though.

I would look at the cheapest Chinese import you can find with decent specs. This is a pretty good example of a one time use tool, unless you’re into this kind of thing.

Absolute numbers aren’t of much use for most people. You’re looking for gradients and hot spots, something most any inexpensive generic imager will do.

 

[rlitman]

Doesn't this just cover US Exports? Seems most of the new imagers are developed overseas.

That was my point. Until the import market caught up, prices were sky high. And EVERYTHING you see that's affordable today is by definition built on imported sensors. Domestic manufacturers have no reason to even attempt to compete.

Fluke sells a 25Hz refresh rate smart phone imager (probably used the InfiRay chip). Are they sanctioned?

Sanctions are like whack a mole. I had no idea until today that Fluke was rebadging this stuff, though I'm not at all surprised.

 

[engineer2]

InfiRay owner here. I like it and it works reliably. My only concern is when Apple discontinues the lightning connector. Perhaps an adapter can be used. Apple says some day cell phones will not have plug-in connectors. Everything will be wireless, NFC, or inductive.

 

[American Locomotive]

Doesn't this just cover US Exports? Seems most of the new imagers are developed overseas.

Fluke sells a 25Hz refresh rate smart phone imager (probably used the InfiRay chip). Are they sanctioned?

That was my point. Until the import market caught up, prices were sky high. And EVERYTHING you see that's affordable today is by definition built on imported sensors. Domestic manufacturers have no reason to even attempt to compete.

Sanctions are like whack a mole. I had no idea until today that Fluke was rebadging this stuff, though I'm not at all surprised.

The Fluke iSee seems to use the same 25hz 256x192 sensor as all of the other ones. I'm assuming they're getting away with it because they're likely importing a whole complete module?

As far as I can tell, American companies *CAN* sell high refresh rate imagers in the U.S., but they have severe restrictions on international sales, which really limits their market. On the other hand, they can sell <9 Hz imagers much more easily.

 

[zendriver]

I haven’t had to try it yet, (but hope I never do )but I’ve read thermal imaging camera can be useful in troubleshooting parasitic draw why certain creating even of my new amount of heat might be able to differentiate

Smart phone might be more handy in this instance, since you could put a cord on it and put the imager in tight areas may not be accessible to a handheld camera

I thought about trying it as a test, but just like everything else maybe later

 

[Ohio Andy]

I haven’t had to try it yet, (but hope I never do )but I’ve read thermal imaging camera can be useful in troubleshooting parasitic draw why certain creating even of my new amount of heat might be able to differentiate

Smart phone might be more handy in this instance, since you could put a cord on it and put the imager in tight areas may not be accessible to a handheld camera

I thought about trying it as a test, but just like everything else maybe later

He also can use it for things like looking for cold spots in your house to gauge insulation and heat leakage. I guess heat leak gives you are looking for hot spots from outside the house when it's cooled out

 

[gimpyrobb]

I am currently leaning toward the thor002. I just want to use it to help insulate the house and help its efficiency. I don't see how the macro lens could add $210 in value.

 

[rlitman]

I am currently leaning toward the thor002. I just want to use it to help insulate the house and help its efficiency. I don't see how the macro lens could add $210 in value.

People use the macro lens to diagnose failed components on circuit boards.

 

[gimpyrobb]

People use the macro lens to diagnose failed components on circuit boards.

Good to know, that is a function I will not use! I was worried I'd be missing out.

 

[gimpyrobb]

ALSO!
Don't fall for the banner at the top of their screen for an extra 6% off.

I was dumb enough to make that mistake .

No coupons sent.

Darn you, Thermal Master!

 

[GeoBruin]

ALSO!
Don't fall for the banner at the top of their screen for an extra 6% off.

I was dumb enough to make that mistake .

No coupons sent.

Darn you, Thermal Master!

I don't recall if you said you wanted a dedicated handheld unit, but the Thermal Master P3 seems to have similar thermal sensitivity and resolution to the Thor001 in a "dongle", but it has an adjustable focus so it can be used for macro purposes as well as medium to long range uses.

It's quite a bit cheaper and there does seem to be a black Friday discount.

https://a.co/d/b7sQKhT

 

[gimpyrobb]

Yes, I am more interested in a hand held unit over a phone add on.

 

[dscheidt]

Be aware that not all of the low cost ones save or export a radiometric image with thermal data.

A HTI HT-A2 pocket model uses a Seek camera module and if you saved the displayed image, the device took a screenshot to save it. There was no pixel data. This can be useful to analyze the images later.

Of course, this wasn't exactly in the product description.

This was several years ago, and that particular model is no longer available on Amazon. But, I'd bet that other "brands" are doing something similar today. I don't know how to figure this out beforehand. If the device only saves or exports a jpeg, or has no software/app to view the thermal images, those are probably big clues.

A lot of them are like that. a fair number of them expose the thermometric data if you plug them into a PC and run the software, but as a standalone device, they don't. For "Where is that draft?" and similar uses, I don't think this matters. If you're doing engineering reports on something, it certainly could. As a clue, look at the pictures people put in reviews. If they look like a screenshot (with a battery state in the picture...), they're not real data.

 

[gimpyrobb]

Well its ordered. $323.10
Thermal master thor002
Lets see how long it takes to arrive!

 

[gimpyrobb]

Just got notice it has shipped . Only took them 9 days to get out. Wonder how long it'll take now...

 

[Rabid Badger]

I haven’t had to try it yet, (but hope I never do )but I’ve read thermal imaging camera can be useful in troubleshooting parasitic draw why certain creating even of my new amount of heat might be able to differentiate

Smart phone might be more handy in this instance, since you could put a cord on it and put the imager in tight areas may not be accessible to a handheld camera

I thought about trying it as a test, but just like everything else maybe later

I used mine to find a faulty chip just the other day.

 

[gimpyrobb]

Just got email notification that it has been delivered!

 

[gimpyrobb]

I got home and tested it out, it works good! Put it back in the box cause its a Christmas gift.

 

[GeoBruin]

I got home and tested it out, it works good! Put it back in the box cause its a Christmas gift.

You have more self control than I do.

 

[gimpyrobb]

Might have been a different story if the wife wasn't there...