Thermal Master THOR-002 - Initial Impressions by Fraser - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 09, 2025, 04:34:43 pm
content: Thermal Master THOR-002 Thermal imaging CameraInitial ImpressionsThermal Master have sent me a THOR-002 thermal imaging camera to test and I shall be producing a full review on this camera shortly. In the interim, I am providing my initial impressions of the camera from a brief field test the same day as it has arrived.Spoiler : I am impressed with the THOR cameraThe THOR-002 kitThermal Master supply their THOR-002 camera in a hard case with custom foam insert. This protects the camera in transit to the customer and provides convenient ongoing storage. The case contains the THOR-002 camera, USB A to C cable, Quick start guide and Calibration certificate. There is also a card offering an extension of the warranty to 3 years.On first appearance, the THOR-002 looks like a FLIR Ex series camera, and this is no coincidence as the THOR series are intended to compete with the FLIR E5 Pro camera. Upon picking up the camera, it feels a good weight and solid in the hand, just like a FLIR camera. The casing is of excellent quality and finishing is equally high quality. It looks very smart with its silver and black 3D aluminium side panel insert and thick Acrylic ID plate. Very nice. The camera does not fall into the trap of having excessive shiny "bling" on the casing. It is professional in its appearance with black case, grey keypad and grey trigger. A tasteful, metal, matt silver strap and tripod mount is to be found at the bottom of the handle. The only bright colour on the camera is the red thermal camera window protector and its associated operating lever. I find the whole camera colour scheme to be pleasing to my eyes and in line with what I would expect of a serious thermal camera.So we have a good looking, solidly constructed thermal camera, but how well does it work ? Well this is an "initial impressions" post so I am limiting the tests I carried out to just initial imaging collection, without any effort to get the best out of the camera and I did not even set the time before testing itThis is how it performed straight out of the case, and I am impressed with it.The LCD screen is large and bright, which is no surprise as it is an IPS panel. Thermal Master have been thoughtful enough to apply a proper screen protector to keep the LCD panel in good condition when used in harsh environments. Why didn't FLIR do this on their Ex and Exx series cameras ? It is fine details like this that show thought on the part of the manufacturer.The Keypad button tops are of the "rubber" type and each button is tactile so the user knows that it has been pressed. Button operation is typical of tactile keypads and feels to be of good quality. Proper tactile switches are used, rather than the conductive rubber mat type. There are 4 individual buttons and a "Navipad" offering 4 directions plus a middle button. The keypad is very similar to that found on FLIR Ex and EXX series cameras. The finger trigger has a high quality feel to it with a slight sponginess as it is pulled. This is indicative of the trigger acting upon the tactile switch via a rubber membrane. The trigger has a good action to it and is comfortable to use.The front of the camera presents the "business end" of the THOR-002 with a collection of windows, behind which are mounted the Visible Light camera, Thermal camera, laser and a white light torch. The Thermal camera lens is protected by an IR transparent window, this window is protected by the impact and dirt protection shutter that may be moved in front of it when not in use. The inclusion of a visible light camera permits the user to display and capture pure thermal, thermal fusion, PIP or visible light imagery.The THOR-002 was used to capture some thermal images in and around the home to see how it performed. It was immediately noticeable how sensitive the camera is and the imagery that it produces is impressive. The camera was in the X³ resolution enhancement mode from first power on so some images were taken with the X³ mode switched off, for comparison purposes. More comparisons will be carried out for the full review but a couple of Coffee Mug images are included here as a demonstration of the X³ mode capabilities. For those unaware, Thermal Master have released a resolution enhancement mode that they call "X³” This is said to be an "AI" based feature and not just simple interpolation. From my tests, it is clear that a lot more is going on in this image enhancement than just up-scaling. I am normally sceptical of real time software based resolution enhancement techniques, but I have to admit that X³ does appear to work well in many situations.Well I think it is time to move onto the pictures that I have just captured so that readers can form their own opinions of the THOR-002. A period of more detailed testing and a full review will follow this "initial impressions" post in due course.Fraser

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 09, 2025, 04:36:45 pm
content: Pictures continued....

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 09, 2025, 04:39:09 pm
content: Thermal images start hereThe Coffee Mug picture is just to demonstrate the difference between imagery when the X³ mode is Off and On. the first of a pair of images is with X³ mode OFF, and the second, with it ON.

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 09, 2025, 04:41:29 pm
content: The cats play room shown with X³ mode OFF and then with X³ mode ON.

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 09, 2025, 04:43:49 pm
content: The engine compartment and rear wheel of our car that was last driven some hours previous to image capture.These images are all taken with X³ mode switched ON

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 09, 2025, 04:45:50 pm
content: This house was imaged first with X³ mode OFF and then with it ON

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 09, 2025, 04:47:51 pm
content: Looking down a road in my village. First with X³ mode OFF and then with it ON

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 09, 2025, 04:51:06 pm
content: A tortoise (Land Turtle for US readers). X³ mode is on in both images.

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 09, 2025, 04:52:38 pm
content: A view of the sky from between two houses. The -30 Celsius reading is the minimum that the THOR-002 can display.

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 09, 2025, 05:07:39 pm
content: So what is my opinion of the THOR-002 based upon my initial testing in the field ?1. It feels solid and of high quality in the hand. It also "looks the part" for commercial users.2. I very much like the clear imagery that the camera produces. Noise reduction is working well.3. The camera is easy to use and very similar to the FLIR Ex and Exx cameras that I have owned.4. The IPS display is excellent5. The on-board measurement functions are adequate for many tasks and I suspect more measurement functions will be available via the image analysis PC software. More on this in the full review.6. The measurement temperature range is more than enough for most tasks, including monitoring PCB's during soldering.7. The provided colour palettes are familiar to thermal camera users and there is an adequate selection for most tasks.8. The provision of a hard case and screen protector by Thermal Master is to be applauded. These will help to keep the THOR-002 in good condition when used in Industrial environments or when operating mobile.Anything missing from the cameras functionality ?Hmmm, well I am impressed with this camera but I have yet to work out if/how I can manually set the centre temperature and temperature span, rather than the "Full Auto " mode that the camera is currently operating in. I have not seen a ROI box option or measurement line option in the measurement menu yet. If such are missing, it could be an issue for some users. It is time to read the user manual !Further comment will be made on the THOR-002 once proper testing and "real world" use has been completed. It is looking promising so far though.

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 09, 2025, 05:12:39 pm
content: The THOR Brochure and User manual in PDF format

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 09, 2025, 05:18:29 pm
content: Another THOR-001 / THOR-002 related thread that I have been contributing to.....https://www.eevblog.com/forum/thermal-imaging/thor-a-new-thermal-camera-review-hopefully-coming-soon/Fraser

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 10, 2025, 10:51:53 am
content: The THOR-002 web page …..https://thermalmaster.com/products/thermal-master-thors-12-hammers-expert-thermal-cameraFraser

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 12, 2025, 10:58:20 am
content: A correction to my previous posts in this thread….For some reason I called the Thermal Master “X³” mode “Q3” in my previous posts. I must have still been thinking about Thermal Master iQ+ algorithmsThe resolution enhancement mode name has now been corrected in my previous posts.Fraser

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 13, 2025, 08:26:39 pm
content: The testing is going well and I have already provided Thermal Master with some feedback on the cameras available functions. The THOR-002 does not currently have a manual level and span option in the menu. I discussed this with Thermal Master and was impressed with their fast response and intended action. The manual Level and Span capability is promised in the next firmware updateThe THOR-002 continues to impress me during testing and I intend to release the full review before 1st June. Hopefully, next week.Fraser

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 28, 2025, 12:58:48 pm
content: Just a little set of 'teaser images' from my review in case anyone is wondering on the image quality. The THOR-002 was in its X3 image enhancement mode for all of these images. There is absolutely no visible light camera input to these thermal images, they are totally thermal. Visible light camera Image Fusion is available if desired, but I wanted to show the pure thermal imaging capability of this camera.It looks like the review will be finished and uploaded at the beginning of July as I am on a deployment until then.Fraser

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 28, 2025, 01:02:59 pm
content: More 'teaser' images....

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 28, 2025, 01:11:22 pm
content: More 'teaser' images....

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 28, 2025, 01:21:04 pm
content: More 'teaser' images....Note how the THOR-002 captures the relatively thin metal TV and Radio aerials on top of houses.

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 28, 2025, 01:27:55 pm
content: And now for some PCB images that some have been waiting to see. It should be stated that I have added my own close-up lens to the THOR-002 for these images. I used an Agema/FLIR 100mm FL and Chinese ZnSe 63mm FL lens. The subject of the imagery is a Philips DVB set top box.The first set of images are using the Agema/FLIR 100mm FL lensI liked what I saw !

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 28, 2025, 01:30:51 pm
content: PCB images taken with the Chinese ZnSe 63mm FL lens....

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 28, 2025, 01:48:16 pm
content: Well that is it for now. I continue to be impressed with the THOR-002 camera and with the addition of an inexpensive ZnSe close-up lens, this camera is great for PCB thermal imaging. The X3 mode does apply image enhancement to the thermal scene and, I must say, I like the effect. It is almost artistic, especially when viewing buildings. If the X3 effect is not wanted, it is easily switched off and the THOR-002 remains an excellent performer, whether X3 is used or not. I have also used the Mobile Phone App that permits the user to view what is on the THOR-002 display, remote from the camera, as a live video stream over Wi-Fi. The camera memory may also be accessed from the mobile phone over the Wi-Fi link. I attach a picture of the Mobile Phone APP in useI am still testing the PC software and it is both easy to use and very useful for thermal analysis tasks. Pictures attached that show the Palette options, measurement options and 3D plot mode.You will have to wait for the full review for further comment and images, but for those thinking of buying a thermal camera of the 'pistol grip' case format, you may wish to wait until the release of the THOR-002 before making your decision. My review will hopefully help potential buyers to understand what the THOR-002 offers the user. It is a lovely bit of kitFraser

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 28, 2025, 02:16:57 pm
content: From my walk around a local town with the THOR-002, I loved some of the "Artistic" images that I captured. The images look almost like a painting and this camera has much to offer the artistically mindedI attach two pictures that I especially liked.Fraser

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 03, 2025, 10:41:02 am
content: Some more good news….It looks like I will be receiving a THOR-001 for testingI will be able to review that model for this forum to highlight the differences between the THOR-001 and THOR-002. Although the two cameras look identical, the THOR-001 provides a Close-up focus attachment, better NETD, additional measurement points, additional palettes and a stated measurement accuracy of +/-1.5 Celsius. I believe that it is provided with functionality that enhances its capabilities for both general and PCB related tasks. It will be great to have both THOR models for testing. The THOR-001 will hopefully be with me this month. My THOR-002 review will be released later this month and a THOR-001 review will follow soon after (once I have completed testing it).I have not been given a release date for these two cameras yet, but I believe it to be imminent. Thermal Master wanted people like me to test the camera before release as part of the user acceptance testing (UAT) process. They want to get this camera right from the first day of its release. This is good to see.Note: I do not work for Thermal Master and I am not their agent. I am only being asked to test their new ‘baby’ and to provide honest feedback to them on its performance. It has been a joy for me to test the THOR-002 camera for them. Sadly many manufacturers only care about providing sample cameras to YouTube “influencers” to promote their new products. I am not such a YouTube influencer so was pleased to be approached to test the THOR camera. Thermal Master obviously want to promote their product through the usual influencer channels, as modern manufacturers do, but they also wanted honest testing and feedback from someone who specialises in thermal imaging technology. This is great to see and suggests that Thermal Master are focussed on selling high quality products that deliver the promised performance and pass user acceptance testing by experienced technicians. They gain honest technical feedback from my testing at no additional cost, so that is the value to them in sending me a sample unit to test. I get to see and test a brand new model of thermal camera. A win-win situation that also benefits this forumThermal Master have already accepted my recommendation that the THOR series be equipped with a manual level and span option in a future firmware release. I shall continue to provide honest feedback to them on their products if asked for such. Testing the pre-release THOR-002 sample camera has been an interesting and enjoyable task.Fraser

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 21, 2025, 02:56:35 pm
content: As they promised to do, Thermal Master have just sent me a firmware update that adds manual level and span to the cameras functionality. I will upload this to the camera and add this functionality to my review.Fraser

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 23, 2025, 12:50:11 pm
content: I installed the Firmware version 1.2.0 on my THOR-002 and I am pleased to report that the camera now has the option for manual Level and Span that I requested from Thermal Master. Because of the way the camera works, the Manual mode operates in the standard 256x192 pixel mode so X3 is disabled whilst using it. That is not an issue though as Manual mode is usually used when carrying out thermography tasks and not “pretty picture” tasks. Having tested the mode, it works as expected, with the user able to select upper temperature, lower temperature or both to be moved up or down in value. This is the same as on my FLIR Mk1 Exx series camera.I am told that the THOR-002 will be available via Amazon at $299 in early July and I will be given a 5% discount code if anyone needs such. This is not an advertisement, just keeping readers informedFraser

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 23, 2025, 01:33:51 pm
content: I think this will be my last post in this thread before I upload my full review (camera field tests ongoing) so thought readers might like my basic opinion of this new camera……..I love it !The THOR-002 is like a breath of fresh air in the thermal camera marketplace. Up until now, when asked, I have only been able to recommend some pretty old models of camera, such as the UTi-260B, PC210, C200 etc. I will now have a brand new model to recommend as, for $299, it provides excellent build quality, a lovely image on its IPS display and great performance. It is never easy to recommend a particular thermal camera if the available models are all very similar in terms of quality and performance. With the THOR-002 I now have a favourite camera in the 256x192 pixel market segment that I can happily recommend. Remember, it is a 256x192 physical pixel camera, but it provides the AI driven X3 resolution enhancement mode. If you are thinking of buying a 256x192 pixel camera any time soon, I recommend that you wait until July when the THOR-002 will be released, and consider what it offers for $299.This camera has made my life so much easier when I receive future requests for a camera recommendation

author: Micael
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 23, 2025, 01:41:31 pm
content: Thanks for all the information about the camera.Just letting everyone know that if they are in the EU and want this camera, they can already get ithttps://eleshop.eu/thermal-master-thor002-thermal-imaging-camera.htmlbought it a couple of weeks ago, very solid build quality, although I can't speak much to how it compares to cheaper stuff since don't really much experience with thermal cameras in general.

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 23, 2025, 01:47:26 pm
content: Interesting. I was not aware that it had been officially released yet. Eleshop are ahead of others in receiving stock.What firmware version is your camera running ? The firmware that provides manual level and span is V1.2.0 released on 19 June. I can ask Thermal Master whether I can share that firmware with you but I was a tester for it so need their permission.Fraser

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 23, 2025, 02:00:00 pm
content: I have just been in contact with Thermal Master and received permission to share Firmware V1.2.0 if anyone wants it. This firmware was provided to me after I asked for Manual level and Span to be added to the camera to complete its functionality. The update is via a file loaded onto the MicroSD card using the on-board "Update" option and it worked fine with my camera.A factory reset is needed after the new firmware is loaded so that the new function becomes active.I will provide update instructions with the file upon request and will help if you have any problems with it.The firmware is an 18Mb file so I cannot upload it here.FraserUpdate 25 July 25: Since Thermal Master only provide the manual level and span mode on the THOR-001, I can no longer provide firmware 1.2 that provides this function on the THOR-002.

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 23, 2025, 02:50:33 pm
content: I have asked for information on the “IQ+”, “Razor” and “X3” technology that is in the THOR-002. This may help us better understand how the THOR-002 achieves its performance. I have been told that this information will be made available to me.Fraser

author: Micael
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 23, 2025, 03:13:18 pm
content: Thanks for the offer, my camera has the 1.1.6 firmware on it, will wait to update since not going to be using the camera right now, so might as well wait to see if there are further updates.I would, however, love to know more about the ZnSe lens, I assume it's 63.5mm focal length, is the diameter of it 20?Thank you.

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 23, 2025, 03:35:51 pm
content: For the testing I used a 63mm FL lens that I had in my ZnSe lens collection. It was actually a small 12mm diameter ZnSe lens, but I will be buying a larger lens for this camera. 12mm worked but it is really too small once mounted in a suitable holder. I would recommend anything from 18mm to 25mm diameter in this case. I shall be buying a 20mm diameter 63mm FL CVD ZnSe Meniscus lens for my THOR-002.Fraser

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 23, 2025, 03:56:40 pm
content: I have just purchased a Meniscus CVD ZnSe lens from here….https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/126001279549I chose the 20mm diameter / 63.5mm FL lens specification.The challenge will be to design and print a suitable lens holder for the camera. The THOR-001 comes with a very nice close-up lens design but sadly it is not available as a accessory. The THOR cameras are similar in physical design to the FLIR Ex series, so an Ex series close-up lens holder might be adaptable to the THOR lens surround.Fraser

author: lkarlslund
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: June 24, 2025, 11:10:13 am
content: Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the THOR-002 device. I've been looking for something like this, and also find that the current selection of devices are a few years old (not that newer is necessarily better).The close-up feature with a macro lens is interesting, and I've been trying to find the difference between the 001 (which includes the lens) and the 002 (which does not).According to the instruction manual the 001 has a "macro" feature in the firmware, which the 002 has not. Otherwise I can't really figure out if there are any physical differences (built in lens or otherwise).This is the manual I've looked at:https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0872/5348/3804/files/2025.4.15-Thor_s_12_Hammers.pdfI wonder what kinds of challenges you will run into while using a macro lens without the toggle in the menu.Creating a 3D printable holder for the lens is not that big of a problem IMO (I'll do it if I buy one)Do you know if the video over USB is UVC (linux) compatible, or you need Windows and their proprietary software?

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 24, 2025, 03:03:36 pm
content: Ikarlslund,The THOR-001 and THOR-002 appear to be very similar but the THOR-001 does have some differences....THOR-001 NETD:<35mKTHOR-002 NETC:<40mKTHOR-001 Measurement accuracy: +/-1.5 Celsius or +/-1.5%THOR-002 Measurement accuracy: +/-2.0 Celsius or +/-2.0%THOR-001 User set Spot Temperature points: 6THOR-001 User set Spot Temperature points: 3THOR-001 Palettes: 9THOR-002 Palettes: 7THOR-001 Close-up lens: Yes. Supplemental lens - FL=80mm with menu entry to support this supplemental lens.THOR-002 Close-up lens: No and the Close-up lens entry is not present in the menu.The close-up lens menu entry in the THOR-001 allows the user to inform the camera measurement system that it has the supplemental close-up lens fitted. The measurement system then corrects close-up measurements to maintain system accuracy. It is possible to make your own close-up lens assembly, just as with most thermal cameras, but the user will need to calculate the error in the measurements themselves. Some users would prefer to have the complete system with the close-up lens included and measurement accuracy maintained whilst the supplemental lens is fitted. The THOR-002 is an excellent camera and the THOR-001 is a more refined specification model that also gives the user calibrated measurements at 80mm distance from the target.There may be other changes to the THOR-001 model but I am not currently aware of them. Once I have the THOR-001 in my hands, I can compare the two units side-by-side.Fraser

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 03, 2025, 10:27:53 pm
content: Three bits of news….1. The Cloudray 20mm diameter / 63mm FL CVD ZnSe lens has arrived for my DIY THOR close-up lens. Cloudray produce an excellent lens that is professionally packed in a proper lens element capsule and hard plastic boxIt should be noted that I am not declaring the Cloudray lens to have performance equal to an OEM provided close-up lens. We are, after all, using these “CO2 Laser Focus” ZnSe lenses for an application that differs from their intended use. The AR coatings are designed to offer peak transmission at 10.6um (CO2 laser wavelength) with no guarantees of performance over the broader LWIR spectrum. Do consider this if intending to use a DIY close-up lens in professional applications. A DIY lens holder has yet to be designed for the THOR series of cameras.2. A THOR-001 with its OEM 80mm FL close-up lens is currently on its way to me for testing and is due to arrive early next week. I will produce a review of it for this forum after I have completed my tests.3. My full review of the THOR-002 will be uploaded to this forum at the Weekend. Thermal Master had asked me not to upload my review before now in case it created customer demand before the official product release date when stock is ready to ship in a timely manner. The THOR-002 camera official release on Amazon is due to occur next week so I am safe to upload my review as wellIt will come as no surprise to readers of this thread that I am very pleased with the design and performance of the THOR-002 and I will go into more detail in my review. I was actually surprised at the $299 price point….. I honestly expected it to be more than that. EEVBlog members will also receive a 5% discount. The voucher code will be in my review.I am so pleased to be able to release my review at lastFraser

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 06, 2025, 10:29:36 pm
content: My full review is now uploaded here.....https://www.eevblog.com/forum/thermal-imaging/review-thermal-master-thor-002-thermal-camera-better-than-flir-by-fraser/msg5968817/#msg5968817Fraser

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 07, 2025, 01:01:33 pm
content: The THOR-001 arrived this morningThe supplemental close-up lens is a single lens element design. It uses a very nice quality Chalcogenide IR glass Meniscus lensI look forward to testing and reviewing the THOR-001 and its close-up imaging capabilityFraser

author: ixfd64
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 11, 2025, 08:58:50 pm
content: Out of curiosity I decided to check out Thermal Master's official Facebook Page. It only has two reviews, one of which is very negative:https://facebook.com/ThermalMasterGlobal/reviewsJust putting it out there.

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 11, 2025, 11:21:53 pm
content: Ixfd64,Sadly there is not enough “back story” for that negative review to be understood. No company is perfect on the customer support front but I hope Thermal Master will provide good customer support for their products. They certainly seem very keen to be taken seriously in the marketplace.Fraser