Suggestions for a TIC - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: madshaman
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 07, 2013, 12:45:43 pm
content: Hi all,One piece of equipment missing from my lab is a thermal imaging camera. I know one will be *very* useful to me.I don't want a toy, I want a solid, reliable and useful tool that will last me years.Things that are important to me, in *roughly* most to least important order:- reliability- precision- temperature resolution- ease of use- video resolution- large operating range (temperature-wise)- accuracyMy budget is roughly $1000-1500 (CAD) and I'll have to run it by my SO.From what I've seen, it looks like what I want might actually be more in the $5000 range, and I have very little knowledge and experience wrt TICs.Any suggestions, comments or approaches are welcome.If you feel I won't be happy with anything I'd spend less than $5000 on, please feel free to say so. We might just have to put it in the budget and save for it.Thanks in advance.

author: zapta
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 07, 2013, 12:51:22 pm
content: You want Flir E4. Check the long thread about the teardown.Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

author: madshaman
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 07, 2013, 03:55:00 pm
content: Quote from: zapta on November 07, 2013, 12:51:22 pmI've seen the video, but haven't read the thread yet.So far it looks like the Flir E series are the best option. Honestly the Flir E5 would be my minimum spec-wise, and highly leaning towards the Flir E6 (better temperature resolution plus video resolution boost), which is $1000 or so above the budget.I have the go-ahead from the SO for either (so perhaps I'm willing to go to $2500), but am hoping for more feedback before I'd consider pulling the trigger. This isn't a small purchase; at least for me.

author: olsenn
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 07, 2013, 03:56:41 pm
content: Seriously, read the thread! You can buy an E4 and hack it (without even opening/modifying the camera) to be an E8

author: Dongulus
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 07, 2013, 04:02:58 pm
content: Quote from: madshaman on November 07, 2013, 03:55:00 pmYou must be some smooth talker to manage to justify that kind of expense.

author: aargee
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 08, 2013, 04:11:56 am
content: My better half lets me play with a portion of my Tax return each year, and the Flir E4 is/was it for 2013!!!

author: BravoV
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 08, 2013, 04:18:27 am
content: Just read that thread, highly recommened, and if I were you with that kind of money on disposal, I'd buy two E4sand the spare money for those extra exotic IR lens for further tweakings.Two TICs are better than one.

author: madshaman
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 08, 2013, 04:51:52 am
content: Quote from: olsenn on November 07, 2013, 03:56:41 pmWell, I am, there are 800 some posts ^^'That would be ideal (am assuming it can also be unhacked) as with something like this, I wouldn't want to void my warranty.If it were something I understood much better (like an oscilloscope), I'd feel more comfortable with an invasive hack.

author: madshaman
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 08, 2013, 04:54:50 am
content: Quote from: Dongulus on November 07, 2013, 04:02:58 pmIt's less me being a smooth talker and more of her supporting me fully and trusting that I'm not going to spend that kind of money on a toy that isn't useful.

author: madshaman
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 08, 2013, 05:06:26 am
content: Alright, I'm pulling the trigger before Flir revs the E4.I only skimmed what was involved, so hopefully all will be good.

author: madshaman
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 08, 2013, 05:10:32 am
content: P.S. wrt to keeping quiet, does *anyone* honestly think they don't already know?

author: madshaman
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 08, 2013, 05:31:52 am
content: Trigger pulled... Thanks all.I was *wondering* why the teardown thread was so popular. I actually figured it had just devolved into endless tech-nerd debate so I hadn't even looked at it.

author: zapta
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 08, 2013, 05:39:28 am
content: Quote from: madshaman on November 08, 2013, 04:51:52 amJust follow the instructions carefully and you will be fine, if you have any question, ask. So far, no report of any damage and the change in the image quality is very noticeable (x16 the number of pixels).

author: madshaman
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 08, 2013, 05:52:22 am
content: Quote from: zapta on November 08, 2013, 05:39:28 amGeeze, I don't consider a software hack invasive at all ;-). I knew it was potentially hardware hackable before reading the thread; my *only* reluctance was in voiding my warranty and ziltching my #1 priority: reliability. This is a real tool I will use for what is now my full-time job; it's asking for trouble if your trade tools are flakey in any way whatsoever; the time cost isn't worth it in any way shape or form.

author: firewire
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: November 16, 2013, 01:35:30 am
content: There is a great deal on ebay on right now for a Milwaukee 2260-21. $1150 or best offer (usd). 2 left it appears at the time of this post.http://www.ebay.com/itm/Milwaukee-thermal-Imager-/221316682869?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3387809475I emailed him how he had 5 available and he said the company he works for was going to use them for a project and it fell through. I took his email and googled it and found he works for Heil Trailer Manufacturing, so it seems his story was legit to the extent he is a manager at a major trailer manufacter. Plus his feedback is great and no sneaky things like "only email me through xyz and not ebay's system".$2500 unit more than less than half! 60hz - 160x120 rez - Digital Cam - LED Front lights - Commonly available batteries - 30 min charger.Ad says he ships international so Canada shouldn't be an issue.