Which camera is recommended for a plumber relatively cheaply? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: plumbing32
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: August 14, 2019, 10:10:01 am
content: I am looking for a water leak camera for plumbingWhich thermal cameras are recommended for a cheap price?Thanks

author: Bill W
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 15, 2019, 10:46:16 am
content: Define cheap......The bottom of the market is still $200 or so and has two types,Cheap Chinese fraud cameras like the one discussed here:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/thermal-imaging/amprobe-irc-110-and-120-models-128x128-resolution-for-200$/ie a very low res thermal image and lies on the datasheet to make it seem 'OK'.Sensor heads (such as Seek compact or FLIR One) where you only get a sensor dongle and supply your own processing and display through a phone.Next up are the small SEEK's (Reveal series)https://www.thermal.com/reveal-series.htmlOtherwise you might build one from kit parts or manage to pick up an old fire service camera (big).regardsBill

author: plumbing32
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: August 15, 2019, 03:46:30 pm
content: Quote from: Bill W on August 15, 2019, 10:46:16 amAround $ 400 + - Is there such a product?recommended

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 15, 2019, 05:39:20 pm
content: For a very basic thermal imaging tool, the TG130 is an option. Yes it is low resolution at 80 x 60 pixels, but you get a complete handheld solution for around $230 that can show you blocked pipes that have had hot water poured into them, heating pipes behind plaster walls or leaks under a concrete floor. As a starter option for a plumber, it has much to offer.https://www.ivytools.com/flir-tg130-spot-thermal-camera-p/flir-tg130.htmFor more advanced features used in building thermography where detailed images are preferred, you need to be thinking about a higher budget and maybe a FLIR E4, if you are comfortable with hacking it to its full 320 x 240 pixel resolution.The pictures in this link are of the E4 in 80 x 60 resolution mode. It can be hacked to the full resolution of the E8 though. It remains excellent value for money with a good resale value.https://www.ivytools.com/FLIR-E4-Infrared-Thermal-Imaging-Camera-63901-0101-p/flir-e4.htmThis is the E8 that is actually a ‘non hobbled’ E4 in all respects. Look at the sample images compared to the ones for the software ‘hobbled’ E4https://www.ivytools.com/FLIR-E8-Infrared-Thermal-Imaging-Camera-63903-0303-p/flir-e8.htmTake a look at the E4 hacking threads on this forum. Even if you are not confident to carry out the hack, maybe someone you know can help you ? Well worth the effort to obtain a $3000 camera for less than $1000? There is a Wi-Fi equipped E4 and a non Wi-Fi equipped model that is cheaper. Beware the E4bx designed for building thermography as that has a lower maximum temperature limit.Phone dongle type cameras have their place but I believe many in the trade prefer a complete and relatively rugged solution. The CAT thermal camera equipped phones are popular in the trade but expensive and unless you are wanting to change your phone, possibly too expensive to justify.Fraser

author: Vipitis
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 16, 2019, 12:14:04 am
content: there is this "small PDA" format type camera more and more, I believe it is over priced in my respects but there are multiple options.Flir C2, C3 (500$, 700$)Fluke PTi120 (1000$)Seek Shot , Shot Pro (500$, 700$)also some seek offbrands and of course the old Reveal modelsused E4 for 400$ is possible if patient and still the very best option, phone dongles are fragile, there are various threads of people trying the china cameras

author: ir.ukrm
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: August 16, 2019, 05:54:59 am
content: A thermal imaging camera is not a reliable way to detect water leakage. A more reliable way is to use without a contact moisture meter, there is a Flir mr 160. This device combines both a thermal imager and a non-contact moisture meter.

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 16, 2019, 09:19:56 am
content: https://www.flir.co.uk/news-center/professional-tools/how-to-find-leaks-in-concrete-using-a-flir-thermal-imaging-camera/

author: plumbing32
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: August 16, 2019, 12:21:13 pm
content: Quote from: Fraser on August 16, 2019, 09:19:56 amWhat is the best way to detect water leakage?Which device do you recommend?

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 16, 2019, 01:22:51 pm
content: FLIR E4 updated to E8 configuration offers excellent value for money at the moment.I am not a plumbing expert so sadly cannot advise on usage in that role. I know that the camera can display a blockage in a pipe, or a semi-blockage, provided the pipe can be seen. I know that water leaks in concrete slabs can be seen by the evaporation pool and the location of hot pipes behind plaster board can be seen. I know these uses only by first hand experience. I believe either Googling the topic or asking on a plumbing forum may be you best opinion.My favourite ‘daily use’ thermal camera is the FLIR E40 that I ungraded to full E60 spec 320 x 240 pixel resolution and much more. It is a lovely camera but much more expensive than the E4. Upgrade instructions are on this forum for both the E4 and E40 cameras. It is ‘just’ software changes as the hardware in each series is the same throughout the various models. A used E40 in excellent condition costs around $1500 but is, IMHO, well worth the money. Resale value is excellent and camera imaging quality is superb.Fraser

author: Gyro
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 17, 2019, 10:36:17 am
content: Quote from: Fraser on August 15, 2019, 05:39:20 pmHere's a thread I started on the TG130. Not saying it's the right tool for your particular requirement, just some additional info...https://www.eevblog.com/forum/thermal-imaging/flir-tg130-review/

author: eKretz
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 19, 2019, 05:10:37 pm
content: Quote from: ir.ukrm on August 16, 2019, 05:54:59 amActually it is in my opinion. The IR cam should be used to pinpoint the spots to investigate with the moisture meter. Otherwise you'd be wandering around probing random areas. You also sometimes need to know how to use the IR cam to best advantage by creating a thermal gradient/contrast.

author: Ultrapurple
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 20, 2019, 03:12:02 pm
content: Part-blocked waste pipes show up remarkably well if you can persuade a little warm water down them: