Thermal Master Thor002 to Thor001 Firmware Hack? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: MRiddickW
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 08, 2025, 01:25:51 am
content: Howdy folks!Has anyone yet started poking around the Thermal Master Thor002 to see if it can be turned into a Thor001? I haven't seen any chatter but figured I'd ask regardless.I've been looking into buying a thermal camera (for real this time) and from what I've read, it seems like the Thermal Master Thor series is the best bang for buck these days for what I'm after (PCB and around-the-house stuff). But paying an extra $200 for a macro lens and manual level/span is a bit of a hard sell for me.Thanks!

author: kite31
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 08, 2025, 02:17:13 am
content: Given that two of the very few differences are thermal sensitivity and accuracy (not merely resolution) I am doubtful that the difference is merely firmware rather than the microbolometer.

author: MRiddickW
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 08, 2025, 04:56:38 pm
content: Interesting. I admittedly forgot about the difference in sensitivity/accuracy when I wrote my post, but I would have guessed it's the same thermal unit (microbolometer?), just binned accordingly. But I'll be the first to admit I'm exceedingly new to all of this so I really don't know.Either way, it would be really nice to have the manual level/span, as that and the macro lens correction are the only two things I really care about (more than the 6 vs 4 monitoring spots or whatever the other differences are).

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 08, 2025, 08:57:06 pm
content: Quote from: MRiddickW on September 08, 2025, 04:56:38 pmhttps://www.eevblog.com/forum/thermal-imaging/thermal-master-thor-002-initial-impressions-by-fraser/msg5954857/#msg5954857Interesting they gave it to Fraser but looks like they took it away, not sure if he is allowed to share the FW.Are you able to get a hold of the FW for each one and compare them?

author: MRiddickW
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 08, 2025, 09:14:28 pm
content: Oh yeah, good point, I suppose if one had access to that particular firmware version it would be accessible.As it happens, I found myself feeling impulsive and impatient so after finding a 10% off coupon I ended up buying a Thor001 from Thermal Master for $540 with free shipping and no tax, so I guess the problem is solved for me. :pBut for anyone else who has a modicum of patience, it would be great if one could figure out how to trick the Thor002 into thinking it's a Thor001 and update the firmware accordingly.

author: Eurora
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 09, 2025, 12:49:23 am
content: haven’t seen anyone post a confirmed Thor002→Thor001 firmware hack yet. From what I’ve read, the hardware inside is very similar, but usually the differences are in calibration data and unlocked features (like manual level/span and macro lens profiles), which are stored in firmware or hidden menus. Flashing the wrong firmware could risk bricking the unit or losing factory calibration, so I’d be careful.:popcorn:I use a Thor001 for PCB work and the manual span is super handy when you’re chasing small temperature differences. If you can live without manual span, the 002 still gives you the same core performance and resolution, so you might just save the $200 and go with that.