Thermal cameras

DC999

What standalone thermal imaging cameras or add-ons for android phones are people using that 1) work well and 2) don’t break the bank? There's a million of them on Amazon.

I’ve a infrared handheld laser thermometer yokey that was ~20 quid. Point it at a spot and it tells the temp. But can’t show the heat loss of course, or a heatmap on an area like around a window or a wall. 

Jonathan

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058325679/thermal-cameras

Can you set a reference temperature on your handheld temperature sensor? I can set one on mine and the screen will light up red, green or blue depending on how much hotter/colder the current temperature is from the reference temperature. Not a flir by any means but gets you most of the way there.

ColemanY2K

I have a flir one pro LT. An expensive bit of kit but if used correctly could save you money in the long run by identifying cold spots in the buildings fabric. This will allow you to target those areas where heat loss is greatest.

The camera can always be sold afterwards.

mp3guy

Just borrow one from your local library if you only want it for a short while: https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/want-to-save-money-on-home-energy-go-to-the-library-1.4803180

graememk

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121454905#Comment_121454905

Librarys dont have the thermal camera, just the IR gun that tells you the temperature, that OP already has

projectgtr

I bought the FLIR USB-C add on camera for my phone black Friday last year on amazon, resolution is fine works perfect for what i need, if i had €10 for each time ive loaned it out it would have paid for itself.

MicktheMan

At the end of the day, a thermal imaging camera is just a tool of the trade and in my mind, it's not the type or quality of thermal camera is important but rather the expertise & experience of the person holding it.

DC999

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121454759#Comment_121454759

Fair play Jonathan, I forgot it does have that. I couldn't see the reason to use it at the start

listermint

I bought the Flir Pro android about 5 years ago. Was grand. Then flir did an sw update and fucked the camera app it needs. It now no longer works with any phone I have. Shower of **** tbh. There's threads and threads about it.

I personally think they shagged older models on purpose to force new buys.

DC999

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121455076#Comment_121455076

Good point, thanks Mick. I’m not trying to take from the pros here, and I know you’re well clued in within the energy world. It’s more for me to find the obvious stuff.

I'm looking for the less expensive + low handing fruit like sealing gaps. Which internal walls to insulate first, if we did it... And also being mindful of not creating other problems like mould or a lack of ventilation. IR camera I have now will work after Jonathan reminded me of the setting with the reference temperature.

We got solar and a 2nd hand EV last year so the money tree is gone 😊. Will be DIY work

sydthebeat

I have one of these

https://www.mileseeytools.com/products/compact-infrared-thermal-temperature-scanner-tr120e

It's fine for what I use it for. I don't specifically do thermal imaging reports, but sometimes I'm asked in my day to day to assess issues such as cold rooms, mould growth etc.

I actually had it out last week in house from the early 2000s that had ufh. One room was constantly about 5-10 degrees colder than the rest of the house. The house has recently been upgraded with a new heat pump and the clients were very worried that the heat pump was undersized (tropical first port of call for worry about heat pump in a retrofit).

Turns out that, after I did a thermal imaging assessment, the ufh loop fit that room wasnt working at all. I could see the loops in the rest of the house but nothing in that room

At least it gives the plumber a starting point to resolve the issue

listermint

Annoyance about my Flir prompted me to relook at it again. Hasn't worked in over 2 years would prompt the app. Checked various old apks on android.

So took it apart unplugged everything got another old apk and plugged back together I think I power cycled the battery charging circuit because I got it working again. Happy days. Still think the micro battery is goosed though. And still don't trust Flir they're customer service has been rubbish on this.

There is a relatively cheap thermal one on Vevor EU 250eur op. They make alot of good value equipment eur.vevor.com as with anything research them for reviews.

ColemanY2K

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121458216#Comment_121458216

Flir are incredibly finicky. I fortunately have a phone which works however it won't take photos. Every time I press the button nothing happens....no problem with the video function.

Sligobuck

Seek Thermal compact cameras which plug into your phone are very good and I have used one for several years for electrics, electronics, automotive, heating and house insulation projects.

They have gone expensive in recent years but if you are going to make good use of one then I would recommend the compact pro.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Seek-LQ-AAA-Compact-PRO-CompactPRO/dp/B07GX8XTG5

Big Lar

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121455076#Comment_121455076

Size doesn't matter, its the way you use it kind of a thing 🙂

JayBee66

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058325679/thermal-cameras

I have a UNI-T UTi260B. Either from Banggood or AliExpress. It was sent from Spain.

It's a standalone camera, which I prefer to phone add-ons. Takes photos on microSD. Blends with actual image. Gives temperature readout.

I use a lot of UNI-T devices and am always happy with the quality.

I bought it for vintage electronics repair (can spot hot resistors or bad valves) but great for cold spot detection around and outside the house.

Mr Q

I ordered a USB-C one from Aliexpress recently, $100 USD including delivery.

HT-102 model. Has some decent reviews. I don't expect it to be as good as a Flir or similar but will work for my needs.

TimHorton

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121454897#Comment_121454897

Or returned for a full refund...

wolfyboy555

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121483561#Comment_121483561

any update with how you got on? would you recommend it?

Mr Q

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121629847#Comment_121629847

Aliexpress cancelled the order about a month after ordering and refunded me so I still don't have one.

I have reordered from a different supplier but don't expect it until early/mid February.

ColemanY2K

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121483840#Comment_121483840

Do explain

TimHorton

Buy it on amazon. Use it . Return for a full refund. Simple.

listermint

Seems reasonable value versus the units available.

https://graftondiagnostics.ie/product/topdon-tc001-thermal-imaging-camera/

fael

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121630306#Comment_121630306

Apart from being ethically moronic. It's just making everything more expensive because it will cost the retailer money and that will be priced into their costs.

But hey it suits you right?

TimHorton

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121633282#Comment_121633282

What a clown , Its Amazon ..... Nobody cares . Least of all, them.... I am an Amazon customer since 1998 with several thousand orders. 242 alone on 2021. I am not business just a regular joe.