Thermal imaging

[John MCParticipant @johnmc39344]

Many years ago I had access to a thermal imager from my employer, an expensive but useful tool.  Occasionally I would bring it home to hunt down cold spots in the house, etc.  This stopped when someone took it home, dropped it, then refused to, at least, contribute to the considerable repair cost.

I am slowly upgrading the house insulation with the ultimate aim of getting a heat pump installed.  It would be useful to have a look around with a thermal imager to get an idea of what I need to upgrade.

Does anyone know of a low cost thermal imager?  I would like to buy one for occasional use rather than hire.  Possibly an app/add-on for the phone?

Over to you guys…

PS, I may have asked this question before, can’t remember where!

 

 

[Robert Atkinson 2Participant @robertatkinson2]

Where are you located? I have 3 or 4 so could lend you one.
Also some green initatives have loan schemes e.g. https://cambridgecarbonfootprint.org/what-we-do/thermal-imaging/

Robert.

 

[Michael GilliganParticipant @michaelgilligan61133]

https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/topinfrared/id6452017744

 

I have one of these, and consider it excellent value.

The decent resolution is a big advantage.

MichaelG.

[Robert Atkinson 2Participant @robertatkinson2]

Hi Michael,
That link is just the application. What sensor do you have?

Robert.

[Michael GilliganParticipant @michaelgilligan61133]

TOPDON TC002

Purchased late 2023

MichaelG.

.

[BazyleParticipant @bazyle]

Rather annoyingly they are more often aimed at iphone than for android. Maybe they think people who can afford an expensive phone will pay more for the add-on. was interested a while back but a bit pricey for me.

Not seen anything recently but see link https://bbs.homeshopmachinist.net/forum/general/2073335-ir-camera-for-temperature-monitoring

 

[Bazyle]

On Bazyle Said:

Rather annoyingly they are more often aimed at iphone […]

As clearly stated, they are available in both versions

… and as for cost, I can’t help thinking it’s a bargain
I still cringe at what it cost us to hire a Kodak thermal imaging camera in the mid 1980s

MichaelG.

[Andrew EntwistleParticipant @andrewentwistle]

I have found the Infiray C200 (256×192) I bought a couple of years ago to be very good value, with low enough noise to discern ceiling joists. The software is not very refined but is functional. You would probably have to order direct from China, mine came via AliExpress. I suspect the UNI-T UTi260B is the same underneath.

Andrew.

[Andrew EntwistleParticipant @andrewentwistle]

An example of joist detection and with the addition of a ZnSe lens PCBs can be examined to resolve the smallest SMD device.

[John MCParticipant @johnmc39344]

Thanks for the replies and the kind offer to lend.  I think buying is best for me,  the insulation upgrade is a long term project.

How about one of these;

3.2″ 2.8″ 2.0″ Thermal Imager Imaging MLX90640 Camera -Electronics Temperature | eBay UK

Seems to get good reviews, worth a go?

PS. Link doesn’t work so pop it in to google.

 

 

 

[Michael GilliganParticipant @michaelgilligan61133]

[ deleted ]

[Robert Atkinson 2Participant @robertatkinson2]

NO!!
That is only a 24 x 32 pixel array. It’s just an expensive toy.

[Author]

Posts