Smallest Thermal Imager?

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Invader_ZIM

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Joined
Sep 14, 2004
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I don't know if it's actually the smallest thermal imager, but it sounds like it is by the specs.

Here's a few links, it's called the X100:

http://www.raytheoninfrared.com/admin/file/Thermal-Eye_x100xp_brochure_16.pdf

http://www.atncorp.com/i/product/eng/181/ss/ss.pdf

It's sort of a price breakthrough for a thermal imager, at anywhere from $7,000 to $8,000 USD new. Considering the usual cost of a thermal imager is anywhere from $15,000 and up I guess it's pretty competitive.

I can't stop drooling over this thing. So much smaller, and a higher stated resolution than anything I've personally used before.

My family would kill me if I spent that kind of money on a gadget that small. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

I guess I can dream though, just thought it was pretty neat how small and less power hungry thermal imagers are getting these days. If anyone else here ever gets the chance to use one or buy one let me know how well it works for you. Please? /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif
 
That looks like a near-infrared imager, like using your camcorder in nightshot mode. Can it really be thermal imaging (like FLIR), without cooling?
 
Well, the info I got from Raytheon says they are long wave 7-14 micron thermal imagers. The first brocure link I gave above has the specs for the system at the bottom of the pdf file and it says it's a 7-14um system.

Makes it all the more cooler that it's a 7-14um thermal imager that weighs less than a pound and runs on 2 AA batteries. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif
 
I think thesse are based on the new uncooled microbolemeters, the type that those new fireman's helmets are based on. Amazing technology. I've always wanted one of those for thermal inspection of hotspots on PC boards.
 
We have a small handheld thermal imager, about the size of a camcorder. My supervisor offers it to me all the time, but I go with ITT Generation III NVGs instead. My memory is that the picture wasn't too sharp compared to the goggles. And you can't wear it like the goggles and I like to have my hands free. Thermal does have some big advantages over NVGs, though. When they come out with thermal goggles, that'll be really cool.
 
I just don't get this. For thermal imaging, don't you have to keep the sensor colder than the object you're trying to detect?
 
[ QUOTE ]

I just don't get this. For thermal imaging, don't you have to keep the sensor colder than the object you're trying to detect?

[/ QUOTE ]

Once upon a time, yes. Now, they use much cheaper (relatively, it's still damn expensive) room temperature components.

The main factors in thermal imaging that need to be improved on are bulk, battery life, and cost.
 
Lightraven, you wanted thermal goggles?

Well they've finally come out with them /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif Same company that makes that X100 Thermal system I posted above has a PVS-7 and a PVS-14 Thermal goggle and monocular system. They start at $15,000 though and the PVS-7 version only works for 2 hours on 2 AA batteries. The PVS-14 goes for 7 Hours as does the X100 apparently.

Here's the links:


Thermal Imaging PVS-7
http://www.imaging1.com/thermal/infrared%20goggles.html

Thermal Imaging PVS-14
http://www.imaging1.com/thermal/monocular14.html


LOL, man I wish I could afford any of them, the PVS-14 version seems the most versitile for the money. Yet the X100 is half the cost if you don't mind not being able to use them hands free.
 
Right after I posted that, I thought, "I'll bet thermal goggles are out there somewhere." Yep. Sweet. Same config as the NVGs we have. We could rule the night with those, especially in the brightly lit urban areas that I usually work in, where NVGs don't help. Of course, I rely on the taxpayer to pony up the cash /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/broke.gif. So it may be a while before I'm wearing those around town. If we get 'em, I will post a full report. Thanks for the link.
 
Hehe no problem Lightraven /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Maybe you guys could ask Raytheon or the company listed if they have any used or refurbished units. Hopefully the cost would be around half the listed price then.

Do you work for Law enforcement? You may be eligable for a discount on them. If you could let the public know about what you guys were going to get then perhaps you could do a fundraiser to get them. That's what my local police and fire departments did. They were able to get a few thermal imagers for their departments.

At any rate if you should ever get any of these you have got to give us a report on them /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif
 
Invader,

I work in a law enforcement agency. I plead poverty, but in truth, we seem to have enough money to take care of business.

The way things work around here, certain items get high priority at different times--right now it is new body armor. The other things get pretty old and worn and then, one day, Merry Christmas! Hundreds of new guns! or Dozens of new vehicles! or 15 new trainees!

We got loads of new NVGs in 2002-2003. I don't know how or why. Last year, we all got a new Army issue sleeping bag. Guys said, "What the hell do I use this for? Sleeping on the job?" I said that somewhere in Iraq, a trooper is freezing under a poncho 'cause I got his sleeping bag /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif. A few months ago, we all got new Camelback clones (not as good), about 6 years after I bought my own Mule.

Now, I have worked with another agency that had more. Those guys literally go on shopping sprees. They buy stuff they already have unused. It's kinda sickening. And I want to apply to their agency!
 
Hmmm - I wonder how much the guts of the thermal imagers they are using on high-end cars cost? Caddy had a HUD projected thermal imager on one of it's models a couple years ago. What a junkyard find that would be!

Cheers,
Bob
 
Well Lightraven I certainly salute you guys for risking your necks out there so people like me can sleep better at night. As far as I'm concerned you guys deserve all the help and equipment you require to get your job done as safely as possible.

BobVA, you may want to check Ebay, I have seen some of the units your describing being sold there. They mount on the vehicle and you get a small HUD to glance at by your steering wheel that gives you the thermal image.

The price of those units I've seen on Ebay range anywhere from $1,500 to $3,000 used, which is pretty attractive. Just have to keep an eye out for them. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

They go by the brands NightDriver, Thermal Eye, NightSight I believe.
 
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