[RockyMtBeerMan]

Thinking of getting this thermal camera:

Amazon.com: Klein Tools TI250 Rechargeable Thermal Imaging Camera, Camera Displays Over 10,000 Pixels with 3 Color Palettes, High / Low Temperature Points : Industrial & Scientific

Buy Klein Tools TI250 Rechargeable Thermal Imaging Camera, Camera Displays Over 10,000 Pixels with 3 Color Palettes, High / Low Temperature Points: Thermal Imagers - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

or this one:

Amazon.com: Klein Tools TI220 Thermal Imager for Android Devices, Thermal Imaging Camera, 10,800 Pixels, Three Color Palettes, High/Low Temperatures : Electronics

Buy Klein Tools TI220 Thermal Imager for Android Devices, Thermal Imaging Camera, 10,800 Pixels, Three Color Palettes, High/Low Temperatures: Earbud Headphones - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

Leaning towards the latter on due to the screen size of the phone and portability, but I'm wondering if anyone has any experience with either that might tip it one way or another.

Thanks

 

[raylo32]

I want to get one of these myself and will probably get one for my phone. But, I'm not sure how Klein compares to FLIR or others. From the reviews, one seemingly minor issue with the Klein is that that the connector doesn't work if your phone is in a case. Kind of a PITA to pull the case every time you want to do an IR scan. The FLIRs have some sort of extendable connector but I read that that only works with some cases. Anyway, just an issue to be aware of. I've not yet done a deep dive on this stuff but will follow the discussion here to see if anyone has one of these and can add their experiences.

 

[Bud9051]

Any IR camera will look impressive compared to not having one. But if your application can benefit from better resolution or dual images (IR plus digital) you will eventually upgrade. These are considered home owner level devices but real handy. If you do upgrade there will be some one interested in buying this one.
I have an older B50 Flir and although very limited I love it. I'm retired but will eventually upgrade to a modern camera, I like toys.

Bud

 

[raylo32]

Yup, Toys (tools) R Us!

I like toys.
Bud

 

[Jar944_2]

The seek phone units looked the best a few years ago when I picked one up.

 

[SW Dweller]

When it comes to IR cameras you get what you pay for. period.

If you want a toy for personal use great get it. If you are going to be doing reports for customers how are you going to show when it was calibrated?

 

[RockyMtBeerMan]

Just going to use mine around the house to check for any hot spots in wiring. Heat with wood, so not concerned about cold spots.

Aside: Reminds me, a squirrel got in through a hole and was banging around in the drawer under the stove, so I need to patch that up sometime.

 

[RockyMtBeerMan]

The seek phone units looked the best a few years ago when I picked one up. View attachment 725924

Wow, that's a real hotdog...

 

[Jar944_2]

Wow, that's a real hotdog...

It's a relative scale, so you see the surface temp difference between a dog with black vs brown fur that were all laying in the sun.

 

[RockyMtBeerMan]

Works, but doesn't show studs... 🙄

 

[Bud9051]

One of the tricks to using an IR camera is to apply heat and or use a fan to cool an area. IR only looks for a temp.

Bud

 

[Jar944_2]

Works, but doesn't show studs... 🙄

It only works with a temperature differential. To see studs you need a exterior wall, average insulation and cold temperatures outside.

 

[SW Dweller]

One thing I learned in 50 years of electrical work. Then only time you can test an electrical wire/bus is when it is under a load. Turning it off and then back on will basically not show what you are looking for. I worked at a place were we had a Thermal camera $$$$ and the guy running it rarely calibrated the machine correctly. 90% of his "Oh my gods" were tail chasing when we took the time to shut down the equipment and test.
I am in no way saying that there is not a use for them. Just not in my experience.

Electrical wire is tough, the amount of current for a concealed wire to show up would probably trip the circuit breaker.