Post by Darren on Oct 24, 2008 8:19:20 GMT 10
The FLIR InfraCAM thermal imaging camera is a low cost camera weighing just 550g including battery and can be mounted to a standard camera tripod.
The screen is a 3.5" 18 bit colour LCD and the handle has a trigger which operates the built in IR laser pointer. The red laser is at a wavelength of 635nm and power of 1mW max. A second (larger) trigger saves a still image.
The unit is supplied with a rechargeable Li/Ion battery which lasts for 7 hours with continual operation. The battery can be charged in the camera or via a direct connection using the supplied mains connector, which can also power the camera - supply is rated at 11-16VDC.
The on screen pointer indicating the sampled temperature is fixed in the centre of the viewing window.
A video output jack is not provided however streaming MPEG4 video may be sent via the USB port to a computer and viewed live in appropriate software. (We have yet to test this feature). You could also try an SD to video adapter (such as www.spectec.com.tw/sdv841.htm).
Still images saved from the camera are 240 pixels wide x 240 pixels deep, 72dpi with a bit depth of 24. The resulting JPG files contain relevant EXIF data. The images can be examined through the unit or downloaded to PC via the supplied USB cable. The camera will hold approximately 50 jpg images.
The InfraCAM SD accepts a SD memory card allowing it to store 1,000 images, it is not recommended to store more that this.
Measurements can be made and marked while reviewing images on the PC using the FLIR QuickView/Quick Report program. The palette can also be changed to different modes (10 in all) and fine tuned to give the desired range.
Above Left: Image as saved by the camera
Above Right: The same image adjusted and saved with QuickView showing change of palette and various measurements - spot, line and area.
This brief run through conveys only the basic features of the InfraCAM but it is capable of various additional adjustments in order to obtain the precise data desired.
Connections:
The unit is supplied with USB cable.
Power input is 2.5mm DC centre positive, 12vdc.
Accessories available include:
External battery charger.
Focus: Manual
Detector type: Focal Plane Array uncooled microbolometer 120x120pixels
Spectral range: 7.5-13 um.
Accuracy: +-2 degrees C / +- 3.6 degrees F or +- 2% of reading
Points which may be of particular interest to paranormal investigators include:
- Auto mode makes it pretty quick and easy to use. The lower cost of the InfraCAM relects the reduced feature set to other models which sport direct video out capability.
- Fast refreshing of the live temp reading.
- Built in laser pointer
- Long battery life.
- The 50 image memory of the basic InfraCAM would require a means to transfer the images during an investigation.
Information in this review is provided for research purposes and is a guide only, readers should consult
product brochures and user manuals to confirm the information before reliance on any data contained.
Reproduction of any information or pictures must quote Ghost Research International as the source
and provide a link to the website (ghostresearchinternational.com) or this article.
This review has been made possible with the assistance of
www.techrentals.com.au/
suppliers of state-of-the-art scientific monitoring equipment.
product brochures and user manuals to confirm the information before reliance on any data contained.
Reproduction of any information or pictures must quote Ghost Research International as the source
and provide a link to the website (ghostresearchinternational.com) or this article.
This review has been made possible with the assistance of
www.techrentals.com.au/
suppliers of state-of-the-art scientific monitoring equipment.