12Things Booklet

7/31/2019 12Things Booklet

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12 Things to Consider BeoreBuying an Inrared Camera

A Guide or Investing in Inrared

New

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112 Things To Consider Before Buying an Infrared Camera

Twelve Things to Consider Beore Buying

an Inrared Camera

Buying an inrared camera is a big commitment. Even though prices haveallen dramatically over the past ew years, you want to make sure that

youre getting the best value or your money and choosing the camera thatwill serve you well over the long term. For some, cost will be the drivingorce, while or others, key hardware or sotware eatures are moreimportant. Whatever camera you choose should, o course, oer quality anddependability, along with excellent technical support and service.

There are a lot o choices in thermal imagers, ranging rom aordable point-and-shoots to highly specialized HD-level science and research cameras.Finding the right t or your needs can seem daunting. So along with the

twelve things in this booklet to consider, youll nd it helpul to dene whatyoure going to use the camera or and the work environments where youllbe perorming inspections. Do your research on where thermal imaging

technology is headed and the potential career and business opportunitieson the horizon. In other words, think beyond your current needs to ensure

youve done your best to uture-proo your IR camera investment.

I your specialty is weatherization, maybe all you need is a simple, lower-costpoint-and-shoot IR camera to spot missing insulation, poor weather stripping,and leaking windows. I youre an energy auditor, you may want a more

advanced model that helps you generate proessional, customized reports,or one that allows you to send images via a Wi-Fi mobile device to an agency

that subsidizes improvements. Perhaps you need the benet o higherresolution thermal imagery to help you build a strong marketing campaignor your services. Or youre a restoration or HVAC contractor who needsa camera that links to moisture meter data to better-quantiy the extent odamage or to track down condensation problems and coolant leaks.

Predictive maintenance proessionals also have a variety o needs thatdetermine the kind o IR camera they should consider. A utility troublemanmay only require a simple point-and-shoot camera to check or energizedequipment beore perorming repairs or or doing quick inspections oconnections. Another member on his crew might need a high-resolution

thermal imager to scan substations and power lines rom a sae distanceas well as gather detailed and accurate temperature measurements.Facility maintenance personnel and electricians might benet rom acamera that provides fexible ergonomics, allowing them to comortablypoint the imager around tight corners, down behind motors, or straight upor equipment inspections overhead.

As you can see, there are a variety o applications, eatures, and otheractors to consider. With the help o the 12 Things included in the ollowingpages and your own list o needs, youll be able to make a more inormed IRcamera buying decision. O course, we at FLIR are always available to answerany questions and to help guide you through the process.


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2 12 Things To Consider Before Buying an Infrared Camera

We want you to succeed and we back up that commitment with nearly 50years o inrared camera experience -- an important consideration.

As the worlds leading inrared camera manuacturer and with ITC, theworlds largest inrared training organization, we know a thing or two about

thermal imaging, which is why you can trust this publication to help you with

making the right choice.

I you have a question on what is presented here, or want to explore moredetails about which inrared camera is best or you, please give us a call at1.866.477.3687.

Please note that the term inrared camera is used interchangeably withthermal imager.


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#1: Buy an inrared

camera with the highest

detector resolution/

image quality that your

budget allows.

Most inrared cameras have ewer pixels thanvisible-light cameras, so pay close attention todetector resolution. Higher resolution inraredcameras can measure smaller targets romarther away and create sharper thermalimages, both o which add up to more preciseand reliable measurements.

Also be aware o the dierence betweendetector and display resolution. Somemanuacturers will boast about a highresolution LCD and hide their low resolutiondetector when its the detector resolutionthat matters most.

For instance, LCD resolution may specat 640 480, but i the IR detector pixel

resolution is only 160 120, or 19,200pixels, then the greater display resolutionaccomplishes absolutely nothing. The qualityo the thermal image and its measurementdata are always determined by the detectorresolution.

Higher resolution thermal imaging not onlyprovides more accurate quantitative results,it can be very eective in showing ndings inner detail to customers, supervisors, repaircrews, and insurance companies whichcan help move along the decision-makingprocess or improvements and repairs.Superior IR image quality is also valuableor generating clearer reports and ormarketing your services.

T300 320 240 pixelsMax temp. 160.6F

E50 240 180 pixelsMax temp. 152.3F

T640 640 480 pixelsMax temp. 177.9F

i3 60 60 pixelsMax temp. 111.2F

i7 120 120 pixelsMax temp. 133.1F


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#2: Need to present fndings to others?

Find a system with a built-in visible-light

camera outftted with an illuminator lamp

and a laser pointer.

Theres no need to carry a separate piece o equipment to take photos whenmany aordable IR cameras now include a built-in 3 to 5 megapixel digitalcamera that simultaneously captures visible light and thermal images. Digitalphotos that correspond to your IR images will help you urther document aproblem and communicate its precise location to decision-makers. So, i yourcustomer or supervisor needs to see a comprehensive report, youll denitelywant a thermal imaging camera with this eature. And be sure it includes anonboard lamp that doubles as a fashlight to illuminate darker areas.

Built-in laser pointers are also invaluable, especially or isolating the locationo a target surrounded by similar-looking components, such as breakers, oror pinpointing problematic energized electrical equipment where you need tokeep your distance. Laser markers show up clearly on visible light picturesto provide a reliable reerence. Theyre also indicated on IR images as wellas the thermal cameras display so youll be condent youve captured all thenecessary inormation.

Built-in LED lamp lights dark

areas for better digital imagesand safety.

Laser pointer marks thetarget for visible lightreference images.


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#3: Select a camera that delivers

accurate and repeatable results.

Inrared cameras dont just let you see dierences in heat, they let youmeasure those dierences, which means the accuracy and consistency o

the measurements is a very important actor when determining the value oa camera.

For best results, look or a thermal imager that meets or exceeds 2% (or3.6F) accuracy. All FLIR cameras maintain that minimum standard, madepossible by the companys abilityto manuacture its own thermalimaging detectors.

But thats not the only criteria. In

order to produce correct andrepeatable results, your thermalimager should include in-cameratools or entering both emissivityand refected temperature values.

An inrared camera that gives youan easy way to input and adjustboth o those parameters will

produce the accurate temperaturemeasurements you need in the eldto make the best call.

Other helpul diagnostics toconsider are multiple moveablespots and area boxes or isolatingand annotating temperaturemeasurements that can be saved asradiometric data and incorporated

into ndings or reports.

As you become more experiencedwith your inrared camera, theseeatures will become moremeaningul. But beore you proceedwith your buying decision, nd outwhether the thermal imager youlike oers these capabilities.


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#4: Look or an IR camera that stores

and outputs standard fle ormats that

are broadly supported.

Many inrared cameras store images in a proprietary ormat that can only

be read and analyzed with specialized sotware. Others have an optionalJPEG storage capability that lacks temperature inormation. FLIR, onthe other hand, has the distinction o oering a standard JPEG with ulltemperature analysis embedded. This allows you to e-mail IR images to yourcustomers or colleagues without losing that vital inormation. RadiometricJPEGs can also be imported rom Wi-Fi compatible cameras to selectmobile devices using apps that provide urther image editing, analysis, andsharing. Ater all, you shouldnt have to waste time converting images.Request a demo rom the inrared camera manuacturer and have them

show you how the camera youre considering will output JPEGs without abunch o extra steps.

Also, look or inrared cameras that allow you to stream MPEG 4 videovia USB to computers and monitors. This is especially useul or capturingdynamic thermal activity where heating and cooling occurs rapidly and orrecording motorized equipment or processes in motion. Some cameraseature composite video out or cabling to digital recorders while othersinclude HDMI outputs. And new mobile applications have also been

developed that allow streaming video over Wi-Fi. All these capabilitieswill help you share ndings more eectively and enhance your inraredinspections and reports.


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#5: Consider the added value o an IR

camera that links to Bluetooth-enabled

T&M meters or assessing electrical load

and moisture levels.

New test and measurement tools like Extech MeterLink products nowallow certain thermal cameras to measure more than temperature toully quantiy the severity o moisture damage and electrical issues. Thesemoisture and clamp meters wirelessly transmit vital diagnostic data suchas humidity, amperage, voltage, and resistance directly to the camera. Thedata is annotated automatically to the thermal image and embedded in theradiometric JPEG to support IR ndings. This provides extremely valuableinormation to help you determine the urgency o a problem and decide onthe best solution.


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#6: New Wi-Fi apps or mobile devices

help streamline the sharing o thermal

images and data; select a camera

compatible with this leading technology.

Its now possible to connect cameras like FLIRs E-Series and T-Series toan Apple iPad, iPhone or iPod wirelessly. The unique FLIR Viewer app, orexample, lets users import IR images to the mobile device or portableanalysis, report generation, and sharing. The advantage o being able tosend thermal images and IR inspection reports via Wi-Fi rom one part oa acility to another or by email rom the eld is huge, especially when timeis o the essence. New apps are in development or more mobile platormsand or additional unctionality such as remote camera control, streamingvideo, etc.


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#7: Make sure you get a

camera with the ergonomic

eatures that make your job

as easy as possible to match

the way you like to work.

The cameras weight can be a signicant concern iyoull be using it requently or or extended periods otime. A lighter thermal camera will decrease strainon your shoulder and back during long inspections.A wide selection o compact, light point-and-shootthermal cameras are available at surprisinglyaordable prices and t nicely into tool boxes and

utility belts and pouches.Some models like the FLIR T-Series have lenssystems that tilt along a 120 degree axis allowingusers to keep the viewing screen comortably inront o them while rotating the optical block straightup or down to scan hard-to-reach targets perector a day ull o overhead bus duct inspections,looking behind motors, under work stations, andaiming rom other challenging angles.

Another important thing to consider is the camerasinteractive controls. Does it have dedicated buttons,direct-access menus, both? An extra button ortwo can actually make the camera easier to useas opposed to using one button to step througha maze o menu options. Buttons should beintuitively positioned and comortable to use. Somecameras oer integrated touch screens as anotheradvantageous way to access unctions and eatures,including text and sketch notations.

And make sure your camera is outtted with at leasttwo batteries (Lithium ion or better) that can bequickly and easily switched out in the eld so you cankeep working eciently.


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#8: Picture-in-Picture (P-i-P) and/or image

usion will allow you to combine thermal

and visible-light images or generating

reports that are easier to understand.

P-i-P allows you to inset a box to place a thermal image over itscorresponding visible-light photo. This lets you clearly communicate thelocation o a problem to customers, colleagues, and repair crews.

Advanced inrared cameras also eature image usion, which lets you blendthe visible and thermal images together into a composite. This allows you tochoose exactly how much o the photo you need to reveal behind the thermalimage. You can use this eature to highlight an anomaly within a givenstructuresay a specic blockage in a long run o pipe. Fusion can produce

compelling evidence or both documentation and repair purposes.

Image fusion

Picture-in-picture (P-i-P)


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#9: Not all reporting sotware products

are created equal: Be sure to try out

the product frst to fnd the one thats

right or you.

Reporting is an indispensible eature in an inrared program or business.Clients, rom individual home owners to large corporations, requiredocumentation o your ndings. Thermal image and report data can bea key element in a wide range o applications: energy audits, electricalinspections, gas detection surveys, building envelope analyses, and predictivemaintenance programs. Theyre oten used to initiate insurance claims andsubstantiate restoration repairs.

Today, most inrared cameras come with ree sotware that allows you

to perorm basic image analysis and to create simple reports. Advancedsotware programs or more in-depth analysis and customizable reportsare also available, allowing you to take ull advantage o your camerascapabilities and eatures. Create instant reports right rom the camera, oron your mobile device with Wi-Fi enabled cameras. IR analysis sotware canperorm a wide range o tasks rom simple spot measurements to customradiometric calibrations, and can also create specialized data analysis usingthird party sotware like MatLab or Excel. Sotware packages designedor a range o specic applications rom building inspection to advanced

research and development are also an option, and these tailored sotwareprograms may make the most sense or your business.


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#10: Choose a thermal imager with

a wide temperature range so you can

measure ambient and high-temperature

spots in the same image.

A cameras temperature range and sensitivity are important considerations,too. The range tells you what the minimum and maximum temperatures arethat the camera can measure (-4F to 2,192F is a typical example).

Sensitivity tells you the smallest temperature dierence between two objectsthat the camera can discern (0.05C, or example). You should select anIR camera with a temperature range broad enough to capture all o thetemperatures in the objects or scenes you typically encounter. Additionally,you should consider the smallest temperature dierence you will typically

want to measure and make sure you get a camera sensitive enough toresolve those dierences.

#11: Look or cameras with a

comprehensive, extended warranty

program to protect your investment or

the long haul.

Reputable inrared camera manuacturers want tomake sure your thermal imager is going to serve

you well or many years. Thats why some oerextended warranties. Programs like FLIRs 2-5-10warranty, or example, go a step urther oeringtwo years o coverage on parts and labor, ve on itseld-replaceable batteries, and ten on the IR detector.Whatever camera you choose to go with, just besure it comes with a solid warranty that will give youpeace o mind.


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#12: Make sure your investment in an

inrared camera is backed by a strong

manuacturer who will provide ongoing

technical support and training.

The quality o customer service and the depth o technical support availableshould be integral to your decision on which inrared camera to purchase.

Not only is FLIR the worlds leading manuacturer o inrared cameras orcommercial applications, it also ounded the ITC, the worlds largest inraredtraining center. Make the most o your investment, advance your career, andenhance your value to your organization with an accredited certication.

Proessional photographers get extensive training and it shows in their work.

The same is true or your crat as a thermographer, and ITC can help. AnInrared Training Center certication is written proo o your expertise inoperating your camera and interpreting the thermal inormation it provides.

Come to classes at our training center, locally at one o our regional classes,or in your acility with our on-site service. And be sure to take advantage oonline training, too.


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Top Ten Things Your Training

Organization Must Have

1. ISO 9001 RegisteredNo other inrared training organization in the world has this credential the ITC is the only one!

2. The Best Inrared Training - No Matter Where You AreWhether you train at our in-house acilities, at one o our regionalclasses, at your acility, or any our locations throughout the world, youllhave access to our premier personnel, resources, and technology. Weeven oer sel-service online training.

3. Highest Qualifed Instructors/Small Class Size

ITC has more ASNT Level III and BINDT Category 3 certiedthermographers on sta than any other training organization in theworld. Class sizes are purposely kept small to guarantee your access toFLIRs expert sta and research labs.

4. Over 100 Years ExperienceTogether, our ITC instructors bring more than ten decades o practicalthermography experience along with an in-depth knowledge o inraredtheory.

5. Guaranteed FLIR Factory-Authorized TrainingI you have invested in your career by purchasing a FLIR inraredcamera, then you should denitely take advantage o FLIR actory-authorized training.

6. Full Color Course MaterialsOur ull color training manuals help to reinorce your learning and providean excellent resource ater you leave the classroom.

7. We Speak Your LanguageOur ITC sta provides training in more than 15 dierent languages.

8. Hands-on Sotware Training on Our ComputersWe provide comprehensive training on all proprietary FLIR sotwareonsite at our training acilities.

9. Competency-Based TrainingWe bring the eld into our in-house applications labs, whether at our ITCclassroom, at regional sessions, or on-site at your location, so youll gain

practical experience that you can apply in the real world.


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10. Additional Training Resources: InraMation, the WorldsLargest IR Applications ConerenceOur annual InraMation event is jam-packed with learning and networkingopportunities that will keep you up-to-date on the latest applicationinnovations in the ast-moving world o thermography.

See details below. For ull ITC course descriptions, updated schedules, andmore inormation, visit the ITC website at www.inraredtraining.com or call1.866.872.4647.

InraMation

Join us or the worlds largest inrared applications conerence

FLIRs inrared cameras are opening up a new world o opportunities, providingthermographers with innovative ways to solve technical challenges that weresimply invisible in the past. The technology is exciting, and there are new ideasand applications coming out every day.

A un and inormative way to stay up to date is with InraMation, the career-building event thats ideal or anyone who wants to discover more aboutinrared technology and thermal imaging applications. Network and learnrom the experts as they cover such topics as plant predictive maintenance,thermal research and development, IR energy audits, on-line processmonitoring and control, and non-destructive testing.

Stay current and maintain certication Earn credits towards your Level I, II,or III certication renewal as you keep up-to-date with the latest thermographyanalysis techniques and learn new and innovative ways to use thermal imagingtechnology.

To get more inormation on this years conerence, visit www.inramation.org orcall 1.866.477.3687.


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Summary

This booklet gives you the essential inormation in a nutshell that you need to considerto intelligently shop or an inrared camera. Now its up to you to do your homework.Put together a list o eatures that you know youll need and a wish list o eatures thatmay be outside what you think is your price range, but could be benecial to you in theuture. Gather up a list o the questions you have about specic camera perormancerelating to your application. And ask or a demo in your work environment. Why? Aninrared camera may work just ne in an air conditioned conerence room, but youneed to know how well it will perorm under your worksites real-world environmentalconditions.

FLIR product experts, sotware and technical support technicians, direct salesengineers, application specialists, and a growing base o excellent distributionpartners, are happy to answer any questions you might have. Give us a call and wellconnect you with the right resource.

Call 1.866.477.3687Or visit www.fir.com


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Equipment described herein may require US Government authorization or export purposes. Diversion contraryto US law is prohibited. Imagery used or illustration purposes only. Specications are subject to change withoutnotice. For the most up-to-date specs, visit our website: www.fir.com.2011 FLIR Systems, Inc. All other brand and product names are trademarks o FLIR Systems, Incorporated.1008-053 (Rev. 9/11)

www.fir.comNASDAQ: FLIR

BOSTON

FLIR Systems, Inc.25 Esquire RoadNorth Billerica, MA 01862USAPH: +1 866.477.3687PH: +1 978.901.8000

PORTLANDCorporate HeadquartersFLIR Systems, Inc.27700 SW Parkway Ave.Wilsonville, OR 97070USAPH: +1 866.477.3687

CANADA

FLIR Systems, Ltd.920 Sheldon Ct.Burlington, ON L7L 5K6CanadaPH: +1 800.613.0507

MEXICO/LATIN AMERICAFLIR Systems Brasil

Av. Antonio Bardella320 - B. Boa Vista- Cep:18085852 - Sorocaba SP - BrazilPH: +55 15 3238 8070

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