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Imagine a thermal-imaging camera that can see utilities or electrical system components breaking down from the inside – invisible to the eye, but ticking time-bombs, nonetheless. And imagine being able to see them via a high-definition camera from hundreds of feet away, safe from electrical surges, gas leaks and other potential hazards.
Well, that’s exactly what’s promised by the latest range of FLIR uncooled thermal cameras. Their higher-resolution image detectors and quality lenses will allow site inspectors to view safety problems from further away with wider, panoramic viewing modes, and greater accuracy.
The enhanced performance of the new T1K range is due to a 1024 X 768 HD-IR detector, which FLIR says provides more accurate temperature detection than ever before. Thermal sensitivity of <0.02°C at +30°C provides ultra clear-cut visual representation. There’s also continuous autofocus to help track movement.
Another special feature is UltraMax – a super-resolution facility that quadruples the pixel count to 3.1 megapixels (MP) for finer detail and accuracy. This feature works by slightly agitating the detector, so when the user saves an image, instead of just one being stored, the system saves 16 different representations of the object and its surroundings. When these are processed by FLIR’s desktop software, they are automatically pieced together to form a much larger 3.1MP image, with full sensitivity and post-processing capability.
There’s also an MSX facility that provides multi-spectral dynamic imaging, allowing users to superimpose real-life photos of structures or components on top of a thermal image. This process helps to enhance the image and to provide better location guidance.
Ergonomics have also been considered. FLIR says the T1K range is light enough to be used with one hand, while strong enough to stand up to the requirements of on-site operation. There’s also intuitive reporting software that allows site inspectors and engineers to generate instant reports on a variety of mobile and desktop platforms without an extended command chain.
Finally, there are several programmable buttons that can be customised as shortcuts for faster operation.
However, all these additional capabilities don’t come cheap. Prices for uncooled cameras immediately below the T1K range in FLIR’s line-up start at around £25,000, while this new product range costs £30,000 and over. With thermal-imaging cameras, you get what you pay for.