July 2012

For a limited time, FLIR is giving away a handy guidebook all about using thermal imaging in buildings and renewable energy applications. Continue reading →

The uses of thermal imaging cameras just keep growing. Continue reading →

All machines produce heat when operating due to internal power losses. It is generally impractical to measure this heat rise with thermocouples or other temperature sensors, due to the majority of machines being sealed. The winding construction is normally of copper, which has a known temperature coefficient. By measuring the change in resistance of the winding, the temperature rise can...

In theory it is possible, but surface area and emissivity have to be taken into account. Then you will have different convective coefficients for vertical and horizontal surfaces. Looking at  a motor body there are many fins which will increase the surface area; accuracy is paramount here as an incorrect area measure will throw out the results in a big way. Continue reading →

There are countless sightings of apparitions, ghostly figures and generally unexplained phenomenon over the centuries. Ghost hunting, in particular, is a practice carried out by many people who believe the presence of ghosts is very real indeed, and these paranormal investigators often use various kinds of equipment to help them locate mysterious activity. One of the most modern inventions now commonly used in ghost hunting is the thermal camera – a device that displays an environment as a thermal image by using infrared radiation. Since the human eyes cannot see infrared, it’s widely believed by many paranormal investigators that using the thermal camera can help spot apparitions when the human eyes wouldn’t be able to see them. Question is: do they actually work? Continue reading →

If you’re new to the world of thermography, you’re probably feeling a bit overwhelmed.  Handy devices they may be, but thermal cameras are full of confusing technology that you’re probably staring at a bit blankly. Thankfully, help is at hand; here are a few explanations of some of the most commonly referenced features and what exactly they mean. Continue reading →

Just dragged yourself through another torrential downpour and still mopping the water out of your hair? Yep, that’s the British summer for you – but our cousins across the pond are currently in the midst of a heatwave so warm, they’re using thermal cameras to show how hot slides are! It’s hard to imagine, staring out the window at yet another dreary July day here in Britain, but areas in West Michigan, USA are currently suffering in heat of over 100 degrees Fahrenheit! Continue reading →

Thermal imaging cameras used in the firefighting service aren’t just for detecting fires – they’re also products that can save lives. Many firefighters are now armed with thermal imaging equipment to help them detect thermal hotspots, see through smoke and identify the body signatures of people who might be trapped. They’re an extremely important precautionary measure for all firefighters, allowing them to locate fires ahead of time and plan their actions accordingly. When used upon entering a building, the thermal camera allows a firefighter to instantly see where they might be hotspots in a building. This helps them to identify exactly where a fire might be situated, allowing them to move through the environment safely and deal with the fire. Continue reading →

Thermal cameras already have a lot of uses and now they’re going to be used to fight crime as well. Police officers in Harvey County USA are soon to be given state-of-the-art thermal cameras, helping them to pinpoint criminals who might be hiding in darkness. Continue reading →

You’ve just got your brand new thermal camera. It’s still all shiny, full of promise and completely calibrated for accurate testing. It’ll last a good long while, but what you always need to remember is that – eventually – the accuracy of the camera is likely to degrade. It’s just one of those things. Like all machines, thermal cameras are a bit prone to going a bit – ahem- wonky, every now and again. Different factors ranging from continuous use wearing down parts of the camera to damage by dust and other particles can have an adverse effect on the thermal imaging camera’s delicately balanced technology. Continue reading →