Don't get too excited, this is an early days question.
As some may know, I am a user and collector of thermal cameras of various ages and formats. This forum is becoming a great source of information and hopefully meeting place of like minds.
Thermal imaging cameras have historically been shrouded in mystery when it came to in depth detail of their inner workings. ITAR regulations protected much useful technical information and this made/makes life hard for a thermal imaging repairer or experimenter, like myself.
I have quite a collection of thermal imaging cameras, both working and projects awaiting my attention. There may also be a source of new thermal camera parts coming on line in the near future, but I can say no more about that at this time.
So how many members of this forum are interested in experimenting with thermal camera technology, speak up and identify yourselves
I already know of a few like minded individuals.
In the future, there may be some industrial grade thermal cameras and parts available to purchase. Some may be from me, and others from an alternate source known to me.
By way of research and in light of recent budget thermal camera releases from the likes of FLIR, SEEK, OPGAL and other suppliers, who would be interested in buying the following items and what sort of budget constraints would you apply when considering purchase.......
1. Complete working, high performance FLIR PM 5xx or 6xx series camera with 320 X 240 60fps temperature stabilised microbolometer. These were around $56K new and sell on eBay for anything between $1K and $3K.
2. Ex fire brigade cameras such as the Argus 1 (Pyrovidicon), Argus 2 (Solid state BST 320 X 240 30fps) or ISG Talisman Wasp (Solid state BST 320 X 240 30fps) various physical and operational conditions.
3. Automotive thermal night vision made by Raytheon for Cadillac. These are fully automatic thermal cameras with composite video output. (320 X 240 30fps or maybe 60fps I forget)
4. Solid State BST modules with 320 X 240 pixels and 30fps (maybe 60fps) and composite output. Limited connection information to get them running. No lens.
5. Professional Germanium lenses for use with modules such as above, or other Long Wave thermal cores. Normal fields of view as opposed to telephoto or wide angle
6 'Project' firefighting camera boards such as the BST imaging modules, control, video overlay modules, small CRT displays, no chassis or cases.
7. Maybe chassis from firefighting cameras with or without the protective shells and needing assembly from parts. A sort of thermal camera DIY kit.
8. Military long range thermal camera with modification details to get it displaying its image via composite video. Easy project.
9. Superb condition Bosch 'Metal Mickey' dual tech PTZ camera as deployed to Iraq in the Gulf War. This unit looks unissued. Unit contains X36 optical zoom visible light camera and high performance non zoom 320x240 pixel thermal camera. Weatherproof, with sun shades and wiper assembly fitted.
10. Similar to above but made by Ganz. Again, superb condition.
At this time I am just trying to establish how much interest there may be in this type of kit. It is not your average FLIR consumer type equipment. Most are 320 X 240 pixels microbolometer with frame rates of either 30 or 60fps. as such they are regulated by ITAR as suitable for military use.
I may decide to reduce my collection of 45 thermal cameras and there is the chance of providing project cameras and parts to those who wish to experiment with the technology rather than buying a 'turn key' camera.
Let me know what you think folks but please do not ask me for specific model numbers etc at this time as this is just an early days post seeking to establish what, if any interest there is in such technology on this forum.
eBay is the alternative but as many know, prices can go orbital on eBay for such technology. This MAY end up as a chance in a lifetime to buy high spec thermal camera.kit at a price your budget permits. Do not expect a FLIR PM 695 for £100 though ....... It isn't going to happen.
Looking forward to hearing from all you thermal camera fans out there.
Fraser