Tg167, tg165 or tg130

[larsdenmark]

Are any of these FLIR IR spot thermal cameras useful for electronics debugging or do I need somthing like an E4 for that?
I figure I don't need a precise temperature readout in order to see that something is wrong, but perhaps the resolution of these thermometers/cameras isn't good enough to give any useful information!?

[Fraser]

I personally believe that 160 x 120 pixels of resolution is the minimum for use on PCB's. It is true that 80 x 60 can be used, it just takes a lot of care and interpretation.

Have you considered one of the Keysight U5855A cameras that are Ex demo and being sold by the Keysight factory outlet on eBay ? A far superior product in all respects to the three you have listed. There is a thread on this forum dedicated to the U5855A. They are being sold off at $620 with postage to many destination included.

https://www.eevblog.com/forum/thermal-imaging/keysight-u5855a-trueir-thermal-imager/

Fraser

[larsdenmark]

Thanks!

The Keysight cameras I can find in their store do not ship to Denmark. Even at a price of 600$ the amount I'll have to pay will be too much due to high shipping costs, sales tax (25%), customs and handling fees here in Denmark :-(

I'll see if I can one of the IR cameras with better resolution locally.

[JanHenrik]

Hi,

i had the same problem, but Keysight offers you to trade with them. I managed to pay ~18% less

[Fraser]

Contact them via the eBay message and discuss. They ship for free to many countries not listed, via DHL. They are open to offers and you could ask about a camera with broken hand strap mount as that sells cheaper. Easy repair. Do talk to Keysight. They are really friendly and helpful.

Fraser

[eeviking]

I did buy several U5855A shipped to Denmark.
Keysight accept offers for 600$ or less, including free shipping, but will charge you 21% extra for VAT.
They import to EU via Netherlands so you don't have to worry about any import tax or fees.

[Fraser]

eeViking, thanks for confirming my suspicions. Keysight seem well 'tooled up' for international shipping and I found the courier service to be excellent. No hassle on the receiving end at all. No documentation fees either

Fraser

[eeviking]

But im still waiting on my free U1231A

Also have to agree with Fraser that 80x60 is not enough for electronics inspection.
I have used a TG165 for finding faults on smd boards. Its way better than using your finger, but its a toy compared to something like the U5855A.
The extra cash is well spent and will quickly pay for itself in time saved messing around with a low res. camera and wondering which blurry component that's getting hot.

[Fraser]

I have been disappointed that FLIR did not use the 160 x 120 pixel LEPTON 3 in the line up of test equipment augmented with thermal imaging. The 80 x 60 Pixel LEPTON 2 is very limited in its capabilities. They could have offered two resolution options as with the FLIR ONE G3 then at least those who need the additional pixels have a choice. A great pity.

Fraser

[Golfy]

Hi everyone,

new here, I'm very disapointed by TG165... not the sensor or the resolution but the BMP recorded !
There is no way to determine the range of temperature on it !!!
Firstly, I was thinking to write an application that load BMP file and display the temperature under the mouse cursor but I realize it's impossible ! TG165 change it range dynamicaly so, colors never means the same temperature.

Now, I searching if Flir (or anything else) could make a firmware with just 2x2 bytes (first would be lowest temp in the range, second would be highest temp in the current range) writted in the BMP file (offset 0x6 and 0x8 are bytes for identification of application : never used).

Can anyone help me for that ?
Thanks

[Fraser]

IIRC, the TG165 runs the Lepton 2 core in non-Radiometric mode. As such it does not report the temperature range it is using. The TG165 uses the thermopile IR thermometer for all temperature measurement functions.

I an not sure whether you could switch the Lepton 2 into a Radiometric mode that reports its temperature range etc. That very much depends on your capabilities with the firmware and whether the fitted Lepton core may be reconfigured.

Fraser

[joe-c]

Now, I searching if Flir (or anything else) could make a firmware with just 2x2 bytes (first would be lowest temp in the range, second would be highest temp in the current range) writted in the BMP file (offset 0x6 and 0x8 are bytes for identification of application : never used).

as far as i know the TG series use internal a STM32 µC. if flir don't lock the readout your able to read the firmware file, but that is just a hex file. you need the real source and i guess, flir wont give it.

don't wast you time in thinking about a modification of this device... sell it and bough a flir one Android/Ios. this device has 160x120 and deliver radiometric images out of the box with visual image... for round about the same money.
just my opinion 

[Golfy]

I'm sad to read this... I don't understand why Flir, Fluke and other manufacturer don't try to have more software functions (but the price is probably a way for them to have more money)...
Thanks anyway for your responses 

[eeviking]

The TG165 is only marketed as a ir thermometer. If you need thermal camera functions they want you to pay more for something like the E series.