FLIR ONE PERSONAL THERMAL IMAGING DEVICE FOR YOUR iPHONE5 & 5s

[kripton2035]

Flir have told me they are reading this forum and will respond directly about the FLIR ONE.

I would also like to know what they think of the E4 to E8 hack ...

[EEVblog]

I would also like to know what they think of the E4 to E8 hack ...

Isn't it obvious? They released firmware to stop it right? (or has that been hacked again?)

[miguelvp]

I would also like to know what they think of the E4 to E8 hack ...

Isn't it obvious? They released firmware to stop it right? (or has that been hacked again?)

Well, they just prevented users to connect their FLIRs to their PCs, so you can't transfer the images or videos to your computer.
sure it does prevent people from hacking the FLIR but they all probably end up back in the warehouse due to lack of advertised features.

(disclaimer, I don't own or have access to a FLIR camera)

[pwherry]

I ordered a FLIR ONE a while back and received it a couple of days ago.

So far I'm fairly impressed. The integration of visible-light edge detection information makes the image look a lot better than one might think given the relatively low (80x60) resolution of the IR sensor.

Interestingly, the FLIR Tools app (free download from the Apple app store) reveals quite a bit more information than the FLIR ONE app. I tried imaging a sub-freezing solution (crushed ice + bourbon for those who might wish to repeat this most enjoyable experiment) and the most I could get from the FLIR ONE app was "<32ºF". Saving this image to the camera roll and then opening it in FLIR Tools revealed a measured temperature of 11ºF. It could well be that the accuracy is badly compromised outside the rated range, but it's interesting that the information is available at all.

The news is not all good, however.

Like many folks, I'm also anticipating the release of the next iPhone. I found a Lightning extender cable (the CableJive dockXtender; $26) and have successfully used the camera separated from my iPhone 5S and connected via the cable. The unfortunate thing, though, is that the FLIR ONE software checks the device model on which it's running and simply displays an error if it's not an iPhone 5 or 5S. So I could not, for example, run the software on my iPad Air even though there's no technical reason why it shouldn't work.

I tried opening a case with FLIR support that explained I'd successfully used a Lightning extension cable, suggesting that the compatibility message be turned into a warning rather than completely preventing the app from running on hardware that was electrically compatible with the camera.

The results were predictably discouraging.

They almost immediately sent me a form-letter response telling me the device wasn't made to fit upcoming iPhone hardware and that it wouldn't work for that reason.

After I wrote back to gently suggest they read my original message more carefully, they again responded--suggesting this time that Apple developer licensing rules prevented them from doing this.

I pointed out that there was a big gulf between endorsing/recommending/supporting an extension cord solution and simply updating their software so that it didn't break unnecessarily when a user tried to do something unsupported but nonetheless useful. Their final reply to this suggestion was, and I quote, "Thank you for your comprehension." I'm glad that they feel I comprehend, but my confidence in their comprehension remains somewhat low.

The device has a 30-day return policy, so I'll hold on to it for at least another couple of weeks. If it looks like they're going to update the app software to permit my very tame unsupported use, it's a great device that I'll keep with no hesitation. But if there's no sign of movement on a very basic concession to users like me, I'll probably wind up returning it.

Phil

[mikeselectricstuff]

I have a feeling that the processing may make use of the accelerometer to augment the non-uniformity correction, which could be a real reason for not supporting on other platforms, however I can entirely believe  that it's entirely  down to Apple douchebaggery.

[pwherry]

I have a feeling that the processing may make use of the accelerometer to augment the non-uniformity correction, which could be a real reason for not supporting on other platforms, however I can entirely believe  that it's entirely  down to Apple douchebaggery.

If they're doing this, the effect is subtle: I'm not seeing noticeably worse images with the camera separated from the (stationary) iPhone.

I think Apple factors into this because they maintain tight control over the Lightning electrical interface/connector. I can believe that FLIR is enjoined from offering an extension cable or possibly even recommending/supporting one. But there's just no way Apple is requiring them to make their app stop working if a user tries to fire it up on another Lightning-compatible iOS device; that decision is purely in FLIR's hands.

[mikeselectricstuff]

I have a feeling that the processing may make use of the accelerometer to augment the non-uniformity correction, which could be a real reason for not supporting on other platforms, however I can entirely believe  that it's entirely  down to Apple douchebaggery.

If they're doing this, the effect is subtle: I'm not seeing noticeably worse images with the camera separated from the (stationary) iPhone.

If they were using it, what I'd expect is if the cam is stationary for a while, and then the phone moved without moving the cam, you may see some changes in the image, I think I did see some reference to motion sensing in a patent application, though it could be integrated into the flirone or even the sensor. 

[pwherry]

If they were using it, what I'd expect is if the cam is stationary for a while, and then the phone moved without moving the cam, you may see some changes in the image, I think I did see some reference to motion sensing in a patent application, though it could be integrated into the flirone or even the sensor.

I'll try this and let you know what happens.

[mjkuwp]

...But there's just no way Apple is requiring them to make their app stop working if a user tries to fire it up on another Lightning-compatible iOS device; that decision is purely in FLIR's hands.

What makes you so sure of this?

This seems like something Apple would totally do if it suits them to do so.    why is Whatsapp blocked from being installed on iPod touch which is incredibly similar hardware to iPhone?  The answer - greed...I think.


Maybe the incompatibility is real.  The iPod touch has a different cpu iirc and the iPads have different screen resolution?? or camera?  Sorry I am not an Apple expert but I Imagine the software is not easy and by limiting development to one product they made things considerable more easy on themselves.

I plan to borrow an iPhone from work to test my Flir One and later get a used 5S

[josem]

I have the Structure sensor (a patterned IR projector and camera, kind of like a Kinect) for 3D capture on the iPad and while the attachment is meant for the iPad -  only comes with an IPad mount - and uses Lightning, lots of people including me use it with the iPhone as well. No problems of limitations with doing that.

It's almost the same type of device, a special camera and built-in rechargeable battery, so if that doesn't have limitations it doesn't make sense that there would be for FLIR.

[pwherry]

...But there's just no way Apple is requiring them to make their app stop working if a user tries to fire it up on another Lightning-compatible iOS device; that decision is purely in FLIR's hands.

What makes you so sure of this?

I'm going to have to ask you to trust me on this point but will state that I chose my words carefully. I don't have any insider information from FLIR but can't really comment on Apple's rules for the Lightning connector without violating an NDA. I will note that Apple, while very controlling in their approach, has historically been quite consistent in the application of their developer/app rules; big companies and independent developers really do play by the very same rules.

[pwherry]

I have a feeling that the processing may make use of the accelerometer to augment the non-uniformity correction, which could be a real reason for not supporting on other platforms, however I can entirely believe  that it's entirely  down to Apple douchebaggery.

If they're doing this, the effect is subtle: I'm not seeing noticeably worse images with the camera separated from the (stationary) iPhone.

If they were using it, what I'd expect is if the cam is stationary for a while, and then the phone moved without moving the cam, you may see some changes in the image, I think I did see some reference to motion sensing in a patent application, though it could be integrated into the flirone or even the sensor.

Just FYI - I tried this experiment: camera in a fixed position cabled to the phone, with the phone stationary at first and then moved about at various speeds. No changes that I could see in the image.

[HP-ILnerd]

Got mine!  Yay!
Some pics:
Unboxing
http://i605.photobucket.com/albums/tt139/citev/unboxing_zps5fad9cb7.jpg
What's in the box
http://i605.photobucket.com/albums/tt139/citev/boxcontents_zps16563b08.jpg
The unit:
http://i605.photobucket.com/albums/tt139/citev/unit_zps08c85559.jpg
Some pictures.  These are straight out of the camera at full resolution with no adjustments in Photoshop except for the number label on the corner:
http://i605.photobucket.com/albums/tt139/citev/Flir1_zps136f99ee.jpg

Edited to add:  The first row and first edge artifact on the images are also straight out of the camera.

[HP-ILnerd]

Having had some hours to use this, I have to say, so far I quite like it.  I've procured a bigger belt pouch for my phone to have it
handy all the time.
The world looks pretty different in IR.  Laptop power supplies glow brightly, and it's easy to spot gaps in hot water pipe insulation,
and my friends are amused by what they look like in IR.  The software app has the usual save to photos/share button where you
can post your pic to Facebook or whatever like any other image related software on the iPhone.  It's also extrememly easy to use,
with the only work required being manually pulling down the calibration lever.  On that note, the audio/visual cue to pull down the
calibration lever is well done (i.e., not obtrusive).

It's certainly a lot of fun, but as for whether or not it's an important tool, well I guess only time will tell.  It's a new
capability for me to have in a tool I'd have on me all the time.  There's a lot of smartphone apps that I wouldn't have thought "important"
until I wanted to use them and couldn't due to being on a plane or something.  Tools have a funny way of doing that.

[avvidclif]

Mine has shipped and arrival is next Thur. Hopefully.

For those wondering about uses. I do component level repair of electronics and this will allow me to check for overheated devices without using the burnt finger method.. That's the primary use and then there's the household checks for leaking air. Checking my RV for hot and cold spots. Looking for overheated breakers in the breaker box. Put on your thinking cap and you can come up with hundreds of uses. Legitimate that is. Who's got the hottest girlfriend.....

[mikeselectricstuff]

Just found some Lepton module photos in a Japanese version of the data brief
http://www.ads-tec.co.jp/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/60ca15c34f4de0db13e855f1775c9556.pdf

the front contacts are to connect to a shutter - I think I saw this in a patent or somewhere....

[Precipice]

OK, that's a game-changer.
Cameras with 'focus-on-the-face' just got easy. PIR sensors for security just got complicated - although 190mW is too much for sane battery use.
Toys just got very, very interesting.
So many things that needed hard amounts of processing to spot people in pictures are about to get a massive assist - and it's so tiny!
I hope these things are manufacturable in volume, and they've got a line running.

[SeanB]

Take one, add a small LCD and make the worlds smallest thermal camera with it.  Think what Mike could do with 500 nano displays and 500 of these as some responsive art.

[mikeselectricstuff]

Take one, add a small LCD and make the worlds smallest thermal camera with it.  Think what Mike could do with 500 nano displays and 500 of these as some responsive art.

Stay tuned Maybe not 500 though

[Fraser]

I have just seen that FLIR have been giving Journalists free Lepton based compact cameras to demonstrate the technolgy. I am amazed that they have not offered such to the public as it looks pretty neat and no iphone needed !

I want one already    Come on FLIRT, do a genral public release version !

See here:

http://www.sourcesecurity.com/news/articles/co-9756-ga-co-5188-ga-sb.14647.html

[sacherjj]

My supervisor has an iPhone 5 and we picked up the FLIR One.  This has proved to be useful in looking at parts coming out of our injection molder for tuning.  I have also found it interesting to look at thermals of a circuit under operation.

[SeanB]

Mike, you could make a production run of those like Dave did with the ucurrents...........

[HP-ILnerd]

If anybody needs a belt pouch that fits the phone with the FLIR ONE on it, I bought one of these and it fits perfectly!
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CS8IMDE/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Even has belt loops!

[HP-ILnerd]

Should add a couple of (I thought) interesting observations

You can easily see fingerprints glowing on a computer keyboard, with the exception of a laptop keyboard (already hot).
I walked across a carpet (with shoes), and was able to see my footprints glowing in the carpet.  That surprised me.
Metal's thermal conductivity prevents a good handprint from staying on it, but touch so much as a napkin or a newspaper
and you can get a really solid image from less than a second of contact.  Anything that's a bad conductor of heat does that.
When you show it to people, they say "wow, that's cool a lot"   
It has proven useful already.  The old, unused mailslot by the door bleeds heat like crazy.  Need to stuff some fiberglass insulation in there.

When Mike first posted about this gadget, I was very excited about it.  Now that I have one, I am totally satisfied.  With all
the other apps I have on my phone, the IR capability makes it almost a tricorder! 

[avvidclif]

Disclaimer: I have never used an IR camera before.
First observations;

Inside a house it works rather well. Hot and cold spots show up. I still haven't figured out the trick to the spot thermometer, sometimes it comes on and other times not? Probably my error. I took it outside after dark and was not impressed. It seems the range is limited. I had a large dog about 35' away and it barely would show him. He was laying on the ground so that may have been a factor.

Overall I'm happy with it. I downloaded the other FLIR apps but haven't tried them yet. I haven't had a chance to try it on PCB's which was my main goal, looking for hotspots on a PCB.

Still trying to figure out all the different color schemes, guess I need to research IR modes....