New Macro capable thermal camera from Thermal Master, the P3

[Fraser]

I have recently seen YouTube videos reviewing a new thermal camera dongle from Thermal Master called the “P3”. It has manual focus and macro capability for PCB inspection work. I have asked Thermal Master whether they would like me to test this new camera and was pleased with their positive response. Once the P3 arrives I will test it and provide a review of its performance for this forum. Once again, I am pleased that Thermal Master value my written input rather than concentrating on supplying samples only to YouTube “Influencers”  They genuinely want to hear about any issues I discover so that they may be addressed and the product improved. Good to see  It is good to see new products continuing to come out of Thermal Master and long may that continue.

I attach the P3 specification and some captures from the Thermal Master web site.

Fraser

[Fraser]

More pictures….

[Fraser]

I am pleased to confirm that a Thermal Master “P3” has been dispatched and should be with me for testing soon.

The “P3” appears well suited to general thermal imaging and, more importantly for this forum, close up inspection of PCB’s.

In my testing of PCB inspection and analysis thermal cameras I have found manual focus to be a better choice than the fixed focus + close-up lens combination. Manual focus gives the user control over working distance and best focus on the area of interest. The P2 Pro remains an excellent “all purpose” dongle thermal camera but for serious PCB thermal analysis, I believe a manual focus lens makes life easier for the user. From what I have seen the “P3” offers broad connectivity to mobile devices and PC’s so it will be interesting to see how the software performs for PCB analysis activities. I look forward to testing the “P3” and writing a review of it for this forum.

There are many USB Dongle type thermal cameras on the market now but dongle cameras with manual focus are less common. It is good to see another option available for those who want the benefits of manual focus.

Fraser

[Fraser]

The Thermal Master “P3” arrived today 

First impressions of the hardware are excellent but I have yet to connect the camera to my phone for initial impressions of its imaging capabilities. Just reading the outside of the box promises a lot though……

1. Compatibility with iOS Phone, iOS iPad, Android and PC (I presume iOS devices need to be USB-C)

2. USB-C male connector on camera plus a USB-C extension lead and USB-C to USB-A adapter (for PC)

3. Manual Focus lens capable of focussing down to 8mm 

4. 256x192 physical pixels (25fps) with AI driven X3 super resolution to 512x384 pixels as found on the “P2” and THOR series

5. Maximum temperature measurement of 1112 Fahrenheit / 600 Celsius

The case of the “P3” is metal, as is the focus ring. The manual focus ring is smoooooth in operation with the diameter and position of the ring making operation simple and convenient. The unit just ooozes quality build and I hope its performances matches this outward appearance.

Pictures will follow shortly. I will also write a “First Impressions” post on the “P3”, followed by testing and a full review.

Fraser

[mikeselectricstuff]

I've just been offered one for review.
Just looking at the spec I suspected the "512x384 X3^tm" was just "enhancement"

I turn down a lot of review offers but might take them up on this as I use the P2 all the time so will be interested to see what's improved.

Their claim of "detect 1mA PCB leakage" is pretty meaningless without quoting the track width.

Also they only mention Android & IOS but show it connected to a laptop...

[Fraser]

Hi Mike,

I think the P3 is worthy of one of your excellent reviews as it definitely appears to be suited to close working on PCB’s. I love the P2 Pro and the P3 adds the manual focus that I sometimes want.

The P3 is useable with iOS, Android and Windows PC. No Linux support that I am aware of. I will test it on a PC.

Fraser

[Fraser]

Pictures of the Thermal Master P3 package

I had previously missed that TM include a USB-C to Apple Lightning  adapter so it looks like the P3 can connect to any iPhone or ipad that meets the minimum iOS version criteria to run the App.

It s a nice kit and includes a carry case for the camera.

The P3 is larger than the P2 Pro but then the P2 Pro is tiny ! The P3 is certainly not at all "chunky" and looks very sleek on the phone.

Fraser

[Fraser]

Pictures of the P3...

[fdgb]

Used FLIR cameras before at work, so I kinda knew what to expect. But the P3 actually surprised me. I was checking a phone PCB and noticed how clearly it showed the heat moving from a chip to a nearby cap. The edges were sharp, and I could follow the whole thermal path. That level of detail just never came through on the older gear I used.

[camellos]

Thank you. I appreciate your real world reviews and trust your opinions.

[Fraser]

I just tested the P3 camera on my Motorola phone and it works perfectly. The P3 uses the same App as the P2 and produces excellent images. The focus control is a joy to use and the close up working on a PCB is impressive. I will hopefully post my first impressions later today, along with some
 "teaser” images captured with the P3 today. I am about to test the measurement accuracy using a Black Body reference.

Fraser

[Algoma]

I've been curious about trying a USB camera thermal camera. With that metal case and larger size I would have some concern about mis-handling and minor impacts affecting the sensor. I wonder if they could produce a sleeve or jacket to go with the unit, looks have clearance to accommodate some protection.

While USB-C is pretty strong connector i've seen enough banana shaped USB connectors to have caution. How well does that unit hang onto the provided dongle cable?, Hopefully it doesn't slip out when trying to get the camera into a tight spot and drop the camera into some awkward location inside a machine.

Also conductivity of of the larger camera body, while fitting it into inspection space of operational equipment.

[Fraser]

My "First Impressions" post on the P3 camera Dongle has been uploaded here:

https://www.eevblog.com/forum/thermal-imaging/thermal-master-p3-manual-focus-usb-thermal-camera-dongle-first-impressions/

Fraser

[Fraser]

Algoma,

The USB Type-C plug on the P3 appears well engineered with no flex in it. The plug is extended 2mm to permit use of the camera with mobile phones that are in cases. The P3 cameras USB-C connector latches into the mobile phone socket well and I have no fear of it falling out during use.

I know exactly what you mean about a dongle camera being vulnerable when hanging off of a mobile phone. I did drop my phone on the table from a couple of inches height during todays testing and the P3 hit the table first I expected a damaged connector on the phone or P3 but all was OK.

The P3 is of all metal case construction so care is needed if using it in close proximity to powered circuits. That said, the same is true of human hands inside equipment, racks or car engine bays
It would be possible to cover the camera in insulation if such is required as its shape is not complex. A soft TPU jacket and lens shroud could be 3D printed for a more professional look if desired. That said, a hard ABS or PLA shell could also be 3D printed. It is the performance of the electronics and optical package that is most important here as the P3 may be adapted to users needs with relative ease I would say that a manual focus lens camera is less convenient to use at arms length than a decent fixed focus camera like the P2 or P2 Pro as no focus adjustment is needed within the fixed focus capabilities of the particular model. This is often 30cm to infinity.

Fraser

[fdgb]

The P3's USB-C port seems well-designed and even works smoothly with phone cases. And it's reassuring to hear it stayed secure even after a drop. The metal build looks sturdy, but I can see how it might need insulation in certain environments. It's a cool idea to use 3D printing to customize the case for extra protection or a sleek look. The manual focus does sound a bit less convenient for quick, arm's-length shots compared to fixed-focus models like the P2. But overall, it seems like a solid and adaptable camera option.

[Claucia]

 :)thanks

[Eurora]

This is a fantastic review, really appreciate your effort.

[Eassssse]

Used FLIR cameras before at work, so I kinda knew what to expect. But the P3 actually surprised me. I was checking a phone PCB and noticed how clearly it showed the heat moving from a chip to a nearby cap. The edges were sharp, and I could follow the whole thermal path. That level of detail just never came through on the older gear I used.

[camellos]

Great review, thanks for taking the time to do this.

[fdgb]

The P3's 256×192 glass - sealed core, combined with a NETD of 0.04 °C, delivers a full - resolution thermal path on the PCB at 25 Hz, with edge sharpness far exceeding that of older FLIR models. Moreover, its macro lens can distinguish temperature gradients of <1 mm.

[elsdhs]

very informative thanks

[Eassssse]

Had a desktop that kept rebooting without warning. I scanned the board with the P3 and noticed one edge of the RAM slot looked slightly warmer, even when idle. Zoomed in with the manual focus to get a sharper view and saw a thin heat trail ending right at one solder pin. It wasn’t obvious at all on visual inspection. Reflowed that pin and the reboot issue hasn’t come back. 👍

[Eurora]

Nice! When you get the P3 at that close range, how many effective pixels do you get across, say, a 0603 resistor, and does the camera hold full frame rate without hunting exposure? If you try a macro add-on, I’d love to know whether it meaningfully improves detail or if stock optics are fine.