For those interested in the use of thermal imaging for PCB analysis and repairs, I am currently testing the CA-09B PCB thermal Analyzer that is made by Dianyang Technology. I saw it “Used” for £120 on eBay and thought it would be interesting to see how it performs. It is a fixed focus camera with optional close-up lens and is mounted on an impressive table stand. The camera focus is set is set to cover a working distance of 10cm to 15cm, and 30mm with the optional close up lens fitted. Resolution is 256x192 pixels @25fps from its Infiray Tiny1-C core.
Whilst testing the unit I have discovered some interesting characteristics when operating a fixed focus camera for PCB work. The close-up lens was quickly determined to be a very useful optional extra in this PCB analysis role. No surprises there but this CA-09B camera kit is different to general use cameras as it’s focus is set for working close to PCB’s so no close up lens is required down to 10cm working distance.
I am currently writing a brief review of the CA-09B for this forum and it may be of interest to anyone wishing to use the Tiny1-C core for PCB work and thinking of adjusting the focus to operate without a close focus lens.
I will be carrying out another series of imaging tests but hope to upload the review and pictures very soon. The CA-09B has already shown itself to be a tool capable of accurate temperature measurements and acceptable PCB imaging but the combination of only 256x192 pixels and a relatively wide angle lens does present some interesting challenges when trying to image modern tiny SMD components and PCB tracks. I will provide my opinion of the CA-09B in my review.
Note that the CA-09B can be quite hard to find as it was not marketed by DYT themselves and looks to have been a product created for a 3rd party retailer. The CA-09D is the more common embodiment of the same camera system and analysis software. The CA-09D has a different desk mount design and has an increased temperature measurement capability. I believe my review of the CA-09B will be applicable to the CA-09D in many respects though as it has the same resolution, core, lens and software.
I must just say that the DYT 30mm close up lens is a beautiful little assembly for the £21+postage that it costs. I bought mine from Aliexpress. The lens element is a IR Chalcogenide glass meniscus type that is mounted in a very nicely made multi part aluminium mount with bayonet fitting to the host camera. This lens would be useful for adaption to other thermal cameras that have similar lens specifications to the Tiny1-C used in the CA-09B.
Dianyang Technology are the OEM behind many PCB thermal analysis cameras kits and usually have excellent build quality and analysis software. Mobile phone repair equipment specialist Qianli use DYT camera hardware packages but their own image analysis software package.
If interested, look out for my CA-09B review coming to your favourite thermal imaging forum soon
Fraser
Home
Help
Search
Login
Register
