Thermal Imaging gear

fracmeister

fracmeister

Petroleum Engineer
Joined
May 26, 1999
Messages
1,686
I am curious if anyone makes something vaguely affordable in the thermal imaging (looking for people in the dark or in the woods) that I can get? Right now it is curiosity as a Scoutmaster, but also maybe hunting/tracking applications.

TIA
 
Vaguely affordable? It depends on your definition. Your best bet is probably looking for a used one. New ones are not cheap by any means.

The company that makes IR cameras is FLIR [http://www.flir.com/]. It's the one used by researchers, law enforcement, industry, and military.
 
FOund exactly what I wanted. YiikEs! I had hoped to do something for 2-3,000 and it looks like a used one is north of 15k. Oh well.
 
Originally posted by fracmeister
FOund exactly what I wanted. YiikEs! I had hoped to do something for 2-3,000 and it looks like a used one is north of 15k. Oh well.
Click to expand...

Yup. A new one runs about $35K+ for the bottom of the line model. Ouch.
 
Yep. The fire departments are using new ones now for locating victims and they cost a bundle. Just like anything else, it's going to take a while for the military funded breakthroughs to make it down to affordable levels for the rest of us.
 
The camera style we use at the FD runs about $15k, but our first generation helmet mounted one was only worth $1-2k on trade in (initial price was $25k).

FD version generally have a short range of focus, because they are only used at room distance. The LE versions are supposed to work better at distance.
 
Third generation NightVision gear would serve you well in this role. While the kids can hide behind a bush and be visually obscured, out in the open they are easily visible at distance. Best of all, good American gear costs appear to be within your budget.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top