Instrumentation Monthly Test | Measurement | Control
At a press conference at its West Malling, Kent, facility, FLIR Systems launched a series of feature-packed yet cost-effective entry-level thermal imaging cameras, plus a new range of cameras for those who want more than an entry level device, but not all the features that characterise its professional models.
The entry-level series are lightweight yet easy to use thermal imaging cameras. The Ex-Series devices (models E4, E5, E6 and E8) are described as ‘true thermal imaging cameras, not instruments that simply take spot temperature measurements or use blended techniques.
The cameras feature the company’s patented MSX-technology for real-time pin-sharp thermal images, quicker target orientation and clean reports. This technology was previously only available on models in the FLIR T-Series and above, but now it is also included on all of the four new cameras in the FLIR Ex-Series.
They also include a built-in visual camera for easy target association and inspection; and with multi spectral image storage, MSX can be applied to the stored visual and thermal JPEG images after inspection. Analysis tools are provided as standard with the respective models including spotmeter, area min/max and colour alarm; and all but one also includes the fusion function, picture-in-picture.
Additional features include a fixed focus-free lens – simply point, shoot and all the required temperature data, up to +250?C, is automatically embedded on the JPEG images. These also provide thermal image quality from 80 x 60 pixels up to 320 x 240 pixels, enabling entire areas to be scanned in one pass; and they can see temperature differences as small as 0.06?C.
Applications include troubleshooting all electrical and mechanical faults through thermal measurement; and detecting building faults such as insulation losses and problems with under-floor heating systems.
Despite all these features, the cameras are cost-effective, with the E4 costing less than £800.
For those who want more than an entry level thermal imaging camera but not the sophisticated features that characterise its professional models, the company is also offering the Exx-Series.
These advanced cameras are thermally tuneable and manually focusable, and are said to offer exceptional imaging quality and standard features such as continuous zoom, thermal fusion, text/voice annotation, WiFi and Meterlink. But with effect from 1st October 2013, this range promises so much more.
The latest generation FLIR Exx-Series comprises three models, E40/50/60 with the top of the range providing a resolution of 320 x 240 pixels. All three feature MSX technology.
Additional features include an intuitive keypad, touch screen and menu; and the system allows the thermal, visual, MSX and picture-in-picture images to be saved with one click. All thermal data is automatically embedded and the image can also be edited in the camera.
Auto orientation, meanwhile, means landscape or portrait images can be taken, and the software also tags the image’s orientation and presents it in that format when recalled.
In common with all FLIR Systems’ cameras, the E40, E50 and E60 carry warranties of two and ten years for the camera and the detector respectively.
