Eddie let me tell you something bro. You are rockin it Man. I use a thermal camera at work for multi kilowatt power supplies. there's no substitute for being able to find hotspots, you can use a whole bunch of thermocouples and a multiplixer but the camera is amazing we have one at work with about five Engineers we're getting ready to buy second one cuz we use it so much. keep your content coming bro it's fantastic. Two of my cohorts at work are also hams and they're trying to get me into it and I think I'm going to do it. you've been my inspiration on that as well!
Thanks for the review Eddie. I’ve always wanted a thermal camera and this one seems to have great resolution for such a low price. My only concern is like another comment here about Apple possibly using USB-C in the next model as I’m an iOS user as well. I don’t know if I should wait or take the plunge and just get it. Lol.
Neat video! I wanted to purchase a thermal camera for a while now... maybe this is it ? :) Also, Eddie, is there a way that I can send you a photo of a transformer from an 1990's Philips amplifier with multiple taps and maybe you can tell me where the main's voltages input goes ? I'm so confused, and yes I have tested the resistance of every winding but still when I plug the mains I get 0 voltage. I'm in a pickle here :/
I purchased a UTi260B 256×192 Thermal Camera about a week ago, but I still appreciated your video. I actually thought long and hard about iPhone connectivity, but my iPhone is old and I probably will update when the iPhone 15 comes out, and that's the issue. If I buy an iOS compatible camera now, it would come with a Lightning connector. And nobody yet knows if the Android compatible USB-C thermal cameras will actually work with the forthcoming USB-C iPhones. That is why I opted for the $399 UTi260. Sadly, the software is Windows only and while it works in Parallels (I downloaded the trial), it won't work in WINE or VMware (I verified that). The software also stinks because it lacks so many features, and the camera, despite being $399, won't record video in camera. In fact, I would need to attach the camera to my computer, run Parallels, run the camera app, then make a screen recording in order to record "video" from the UTi260B. So in light of that, your camera is better. But the resolution on yours seems to be better than mine, despite the fact their specs are the same. My camera says it is 25fps, but it feels more like 12fps. Yours seems to be a higher frame-rate. Sorry, for the long comment, but your video really got me thinking today!
This camera does perform very well. I too will be finally upgrading my Iphone - but I'm not worried about the lightning connector too much. I think the adapters should work, but I haven't had a chance to try yet. It seems like whenever Apple has changed a connector that they offer adapters with the new phones. Thanks for the long comment - lots of good feedback!!
Wow a most interesting and impressive thermal camera. I can think of several troubleshooting repairs that this would be beneficial on. Also there are Thermal imaging lie detectors to detect minor physiological changes, such as an increase in blood pressure, pulse or respiration, that can occur when we experience a certain anxiety. 😎 Thank you for the neat video.
Thanks! Picture quality is a lot better than what I would expect from 256X192 sensor. Thermal resolution is also great. It is surprising to see temperature differences between metal body and plastic sleeve of electrolytic caps. I would rather spend money on this camera than some 6 1/2 digit multimeter. I hope I will get one sometime next year. IR camera is so much better than thermal imaging by finger!
Thanks for your feedback! I agree - I was surprised at the great definition. I wonder how much it had to do with the lens on front - it seems large and probably made from glass which I think some are plastic. I'm not sure about this.
Sorry for my second comment, but I've really been studying your video, and had some other thoughts. Seems like your lens is focusable and allows Macro closeups? I had to pay extra to buy a clip-on Macro lens for my UTi260B, and sadly, that lens too is fixed focus. Another problem with using the Macro lens on mine is that it makes all the readings about 10°C hotter than when shooting the same scene without the Macro lens. And I confirmed with my 121GW's Type-K thermal probe that the UTi260B readings without the macro lens are more accurate. That leads me to another topic about EMISSIVITY. You won't be able to scan a PCB and get the same emissivity for all the components. I spent a lot of time trying to figure that out, but it seems like leaving the camera on the stock 0.95 setting for Emissivity is best. Then you need to strap a Type-K thermal sensor to a component so you have a secondary confirmation of the temperature of at least one component on the board, so you know your thermal imager is telling you the right temps. But again, whether they are truly right or not will vary by component because the Emissivity changes component by component. In the end, I think these thermal imagers are useful, but due the complexity of choosing the right Emissivity setting, they are most useful if you do before/after temperature readings. For example, you measure a problematic board with the camera, then swap out a faulty component that is getting too hot, then do another thermal image and see how the temperature is lower, relatively speaking. But overall, it seems like your camera is still a bit better than my UTi260B. It's just that if you plan to get a new iPhone a year hence, it will be USB-C, not Lightning, so that would break connection compatibility.
Thanks for your feedback. I don’t worry too much about the emissivity as I think the temps are close. If you have something shiny like the exposed aluminum on an electrolytic cap then you can place some black electrical tape on it and it solves the problem. I place tape - even kapton will help. I think there will be fire to usb c adapters so I’m not too worried:)
FLIR has pretty much the same features with their FLIR tools app. I don’t have any fancy camera that can record so I don’t know about video, but with the pictures you can analyze the photo as if it were live after the fact. Draw your boxes, lines, etc. I wonder if they export all the raw thermal data or are using the color gradient as the scale.
Thanks for this feedback! I'll have to work with this camera a bit more to see what it can do. I did a review on a nice FLIR, but it just wasn't as cost effective so I returned it. ua-cam.com/video/4OTIWJ2UbU0/v-deo.html
@@KissAnalog yep they aren’t that cost effective but it’s no doubt they have the best user experience and support. I’m personally playing around with some salvaged thermal cores to try and rig up some DIY high resolution refresh rate solutions.
Sorry if you already answered this somewhere: Which one out of the Xinfrared T2S+, Topdon TC002, FLIR ONE PRO, anything else (?), is your favorite? I am mostly interested in PCB repairs but would like to use it for many other things too. I do like the 25hz imaging and the MSX technology, but as you said, the resolution of some cameras is so high, you don't even need MSX. A big appeal of the FLIR is that the USB port is extensible, but they also seem to have huge quality assurance issues. The prices seem to be very close together.
Thanks for the question! The Flir pro has less than half the resolution, so the other 2 are better choices IMHO:) I like the TS2 for the manual focus lens, but the Topdon is amazing as well. I’ll do a head to head review with a bit more time using them now.
@@KissAnalog Thanks so much! It's going to be a birthday present for my partner. I am willing to admit that I will likely ask to borrow it all the time though...
I didn't watch the review, (not because it was a bad review, but because I have already seen many such reviews on all of the Infiray brand of cameras, their whole range)... what i came here to say was that the T2L is actually an even better performing camera (for PCB work / repairs). Compared to the T2S+ version. And they are to be found at about similar sort of price as each other. You can just get a better image, contrast and whatever the temperature range is better suited on the T2L version. But you don't need to take my own words for it... because there are already enough existing examples out there to be found online. BTW Infiray have also released now an even newer T3S onto the market. Which is yet an additional improvement and higher end version of these ones (and T2L too). Because it uses a whole new higher resolution sensor. However for the time being that new sensor is way more expensive as things stand right now. Maybe in the future the price can end up dropping over time. And then getting to be more competive. Once that happens, that T3S will end up being the more ideal thermal imaging camera. Including also for PCB repairs (and other uses too). Mostly simply due to its even higher resolution. Hope these extra commentary was helpful.
Thanks for your feedback! Actually the T2L has the same specs as the T2S+ except the body is slightly different shape. The T2L came out first and was android only. They sent the android version to me first, but then told me that the T2S+ was a better option as it worked with my IOS system. So I returned it and had to wait for it to come out. If you look at some of my images of the board - they look really detailed. The T3S is in the same camp as the T2L as it is also android only so I have to wait for the IOS version to come out. Hopefully the price will not be more than $100 more. This camera is very impressive.
I think term for the FLIR MSX technology you are looking for is "edge detection". It's a very simple algorithm. Look up "sobel filter" if you want to know more.
@@KissAnalog I did end up getting this camera for my partner recently. I have not used it for electronics repair yet, but will hopefully do so soon. Sadly my partner was in the US army and had access to their portable thermal imaging technology (scopes and visors), and as such was not very impressed by this camera. I did however explain that this is just about the best a civilian can reasonably get and that the US has export restrictions on thermal imaging technology.
Thanks for sticking with getting this video out Eddie, I found one for £268 delivered to the UK, really tempted to go for it. Great work Eddie 👍
Thanks so much!!
Eddie let me tell you something bro.
You are rockin it Man.
I use a thermal camera at work for multi kilowatt power supplies. there's no substitute for being able to find hotspots, you can use a whole bunch of thermocouples and a multiplixer but the camera is amazing we have one at work with about five Engineers we're getting ready to buy second one cuz we use it so much.
keep your content coming bro it's fantastic.
Two of my cohorts at work are also hams and they're trying to get me into it and I think I'm going to do it. you've been my inspiration on that as well!
Thanks!
Nice review, tech has progressed since we got one for work 4 years ago.
Thanks Eddie!
Thanks! Yes it seems that last few years have been good to IR camera tech;)
Thanks for the review Eddie. I’ve always wanted a thermal camera and this one seems to have great resolution for such a low price. My only concern is like another comment here about Apple possibly using USB-C in the next model as I’m an iOS user as well. I don’t know if I should wait or take the plunge and just get it. Lol.
Thanks for the great feedback! I'm sure there will be a cable to convert any connector on the iphone to the camera.
Neat video! I wanted to purchase a thermal camera for a while now... maybe this is it ? :)
Also, Eddie, is there a way that I can send you a photo of a transformer from an 1990's Philips amplifier with multiple taps and maybe you can tell me where the main's voltages input goes ? I'm so confused, and yes I have tested the resistance of every winding but still when I plug the mains I get 0 voltage. I'm in a pickle here :/
Thanks for asking. Just email it to me. KissAnalog@gmail.com
@@KissAnalog Ok, will do now, thank you very much!
@@KissAnalog I've sent the email, cheers! 🤗
I purchased a UTi260B 256×192 Thermal Camera about a week ago, but I still appreciated your video. I actually thought long and hard about iPhone connectivity, but my iPhone is old and I probably will update when the iPhone 15 comes out, and that's the issue. If I buy an iOS compatible camera now, it would come with a Lightning connector. And nobody yet knows if the Android compatible USB-C thermal cameras will actually work with the forthcoming USB-C iPhones. That is why I opted for the $399 UTi260. Sadly, the software is Windows only and while it works in Parallels (I downloaded the trial), it won't work in WINE or VMware (I verified that). The software also stinks because it lacks so many features, and the camera, despite being $399, won't record video in camera. In fact, I would need to attach the camera to my computer, run Parallels, run the camera app, then make a screen recording in order to record "video" from the UTi260B. So in light of that, your camera is better. But the resolution on yours seems to be better than mine, despite the fact their specs are the same. My camera says it is 25fps, but it feels more like 12fps. Yours seems to be a higher frame-rate. Sorry, for the long comment, but your video really got me thinking today!
This camera does perform very well. I too will be finally upgrading my Iphone - but I'm not worried about the lightning connector too much. I think the adapters should work, but I haven't had a chance to try yet. It seems like whenever Apple has changed a connector that they offer adapters with the new phones.
Thanks for the long comment - lots of good feedback!!
Amazing IR imaging for only an 8mm core! Thanks for the comprehensive review Eddie. I hope all is going well for you bud! Fred
Thanks Fred! I appreciate you!
@@KissAnalog I also appreciate you Eddie!
Hi Eddie, amazing video. Thanks so much Eddie.
Thank you!
Nice, thanks for introducing affordable new gadget.
You bet! Thanks for your feedback!
Wow a most interesting and impressive thermal camera. I can think of several troubleshooting repairs that this would be beneficial on. Also there are Thermal imaging lie detectors to detect minor physiological changes, such as an increase in blood pressure, pulse or respiration, that can occur when we experience a certain anxiety. 😎 Thank you for the neat video.
Interesting! Yes I think this would be great for troubleshooting!
Thanks! Picture quality is a lot better than what I would expect from 256X192 sensor. Thermal resolution is also great. It is surprising to see temperature differences between metal body and plastic sleeve of electrolytic caps. I would rather spend money on this camera than some 6 1/2 digit multimeter. I hope I will get one sometime next year. IR camera is so much better than thermal imaging by finger!
Thanks for your feedback! I agree - I was surprised at the great definition. I wonder how much it had to do with the lens on front - it seems large and probably made from glass which I think some are plastic. I'm not sure about this.
Sorry for my second comment, but I've really been studying your video, and had some other thoughts. Seems like your lens is focusable and allows Macro closeups? I had to pay extra to buy a clip-on Macro lens for my UTi260B, and sadly, that lens too is fixed focus. Another problem with using the Macro lens on mine is that it makes all the readings about 10°C hotter than when shooting the same scene without the Macro lens. And I confirmed with my 121GW's Type-K thermal probe that the UTi260B readings without the macro lens are more accurate.
That leads me to another topic about EMISSIVITY. You won't be able to scan a PCB and get the same emissivity for all the components. I spent a lot of time trying to figure that out, but it seems like leaving the camera on the stock 0.95 setting for Emissivity is best. Then you need to strap a Type-K thermal sensor to a component so you have a secondary confirmation of the temperature of at least one component on the board, so you know your thermal imager is telling you the right temps. But again, whether they are truly right or not will vary by component because the Emissivity changes component by component.
In the end, I think these thermal imagers are useful, but due the complexity of choosing the right Emissivity setting, they are most useful if you do before/after temperature readings. For example, you measure a problematic board with the camera, then swap out a faulty component that is getting too hot, then do another thermal image and see how the temperature is lower, relatively speaking.
But overall, it seems like your camera is still a bit better than my UTi260B. It's just that if you plan to get a new iPhone a year hence, it will be USB-C, not Lightning, so that would break connection compatibility.
Thanks for your feedback. I don’t worry too much about the emissivity as I think the temps are close. If you have something shiny like the exposed aluminum on an electrolytic cap then you can place some black electrical tape on it and it solves the problem. I place tape - even kapton will help. I think there will be fire to usb c adapters so I’m not too worried:)
FLIR has pretty much the same features with their FLIR tools app. I don’t have any fancy camera that can record so I don’t know about video, but with the pictures you can analyze the photo as if it were live after the fact. Draw your boxes, lines, etc. I wonder if they export all the raw thermal data or are using the color gradient as the scale.
Thanks for this feedback! I'll have to work with this camera a bit more to see what it can do. I did a review on a nice FLIR, but it just wasn't as cost effective so I returned it. ua-cam.com/video/4OTIWJ2UbU0/v-deo.html
@@KissAnalog yep they aren’t that cost effective but it’s no doubt they have the best user experience and support. I’m personally playing around with some salvaged thermal cores to try and rig up some DIY high resolution refresh rate solutions.
Sorry if you already answered this somewhere:
Which one out of the Xinfrared T2S+, Topdon TC002, FLIR ONE PRO, anything else (?), is your favorite?
I am mostly interested in PCB repairs but would like to use it for many other things too. I do like the 25hz imaging and the MSX technology, but as you said, the resolution of some cameras is so high, you don't even need MSX. A big appeal of the FLIR is that the USB port is extensible, but they also seem to have huge quality assurance issues.
The prices seem to be very close together.
Thanks for the question! The Flir pro has less than half the resolution, so the other 2 are better choices IMHO:) I like the TS2 for the manual focus lens, but the Topdon is amazing as well. I’ll do a head to head review with a bit more time using them now.
@@KissAnalog Thanks so much!
It's going to be a birthday present for my partner.
I am willing to admit that I will likely ask to borrow it all the time though...
LOL good luck;)
I didn't watch the review, (not because it was a bad review, but because I have already seen many such reviews on all of the Infiray brand of cameras, their whole range)... what i came here to say was that the T2L is actually an even better performing camera (for PCB work / repairs). Compared to the T2S+ version. And they are to be found at about similar sort of price as each other. You can just get a better image, contrast and whatever the temperature range is better suited on the T2L version. But you don't need to take my own words for it... because there are already enough existing examples out there to be found online.
BTW Infiray have also released now an even newer T3S onto the market. Which is yet an additional improvement and higher end version of these ones (and T2L too). Because it uses a whole new higher resolution sensor. However for the time being that new sensor is way more expensive as things stand right now. Maybe in the future the price can end up dropping over time. And then getting to be more competive. Once that happens, that T3S will end up being the more ideal thermal imaging camera. Including also for PCB repairs (and other uses too). Mostly simply due to its even higher resolution. Hope these extra commentary was helpful.
Thanks for your feedback! Actually the T2L has the same specs as the T2S+ except the body is slightly different shape. The T2L came out first and was android only. They sent the android version to me first, but then told me that the T2S+ was a better option as it worked with my IOS system. So I returned it and had to wait for it to come out. If you look at some of my images of the board - they look really detailed. The T3S is in the same camp as the T2L as it is also android only so I have to wait for the IOS version to come out. Hopefully the price will not be more than $100 more. This camera is very impressive.
I think term for the FLIR MSX technology you are looking for is "edge detection". It's a very simple algorithm. Look up "sobel filter" if you want to know more.
Thank you! The MSX does add something - but it is kind of a fake hi-res look. I like this camera much more.
@@KissAnalog I did end up getting this camera for my partner recently. I have not used it for electronics repair yet, but will hopefully do so soon.
Sadly my partner was in the US army and had access to their portable thermal imaging technology (scopes and visors), and as such was not very impressed by this camera. I did however explain that this is just about the best a civilian can reasonably get and that the US has export restrictions on thermal imaging technology.
@@DasAntiNaziBroetchen I understand - but this camera is also much less expensive;)
Cool vid ed
Thanks Joey!
@Kiss Analog I've been extremely sick lately buddy. Sorry for my silence.
Love it
Thanks so much!
Do you mean it's androids not iOS ?
You can get whichever you want. I have links for both in the video description below.
@Kiss Analog I'm not picking out mistakes mate just caused my brain to fart
👍
SHARP KISS ANULOG
From Nick Ayivor from London England UK 🇬🇧 ⏰️ 18:59pm
Thanks Nick!