Thermal Imager

[neophytes serendipity]

I don't think you would go wrong with either a Fluke TI32 or a Flir E60.

The TI32 will be more useful than the TIR 32 because of the wider range. You can set the range on the TI to match the TIR.

The Flir E60 has some wireless features that the Fluke does not (yet) offer. You can also do IR video as long as you buy the upgraded software package. Fluke does not (yet) offer this.

Supposedly, Fluke accessory lenses do not require additional calibration.

Flir lenses do, and there is a calibration upcharge if you do not buy the camera + lens(es) at the same time (or, within a limited period of time)... so choose wisely. If you buy the camera + accessory lens together, there isn't really a price difference between the two brands.

The Flir lenses fit over the original one that comes with the camera. I do not know if the Fluke system is the same.

As far as image quality, pallettes and processing between the two brands... only way to find out is to work both side by side. I did not have the opportunity to play with a Fluke.

Report software is also different, so one may fit your needs better than the other.

[enb54]

neophytes...Yes, I am leaning towards the Fluke Ti32, as previous posts stated, "get the highest resolution you can afford" and software is also a big issue with me, wished for direct video connection like the RAZ-IR Pro, but don't know RAZ-IR, know FLIR slightly and do know Fluke instruments well. I am hoping the Snell course will push me in the correct direction (finally)...

Will keep you all posted...

[neophytes serendipity]

If you want video capability, then you should look at Flir.

[davemyers]

i have bought a fluke tis last summer for 2500 and im still trying to used it so far it does a pretty good job. i would like to say i bought this for water leaks and power problems but i think i just got this becouse i dont have one lol

[enb54]

Still looking for a thermal imager, but have now narrowed it down to Fluke Ti32, FLIR E60 or Testo 882. The Snell course really helped a lot, there are a lot of things to consider when buying one of these devices, especially the reporting software.

[neophytes serendipity]

Still looking for a thermal imager, but have now narrowed it down to Fluke Ti32, FLIR E60 or Testo 882. The Snell course really helped a lot, there are a lot of things to consider when buying one of these devices, especially the reporting software.

Yes, the reporting software is a big deal if you want to generate reports.

The only way to learn about this is to mess with the version provided by each manufacturer.

I can say this: Stock, out of the box from either, the Fluke software blows FLIR out of the water.

I have obtained an evaluation copy of the FLIR professional reporting software, and it sure seems to have features that are not available from Fluke. This FLIR software requires Word 2003 or newer, so that forced a software upgrade on my part.

Unfortunately, they want an additional $250 for this. One would think that mid four figures for a camera is enough...

I have not checked into whether or not Fluke offers an additional "Pro" version.

It is important to note that any version requires some seat time and it is doubtful that all of the capabilities can be utilized in a few minutes or hours of demo time.

Fluke and FLIR appear to process their IR images differently, particularly while in picture-in-picture mode.

The manual calibration mode seems easier to navigate in FLIR than Fluke.

It would be difficult for someone unfamiliar with these instuments to pick up either brand and make an informed decision on the spot, but finding a place to check out both offerings fairly may be a problem.

I own a FLIR E60 and recently attended a class where Fluke cameras and software was provided for the course. I will have to spend an additional $250 for software that at least equals what Fluke provides with their IR cameras. The video capabilities I have in my camera will not work without the $250 FLIR software package (however, I knew this going in).

With respect to the class, the providers contacted both Fluke and FLIR for demo cameras. Fluke said yes, FLIR said no.

If this class was available before I bought mine, I would have made a different decision. This class is not on the same level as a Snell course and the cost was quite reasonable.

Take note, FLIR.

[enb54]

The only way to learn about this is to mess with the version provided by each manufacturer.

Take note, FLIR.

I decided to wait before purchasing the 5 to 10K and bought a FLIR i7 on a package deal, and yes, the FLUKE software is more sophisticated than the basic FLIR, but it depends what you are doing with it. I used the i7 at a worksite and around my house plus am going to try it out on some relatives and friends just to practice writing reports. The new FLUKE Ti125 is also looking pretty good, unless you need those wide angle & telephoto lenses (N/A) or the higher resolution.

My life may be changing quickly so am re-evaluating my requirements, but I can see that this is a tool that is far more useful than I first thought.

I want to see what FLIR's response to the latest FLUKE stuff is...

PS... Arc fault breakers are instantly recognized in the AC distribution panel...

[neophytes serendipity]

I want to see what FLIR's response to the latest FLUKE stuff is...

I have the impression that, for the most part, the comparable cameras from each manufacturer are pretty evenly matched.

The new Flukes have a laser pointer, which is nice.

I do think that Fluke has an edge with in-camera picture in picture processing. Of course, maybe I just don't have enough time in messing with mine.

But, the FLIR pro image software allows me to rotate images and the Fluke software (the version I used) apparently does not. I will admit to not being able to find that feature- maybe it is buried.

There are a whole crapload of pallettes in the FLIR pro software, but I have not yet spent the time to evaluate these.

Much like Canon VS Nikon, there is no clear winner, but there are differences. Some of the differences may be subtle and hard to figure out, but still make a big difference in the user experience.

As the cost comes down, it will be easier to justify bringing one of these tools around more often.

[neophytes serendipity]

An update for my attempts to use the touted *wireless* features of some FLIR cameras, and a caution to others:

(1) The bluetooth portion, so far, only functions with other Extech instruments/meters. It will NOT pair to your phone.

(2) WiFi direct connection from phone to your FLIR camera will NOT work on Android devices if your carrier requires an additional data plan to enable the wireless hotspot feature. Test: If you enable "wireless hotspot" on your phone and attempt to connect a laptop, and then get redirected to a web page telling you that you need a data plan, your FLIR camera will NOT work directly from the phone.

(3) The FLIR mobile app WILL work on Android devices if you can connect the IR camera and phone to an existing separate WiFi network (secured or not).

(4) There is feedback from some Android users that the app works, but is it because they are paying for a tethering/hotspot plan?

(4) Supposedly, their mobile app works using iOS (Apple) mobile devices, but I have not tested it yet. I do not have an iOS device. I do not know if a wireless hotspot can be created on an iOS device without an additional data plan, or if the communication between the two devices is allowed because the internet is not used.

I have a rooted phone that allows use of the wireless hotspot feature, but the device is listed as "incompatible"... and I have no way to port the FLIR app from one device to the other because I can't send it to an SD card.

[cool-blew]

I like my Ti32. Might even sell it. It doesn't get used enough. But it is the best stud find ever.