Flir Systems has announced two new additions to its Lepton-based range of thermal imaging solutions. The pocket-sized Scout TK is aimed at outdoor types like campers and hikers, giving them the ability to take in their surroundings even when it's pitch black outside. Meanwhile, the entry-level TG130 is heading for home and small business use, to aid in DIY building projects or assist with office energy efficiency measures.
The Lepton microcamera core – the same technology that brought thermal imaging to smartphone users with last year's Flir One – is reported similar in size, weight and power consumption to a CMOS smartphone camera module. The design also allows for high volume manufacture, lowering production costs and enabling thermal imaging technology to be delivered into the hands of consumers.
The monocular Scout TK is said to be the smallest and lightest in the company's Scout Series, at 4 x 1.5 x 1.5 in (101.6 x 38.1 x 38.1 mm) and 6 oz (170 g). It's been designed for one-handed operation and can be used to detect the heat of objects, people and animals up to 300 ft (90 m) away. It features a four button control interface, integrated 640 x 480 resolution LCD display and has still image and video recording capabilities, though we've no word on device-based storage.
Image processing is taken care of by the company's own Digital Detail Enhancement technology, there's a built-in Li-ion battery that offers over 5 hours of use between charges, and its rugged construction is designed to withstand the inevitable knocks and bumps of outdoor use.
The focus-free, grab and go TG130 spot thermal camera has been designed to help locate and identify temperature-related issues within and around a structure, such as troublesome drafts, heat loss zones, missing insulation, or to check air conditioning performance and electrical issues in the home or office. This model measures 6.6 x 4.4 x 1.9 in (169 x 113 x 48 mm) and tips the scales at 7.4 oz (210 g), and has been constructed to withstand drops from a height of 6.6 ft (2 m) in addition to being IP40 ingress rated.
Images are displayed on a 1.8 in TFT screen, it has a temperature detection range of -10 to 150° C (14 - 302° F) and is powered by three AAA-sized replaceable batteries, which should be good for 4 hours of continuous scanning.
Both devices are due for a first quarter 2016 release. The Scout TK is priced at US$599, while the TG130 will cost $249.
Product pages: Flir Scout TK, TG130
