If it’s up to you to find the leak and fix the hot and cold spots, these are the tools for you. Forget laser thermometers. These FLIR cameras will help you see the big picture all at once.
FLIR E40: Compact Thermal Imaging Camera with 160 x 120 IR Resolution and MSX
The FLIR E40 is made for electrical and mechanical troubleshooting. If you are an electrical contractor or you work with manufacturing or utilities, this thermal camera is here to make your job easier.
First, the range that it can measure is huge: -4 to 1202 degrees Fahrenheit. It has a sensitivity of 0.07 degrees Celsius. These two specifications mean that it can tackle a wider range of temperatures than the E40bx although it is a little less sensitive.
Other than the temperature ranges and sensibility, the E40 and the E40bx are similar. But here we’ll refer to just the E40. It has two standard measurement modes: Auto hot and cold spots and Isotherm (above/below/interval).You can add up to three boxes and three moveable spots. It takes visual, thermal, and MSX images. The MSX feature lets you see more than temperature differences. It adds multispectral images so you can see signs and structure too. That way you know exactly what you’re looking at when you review the pictures you took. There’s a picture-in-picture option, so you can compare a thermal image with a regular digital shot.
The built-in touchscreen measures 3.5 inches diagonally. It shows an image of 160 by 120 pixels. (Rumor has it that only software limits it from showing a higher resolution.) The frame rate frequency is 60Hz, so it refreshes in a way similar to a TV screen. No matter which way you orient the E40, the image stays upright.
Since it’s a camera, it acts like a camera. You can take photos in .jpeg format and save them to an SD card. You can link the camera by Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and USB to other devices. For example, there’s an app that will let another person see on their phone what you see in real-time. If you have external sensors, like certain Extech meters, you can link them by Bluetooth. You can also embed the sensor data into images. If you want to make a note on an image, you can record up to 60 seconds of voice, or type a message on the touchscreen keyboard.
But wait, there’s more. The E40 has digital zoom up to 2x. The minimum focusing distance is 1.3 feet. The laser pointer makes it easier for you to find the target and the LED light helps illuminate dark places. The camera has 3.1 megapixels, so the clarity of the image is quite good. The onboard lens captures a field of 25 degrees.If you need to document an intermittent thermal problem, the camera can record .mp4 video.
Finally, the E40 runs off a Lithium-ion battery that lasts about 4 hours before needing a charge. FLIR includes a SD card that can hold almost 1000 images. They also offer their FLIR Tools software.
More features of the FLIR E40 Thermal Camera
- Comes with battery, charger, SD memory card, hard-sided carrying case, lens cap, carrying strap, USB cable, user instructions, card to download the Tools software
- Other lenses are available
- 10-year warranty on the IR detector, 5-year warranty on the battery, and 2-year warranty on parts and labor
- Drop-resistant to 2 meters
- Weights 1.82 pounds
FLIR E40bx: Compact Thermal Imaging Camera with 160 x 120 IR Resolution and MSX
If you’re an HVAC or plumbing contractor, if you have to do energy audits, the E40bx may be just what you need. It measures between -4 and 248 degrees Fahrenheit, less than the E40 but just right for building maintenance. It has a greater sensitivity of less than 0.045 Celsius.
Other than those two features, the E40bx has the same capabilities and features as the E40.
More features of the FLIR E40bx Thermal Camera
- Comes with battery, charger, SD memory card, hard-sided carrying case, lens cap, carrying strap, USB cable, user instructions, card to download the Tools software
- Other lenses are available
- 10-year warranty on the IR detector, 5-year warranty on the battery, and 2-year warranty on parts and labor
- Drop-resistant to 2 meters
- Weighs 1.82 pounds
Recommendation
If you encounter a wide range of temperatures, consider the E40 thermal camera. It handles between -4 to 1202 degrees Fahrenheit.
If you don’t need this wide range, but having a more sensitive camera would be helpful, consider the E40bx. Although it measures only -4 to 248 degrees Fahrenheit, it is sensitive to less than 0.045 degrees Celsius and accurate to within plus or minus 2 degrees C or 2%.
Click here to Check out FLIR E40 Price on Amazon!
Click here to Check out FLIR E40bx Price on Amazon!