Thermal imaging camera for I Phone, FLIR or SEEK?

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Jan 11, 2013
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I recently got an I Phone 6S, and am looking at the SEEK or the FLIR thermal camera add ons. I have no real need for it, I am not a contractor or remodel guy, I thought I could use it to look for air leaks or temp differences in my house, and I am sure that I will find other uses as well.

I found an older thread on the FLIR, most dealers seem to be out of the one for the I phone 6S, the SEEK is readily available. Based on some of the reviews and comparisons I found online, it looks like the FLIR image is a bit better overall.

Anyhow, just looking for any input from those that have one or the other. What do you like, not like etc... Any info is appreciated. THANKS
 
I purchased the Flir to use with my 6s. Very happy with the results, some of the things I've done:

Locate the HVAC run in a stud wall. I turned on the HVAC for 10 minutes and then started to take pictures. The HVAC run is a solid dark blue against a lighter yellow/white wall.

The body surface temperature of a black car on a sunny 80 degree day is 141 degrees. [eek]

I've located air leaks in the air handling system ductwork during the summer.

I've had some limited luck in finding hot spots on our Golden retriever. She doesn't sit still for long.

I've measured a difference of 20 degrees between an aluminum storm door with a single pane of glass and the same door with a thermo-pane of glass.

I identified a breaker that was always resetting itself prematurely because of a heat issue.

The more you putter around with it the more things you find it capable of doing. It won't replace a $5000 Fluke camera, but for $300 it's awfully handy. 

 
I preordered the 2nd gen FLIR and I'm glad I waited.

4x resolution of the 1st gen and the composite thermal image on top of the optical is what really sets it apart from the Seek cam.
 
sae said:
I preordered the 2nd gen FLIR and I'm glad I waited.

Mine is also the 2nd Gen Flir. It took 8 weeks to get it but that was during the pre-order period.
 
I mainly use a Testo 875 which is a bit much for just general periodic use for what you probably need. If you are looking for something basic you might want to look at the FLIR C2. Its about the size of an iPhone and runs around 600-700. I played with one for a bit at the AHR show last year. I'll probably buy one this year as a back up.
 
[member=44099]Cheese[/member]

By second generation, you mean the one that connects to the Lightning port on the bottom of the phone, correct?
I see a first Gen online that looks like a separate phone case.

THANKS all who have replied, looks like I need to get my order added to the waiting list!

FLIR-ONE-iOS.png
 
copcarcollector said:
By second generation, you mean the one that connects to the Lightning port on the bottom of the phone, correct?

You are correct. The first Gen could only be used with an iPhone 5 or 5s. The new version can be used with both iPhones & iPads.

The new Lightning port model can be installed backwards for those that feel the need for a thermal selfie... [eek]

Just went to the Flir website, the new model is backordered for 15 weeks! Wow, how popular is that item?  And I complained about 8 weeks?
http://www.flir-direct.com/product/flir-one-thermal-imager-ios
 
Hey Jeff,

Happy New Year!

I have the most recent FLIR, it took a long time to arrive. I use it quite alot on our custom builds, as well as some personal projects the guys. In my view, it gives very good results for the price. I use it to identify problems in the building envelope as some of our homes are in the Net Zero / Passive House realm. I have also used it to find wiring in walls. But it can also let you know if a beer is actual cold enough..!!

Cheers Mike
 
limestonemike said:
I have also used it to find wiring in walls.

Just curious as to what your technique is for the wiring?

[member=3741]limestonemike[/member]
 
Pull 200A through it, I bet it'll light up like a Christmas tree.  [scared]
 
I wish someone made a 1 inch "extension" cord or adapter for the Lightning port on iPhones.  I have had issues with accessories since I use a LifeProof waterproof case on my phones (I lost a phone to water damage in a fishing tournament years ago and switched to LifeProof the next day).
 
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