Greg Bork, president of FLIR Systems Canada, commented about their participation in the upcoming event, “We’re excited to be attending MCEE, especially with the combined participation of two major trade events. At FLIR, we’re discovering that the current economic conditions have made the wide-ranging line of Extech test and measurement instruments all the more relevant for master HVAC and mechanical contractors who need to get the job done while sticking to their budget for durable, high quality tools.” Bork added, “Some customers will always shop by brand, but more and more test equipment buyers are doing their homework, comparing specs and product reviews before opening their wallets. These professionals invariably discover the unbeatable value of Extech’s robust testers and meters.”

Affordable Thermal Imaging: The $1,995 Extech i5 Infrared Camera

Designed with legendary FLIR Systems technology, the Extech i5 compact infrared camera is an easy-to-use and affordable troubleshooting tool for high quality thermal imaging. With 2% accuracy and focus-free viewing, the Extech i5 helps electrical contractors find overheating in electrical panels and transformers. HVAC and mechanical professionals use Extech i5 imagers to monitor motors, fans, steam traps, and bearings as a key part of predictive maintenance. At $1,995, the Extech i5 shatters price/performance barriers as the most cost-effective thermal imaging camera on the market.

6,400 pixel IR resolution and a large 2.8″ color display pinpoint problems fast, critical for plant-wide condition monitoring. The ergonomic, pocket-sized 12 oz. design is double-molded and splashproof, making it as rugged as it is lightweight. With 5,000 image storage in the easy-to-share JPEG format, the Extech i5 helps users report compelling findings before they become hazardous and/or expensive. In this economy, you can’t afford not to have one.

About Extech’s Affordable, Award-Winning Test Equipment for the Mechanical, HVAC, Electrical, Lighting and Industrial Markets

Thanks to FLIR Systems’ Canadian distribution of Extech’s line, HVAC/R, mechanical, electrical, and plant/MRO professionals in Canada now have a choice when it comes to choosing high-quality and affordable test and measurement equipment. Extech’s patented, built-in infrared technology can be found in their durable and accurate digital multimeters (DMMs), clamp-on meters, tachometers, thermometers, plus over 300 other precision test instruments.

For example, winner of the Gold Industrial Electronics Innovation and Technology Award, Extech’s EX623 5-in-1 clamp meter is specifically designed for HVAC/R and electrical professionals in residential, commercial, institutional, and industrial settings. The EX623 accurately measures AC and DC current, voltage, and temperatures for troubleshooting both new installations and preventive/ongoing maintenance and repairs. No other clamp meter offers the convenience and versatility of 5 meters in one instrument: AC/DC clamp meter; advanced, True RMS multimeter; infrared thermometer (Extech-patented); non-contact voltage detector; and dual Type-K thermometer. Get more done with a 5-in-1!

To learn more visit the complete Extech catalog.

Point #1: Buy an infrared camera that delivers accurate, repeatable results.

This may sound like a no-brainer, but if ever the phrase caveat emptor –i.e. “let the buyer beware” – it is here!

Point #2: Buy an infrared camera with high detector resolution/image quality.

Just like buying a digital camera, the more pixels, the better the resolution, and the sharper the thermal image.

Point #3: Buy an infrared camera where you can change the battery yourself.

This is one of the most important aspects of usability after you buy your new infrared camera. It’s also one of those items that is hard to process until after you’ve been working with your camera for awhile and you realize what a limitation it is if you can’t change your own battery.

Point #4: Buy an infrared camera that outputs standard JPEG format.

This point is short on text to explain, but long on being a clear benefit to end-users. Would you buy a computer that wasn’t Microsoft Word compatible? Of course not. You shouldn’t buy an infrared camera that requires additional software in order to convert their proprietary thermal image formats into a standard jpeg.

Point #5: Buy a lightweight, ergonomic infrared camera.

Material sciences, manufacturing robotics, and other key engineering factors will literally weigh on your decision of what infrared camera to purchase.

Point #6: Buy an infrared camera that incorporates a mega pixel visual camera with a built-in illuminator lamp to help clearly document your work.

Infrared cameras see in total darkness but visual cameras, as we all know, require well lighted conditions and high resolution to generate clear, sharp pictures.

Point #7: Buy an infrared camera with a built-in laser pointer.

Safety, convenience and ease-of-use are all good reasons to buy an infrared camera with a built-in laser pointer. These tend to be available on all cameras, except for the most basic, entry level models.

Point #8: Buy an infrared camera with software upgrade potential.

Today, most infrared cameras come with free software to help you analyze your images and create reports. By all accounts, they are a helpful tool made all the more necessary by both the corporate need to document findings, but also increasingly to use thermal images and reports to substantiate or trigger insurance claims, while the reports themselves are often sold to commercial and consumer customers for a wide range of inspections: energy audits, electrical inspections, gas detection surveys, building envelope analyses and predictive maintenance surveys.

Point #9: Buy an infrared camera with enhanced image fusion capabilities.

There’s been a lot of buzz about fusion capabilities with infrared cameras. Our thinking on fusion is if it doesn’t offer you more than just putting a fixed Picture-in-Picture (PiP) thermal overlay “box” over your visible image, then it may be more useful not to have it at all.

Point #10: Buy an infrared camera with a wide temperature range.

Here’s an easy one. When you buy an infrared camera, be sure that the temperature range it operates in is sufficient with the temperatures of the targets you will be viewing.

Point #11: Buy an infrared camera with upgrade potential

This is a no-brainer for any product you buy. This author is always trying to be sure that what I buy has an upgrade path or some type of formal trade-in/trade-up program.

Point #12: Buy an infrared camera from a manufacturer with strong post-sale technical support and certified training.

If you are new to the field of infrared cameras, you will obviously want to think about customer service and technical support after you’ve purchased.

Download the complete 12 Things To Know Before Buying an Infrared Camera (pdf).

If you have any questions give us a call (760) 444-0032 or shoot us an email contact [@} texsoinstruments.com.

Source: Flir Thermal Imagers

Infrared Cameras have a variety of uses and applications. Here at Texso Instruments, we have a wide selection of thermal imaging cameras for beginners to seasoned professionals. We want to offer a few tips and tricks on getting the most out of your camera or thermometer.
 

Lens cleaning and camera maintenance are also extremely important factors. The body of the camera, cables and accessories can be cleaned simply by wiping with a soft cloth. If a stain exists, moisten the cloth with a mild detergent, followed by a dry soft cloth. Never use chemical products on the camera or any cables and accessories for it will lead to deterioration. When cleaning the lenses, first blow off loose dirt with a can of compressed air, and gently clean the lenses surface with a cotton ball, soft cloth, or kleenex. Keep in mind excessive cleaning can break down the coating.

Our selection of infrared cameras are from the best manufacturers who manufacture extremely high quality equipment. We are confident you will be extremely satisfied with your selection. Use these helpful hints to get the most out of your camera.