A few questions about portable TIC

[sam1275]

Hi everyone, I'm looking for a small TIC around $500, I do have some knowledge about TIC and also did some online research these days, finally I have a few conclusions:

I'll really happy if there's a cheap used E4 on ebay, but no, ebay price are all equal or more than official $995, flir refuburished ones are even cheaper than ebay.
I want a self contained camera, because the phone addons feel like toys.
I cannot bear res less than 160*120.
Seek reveal have a low image quality, MUCH lower than my old firefighter camera.
Flir scout TK seems okay, but it have too strong noise reduction, which make the image look like a drawing instead of a photo, the details really suffer. Can anyone hack it's firmware?

I just want a portable one which can have a useble image without help like MSX crap, any thoughts? Thank you.

[encryptededdy]

Unfortunately I don't think there's any standalone cameras that meet your requirements

The ThermalExpert Q1 is excellent value but not standalone.

[frenky]

For my T.E. Q1 I'm working on contraption like this:

+
2x

(One for phone and one for thermal module)

End result will be like this:


It's much more convenient option compared to having module stuck on the side of phone.

True it's not self sustained unit but it's close and price/performance is unbeatable...

[Fraser]

Within the budget stated. only used cameras and the Thermal Expert would be likely solutions. Thermal cameras have dropped in price at the consumer end of the market but they are still a significant investment. $500 is barely enough to buy a decent used FLIR camera with the resolution you require. As Frenky states, the Thermal Expert can be bought for this sort of money but remember you may have to pay import duties and taxes.
I have bought the parts to make teh and grip holder that Frenky has shown. i will be using it with a FLIR ONE Gen 2 camera and my Moto G phone.

If you do not already have a suitable phone, look for a faulty one on ebay. Choose one that is showing a Network fault, Sim fault or no audio. These are often quite cheap and work fine with the thermal camera modules. Buy the fasted model you can find at a reasonable cost.The Wi-Fi is normally independent of the Network connectivity so should still work for App downloads etc. The USB socket provides image file access.

Not the all in one solution that you are hoping for but unless you scour ebay for 'bargains' like i do, you are not likely to find what you want for less than $500.

Fraser

[sam1275]

Thanks to everyone!