A recent event has prompted me to highlight the kindness and generosity to be found on this Thermal Sub-forum from fellow members.
Over the years I have tried to share as much knowledge on thermal imaging topics as able. There are restrictions on some areas of the topic and I respect that. During my time here, I have met some really great people and some have been in a position to help me increase my knowledge. One particular forum member designs the electronics packages for thermal imaging cameras and he has enlightened me on many interesting aspects of thermal camera design and operation. I will not embarrass him by giving his name, but I consider him to be my friend. He gives his amazing knowledge without expecting any form of repayment. That is true generosity.
Other forum members have also come to my aid when I needed help. One chap very kindly made me a batch of close-up lens holders on his lathe. They are made of Aluminium, complex shaped and lovely quality. A true craftsman. I was gifted a spare parts donor ISG Talisman chassis by Toploser a few years ago. Those who know Toploser will not be surprised at reading this as he is such a kind and generous chap
I know he will not mind me giving his forum name here. If you need excellent generously priced test equipment, I can highly recommend the kit Toploser sells on this forum. Another forum member who works in the industry gifted me a pair of FLIR PM series batteries that I needed. He has also helped me rehome my nice, but too large to keep, Agema 800 cooled camera
A very friendly and kind person.
We have all witnessed the generosity of thermal forum members who have written software for image analysis, camera control and the FLIR camera upgrade. Others have designed 3D parts for use with our cameras. Those people have all spent their valuable time helping people they often do not know, and they ask nothing of us in return. True generosity once again. I thank all who have spent their time helping others in this forum, either with information, software or testing of camera upgrades.
I personally experienced great generosity last week. Some time ago I tried to help a chap with a faulty FLIR HS series thermal scope. It appeared to be suffering from the same malady as the one I repaired. The chap saw my posts on that units repair and joined the forum to ask for help. I provided the firmware update files plus maybe some comments on the repair I did (I cannot remember). He thanked me, repaired his HS Scope and I did not expect to hear from him again. A few weeks ago I received a forum message from the same chap. The HS scope has succumbed to a hardware fault involving self destructing Tantalum capacitors and he had decided to buy a better thermal scope. He wanted to know if I was interested in the dead HS as a gift ? Is the Pope a Catholic I thought
I was eager to offer a good hole to the poorly HS scope and would enjoy repairing it
Last week I received a FedEx parcel from the USA. It was the HS Scope! I tried to reimburse the chap for the postage but he declined, stating all this was just some good Karma that was heading my way after helping him and others on the forum. What a wonderful guy he is. So kind and generous. If he reads this. Thank you again
It is not uncommon in this modern internet age to be treated a bit like an Oracle on Google who people ask for help, but then disappear without further Communications after such help is provided. That is just the modern world of information retrieval then moving on to the next task without looking back. I am so touched that some people choose to keep in touch and let me know if they have solved their problem or even just a 'cheers that helped me' message. I do not expect payment in any form and it is so unexpected and heartwarming to have someone think of me when wanting to rehome an unwanted dead piece of equipment.
To all those who I have hopefully helped, you are most welcome and do not be afraid to keep in touch. To those who have shown kindness and generosity towards me, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. I believe in Karma and you are wonderful people, one and all
And do not forget, I am willing to help others with their thermal camera issues within the limits of releasable information, access to the 'patient' and limits of my knowledge. If you ever need to rehome a dead thermal camera, please think of me as well
I am retired and love working on them as a hobby to keep me sane.
My Best Wishes to all my fellow thermal camera fans
Fraser