Thermal Expert TE-Q1 versus TE-Q1 Plus (features and pricing)??

[cvanc]

http://www.i3-thermalexpert.com/product/t-e-q1/

http://www.i3-thermalexpert.com/product/t-e-narrow/

So the only way to buy one of these is direct from Thermal Expert, do I have that right?

Am I totally missing the info or is there no pricing on their web page?  Does anyone know what the price is?

And what is the difference from 'regular' to 'plus'?  It seems to be the same camera with a different lens?

Thanks for any clarity you can provide (and a pox on this company for providing so little on their web page)

[frenky]

So the only way to buy one of these is direct from Thermal Expert, do I have that right?

Yes.

Am I totally missing the info or is there no pricing on their web page?  Does anyone know what the price is?

See here: https://www.eevblog.com/forum/thermal-imaging/first-timer-thermal-camera/msg1085342/#msg1085342

And what is the difference from 'regular' to 'plus'?  It seems to be the same camera with a different lens?

Yes. Regular model has wide 6.8mm f/1.3 lens while Plus model has narrower 13mm f/1.0 lens.
As you can see lens on the Plus model are huge compared to those on the basic model:

(Left is Plus; right is basic model)

I believe that it makes sense to pay 100$ more for Plus model.
You will get less barrel distortion and much better thermal sensitivity because f/1.0 lens will let a lot more infrared radiation to the sensor.

[cvanc]

Thank you very much for the quick reply.  I saw that thread and it seems there is uncertainty about the current prices?  Some people have been quoted significantly higher prices?

Guess I'll just email and ask them.  Thank you again.

[frenky]

No problem.
Please report here what prices did they give you...

[cvanc]

I just filled out the form on their web site; will reply here when they give me an answer.  Appreciate the help.

[eng101]

I contacted them recently and they referred me to their US vendor who is quoting $995 for the Basic model and $1095 for the Plus model.

[cvanc]

I contacted them recently and they referred me to their US vendor who is quoting $995 for the Basic model and $1095 for the Plus model.

Thanks, but WHAT U.S. vendor?  There's no mention of one on their web site (not that I found anyway).  Got a URL?

[rich]

Yes. Regular model has wide 6.8mm f/1.3 lens while Plus model has narrower 13mm f/1.0 lens.
As you can see lens on the Plus model are huge compared to those on the basic model:

(Left is Plus; right is basic model)

I believe that it makes sense to pay 100$ more for Plus model.
You will get less barrel distortion and much better thermal sensitivity because f/1.0 lens will let a lot more infrared radiation to the sensor.

Is the 13mm lens suitable for PCB work? I mean, will it still focus ok at close range?

[eng101]

The sales partner is listed on their site right here: http://www.i3-thermalexpert.com/contact/#1465959218140-07813c2e-2dbe

The quote seems a little steep since people here are listing $695

[paradigmic]

If you have a phone with a USB-C port and can wait, they are supposedly going to release a version with a USB-C connector some time next year. I have a Nexus 6P so I asked the question using their contact form and they told me they were planning on releasing a USB-C version next year, but did not have a release date yet.

Also $1k seems like too much, at that point it's as much as a Therm-app for similar features, and if they're the same price I might as well go with the company that has a US presence so I can complain if something goes wrong.

[frenky]

Is the 13mm lens suitable for PCB work? I mean, will it still focus ok at close range?

Sure I use it for pcb inspection all the time. You can set focus down to a few millimetres.
Se here: https://www.eevblog.com/forum/thermal-imaging/thermal-imaging-gallery/msg1069268/#msg1069268

[cvanc]

I got a prompt reply from Korea and they handed me off to the rep in the U.S. (same contact as mentioned above).  Today I got a quote from the U.S rep:

Price $1,095 with 13mm lens
Shipping included

[frenky]

That really sucks... I'm glad I bought mine before they got European distributor...

[paradigmic]

Man that's a bummer, I guess I shouldn't have been waiting for a USB-C version.

[cvanc]

If you have a phone with a USB-C port and can wait, they are supposedly going to release a version with a USB-C connector some time next year.

(looks at brand new Nexus phone)

"ooops..."

(shops for a different camera)

 

[paradigmic]

If you have a phone with a USB-C port and can wait, they are supposedly going to release a version with a USB-C connector some time next year.

(looks at brand new Nexus phone)

"ooops..."

(shops for a different camera)

 

Unfortunately, I don't think anyone makes a cell phone thermal camera with a USB-C connector. I emailed Seek as well about this and they said they were considering a USB-C version, but like with i3, there's no release date.

Honestly I don't think we'll see anyone bother with USB-C until Samsung releases their flagship phones with USB-C. They are just too big a part of the market for anyone to not design for them. If the S8 comes out with USB-C then we might finally start seeing USB-C accesories.