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Cool Tools:
See the heat -- FLIR unveils personal thermal imager for iPhone

What if you could tote around your own pocket-size thermal imager to check out how hot your equipment is running, say, or to see animals at night while camping? And what if that device was just an add-on case for your iPhone, complete with its own mini battery pack? That would be neat, huh?

Well now you can.

FLIR Systems, the makers of those handheld thermal imaging guns that are featured being used on all types of TV programs, has engineered a "fun size" device that keeps portability in mind. The company debuted the device at the big CES 2014 consumer electronics show in Las Vegas this month.

The compact and easy-to-use FLIR ONE thermal imager is compatible with the iPhone5 and 5s and fits on the phone like a protective case. Once mounted, the device displays a live thermal image of the target scene right on the phone's screen, giving users an unprecedented ability to "see" in an array of conditions, including complete darkness.

Not bad for just under $350.

Originally developed for military night vision, this gamechanging technology has revolutionized modern law enforcement, search and rescue, security, and surveillance. Now, consumers can apply the power of FLIR ONE to home improvement, outdoor recreation, security, safety, and much more.

FLIR ONE houses its own battery source that can power the device for more than 2 hours of continuous use. It can also be configured to boost iPhone5 and 5s battery life by up to 50 percent.

Created to enhance the FLIR ONE device experience, the FLIR ONE MX APP, available at the Apple App Store for free, provides a simple and intuitive user interface with a variety of functions that make it easy to collect and share compelling and useful thermal images. It can load captured images directly to the camera roll and allows users to easily share on social media channels, among many other features.

Suggested uses
Home improvement: DIY homeowners and contractors can use this device to spot relative temperature differences at doors and windows to optimize energy efficiency, or to locate wall studs and ceiling joists.

Outdoor recreation: For birders and hunters, this device lets you observe wildlife, day or night, with a low intrusion level, while campers can use it to navigate in the dark, detect when the day's catch is fully cooked, or make sure a campfire is out.

Security and safety: This device can detect intruders in total darkness or help you find your way during a power outage.

Core specs
Scene range temperature: 32 deg F and 212 deg F (O deg C and 100 deg C)
Operating temp: 32 deg F to 113 deg F (O deg C to 45 deg C)
Weight: 3.2 oz
Dimensions: 5.5 in. x 2.4 in. x .85 in.
Battery capacity: 1400 mA/h
Visible camera: VGA (used for FLIR MSX blending)
Sensitivity: ability to detect temperature differences as small as 0.18 deg F (0.1 deg C)
Charging method: micro USB and 900-mA wall charger (charges FLIR ONE and then the iPhone)

This device's worldwide rollout is planned for spring 2014. Let's hope that with subsequent rollouts the heat-detect temperature range will increase.

Learn more at www.flir.com/flirone/explore.cfm.

Source: FLIR Systems

Published January 2014

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