FLIR One for iOS and Android

Application: iPhone, iPad, iOS>7.0, Android devices
Function: Thermal Imaging, night vision
Rating: *****
Cost: FLIR One $249, Apps are Free

All images compliments of FLIR

The iOS and Android mobile devices are impacting every industry on the planet. These small computers and apps that we carry around in our hands can do some pretty amazing things. My blog is primarily focused on marine charting, weather and navigation apps. The application of a thermal imaging device is a bit of a sidebar but I thought it was interesting, useful and very applicable to the marine industry.

The digital imaging capabilities of the iPhone make it perfect for a thermal imaging device. FLIR is one of the leading thermal imaging companies in the world.  FLIR makes commercial imaging cameras and devices for a variety of uses including night vision, fire fighting, law enforcement, security and surveillance, safety, electrical maintenance, search and rescue, marine, energy efficiency.

I reviewed the iPhone 5/5s FLIR One thermal imaging device in a blog post back in 2014. That device retailed for $349 and was more of a case version that the iPhone fit into. Rather than trying to keep up with the ever changing sizes of each iPhone release, FLIR created a more universal device which connects through the lightning charging port on the bottom of the iPhone or iPad. There is an Android version also.

Their latest addition to their product line is the FLIR One compact dongle that can be attached to your iPhone or iPad which allows you to see the infrared spectrum on your devices display. The Android version connect to the micro USB of that device.

The FLIR ONE dongle uses MSX technology which utilizes two cameras to scan images. One camera picks up the thermal imaging spectrum and the other picks up a visual image. The two images are combined to create a unique viewable image.

Features:

• Measures temperature from -4 degrees F to 248 degrees F(-20 C to 120 C)
• FLIR MSX technology
• Lepton imaging technology
• Attaches to iOS devices through the lightning connection
• Attaches to Android devices through the micro USB port
• Capture still or video images .mov
• Panorama
• Time lapse
• Close up
• 7 Dynamic video display palettes, rainbow, BW, WB, rainbow, contrast, arctic, hot and cold and iron
• Social media sharing Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, email and text
• Internal re-chargable 350 mAh battery
• Battery monitor
• Copy image to camera roll
• Detects temperature differences of about one-tenth of a Fahrenheit degree, and the temperature readout is accurate to within 2 degrees
• Observe heat sources, heat differences, fire, overheating equipment or components
• See through smoke and haze
• Detect insulation leaks and energy efficiency problems
• Aid in man overboard nigh time situations 
• One year warranty

Boat Beacon Man overboard

There are several apps that can be used to display the thermal images. The popular Boat Beacon app has incorporated the use of the FLIR One into its augmented reality display. Other iOS apps can be found in the App Store such as Thermal Compare and the FLIR One Paint app.  Check out FLIR's list of all compatible apps for the FLIR One.

This device can be used for many applications around your home or on you boat. I can think of many uses including checking engine temperature, exhaust or hot spots, checking insulation around windows and refrigerator seals. This app could help you see hot spots and locate faulty wiring connections.

Boat Beacon Augmented reality night vision

On a boat it might be useful in a man overboard situation. This thermal imaging device could help you locate a person by their thermal signature on a pitch black night.

There are marine apps that have incorporated this functionality into their displays. The image from Pocket Mariner's Boat Beacon app shows what their augmented reality app display looks like. This night vision display make it easy to pick out other boats and ships in the area. Pocket Mariner has a blog post about the use of augmented reality night vision display using the Flir One dongle attached to an iPhone.

I am a real gadget guy and think it would be cool to have one but would this really be something I would use on a daily basis. I am still on the fence. The price of $249 makes it a little more attractive.

I would be interested to hear from anyone who may have this device or a night vision scope. Do you find these devices handy or are they just an expensive piece of gear one could live without?

~~~ Sail On ~~~ /)
Mark