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Posted: 8/22/2014 2:25:49 AM EDT
[#1]
Quoted:
I have no experience with thermal imagers and very little experience with NV. Just recently started kicking around the idea of picking something up. I don't want to spend a fortune, but I do generally subscribe to the 'buy once cry once' philosophy. I'm leaning toward a monocular or something similar; I don't want it to be something I'd have mounted on a rifle. Looking more toward the thermal because I'm interested in it as a detection tool, short to medium range; a few hundred yards would be nice. First of all, is this practical? And second, how much will I be into to purchase something like this? If you already have an Android phone, I would strongly recommend this as a competitive offering. 320px with a 19mm lens for $1000 is... well... astonishing. If you can squeeze into the $3k range, a dedicated monocular like the L3 x320 or the new Pulsar HD19s (the one I'd go with today at under $3,000) are where it's at. I'd try to get something in 30Hz over the FLIR PS24/32 units, IMO. I had a PS24 and sold it within a month. I didn't like anything about it. |
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Posted: 8/22/2014 7:50:02 AM EDT
[#2]
I really like the look of the Android option. The website says you can spot a person at 500m or a car at 1500m. Do you think that's accurate? All of the examples they show are very close range. Still, that thing looks great.
I could swing the $3k for the moment, though I probably shouldn't. I do subscribe to the 'buy once cry once' philosophy though, so if that's really what it takes to get a solid item that does what I want, I'd go for it. |
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Posted: 8/22/2014 8:30:58 AM EDT
[#3]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I really like the look of the Android option. The website says you can spot a person at 500m or a car at 1500m. Do you think that's accurate? All of the examples they show are very close range. Still, that thing looks great. I could swing the $3k for the moment, though I probably shouldn't. I do subscribe to the 'buy once cry once' philosophy though, so if that's really what it takes to get a solid item that does what I want, I'd go for it. 19mm lens... OK, impressive - and you can change them - and even add an afocal too I guess. Anyway, no info on the FPA dimensions, but with a decent lens, and good resolution, 500m isn't unreasonable. I'm impressed... David Update: Calculation - 6mm wide FPA = 15 micron pitch array. 0.047 degrees/pixel. 0.057 degrees = 50cm at 500m... So, a fat guy at 500m? Possible edge-of-detection capability, yes... But only 250m for a skinny girl ;) Rabbits? About 100m. So, actually quite impressive - :) But LWIR, so no fart detection :( |
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Posted: 8/22/2014 9:29:17 AM EDT
[#4]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
19mm lens... OK, impressive - and you can change them - and even add an afocal too I guess. Anyway, no info on the FPA dimensions, but with a decent lens, and good resolution, 500m isn't unreasonable. I'm impressed... David Update: Calculation - 6mm wide FPA = 15 micron pitch array. 0.047 degrees/pixel. 0.057 degrees = 50cm at 500m... So, a fat guy at 500m? Possible edge-of-detection capability, yes... But only 250m for a skinny girl ;) Rabbits? About 100m. So, actually quite impressive - :) But LWIR, so no fart detection :( Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
I really like the look of the Android option. The website says you can spot a person at 500m or a car at 1500m. Do you think that's accurate? All of the examples they show are very close range. Still, that thing looks great. I could swing the $3k for the moment, though I probably shouldn't. I do subscribe to the 'buy once cry once' philosophy though, so if that's really what it takes to get a solid item that does what I want, I'd go for it. 19mm lens... OK, impressive - and you can change them - and even add an afocal too I guess. Anyway, no info on the FPA dimensions, but with a decent lens, and good resolution, 500m isn't unreasonable. I'm impressed... David Update: Calculation - 6mm wide FPA = 15 micron pitch array. 0.047 degrees/pixel. 0.057 degrees = 50cm at 500m... So, a fat guy at 500m? Possible edge-of-detection capability, yes... But only 250m for a skinny girl ;) Rabbits? About 100m. So, actually quite impressive - :) But LWIR, so no fart detection :( How about a fat chick with a chihuahua in a convertible Ford Mustang eating a Taco Bell bean burrito [with the understanding that there would be no fart detection capability]? |
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Posted: 8/22/2014 9:36:49 AM EDT
[#5]
Quote HistoryQuoted: How about a fat chick with a chihuahua in a convertible Ford Mustang eating a Taco Bell bean burrito [with the understanding that there would be no fart detection capability]? Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: Quoted: I really like the look of the Android option. The website says you can spot a person at 500m or a car at 1500m. Do you think that's accurate? All of the examples they show are very close range. Still, that thing looks great. I could swing the $3k for the moment, though I probably shouldn't. I do subscribe to the 'buy once cry once' philosophy though, so if that's really what it takes to get a solid item that does what I want, I'd go for it. 19mm lens... OK, impressive - and you can change them - and even add an afocal too I guess. Anyway, no info on the FPA dimensions, but with a decent lens, and good resolution, 500m isn't unreasonable. I'm impressed... David Update: Calculation - 6mm wide FPA = 15 micron pitch array. 0.047 degrees/pixel. 0.057 degrees = 50cm at 500m... So, a fat guy at 500m? Possible edge-of-detection capability, yes... But only 250m for a skinny girl ;) Rabbits? About 100m. So, actually quite impressive - :) But LWIR, so no fart detection :( How about a fat chick with a chihuahua in a convertible Ford Mustang eating a Taco Bell bean burrito [with the understanding that there would be no fart detection capability]? Detection range or identification range?
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Posted: 8/22/2014 9:50:56 AM EDT
[#6]
Quoted: I have no experience with thermal imagers and very little experience with NV. Just recently started kicking around the idea of picking something up. I don't want to spend a fortune, but I do generally subscribe to the 'buy once cry once' philosophy. I'm leaning toward a monocular or something similar; I don't want it to be something I'd have mounted on a rifle. Looking more toward the thermal because I'm interested in it as a detection tool, short to medium range; a few hundred yards would be nice. First of all, is this practical? And second, how much will I be into to purchase something like this? Thanks My advice, buy as big as you can so you don't have the upgrade-itis as much. Also, try before you buy. There are rental shops out there. Also, also, I recommend a weapon mounted type device because they can generally work OK as a spotting device but the reverse is usually not true.
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Posted: 8/22/2014 10:37:46 AM EDT
[#7]
You can find deals every once in a while.
Snagged one of these for $700 a few months back. Right place, right time. 
http://www.nitevis.com/MX-1_MiniIR.htm |
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Posted: 8/22/2014 10:54:31 AM EDT
[#8]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
You can find deals every once in a while. Snagged one of these for $700 a few months back. Right place, right time. http://www.nitevis.com/MX-1_MiniIR_files/image007.jpg http://www.nitevis.com/MX-1_MiniIR.htm I had one of those and sent it back and I paid less than you. I just wasn't impressed with it. It would pause the video for half a second every 5 seconds - it was REALLY annoying. With a 8hz refresh, how usable is this android device? Will it be choppy? I'm contemplating it. The ATN OTS-X I have far exceeded my expectations. |
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Posted: 8/22/2014 12:08:17 PM EDT
[#9]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I had one of those and sent it back and I paid less than you. I just wasn't impressed with it. It would pause the video for half a second every 5 seconds - it was REALLY annoying. With a 8hz refresh, how usable is this android device? Will it be choppy? I'm contemplating it. The ATN OTS-X I have far exceeded my expectations. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
You can find deals every once in a while. Snagged one of these for $700 a few months back. Right place, right time. http://www.nitevis.com/MX-1_MiniIR_files/image007.jpg http://www.nitevis.com/MX-1_MiniIR.htm I had one of those and sent it back and I paid less than you. I just wasn't impressed with it. It would pause the video for half a second every 5 seconds - it was REALLY annoying. With a 8hz refresh, how usable is this android device? Will it be choppy? I'm contemplating it. The ATN OTS-X I have far exceeded my expectations. In another thread , someone who just received the Therm-app posted a video that he took with it, I'm impressed and will be ordering one once I get a cable to test and make sure I have OTG capability on my phone. The video: http://vimeo.com/103717422 The thread: http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_6_18/429692_New_FLIR_ONE_Photos_and_Reviews__Image_HEAVY_.html&page=3#i4108235 |
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Posted: 8/22/2014 12:37:34 PM EDT
[#10]
Anyone use the L3 x320? Opinions on it?
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Posted: 8/22/2014 12:45:49 PM EDT
[#11]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Anyone use the L3 x320? Opinions on it? I like the unit and own one, I feel a good thermal for the price...A far cry from their previous offering. You can check out our Industry section HERE on this unit and there is a link there to a review that was pretty well done. |
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Posted: 8/22/2014 4:41:01 PM EDT
[#12]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
In another thread , someone who just received the Therm-app posted a video that he took with it, I'm impressed and will be ordering one once I get a cable to test and make sure I have OTG capability on my phone. The video: http://vimeo.com/103717422 The thread: http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_6_18/429692_New_FLIR_ONE_Photos_and_Reviews__Image_HEAVY_.html&page=3#i4108235 He has FOUR videos up using the Therm-App on his Vimeo page. I just can't see how that's 8Hz! Look at the traffic, then look at the water spouting out behind the boat. It *looks* like 30Hz, or maybe 24Hz. I don't know how you can make 8Hz look that smooth. Regardless, if those images are what I should expect to get, I'll be a VERY VERY VERY happy camper! |
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Posted: 8/22/2014 5:37:41 PM EDT
[#13]
I looked at the operator's manual for the therm-app and it says it's a non-sealed unit, and to keep away from dust and water. Based on that, I wonder how it would hold up to field use..
Page 3.. "? The Therm-App device is not sealed. Do not expose the Therm-App device to water, rain or dust." |
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Posted: 8/22/2014 5:43:32 PM EDT
[#14]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Anyone use the L3 x320? Opinions on it? I have one borrowed right now and was really impressed with it. For just detecting it works great. I can spot cows at 800 yards easy. Important to note that doesn't mean identify. Main benefits to the etoech is it automatically calibrates when turned on, manual focus, and is light weight and handy. If you just want something for detecting this is a great unit. Main draw back for me is the small display screen and sometimes the unit has a pause in which I believe it is processing. I am also hearing good things from the Pulsar HD19s. I have a thor 336 weapon sight rented from UNV currently. This unit can definitely serve as handheld unit also. Basically you need a handheld unit and a weapons sight  . Then at least 5 more thermal units. I thought the NV bug was bad  . |
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Posted: 8/22/2014 5:49:15 PM EDT
[#15]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I looked at the operator's manual for the therm-app and it says it's a non-sealed unit, and to keep away from dust and water. Based on that, I wonder how it would hold up to field use.. Page 3.. "? The Therm-App device is not sealed. Do not expose the Therm-App device to water, rain or dust." No, it connects via USB CABLE to your Android phone, so there's no way it's designed for rugged use. This is a good-weather-only device (or needs protection from the elements, like a clear Ziploc bag or something, since thermal is not deterred by the material.) Also, since it uses the Smartphone screen that makes it very difficult to use clandestinely, as the light wash will likely be significant. I'm sure there are ingenious ways to limit both those potential problems, but you'll have to deal with them just the same. But, for $1,000.... 
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Posted: 8/22/2014 5:49:23 PM EDT
[#16]
Horta I agree...no way that's 8 hz. I won't believe it till u get yours but if its really that good I'm getting one.
Quote HistoryQuoted:
He has FOUR videos up using the Therm-App on his Vimeo page. I just can't see how that's 8Hz! Look at the traffic, then look at the water spouting out behind the boat. It *looks* like 30Hz, or maybe 24Hz. I don't know how you can make 8Hz look that smooth. Regardless, if those images are what I should expect to get, I'll be a VERY VERY VERY happy camper! Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
In another thread , someone who just received the Therm-app posted a video that he took with it, I'm impressed and will be ordering one once I get a cable to test and make sure I have OTG capability on my phone. The video: http://vimeo.com/103717422 The thread: http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_6_18/429692_New_FLIR_ONE_Photos_and_Reviews__Image_HEAVY_.html&page=3#i4108235 He has FOUR videos up using the Therm-App on his Vimeo page. I just can't see how that's 8Hz! Look at the traffic, then look at the water spouting out behind the boat. It *looks* like 30Hz, or maybe 24Hz. I don't know how you can make 8Hz look that smooth. Regardless, if those images are what I should expect to get, I'll be a VERY VERY VERY happy camper! |
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Posted: 8/22/2014 6:16:29 PM EDT
[#17]
We have a review of the HD19s mentioned above including a video in our industry forum here:
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Posted: 8/22/2014 6:28:44 PM EDT
[#18]
The phone attachments are the latest and greatest version of thermal technology.
I would recommend you wait on that style for awhile to see what durability is like both for the lens, adapters, etc... A lot of the excitement surrounding this style of gear is due to it's novelty and not so much its proven use under field conditions. Had you asked this question last year you'd be getting some solid leads on monoculars and only monoculars. I am all in on the Pulsar Quantum HD's' series (the HD is their 30 Hz). It isn't submersible or waterproof but it has all the features to make it useful for general to moderate use for years to come. This is based on the previous versions before the 's' versions that have a solid reliability record and are still giving good service. It will be interesting to revisit this thread in a couple of years with full knowledge then of how these Therm-apps and FLIR Ones hold up in the field. HTXH Edit: And yes I realize for the cost, that you can buy and replace phone thermals fhree to four times before you equal the cost of a single monocular. But factor in when it is going to fail.... Is it going to ruin a hunt of a lifetime when you need it most? When you hand it to your buddy in the stand and he drops it 15 feet to the ground is that going to be okay? I like the KISS concept, turn on thermal point to area and detect and id - no frills for my thermal monocular choice. YMMV |
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Posted: 8/22/2014 8:59:20 PM EDT
[#19]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
He has FOUR videos up using the Therm-App on his Vimeo page. I just can't see how that's 8Hz! Look at the traffic, then look at the water spouting out behind the boat. It *looks* like 30Hz, or maybe 24Hz. I don't know how you can make 8Hz look that smooth. Regardless, if those images are what I should expect to get, I'll be a VERY VERY VERY happy camper! Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
In another thread , someone who just received the Therm-app posted a video that he took with it, I'm impressed and will be ordering one once I get a cable to test and make sure I have OTG capability on my phone. The video: http://vimeo.com/103717422 The thread: http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_6_18/429692_New_FLIR_ONE_Photos_and_Reviews__Image_HEAVY_.html&page=3#i4108235 He has FOUR videos up using the Therm-App on his Vimeo page. I just can't see how that's 8Hz! Look at the traffic, then look at the water spouting out behind the boat. It *looks* like 30Hz, or maybe 24Hz. I don't know how you can make 8Hz look that smooth. Regardless, if those images are what I should expect to get, I'll be a VERY VERY VERY happy camper! Yeah, I just saw all 4 of those videos. No need to wait for your review, I'll probably have one ordered before the weekend is over. Have you heard anything new regarding your shipment status? |
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Posted: 8/22/2014 9:25:17 PM EDT
[#20]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Yeah, I just saw all 4 of those videos. No need to wait for your review, I'll probably have one ordered before the weekend is over. Have you heard anything new regarding your shipment status? Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
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In another thread , someone who just received the Therm-app posted a video that he took with it, I'm impressed and will be ordering one once I get a cable to test and make sure I have OTG capability on my phone. The video: http://vimeo.com/103717422 The thread: http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_6_18/429692_New_FLIR_ONE_Photos_and_Reviews__Image_HEAVY_.html&page=3#i4108235 He has FOUR videos up using the Therm-App on his Vimeo page. I just can't see how that's 8Hz! Look at the traffic, then look at the water spouting out behind the boat. It *looks* like 30Hz, or maybe 24Hz. I don't know how you can make 8Hz look that smooth. Regardless, if those images are what I should expect to get, I'll be a VERY VERY VERY happy camper! Yeah, I just saw all 4 of those videos. No need to wait for your review, I'll probably have one ordered before the weekend is over. Have you heard anything new regarding your shipment status? No, only that it will be sometime next week. There's a 1-2 week backlog, according to the email reply I received asking for tracking. Same thing with Team Wendy. I paid for overnight shipping on the TW Ballistic I ordered, only to see that there's roughly a 12-day delay between order and ship on them.   
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Posted: 8/22/2014 9:58:26 PM EDT
[#21]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
No, only that it will be sometime next week. There's a 1-2 week backlog, according to the email reply I received asking for tracking. Same thing with Team Wendy. I paid for overnight shipping on the TW Ballistic I ordered, only to see that there's roughly a 12-day delay between order and ship on them. Quote HistoryQuoted:
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In another thread , someone who just received the Therm-app posted a video that he took with it, I'm impressed and will be ordering one once I get a cable to test and make sure I have OTG capability on my phone. The video: http://vimeo.com/103717422 The thread: http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_6_18/429692_New_FLIR_ONE_Photos_and_Reviews__Image_HEAVY_.html&page=3#i4108235 He has FOUR videos up using the Therm-App on his Vimeo page. I just can't see how that's 8Hz! Look at the traffic, then look at the water spouting out behind the boat. It *looks* like 30Hz, or maybe 24Hz. I don't know how you can make 8Hz look that smooth. Regardless, if those images are what I should expect to get, I'll be a VERY VERY VERY happy camper! Yeah, I just saw all 4 of those videos. No need to wait for your review, I'll probably have one ordered before the weekend is over. Have you heard anything new regarding your shipment status? No, only that it will be sometime next week. There's a 1-2 week backlog, according to the email reply I received asking for tracking. Same thing with Team Wendy. I paid for overnight shipping on the TW Ballistic I ordered, only to see that there's roughly a 12-day delay between order and ship on them. Guess you had not heard these already shipped to us. I thought we got these in or they were arriving any day now. 
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Posted: 8/22/2014 10:43:57 PM EDT
[#22]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Guess you had not heard these already shipped to us. I thought we got these in or they were arriving any day now.
Quote HistoryQuoted:
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In another thread , someone who just received the Therm-app posted a video that he took with it, I'm impressed and will be ordering one once I get a cable to test and make sure I have OTG capability on my phone. The video: http://vimeo.com/103717422 The thread: http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_6_18/429692_New_FLIR_ONE_Photos_and_Reviews__Image_HEAVY_.html&page=3#i4108235 He has FOUR videos up using the Therm-App on his Vimeo page. I just can't see how that's 8Hz! Look at the traffic, then look at the water spouting out behind the boat. It *looks* like 30Hz, or maybe 24Hz. I don't know how you can make 8Hz look that smooth. Regardless, if those images are what I should expect to get, I'll be a VERY VERY VERY happy camper! Yeah, I just saw all 4 of those videos. No need to wait for your review, I'll probably have one ordered before the weekend is over. Have you heard anything new regarding your shipment status? No, only that it will be sometime next week. There's a 1-2 week backlog, according to the email reply I received asking for tracking. Same thing with Team Wendy. I paid for overnight shipping on the TW Ballistic I ordered, only to see that there's roughly a 12-day delay between order and ship on them. Guess you had not heard these already shipped to us. I thought we got these in or they were arriving any day now.
Would prefer to get from you (of course) but they weren't available for order on your site, so I figured TW was trying to cash in before the sent them to resellers. |
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Posted: 8/26/2014 10:03:56 AM EDT
[#23]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
You can find deals every once in a while. Snagged one of these for $700 a few months back. Right place, right time. http://www.nitevis.com/MX-1_MiniIR_files/image007.jpg http://www.nitevis.com/MX-1_MiniIR.htm Interesting. Where you get that? |
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Posted: 8/26/2014 12:27:19 PM EDT
[#24]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Interesting. Where you get that? Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
You can find deals every once in a while. Snagged one of these for $700 a few months back. Right place, right time. http://www.nitevis.com/MX-1_MiniIR_files/image007.jpg http://www.nitevis.com/MX-1_MiniIR.htm Interesting. Where you get that? Craigslist, guy was strapped for cash bad. Wanted 9 for it. Waved 7 bills in front of his face and he took it. |
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Posted: 8/26/2014 12:47:53 PM EDT
[#25]
Quoted:
I have no experience with thermal imagers and very little experience with NV. Just recently started kicking around the idea of picking something up. I don't want to spend a fortune, but I do generally subscribe to the 'buy once cry once' philosophy. I'm leaning toward a monocular or something similar; I don't want it to be something I'd have mounted on a rifle. Looking more toward the thermal because I'm interested in it as a detection tool, short to medium range; a few hundred yards would be nice. First of all, is this practical? And second, how much will I be into to purchase something like this? Thanks If your budget is modest -- say, in the $40,000 - $50,000 range -- you should be able to pick up a quality monocular, a quality weapon-mounted thermal scope, and a remote pan/tilt unit for your vehicle. Anything less just isn't worth it. |
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Posted: 8/29/2014 10:21:47 PM EDT
[#26]
Thanks for the replies guys. Lots to look into.
I really like the look of that ThermApp, but I am a little concerned about it's longevity and as was said the fact that you end up with the bright light of the screen in front of you. With the Pulsar HD19 for example, from how far away can I reasonably expect to be able to ID a 4-legged or 2-legged critter? |
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Posted: 8/29/2014 11:32:07 PM EDT
[#27]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Thanks for the replies guys. Lots to look into. I really like the look of that ThermApp, but I am a little concerned about it's longevity and as was said the fact that you end up with the bright light of the screen in front of you. With the Pulsar HD19 for example, from how far away can I reasonably expect to be able to ID a 4-legged or 2-legged critter? 100 yards |
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Posted: 8/29/2014 11:58:48 PM EDT
[#28]
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100 yards Quote HistoryQuoted:
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Thanks for the replies guys. Lots to look into. I really like the look of that ThermApp, but I am a little concerned about it's longevity and as was said the fact that you end up with the bright light of the screen in front of you. With the Pulsar HD19 for example, from how far away can I reasonably expect to be able to ID a 4-legged or 2-legged critter? 100 yards Is he asking at what point you'll be able to clearly *distinguish* between 2/4 legged critters? Because that's considerably farther than 100 yards. Sure, actually ID'ing between a fox and a raccoon might be 100 yards. Depends upon what he was asking, I guess. Can OP clarify? |
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Posted: 8/30/2014 12:16:23 AM EDT
[#29]
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Is he asking at what point you'll be able to clearly *distinguish* between 2/4 legged critters? Because that's considerably farther than 100 yards. Sure, actually ID'ing between a fox and a raccoon might be 100 yards. Depends upon what he was asking, I guess. Can OP clarify? Quote HistoryQuoted:
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Thanks for the replies guys. Lots to look into. I really like the look of that ThermApp, but I am a little concerned about it's longevity and as was said the fact that you end up with the bright light of the screen in front of you. With the Pulsar HD19 for example, from how far away can I reasonably expect to be able to ID a 4-legged or 2-legged critter? 100 yards Is he asking at what point you'll be able to clearly *distinguish* between 2/4 legged critters? Because that's considerably farther than 100 yards. Sure, actually ID'ing between a fox and a raccoon might be 100 yards. Depends upon what he was asking, I guess. Can OP clarify? "Distinguish" would have been a better word. I guess I'm just wondering if at say 200-300 yards, will I be able to spot a person and know that it's a person and not something else. |
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Posted: 8/30/2014 2:09:18 AM EDT
[#30]
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"Distinguish" would have been a better word. I guess I'm just wondering if at say 200-300 yards, will I be able to spot a person and know that it's a person and not something else. Quote HistoryQuoted:
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Thanks for the replies guys. Lots to look into. I really like the look of that ThermApp, but I am a little concerned about it's longevity and as was said the fact that you end up with the bright light of the screen in front of you. With the Pulsar HD19 for example, from how far away can I reasonably expect to be able to ID a 4-legged or 2-legged critter? 100 yards Is he asking at what point you'll be able to clearly *distinguish* between 2/4 legged critters? Because that's considerably farther than 100 yards. Sure, actually ID'ing between a fox and a raccoon might be 100 yards. Depends upon what he was asking, I guess. Can OP clarify? "Distinguish" would have been a better word. I guess I'm just wondering if at say 200-300 yards, will I be able to spot a person and know that it's a person and not something else. Absolutely. 300 yards, no problem. Unless it's a small kid or something, but a grown adult versus a dog should be no problem. |
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Posted: 8/30/2014 10:26:57 PM EDT
[#31]
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Absolutely. 300 yards, no problem. Unless it's a small kid or something, but a grown adult versus a dog should be no problem. Quote HistoryQuoted:
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Thanks for the replies guys. Lots to look into. I really like the look of that ThermApp, but I am a little concerned about it's longevity and as was said the fact that you end up with the bright light of the screen in front of you. With the Pulsar HD19 for example, from how far away can I reasonably expect to be able to ID a 4-legged or 2-legged critter? 100 yards Is he asking at what point you'll be able to clearly *distinguish* between 2/4 legged critters? Because that's considerably farther than 100 yards. Sure, actually ID'ing between a fox and a raccoon might be 100 yards. Depends upon what he was asking, I guess. Can OP clarify? "Distinguish" would have been a better word. I guess I'm just wondering if at say 200-300 yards, will I be able to spot a person and know that it's a person and not something else. Absolutely. 300 yards, no problem. Unless it's a small kid or something, but a grown adult versus a dog should be no problem. Awesome, thanks. 
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Posted: 8/30/2014 10:29:00 PM EDT
[#32]
Another stupid question... NVGs wear out, or at least the earlier generations did. Don't know about the most recent tech? Anyway, do thermal imagers eventually go bad with use? Or with proper care can I expect an investment in one of these to work well into the future?
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Posted: 8/30/2014 10:31:31 PM EDT
[#33]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Another stupid question... NVGs wear out, or at least the earlier generations did. Don't know about the most recent tech? Anyway, do thermal imagers eventually go bad with use? Or with proper care can I expect an investment in one of these to work well into the future? Reasonable, proper care should give you many years of faithful service. I don't know about others, but FLIR gives a TEN (10) YEAR warranty on their sensors. The latest Gen 3 tubes in i^2 should last 10,000+ hours of power-on life. Many here are still using early Gen 3 NODs from the 90's. |
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Posted: 8/30/2014 10:31:33 PM EDT
[#34]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Another stupid question... NVGs wear out, or at least the earlier generations did. Don't know about the most recent tech? Anyway, do thermal imagers eventually go bad with use? Or with proper care can I expect an investment in one of these to work well into the future? They are solid state so very reliable. FLIR offers a 10 year factory warranty on their detectors if that is any indication. |
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Posted: 8/30/2014 11:19:53 PM EDT
[#35]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Another stupid question... NVGs wear out, or at least the earlier generations did. Don't know about the most recent tech? Anyway, do thermal imagers eventually go bad with use? Or with proper care can I expect an investment in one of these to work well into the future? Technological obsolescence is likely a greater consideration than "wearing out" as far as thermal imaging systems are concerned, and they are assets with rapid depreciation not investments, same as with most modern electronics. |
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Posted: 9/22/2014 12:08:19 AM EDT
[#36]
Thanks again for the replies.
I'm leaning pretty heavily toward picking up a Therm-App right now. I don't need it for hunting, mainly for kicks, critter detection (2 and 4 legged), and potential unknown future uses. I do kind of hate to go halfway and then want to buy something more expensive later. But based on the Therm-App review thread, I think I'll like this thing. Hypothetically, let's say I was willing to spend up to $3k. Would going with a Therm-App be a mistake? I'm thinking I can get the Therm-App now, and if prices continue downward maybe get a thermal sight down the road. |
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