IR Cameras target predictive maintenance applications.
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Press Release Summary:
Designed for one-handed, point-and-shoot operation, Models M7800 and M7815 fully radiometric cameras measure infrared radiation in the 8-14 micron spectral band. They feature 320 x 240 detector with 76,800 temperature-measuring pixels, on-board storage of 1,300 images, and 3.5 in. articulating LCD. Temperature measuring range is -20 to 500°C with accuracy of ±2°C. M7800 includes laser target designator and visual camera for simultaneous visual/IR imaging.
Original Press Release:
Infrared "First" for Predictive Maintenance - Two New Cameras Introduce 320x240 Resolution Starting Under $12k
Combination of high-resolution IR detector, visual camera, laser pointer, and articulating 3.5" LCD brings professional capability to mid-priced thermography
June 2005 - A first in infrared imaging technology for PdM applications, Mikron's new M7800 and M7815 cameras introduce a high-resolution 320x240 UFPA detector with a 60 Hz refresh rate in a package starting under $12,000. With four times the resolution of a standard 160x120 detector, the two cameras provide superior images - free of pixelating - with correspondingly higher resolution in temperature measurement. The cameras include many other professional-level features, such as a measuring range of -20 to 500°C, on-board storage of 1300 images, and a "big screen" 3.5" articulating LCD that allows easy viewing at any camera angle. The M7815 starts at $11,995. The M7800, which includes a laser target designator and visual camera for simultaneous visual/IR imaging, starts at $18,995.
"Resolution is even more important in infrared imaging than it is in digital photography, and we all know how photographers boast about the resolution of their newest digital cameras," says Jon Chynoweth, vice president of Mikron Infrared. "In infrared, resolution affects temperature measurement accuracy, not just image quality. The 320x240 detector, with 76,800 temperature-measuring pixels, resolves an area smaller than a tenth of a square inch at six feet, while the 160x120 detector, with just 19,200 pixels, can't see anything smaller than twice that size. Lower resolution means you average in more background on your temperature readings, so you're less accurate, and you end up with a thermal image that looks like it's made of tiny little squares, no matter what the viewing distance."
The M7800 and M7815 models are fully radiometric cameras weighing less than three pounds and designed for one-handed, point-and-shoot operation. The cameras measure infrared radiation (in the 8-14 micron spectral band) from the target surface and convert this to an image that relates to the temperature of the target. Temperature measurement accuracy is ±2°C. The temperature distribution can be viewed as a gray-scale or color image in various isotherm color palettes. The flip-up, articulating LCD allows easy viewing of live images with the camera aimed straight up or down, unlike "flashlight" camera designs with a fixed screen.
On-board analysis software provides an intuitive menu, accessible with the pushbutton control panel on the camera back. Image processing functions include four measurement points, four points of emissivity, temperature difference, max/min (peak hold) temperature, a boxed region of interest that can be keyed to an alarm, 2X and 4X digital zoom, and others. Images can also be downloaded to a PC running Mikron's MikroSpec(TM) Thermal Imaging Software for more comprehensive analysis and report generation.
Correction for emissivity, environmental temperature, and background compensation are user-settable. Automatic functions include level, sense, focus, level trace and gain control. Field of view for the IR camera is 27°(H) x 20.3°(V). The visual camera onboard the 7800 model has a resolution of 752 x 480 pixels, with a field of view of 34.6°(H) x 25.9°(V).
Stored images can be transferred to a PC via USB 2.0 connection. SVHS and composite video ports are provided for video output. Efficient electronics provide a battery life of 2.5 hours.
For more information on the 7800 and 7815 cameras, contact Jon Chynoweth at 888-506-3900 or email jon@mikroninfrared.com.
Mikron Infrared (NASDQ: MIKR) has been an innovative leader in infrared non-contact temperature measurement since 1969. Mikron offers Value Imageering to help customers solve their most challenging application problems, providing turnkey design, engineering and installation services to meet advanced thermal imaging requirements. The company provides industrial customers and R&D laboratories with accurate instrumentation, ranging from convenient portable cameras to complete thermal imaging systems and black body calibration units.
