Fluke Makes Thermal Imaging Accessible for Anyone with a Phone
Pro-grade thermal cameras can cost upwards of $1000 or more, which can be a huge expense for small businesses, especially if they need more than one unit. But what if there was a way to incorporate thermal imaging technology into your smartphone? Fluke is introducing a solution that lets you do just that. I’m looking at the Fluke iSee Mobile Thermal Camera to see if it’s right for your work style.
Fluke iSee Mobile Thermal Camera Overview
- Model: Fluke TC01A / TC01B
- Resolution: 256 x 192 pixels
- Frame rate: 25 Hz
- Detects temperatures of up to 1022°F (550°C)
- Thermal sensitivity: 50 mK (0.05°C)
- Accuracy: ±2% or ±2°C
- More than 10 standard or custom color palettes
- Dimensions: 2.36 x 1.32 x 0.44 in
- Weight: 0.78 oz
- USB Interface: USB-C (Android); Lightning (iOS)
Fluke isn’t the first major brand to introduce this concept, with models from Klein and Flir having similar capabilities. However, the Fluke TC01A/B does things a little differently, with enhanced performance and accuracy compared to models from other brands.
This camera connects directly to your smartphone’s charging port and displays the thermal images on your screen. If you have an Android device, you simply plug in the TC01A’s USB-C interface into your phone. For iOS users with Lightning ports, it’s the same process: simply insert the TC01B’s Lightning interface into your device. If your Apple device has a USB-C port (for iPhone 15 and later), you’ll need to pick up a USB-C adapter (sold separately).
iSee Thermal Camera Performance
Although there are separate models for Android and Apple, both units share the same specs. These cameras can detect temperatures ranging from 14°F to 1022°F (-10°C to 550°C) from a range of up to 5 meters. These temperature readings are accurate within ±2% or ±3.6°F (2°C).
Using the Fluke iSee app, which you can download for free on your device, you can set your measurement parameters, such as emissivity, measuring distance, and ambient temperatures. Within the app, you can also choose between more than 10 color palettes, view high and low temperatures, and share videos and images.
Fluke tells us this camera displays at a resolution of 256 x 192 pixels for detailed image quality. Finally, a 25Hz frame rate ensures smooth, leg-free video capturing.
Fluke iSee Mobile Thermal Camera Price
The price for this thermal camera depends on which phone you plan to use it on. For Android users, the unit runs for $499 on Amazon. For iOS (Apple) users, the price is $429. You can find both models directly from Fluke or from Amazon. Fluke backs your purchase with a 2-year warranty.
Related Content
Fluke T6-1000 Pro Electrical Tester
How Thermal Imagers Work for Troubleshooting
