The General Tools Predator Infrared Camera Line isn’t necessarily named it after the 1980’s movie Predator, but it should be. That movie popularized the thought of infrared in the minds of consumers everywhere…and taught that covering ourselves in mud would foil any aliens trying to take aim and carry our skulls home as trophies.
But I digress…
General Tools has since expanded their Predator Series of thermal imaging (IR) cameras to include nine new extended temperature range models. The new models can take temperature readings up to 600°C (1112°F), 1000°C (1832°F) and 1500°C (2732°F). Thermal imagers are much more capable than a basic General Tools PalmScope or similar tool which only captures the visible light spectrum or Fluke TG165 Imaging IR thermometer which measure temperature without a display.
Infrared cameras are the perfect diagnostics and inspection tool to reveal heat-driven problems that might not be visible on the surface. These cameras from General Tools detect even small temperature differences from a distance and use the object’s infrared radiation signature to generate a very visible color image (a thermogram). General is unique in that they allow multiple temperature points so you can get even more specific than with a conventional single-spot camera.
Possible Uses for Diagnostics, Documentation and Inspection
- Diagnose heat exchanger, motor or compressor maintenance issues
- Locate invisible or inaccessible thermal leaks and pinpoint leak sources (e.g., in piping or ductwork)
- Inspect the integrity of thermal insulation
- Pinpoint overheated electrical circuits
- Assess points of energy loss in a building
- Automotive: Identify misfiring cylinders, malfunctioning catalytic converter, clogged condenser, restricted refrigerant line, and hot spots signifying engine cooling system blockage
General’s thermal imaging cameras feature manual focus and optional interchangeable lenses to deliver a lot of flexibility and accuracy. The measured temperature data is displayed numerically on the camera in addition to being displayed visually as infrared colorized thermal images. The color range can be defaulted or user-defined as well.
Specification and Features
GTi10 IR Camera
- 160 x 120 (19,200) pixel resolution
- Temperature measurement range of -4° to 572°F (-20° to 300°C)
- Temperature sensitivity of +/-0.14°F (0.08°C) with accuracy of +/-3°F (2°C ) or 2% of reading
- 4 in. (100mm) minimum focal distance
- Isothermal analysis: user-assignable isotherm colors signify specific temperature ranges
- 2 movable spots: simultaneous temperature analysis of two changeable pinpoints, plus 1 spot designated to search for maximum/minimum temperature point
- Save thermal images in .JPG file format
- 3.5 in. flip-up color LCD w/adjustable viewing angle
- Manual focus; adjustable image level & span (thermal brightness & contrast); variable emissivity
- IP54 water-, dust- & oil-resistant; shock- & vibration- resistant; drop-proof to 1.5m
- (2) rechargeable Li-ion batteries (included) for 5 to 6 hours of operation
- Includes: analysis & reporting software on CD, 2GB MiniSD card, compact battery charger, video cable with BNC plug, USB 2.0 cable, lens cap, sun shield, hand & neck straps, custom hard case and a 1-year limited warranty
- Optional accessories: wide-angle & telephoto lenses, tripod mount adaptor, SD card reader, in-camera charger, car charger, advanced reporting software, extra batteries
- Extended temperature range models available include GTi10-600, GTi10-1000, GTi10-1500
- Price: $1,888 on Amazon
GTi20 IR camera adds
- Moveable picture-in-picture (thermal & visual image fusion)
- 320 x 240 pixel resolution (picture-in-picture/fusion images)
- 4 movable spots
- LED flashlight
- Temperature alarms
- Extended temperature range models available include GTi20-600, GTi20-1000, GTi20-1500
- Price: $2,374 on Amazon
GTi30 IR camera adds
- 9 movable spots
- Moveable 5-area analysis: simultaneous temperature analysis of five different areas
- Profile analysis (AKA Line Profile Analysis): displays temperature information in form of horizontal line; gives quick comparison of temperature differences among different objects
- Voice annotation via Bluetooth (Bluetooth Headset with Charger included)
- Thermal video streaming via USB (requires optional PRO version software)
- Price: $4,941 on Amazon
GTi50 IR camera adds
- 384 x 288 (110,592) pixel resolution (thermal images)
- 640 x 480 pixel resolution (picture-in-picture/fusion images)
- Temperature sensitivity of +/-0.072°F (0.04°C)
- Extended temperature range models available include GTi50-600, GTi50-1000, GTi50-1500
- Price: $5,495 on Amazon
