Type of IR Cameras Used

[Dan Bowers, CMI]

Anybody got one of the following IR cameras? If so got any comments about it relating to the chores of a typical home inspection.

Flir B-50
Flir B-60
Flir B-2
Flir B-200
Flir B-250
Flir B-360

Fluke TiR
Fluke Tir2-FT
Fluke Tir3-FT

[Jeffrey S. Campbell]

i was curious to see the responses... but none. I am shopping... quite a variety to say the least...

[Charley L. Bottger]

I have two cameras the B-Cam and the BX-360 the B-cam just did not have the resolution I was wanting especially when doing electrical scanning. The only complaint I have with the 360 is the battery charge life if I am using the camera heavy can barely get through an inspection on one battery charge. I like the zoom feature on the 360 allows me to get close and personal with the electrical connections to the weather head and the transformer from ground level

[Dan Bowers, CMI]

Charley -

I had my hands on a BX-360 last week at a Flir Rep's demo here in KC. You're right it was sweet. But its cost is around the mid $16,000 range. Its resolution and cost is like the Fluke TiR-3 FT. That makes it real pricey for the average home inspector AND could make someone take 2 years OR more to even pay for the equipment, training, etc (break even).

For heavy commercial, or motor rooms, etc I can certainly see their use.

But here is my question ..........

On the average home inspection, doing the average home inspection things if any of you guys have used them - please give us comments on the listed cameras usage as to things you like, don't like, cause problems, etc. That could also include the B-Cam SD, which is much like the new B-40

Also any thought or comments on Flir or Flukes training programs.

[ddelaney]

I have a Fluke TiR, and it's the berries for my use. The resolution is fine, and it actually is capable of more than I can use it for. At the price, I don't think there's any comparison.

Just be careful where you purchase from. Some of the vendors are very good at talking sales and service, while others provide the items at the advertised price, along with great service.

[Ron C. Bibler]

I have the FLIR B2. For home inspection I find it will do anything I need it to do. The Res is 160X120. had it for over a year now. I use a small space heater as i work with the camera in any room that the delta T is working. for the most part the heater and the FLIR B2 Will do anything any home inspector will need.

Best

Ron

[bdoles2]

Originally Posted by Ron C. Bibler

I use a small space heater as i work with the camera in any room that the delta T is working.

What situations do you bring out the space heater? I never thought of that, but guess it would work.

[Ron C. Bibler]

Originally Posted by bdoles2

What situations do you bring out the space heater? I never thought of that, but guess it would work.

Bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms. any area that the Delta T is not working a small heater with a fan attachment will make the room come alive. you have better control over the walls and windows.
A main house heating system will wash out areas under the windows.

I will view the room first then work the room as i need to with the heater.

Best

Ron

[Dan Bowers, CMI]

Ron - What camera you using, etc

[Ron C. Bibler]

Originally Posted by dbowers

Ron - What camera you using, etc

I have a FLIR B2. With one wide and one standard lenz.


Best

Ron

[bdoles2]

Originally Posted by Ron C. Bibler

Bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms. any area that the Delta T is not working a small heater with a fan attachment will make the room come alive. you have better control over the walls and windows.
A main house heating system will wash out areas under the windows.

I will view the room first then work the room as i need to with the heater.

Best

Ron

Obviously you live somewhere cold.

[Ron C. Bibler]

Originally Posted by bdoles2

Obviously you live somewhere cold.

1 HR. UP hwy 101 north of San Francisco. I think the avg. temp 65 to 75

looking forward to winter and some rain in Calif. not much rain for some 90 plus days. All the lakes are down. I saw that your area has been very dry last few years.

Best

Ron

[bdoles2]

Originally Posted by Ron C. Bibler

1 HR. UP hwy 101 north of San Francisco. I think the avg. temp 65 to 75

looking forward to winter and some rain in Calif. not much rain for some 90 plus days. All the lakes are down. I saw that your area has been very dry last few years.

Best

Ron

Yes extremely dry. That is the least of our problems now, now the gas stations are dry.

I passed 12 gas stations this morning on my way to a job, not a single one had gas. I have a 1/2 tank which will last me 2 more days, so I'm on the hunt tomorrow morning. When you do find one, this is the problem.

[Ron C. Bibler]

Originally Posted by bdoles2

Yes extremely dry. That is the least of our problems now, now the gas stations are dry.

I passed 12 gas stations this morning on my way to a job, not a single one had gas. I have a 1/2 tank which will last me 2 more days, so I'm on the hunt tomorrow morning.

Makes you want to drill a hole in your front yard and pump your own oil out.

But no can't do that. what would the guy down the street say.

I saw a gas station down the street from me. ( NO GAS )


Not good. keep a stiff upper lip.

Thats one thing that gets my goat... No drilling- No gas- No work- No food.

Hope this was not an odd thing to say... I just think we should drill holes all over the place. one on every street...

Best

Ron

[bdoles2]

Originally Posted by Ron C. Bibler

I just think we should drill holes all over the place. one on every street...

Best

Ron

Could not have said it better. It's gas that makes the world go around.