Thermal cameras are useful to accurately monitor the temperature of electronics components, people, fires, houses, and so on. Thermal imaging cameras can be relatively expensive and one way to lower the cost and make sharing of results easier is to get a model that connects to your smartphone.
The ones listed on Amazon cost $200 and up, but you’ll find HT-102 thermal camera for Android phones on Chinese websites such as GearBest or Banggood for around $130.
HT-102 specifications:
- Material: metal
- Capture Temperature Range – -20 to 300°C
- Accuracy – ±3 or ±5% of reading
- Resolution – 0.1 or 0.1
- Working band – 8-14μm
- Horizontal viewing angle / vertical viewing angle – 43°±1°/ 43°±1°
- Infrared image resolution – 32 x 32
- Visible image resolution – 640 x 480
- Phone I/F – USB type-C port for data and power
- Dimensions – 60 x 30 mm
- Weight – 19 grams
- Temperature Range – Operating: 0 to 35°C; storage: -20 to 60°C
The camera ships with an English user manual, a storage box, and a USB Type-C to Micro USB Adapter for phones without a USB-C port.
You’ll need to install Thermal Viewer app for Android in order to visualize the output. The photo above is an actual sample, and if you check out Banggood page you’ll find more actual samples with a kettle or flame from a lighter using either color or grayscale output. You’ll find a demo / review of HT-102 embedded below.
If you’ve ever used a FLIR camera you may have to lower your expectations as explained by one commenter on YouTube:
The video is a good example of the very limited capabilities of this camera. It is not for professional use at all, the Flir is a far better bet for that. I have the HT-102 and it is quite basic, and not much use outdoors. My son has the Flir Compact, and it is excellent. It has very clear images and is probably more than anyone needs – but it’s roughly twice the price.
One limitation may be the range as HT102 apparently works up to 7 meters, while a smartphone with a FLIR thermal camera such as Cat S60 is capable to detect temperature up to 30 meters away. This may explain the “not much use outdoors” remark above.
Jean-Luc started CNX Software in 2010 as a part-time endeavor, before quitting his job as a software engineering manager, and starting to write daily news, and reviews full time later in 2011.
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seek compact cam is ~200-250usd and has 206×156 sensor.. and most likely better support. since i’m into buying some thermal cam for electronics/house shots, anyone got insight what would be best in 150-250usd range?
I agree. Also, Seek has Linux drivers:
https://github.com/maartenvds/libseek-thermal
32×32 meh. Why are these IR sensors still so expensive? Aren’t they just thermopile arrays of simple junction thermocouples? That’s nothing new. Or maybe they are encumbered by corrupt/frivolous patents?