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Getting into this end of business

Last post 04-17-2008, 9:47 AM by John Snell. 3 replies.
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  •  04-08-2008, 2:51 PM 1341

    Getting into this end of business

    anybody have any feedback on Fluke Ti25

    I am small electrical & hvac contractor thinking of moving my business in the direction of predictive maint.  Does anyone have any suggustions that would help?

    Thanks,

    Len

  •  04-08-2008, 6:56 PM 1342 in reply to 1341

    Re: Getting into this end of business

    Attachment: IR000527.bmp

    It sounds like you are in the right place at the right time and looking at one of the cameras that I would suggest you consider! I don't know where you are located but I can tell you there is plenty of room for expanding your kind of business in most places in the country that I know about. The keys, I believe, are (1) to integrate IR into your existing customer base and (2) build on the services you already offer. Maintenance only makes more and more sense as budgets get tighter, and customers are always looking for someone they trust—namely you!—to treat them right. The applications in HVAC and electrical are virtually endless.

     

    Regarding choices for cameras, I'm sure you'd be very happy with the Ti25. I've used it extensively and find it performs very well (see attached shot by my associate); certainly the IR-Fusion feature is persuasive. That said there are several other choices in that same price range ($7500) that you may want to consider looking at just so you'll never have buyer's remorse! Let's talk by phone (800-636-9820) and I can help you zero in on some that might fit your needs. I look forward to meeting you at a training course in the near future.



    Thermally Yours,

    John
    ASNT NDT Level III #48166
    The Snell Group
    www.thesnellgroup.com
    www.thermalsolutions.org
    800-636-9820
  •  04-15-2008, 7:02 AM 1352 in reply to 1342

    Re: Getting into this end of business

    I started my company approximately 2 months ago and I have to say it has not been easy.  I used to sell Disaster Recovery for SunGArd and IBM so I am trying to image data centers for predictive preventative maintenance. Also home energy inspections.  John I went to the ITC training course on Building Sciences and would like to ask you a question because I think you do not represent one manufacturer.. 

    What is your opinion for the Flir Infracam SD and the Fluke that is priced approximately the same price.  I purchased the Flir just as the price reduction happened.  (That Day) and I am not entirely happy with it. The IR-usion feature in the other camera is a compelling reason to switch.  What do you think about the quality of images from both. 

  •  04-17-2008, 9:47 AM 1367 in reply to 1352

    Re: Getting into this end of business

    Attachment: Comparison.jpg

    Certainly the first two months of any start up business can be challenging. Hopefully your business plan accommodates ramp-up, allowing you to simply stick to the plan as the business grows.

     

    We do our best to be neutral with regard to IR cameras and manufacturers, opting instead to help our customers use what they have (or are considering) fully and to understand the limitations inherent to any camera. That does not mean we don't have opinions based on our research and experience using nearly every camera in the market. 

     

    I have used both the cameras in a number of different situations. I expect anyone who used either would find features about both that they like and others they dislike—that is certainly true for me; my position is that we can get used to nearly anything. Clearly the IR-Fusion is a great feature that works very, very well on the Fluke TiR1 (and other models). The bottom line is both cameras can work for the buildings applications you are doing. I've attached two images that clearly show missing insulation in a house; please note that they were taken on two separate days with similar but not identical conditions.

     

    If you look at the specs for the cameras you will notice differences, perhaps significant to your needs. The two that I think are relevant are the number of detector elements and the thermal sensitivity. The InfraCAM has an array size of 120x120 and a field of view of 25x25 while the Fluke has an array size of 160x120 and a field of view of 23x17. Further, some of the FLIR screen real estate is occupied permanently by their logo. :-( The end result is a bit more detail in the Fluke image. The FLIR has a thermal sensitivity (almost impossible to find in their spec sheets!) of 200mK at 25C while the Fluke has a thermal sensitivity of 70mK at 30C. While both can work well in buildings, the edge goes to Fluke as being significantly more sensitive. Again, none of these would cause me to not pick up and use either camera if available.

     

    Let me know how we might assist you with learning to get the most out of your Infracam SD. It is a good camera that should give you very good results. At this stage of your new business, I don't imagine you'd be excited about either trading it in or buying a second camera. I'd be happy to review some of your images and give you my further comments in an effort to help you improve your results. 



    Thermally Yours,

    John
    ASNT NDT Level III #48166
    The Snell Group
    www.thesnellgroup.com
    www.thermalsolutions.org
    800-636-9820
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