We are looking for a camera to do equine scans, and we chink and stain log homes and would like to use one to help find leaks that need sealed.  We would also like do building inspections. We are new to this and have had many salespeople tell us very conflicting information on what specs we need to have in a camera that could do both applications. We need to find traing in both fields also.  We would appreciate any input.

THanks Donna & Reuben

Donna / Reuben

Let me say welcome to the world of infrared imaging. This is a great time to be getting into the business and a great tool for those pesky leaks you are trying to find.  The first thing I would like to say is that we are a vendor neutral company and work with all the camera manufactures. I have attached a couple of links for you to look at. The first one is a webinar that will help you get a better understanding of how to buy a camera that will work for your needs. I also would like to say try before you buy. In class you can bring the camera you are thinking about buying and use it in class. There will be other people there with other cameras. This is a great time to try many of the cameras. The second one is a schedule for the year for our training courses. You can go through the list to see which one will fit your needs. The level one course will help you understand thermal imaging theory and will help you become qualified for the industry. You can give us a call if you have any questions and we would be more than happy to help you walk through the steps to becoming a successful thermographer. Welcome aboard. 

http://www.thesnellgroup.com/TrainingDetails.aspx?id=10089

http://www.thesnellgroup.com/TrainingSchedule.aspx?category=1

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Jeremy Kays Reliability Technician
Level II IR, MCA / UE Level I, In Compliance with the ASNT guidelines
X-Ray Eyes
xrayeyesjl@hotmail.com
www.xrayeyesonline.com

You may be able to find one system that does both jobs. I'd suggest you try two different array sizes (320x240 and 160x120) to see how they work for what you have in mind. The 320 arrays are typically more expensive but the 160 may not give you the kind of results you need for the equine work.

I'd also suggest you view our online seminar on Buying an Infrared Camera. We have a free session scheduled for this Wednesday (March 4) at 11:00 EST. While the focus of this is for condition monitoring, many of the key points discussed will apply to your needs. See <<http://www.thesnellgroup.com/CourseDetails.aspx?id=56>> for details. We also have a similar session recorded and available anytime for a small fee. Also feel free to call and discuss your needs after you've done some research. The Links page on our website is a great place to start that research!

Our Level I course will set you up well for doing anything with infrared. There are also specialized training courses of various types that we can point you to for equine thermography.

I look forward to speaking with you in the near future and, hopefully, seeing you online Wednesday!

 

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Thermally Yours,

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

John is very correct in his analysis of looking at the 320x240 systems.  I know of a couple of guys that are doing equine work with Infrared and they are all using a 320x240 camera.  And as John mentioned there are specialized IR classes for equine training.  Nice thing is, if you decide to go with Snell on the Level I, one of the equine training centers is in FL as well.

Jason Kaylor – JJ
VP of Sales
877/207-1244
AC Tool Supply
Fluke Thermal Imagers
FLIR Thermal Imagers
HotShot Hi-Rez Infrared Cameras

Fluke TiR1 Resources

FLIR B60 Resources

Retrotec Duct & Blower Door

 

Donna & Reuben

I will be happy to assist in any questions you have....you can email or call me any time....Check a website www.unitedinfrared.com, there are resources on both applications you speak of.

I personally perform inspections in both applications, have viewed log homes, have owned a home inspection company for over 13 years now (hundreds of IR inspections of homes) and actually specialize with equine infrared (www.equineir.com) over 100 paid horse IR scans over the years and actually have been in contract with the San Diego Zoo to scan animals for them too.  From the website above, www.unitedinfrared.com you can search about us and find a paper I wrote a couple years ago called "From Houses to Horses" which you might find interesting.

 The answer on the camera is simple.....it all depends on your budget as you can image with even the cheapest 3k camera, you may not get the results you need to sell yourself right though.  Personally I use a 320x240 camera as medically I find the resolution difference amazing.  My first camera was a 160x120 and I was successful with equine imaging as well as homes but as time went, it was clear a upgrade needed to take place.

Peter:  C:949-842-8088 

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Peter Hopkins, SoCal Infrared
www.socalinfrared.com peter@socalinfrared.com
Direct: 760-593-2339

National Network
www.unitedinfrared.com
peter@unitedinfrared.com

I can help with buildings stuff if you would like to talk

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John Cannamela
ASNT II Vibration/ Level II Thermographer
HVAC Journeyman
Owner ISC Building Diagnostics
http://www.infraredsurvey.com www.iscbuildingdiagnostics.com
jc@iscbuildingdiagnostics.com