As with all the tools we test here at The Hub we like to get a few weeks of actual jobsite use under our belt before reporting back to you. About a month ago I started using the FLIR C2 Compact Thermal Imager with MSX patented multi-spectral technology. Here are the facts and my findings Read more
Industry Blogs
As with all the tools we test here at The Hub we like to get a few weeks of actual jobsite use under our belt before reporting back to you. About a month ago I started using the FLIR C2 Compact Thermal Imager with MSX patented multi-spectral technology. Here are the facts and my findings.
It hasn’t been that long since I used to hire local inspection agency to come out to my jobs to do thermal imaging. At the time I would pay few hundred dollars for a couple hours of work which roughly equates to about half of what it costs to own a thermal imaging device today. The technology has advanced to a point where productions of more compact, very capable hard and software has brought these devices/cameras well below $1K. Wait, what?! Yeah, my first camera was a little over two thousand dollars and I went half in with a contractor friend to share the costs; not really knowing if the investment would ever pay off.
The FLIR C2 retails for $699 making it an excellent buy for any contractor looking to add the benefits a thermal imaging device brings to the ever-growing tool bag. After having owned a couple thermal imagers now I cannot imagine not having one available. Challenges such as locating radiant tubing embedded in a slab or below a floor and hot spots on heat exchangers are often effortless tasks when you’re armed with these devices.
Using the FLIR C2 Thermal Imaging Camera
Right out of the box the FLIR C2 is intuitive and extremely easy to use; producing excellent images straight away. Similar to any compact automatic camera the C2 captures digital image of a scene but simultaneously captures a thermal image with a simple push of one button. The C2 is auto-focusing.
Above are both the digital photo and the thermal image I captured of a radiant manifold in a client’s garage. Both images are captured simultaneously and can be compiled side by side with the free FLIR Tools software.
Hardware
The rugged rubber like body cover of the C2 not only provides some level of protection but also makes holding on to the camera a little easier. The backbone of the C2 is the FLIR Lepton thermal core, which it shares with other recent products including the FLIR ONE for smart phones, and the FLIR TG165 Imaging Thermometer.
The resolution of the Lepton in the C2 is 80 x 60, for a total of 4800 pixels. Each pixel is sensitive to 0.10 °C temperature variations–that’s excellent thermal sensitivity for a camera that fits in your pocket. The overall imaging and measurement range for the FLIR C2 is from 14 to 302 °F (–10 to 150 °C). Most users will find this fits well within the needs encountered on the jobsite, whether diagnosing electrical or mechanical equipment.
The wide-angle lens on the C2 allows larger imaging of a scene at in one shot; most users will find this an asset because of the fixed lens [think smart phone camera] on the C2. The wide, fixed lens will produce a clear image of any object over 6” away. The C2 features a 3” capacitive touchscreen.
MSX
The C2 uses the visible light camera to create FLIR’s excellent MSX blending technology. MSX mines a visible image for edges, writing, and patterns, then etches these details onto the thermal image. The thermal image retains all of its coloration and information, while the subtle grayscale of the MSX details aid significantly in object identification. To ensure that MSX works even in dark conditions, the C2 includes a bright LED flash which doubles as a spotlight.
Software
All thermal images on the C2 contain full radiometric data holding a ton of potential information. When downloaded to the FLIR Tools software [included free for both PC & MAC], each pixel in an image can deliver temperature data using multiple measurement options. You can add multiple spot meters, area boxes with min/max/avg and more. I’d be wrong not to emphasize how impressive it is for a thermal imager at this price point to offer radiometric data and full software support. Creating professional reports and organizing images is easily accomplished with FLIR Tools. Although I have yet to try it a surprising feature of the FLIR C2 is its ability to stream live video to a computer running FLIR Tools. This may be helpful when analyzing a problem across multiple load conditions. Video streaming from the C2 is not radiometric.
Image Storage
The FLIR C2 thermal camera can store 500 full sets of images (thermal, visible, MSX) to internal flash memory. A conveniently large button on the top of the camera, making one-handed use of the C2 quite simple, captures images. Images can be reviewed directly on the camera, easily toggling between the various versions of any image. All images are stored as JPEG files, giving users great flexibility in how and where to use the pictures. Download of the stored files is accomplished through a micro USB cable connected to any MAC or PC.
Wrap up
Overall the C2 is more than just a novelty and a huge step forward for thermal imaging devices priced below $1K. If you have been shopping for a portable, versatile camera and want it loaded with features offered by much higher cost models then take the time to check the C2 out. If you have anything to add to this review please do not hesitate to leave a comment below or email us at info@mechanical-hub.com.
Review: Carrier Côr Thermostat an IoT device As with all the products and tools I review here on The Hub I like to put them to use for a while before posting my experience, good or bad. Early in February I installed a Carrier Côr thermostat. Côr is a “smart” thermostat with the ability to Read more
Review: Carrier Côr Thermostat an IoT device
As with all the products and tools I review here on The Hub I like to put them to use for a while before posting my experience, good or bad. Early in February I installed a Carrier Côr thermostat. Côr is a “smart” thermostat with the ability to monitor the runtimes and cycles of a heating or cooling system for monthly analysis and energy saving measures but it’s more than that.
As with nearly all modern thermostats on the market today, Côr connects to any 802.11 b/g/n wireless routers, allowing remote access from virtually anywhere via simple wifi connectivity.
Guided programming options allow homeowners to maintain control of their home comfort system manually, or simply let the Côr thermostat do all the work for them. To maximize energy efficiency, the Côr thermostat offers advanced features like smart setback, which automatically determines the optimal temperature for home comfort and energy savings based on user input during setup.
The Côr thermostat provides in-depth energy reports, with detailed system performance data available back to the installation date. Each report includes interactive energy-efficiency tips, providing homeowners the ability to instantly modify settings for maximum savings.
Monthly runtime/cycle data reporting via online web portal
Monthly runtime/cycle data reporting via online web portal
This, to my knowledge, may be the only Carrier product packaged and sold through the retail supply chain. But like all other thermostats on the market direct to consumer sales have proven to be a profitable marketing strategy for such devices. Be it that contractors simply refuse to adopt the latest technology in large numbers or not, a “professional” version of the Côr is not offered.
Facts & Thoughts-
– My Côr stat is operating a high efficiency boiler and forced air furnace. Both are natural gas.
– Installation was a breeze but it’s also not the first thermostat I’ve installed so nothing of note here is something to consider I guess.
– Styling closely represents the look and feel of a smart phone or tablet, color touch screen interface.
– Heating/Cooling “Smart Setback” monitors outdoor/indoor temp along with occupancy to anticipate and maintain comfort while being efficient.
– Modes: Heat/Cool/Auto (Heat & Cool Settings)
– Super dehumidification, cool to dehumidify
– Outdoor/Indoor temperature & Indoor humidity display
– Optional wall-plate/ bezel included covering existing widespread holes from former stats.
I have to say the Côr is impressive. I have just recently passed the required minimum wait time to compile enough monitored data to access the runtime/cycle reports. Although I’m not surprised at how little my heating system has ran over the last month, I have noticed less cycles per hour [compared to the previous t-stat] probably due to the smart programming.
Add yet another device to the IoT (Internet of Things) as the Côr definitely fits within the space of smart devices engineered to save energy and “automate” home operations. A standalone mobile app is available for remote connectivity thru either Apple’s App Store or the Google Play Store for Android devices making integration with existing Z-wave or Zigby platform hub systems incompatible as the Côr operates within its own proprietary network.
Mobile App Screenshot
Mobile App Screenshot
Mobile App Screenshot
The next generation of thermal imaging devices are here. Last month at AHR 2016 in Orlando I put my hands on two of the latest thermal imaging devices designed for the trades; both had great feature sets for devices which have been drastically reduced in physical size and cost. Four years ago I bought a Read more
The next generation of thermal imaging devices are here.
Last month at AHR 2016 in Orlando I put my hands on two of the latest thermal imaging devices designed for the trades; both had great feature sets for devices which have been drastically reduced in physical size and cost.
Four years ago I bought a Milwaukee Thermal Imaging camera. This purchase came with great consideration; the $2500 price tag was a big pill to swallow for me at the time. In hindsight, it may have been one of the single most valuable purchases I have made.
Initially I was very concerned about how frequently I would use the camera. A common misconception with these devices is that they’re really just a cool toy. I am here to tell you that is not the case they are very cool toys! In the last four years I have had the opportunity to use the camera to not only save myself countless hours diagnosing the source of all sorts of problems but also to save my customers thousands if not tens of thousands of dollars.
In one particular case a while back I had a new customer call with wet carpet in the basement. After hours of searching for a leak, they had exhausted all of their options. They called me in to help. During the initial phone conversation the camera was not even brought up. After I had made an initial site visit, it was apparent that this was not your common leak. As we looked through many possible scenarios in the area of the leak none of those were getting us any closer to fixing the problem. I should say at the time the newness of the camera had worn off; it had been stowed in the back seat of my service truck so naturally it wasn’t at the top of my mind but, with one quick trip out to the truck I was on the fast track to finding the source of the problem.
The water line leading to the icemaker on the refrigerator had sprung a leak, dripping through the wall and landing on the waste pipe for the kitchen sink. Once on the PVC, the water proceeded to traveling the entire width of the basement, nearly 15 feet before it finally dripped onto the sheetrock and ran down the backside of an interior wall. Without the camera my only course of action would be to start removing sheet rock until the source was identified. The initial dripping from subfloor to PVC, caused a small splatter, leading to a pancake size damp spot on the backside of the sheetrock. This small spot immediately showed up through the lens of the camera on a quick scan of the ceiling. The splatter measured only a few tenths of a degree difference and would be nearly impossible to detect with any other tools. We made a small opening in the ceiling at the location and found the drip, which then led to the ice supply line. In this particular case, what may have taken a stroke of luck to find without the IR camera, I was able to identify the source of the leak in a matter of a few minutes. Pinpointing the source saved hundreds if not thousands of dollars in sheet rock repairs. This is just one example of the many uses for IR technology on the jobsite.
Back to AHR
While at the Milwaukee Tool booth I tested out the latest M12 thermal imager on display. The Milwaukee M12 7.8Kp Thermal Imager delivers 7,800+ pixel image detail. Team Red’s DUAL SENSE™ pixel technology produces crisp images of heat loss, electrical resistance, water damage and mechanical issues. On-screen temperature readout and 83:1 distance-to-spot ratio gives users precise, real-time measurements from a distance. The M12 7.8KP captures, stores and shares images using the included SD card and USB cable. It’s fully compatible with Milwaukee Thermal Imager Reporting Software for archiving, analyzing and reporting. This camera is priced at $499 retail. It’s rugged and comes with a battery, charger and soft case.
Flir’s C2 had a similar feature set to my 4 year old camera, with the addition of improved resolution, built-in image overlay software and auto focus for starters. The physical size of the C2 is roughly that of an iPhone and included a rugged protective outer shell. A product rep at the booth, noted that the internal memory could store nearly 500 Thermal and Visual images. The C2 features FLIR’s unique MSX® that adds key details from the onboard visible light camera to the entire infrared image in real time. The result is an all-in-one, undiluted thermal picture with visible light features that lets you instantly recognize where the problematic heat pattern is. The compact device does not record video, but displays the hybrid thermal image in real time. With a $699 MSRP, this device brings high-end thermal imaging to the masses.
“John, we may have to rethink that ride-along idea after this,” contractor Jason Ridgeway posted to my Facebook timeline after he was involved in a rollover crash coming home late from work one night just before the holidays. Fortunately, Jason is okay and was able to walk away from a frightening experience. Here is what Read more
“John, we may have to rethink that ride-along idea after this,” contractor Jason Ridgeway posted to my Facebook timeline after he was involved in a rollover crash coming home late from work one night just before the holidays. Fortunately, Jason is okay and was able to walk away from a frightening experience.
Here is what Jason wrote about his experience:
“Well, last night I went on the wildest ride of my life. As much as I love and appreciate work, we have been going at an exhausting rate—17-20 hour days, weekends, double days for months now. I’ve had a couple close calls drifting off driving in the past, but last night it really caught up to me. I made it just blocks from home but fell asleep at the wheel.
By God’s grace no one was hurt. But it could have been so different. I am thankful to be alive and even more thankful the other people were not hurt because of me. I still can’t believe I am virtually unscathed with just banged up knees and back and neck and face. I wasn’t wearing my seatbelt so I ate the windshield. Jesus took the wheel for me.
For a lot of the crash I was awake and just along for the ride after I hit. I watched the whole truck roll and spin… more times then I could count. All the doors where smashed shut couldn’t open until I banged on the side door in back and got that open and climbed out.
A young guy ran over asking if I was all right. I told him yes, I asked him if he knew if the other people were all right and he said yes we are fine—a little shaken up but fine. Then he shook my hand and then hugged me and said I can’t believe you’re alive, I’m glad you are alive.”
I called Jason immediately after I heard this news to see how he was doing and ask him WTF happened. He explained to me that he was working overtime—a lot of what he does since he is a business owner—and the builder he was working with was trying to get some things done before an inspection, which was to take place the following day. It was getting late, he was mentally and physically drained, and was less than a half mile from home when he fell asleep at the wheel, crossed lanes of traffic and clipped a car in the left turning lane. The impact sent his service truck into a rollover—3-4 times—and spin. Miraculously, he, and everybody involved, was relatively unharmed—shook up—but unharmed.
“Dude, I’m glad you are okay. You have three young, beautiful children and wife at home who are very thankful, I’m sure.”
Now I can’t pretend to relate to contractors from a work perspective, but what I do know is that the ones I have met and read about work their asses off — basically for whom they care. We all want to be busy and live a comfortable life, but let’s take a step back, take a deep breath and take ‘er a little bit easier.
So, looking ahead, we all wish for a prosperous new year. But while we’re burning the candle at both ends at times, remember to spend some time with the people you love, and in the words of wisdom from Hub friend, Dan Holohan, “Hug your kids.”
I received a text from my good friend Andy Mickelson a week or two ago that got me going. Andy and I talk fairly often, mostly about work and the day-to-day happening of self-employment. When my phone made that altogether familiar sound notifying me of a new message I reached into my pocket to see Read more
I received a text from my good friend Andy Mickelson a week or two ago that got me going. Andy and I talk fairly often, mostly about work and the day-to-day happening of self-employment. When my phone made that altogether familiar sound notifying me of a new message I reached into my pocket to see a picture of the electronic boiler display and a brief explanation. Here’s the picture:
SH Hours: 4042, SH Cycles: 3741
The following message was as follows: “Not bad for one year run time. Commercial kitchen with 80 gallon indirect and one old air handler for space heat.” (Andy)
That’s crazy. I couldn’t wait for an answer to my next text so I called Andy right away. After all, if my math was correct the average space heating cycle for this kitchen was just over an hour (64 minutes + or -). Again, that’s nuts. By my estimation that boiler turned on in the fall, ran deep into ODR (as I know Andy is so well adept to programming his boilers, there’s no chance he was running it at set-point even with an air handler) and pretty much ran constantly until spring.
He quickly picked up the phone with almost a chuckle in his bold Montana accented voice, greeting me with a “What do you think of that for efficiency?” I had to laugh and ask immediately what kind of building this boiler was sitting in, assuming the worst, I asked if there was a lot of glass, maybe if the place wasn’t insulated or built around the turn of the twentieth century. He immediately shot down my theory telling me it was a fairly decent log building (of course, this is in Big Sky™ country for heaven’s sake). So what in the world was happening? Was this boiler even condensing? I mean there’s an air handler and DHW, its gotta be running hot, I asked him.
His response was what got me going.
“The boiler runs pretty much nonstop. I’ve got it set for 160F at design, except for DHW of course, and the Delta-t circ brings the return back at 135F so the thing rarely pulls out of condensing mode, expect for DHW of course.” (Andy)
We went on to talk more about the control programming and how Andy has the ramp-delay settings going so deep the boiler rarely fires above 50% input. This is a feature that has me sold on this particular control and boiler for so long now I can hardly remember how I used to put up with simple on/off parameters loosely tied to ODR. Andy is the one that finally explained to me this concept and how to push a system to its limit in order to keep the customer happy with low fuel bills and keep the customer calls to a minimum because they might not be happy with a boiler that seemingly never turns off.
Back to my original point.
The space heating (SH) runtime and SH cycles shown in the picture Andy sent me should be all that is needed to display the great work a skilled installer/tech/designer can do in the field. Instead of running contests showcasing the beautiful craftsmanship and overuse of diamond plate, why aren’t we holding contests proving the tremendous efficiency of a system with testimonials from their owners telling of the admiration due to the “boiler guy”?
I know such a contest wouldn’t be as sexy as some that are out there but, if you ask the people paying the heating bill, there’s little a pro photograph and perfectly symmetrical display of piping will do to lower the energy costs of a commercial kitchen or the comfort level of a custom vacation home. I’d challenge any manufacturer to join us here on The Hub to start such a contest; we can set it up (we have in the past and its still running quite successfully today). Let’s start showcasing how a well-designed change-out made the difference at the end of the heating season. Boiler owners certainly find those types of results sexy.