If you decide to get a real thermal imager, it is not necessary to spend money on expensive equipment. For several years now, everyone has been actively using the development of two German specialists. You can assemble the device yourself, while buying the right components will not hit your pocket.
The principle of operation is based on the use of a single temperature sensor MLX90614, similar to those used in mechanical scanning systems. The sensor outlines the future picture by scanning the temperature. It is clear that the device will not do this in a matter of seconds (this is the main drawback of such a device), but allow you to save.
So, for the manufacture of a thermal imager, you will need:
- webcam (in working condition);
- servos in the presence of 2 pieces;
- temperature sensor MLX90614-BCI;
- microcontroller arduino;
- laser pointer;
- a tripod;
- housings for servos;
- 2 resistors at 4.7 kOhm;
Webcam
In this case, it is the source of the original image, plus a peculiar viewfinder of the entire area that needs to be scanned.
strong> Servo drives and mounts
We need two servos so that one is responsible for the vertical movement, and the second - horizontally. It is clear that the webcam itself and the vertical drive will keep on the horizontal, the first should be more powerful.
We attach the lower drive to the tripod (you can use any other case), insert the laser pointer there, and attach the webcam and MLX90614 sensor to the vertical servo using glue, parts from a toy constructor, etc.
Temperature Sensor MLX90614- BCI
First of all, you need to try to find this part, which is also the most expensive.
As a rule, they are ordered from Chinese sites.
We pay attention to the last letters "BCI", this means that the sensor is equipped with a nozzle to ensure a narrow field of view.
Sensor connection diagram
To work with Arduino you can use special sketches.
When the whole scheme is ready, put it in the case and fix the structure on a tripod.
Shooting process
In the image of the webcam, we can see two yellow dots, and one laser point (it is located in the bottom center). We select the coordinates of the center, the lower left corner of our thermogram, to start shooting. The laser pointer will help us with this. When the point is determined, we begin to scan the area.
Modern software supports two types of resolution for future images, although the previous version totaled six different resolutions.