If there's one thing we appreciate here at GeekDad, it's an elegant DIY project. Consequently, we're awfully impressed with Max Justicz's latest project, a home-brew thermal imaging camera.
Now, a conventional thermal-imaging camera is a complicated device that combines an infra-red detector and signal processor to render a false-color image of the target view. These cameras were originally used by firefighters, but have proven effective in more mundane applications, such as home heating auditing. The standard units are understandably expensive, easily costing $10,000 or more, but Max's DIY version? Well under $100.
Intrigued to know how he did this? Keep reading...
The two key elements of Max's design are the infra-red thermal sensor (shown above), and a pile of RGB LEDs. As described in the wonderful build docs at Max's blog, he combines the thermal sensor and the RGB LEDs to produce a flashlight that emits colored light that varies with the temperature of the point at which the device is directed. By setting up a camera with a long exposure and quickly "painting" the area with the flashlight, an image is produced that indicates the temperature of the surfaces in the area.
Granted, Max's implementation doesn't produce a complete real-time image the way the standard thermal imaging cameras do, but it gets the job done for about 1% of the cost, and is more than adequate for what most of us would need.
Max's parts list shows just how simple this project is:
- Infrared Thermometer – MLX90614
- 0.1uF Ceramic Capacitor
- 2 4.7k Resistors
- 8 RGB LEDs
- Dorcy LED Flashlight
- Arduino (any will do)
- 9V Battery Clip and Battery
- Perfboard
The project consists of gutting the flashlight, wiring up the infra-red sensor, LEDs, and an Arduino, and then carefully fitting the result back into the flashlight.
Once the thermal light painter was assembled, it's simply a matter of setting up a camera with a long exposure, then painting the target with the device. The image at the top of this post was a 30-second exposure, according to Max, and the result is great.
As mentioned, Max has documented the entire project in detail over at his site, so head on over for the full story. His site also has postings about a couple of other interesting projects he's worked on, and also a nifty Javascript version of Asteroids, if you're observant enough.
Oh – and did I mention that Max is still in high-school? Kids today...
