System Assessment and Validation for Emergency Responders (SAVER)

Handheld Thermal Imagers

Market Survey Report
August 2015

Prepared by Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Atlantic

Approved for public release, distribution is unlimited.
The Handheld Thermal Imagers Market Survey Report was funded under Interagency
Agreement No. HSHQPM-14-X-00064 from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security,
Science and Technology Directorate.
The views and opinions of authors expressed herein do not necessarily reflect those of the
U.S. Government.
Reference herein to any specific commercial products, processes, or services by trade
name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise does not necessarily constitute or imply its
endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the U.S. Government.
The information and statements contained herein shall not be used for the purposes of
advertising, nor to imply the endorsement or recommendation of the U.S. Government.
With respect to documentation contained herein, neither the U.S. Government nor any of
its employees make any warranty, express or implied, including but not limited to the
warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. Further, neither the
U.S. Government nor any of its employees assume any legal liability or responsibility for
the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information, apparatus, product, or
process disclosed; nor do they represent that its use would not infringe privately owned
rights.
The cover photo was provided by the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Atlantic.
Product images are courtesy of the respective vendors, unless otherwise noted.
FOREWORD
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) established the System Assessment and
Validation for Emergency Responders (SAVER) Program to assist emergency responders
making procurement decisions. Located within the Science and Technology Directorate (S&T)
of DHS, the SAVER Program conducts objective assessments and validations on commercially
available equipment and systems and develops knowledge products that provide relevant
equipment information to the emergency responder community. The SAVER Program mission
includes:
• Conducting impartial, practitioner-relevant, operationally oriented assessments and
validations of emergency response equipment
• Providing information, in the form of knowledge products, that enables
decision-makers and responders to better select, procure, use, and maintain emergency
response equipment.
SAVER Program knowledge products provide information on equipment that falls under the
categories listed in the DHS Authorized Equipment List (AEL), focusing primarily on two main
questions for the responder community: “What equipment is available?” and “How does it
perform?” These knowledge products are shared nationally with the responder community,
providing a life- and cost-saving asset to DHS, as well as to Federal, state, and local responders.
The SAVER Program is supported by a network of Technical Agents who perform assessment
and validation activities. As a SAVER Program Technical Agent, the Space and Naval Warfare
Systems Center (SPAWARSYSCEN) Atlantic has been tasked to provide expertise and analysis
on key subject areas, including communications, sensors, security, weapon detection, and
surveillance, among others. In support of this tasking, SPAWARSYSCEN Atlantic developed
this report to provide emergency responders with information gathered during a market survey of
commercially available handheld thermal imagers, which fall under AEL reference
number 03OE-02-TILA titled Optics, Thermal Imaging and/or Light Amplification.
For more information on the SAVER Program or to view additional reports on handheld thermal
imagers or other technologies, visit www.firstresponder.gov/SAVER.

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POINTS OF CONTACT
SAVER Program
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Science and Technology Directorate
FRG Stop 0203
245 Murray Lane
Washington, DC 20528-0215
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.firstresponder.gov/SAVER

Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Atlantic

Advanced Technology and Assessments Branch
P.O. Box 190022
North Charleston, SC 29419-9022
E-mail: [email protected]

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Foreword .......................................................................................................................................... i
Points of Contact ............................................................................................................................. ii
1. Introduction ............................................................................................................................... 1
2. Handheld Thermal Imagers Overview ...................................................................................... 1
2.1 Current Technology .......................................................................................................... 1
2.1.1 Video Polarity ........................................................................................................ 2
2.1.2 Resolution, Field of View, and Zoom ................................................................... 2
2.1.3 Display Types ........................................................................................................ 2
2.2 Applications ...................................................................................................................... 3
2.3 Ingress Protection.............................................................................................................. 3
2.4 Standards/Regulations ....................................................................................................... 3
2.5 Emerging Technologies .................................................................................................... 4
3. Product Information–Vendor Provided..................................................................................... 4
4. Product Information–Researched............................................................................................ 14
5. Vendor Contact Information ................................................................................................... 18
6. Summary ................................................................................................................................. 19
Appendix A. Ingress Protection (IP) Rating ........................................................................... A-1

LIST OF TABLES
Table 3-1. Law Enforcement Handheld Thermal Imagers – Vendor Provided ............................. 5
Table 3-2. Fire Service Handheld Thermal Imagers – Vendor Provided .................................... 11
Table 4-1. Law Enforcement Handheld Thermal Imagers – Researched .................................... 15
Table 4-2. Fire Service Handheld Thermal Imagers – Researched ............................................. 16
Table 5-1. Vendor Contact Information....................................................................................... 18

LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 2-1. The Electromagnetic Spectrum ................................................................................... 1
Figure 2-2. Video Polarity ............................................................................................................. 2

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1. INTRODUCTION
Handheld thermal imagers display an object’s heat signature and residual heat signature thereby
making handheld thermal imagers a valuable investigative tool for law enforcement and fire
service personnel. To provide emergency responders with information on handheld thermal
imagers, the System Assessment and Validation for Emergency Responders (SAVER) Program
conducted a market survey.
This market survey report is based on information gathered from December 2014 to May 2015
from vendors, Internet research, industry publications, an emergency responder focus group, and
a government issued Request for Information (RFI) that was posted on the Federal Business
Opportunities website. For inclusion in this report, the handheld thermal imagers had to meet the
following criteria:
• A minimum refresh rate of 30 Hertz (Hz)
• Marketed to law enforcement or fire service
• Have an uncooled microbolometer.
Due diligence was performed to develop a report that is representative of products in the
marketplace.

2. HANDHELD THERMAL IMAGERS OVERVIEW

Handheld thermal imagers are available in assorted styles with different features, configurations,
and components, which address various law enforcement or fire service applications.

2.1 Current Technology

Handheld thermal imagers operate within the infrared (IR) bandwidth of the electromagnetic
spectrum at the far-IR wavelength. Figure 2-1 illustrates that only certain wavelengths of the
electromagnetic spectrum are visible to the human eye. Infrared wavelengths are not visible to
the human eye, and these are the wavelengths detected by handheld thermal imagers.

Figure 2-1. The Electromagnetic Spectrum

Image courtesy of Space and Naval Warfare (SPAWAR) Systems Center Atlantic

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 Handheld Thermal Imagers Market Survey Report

Handheld thermal imagers use a microbolometer detector to allow users to see thermal infrared
radiation emitted by objects. The detector converts thermal energy photons to electrons in order
to create an image corresponding to the temperature differences in the scene, but only photons at
the energy level corresponding to the 3,000 to 14,000 nanometer (nm) wavelength are detected.
Handheld thermal imagers are lightweight and compact. Many handheld thermal imagers are
equipped with a hand strap or over-the-shoulder strap for ease of use. Handheld thermal imagers
often differ in video polarity, resolution, field of view, zoom capability, and display types.

2.1.1 Video Polarity

Video polarity is the color or shade displayed when infrared differences are detected. Video
polarity aids in understanding the various heat levels emitted from people and objects in the
surrounding area. The three most common video polarity display modes are white hot, black hot,
and color, as illustrated in Figure 2-2.

White Hot Black Hot Color

Figure 2-2. Video Polarity
White Hot and Color images are courtesy of SPAWAR Systems Center Atlantic;
Black Hot image is courtesy of E. D. Bullard Company.

2.1.2 Resolution, Field of View, and Zoom

The resolution of a handheld thermal imager is an indicator of its ability to resolve detail in an
image. Although it is not the sole determining factor, a higher resolution greatly contributes to
capturing a clear, high quality image. This is due to the fact that a higher resolution imager uses
more pixels, allowing more detail of the scene to be captured and displayed. Field of view is the
angle of observation visible through a thermal imager and varies depending on the model and/or
the lens selected. Many handheld thermal imagers have an electronic zoom feature that
magnifies the image by cropping and enlarging the viewed area.

2.1.3 Display Types

Common display types for handheld thermal imagers include LCD and organic light-emitting
diode (OLED). Monocular and bi-ocular thermal imagers display the thermal image through the
eyepiece, whereas other handheld thermal imagers feature a small screen to display the image.
Some handheld thermal imagers have video/image capture capability. In addition, some thermal
imagers are equipped with a video output option that enables the image to be displayed on an
external display. Common video output options include National Television System Committee
(NTSC), phase alternating line (PAL), and RS-170. Video may also be available in a digital

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format via a USB connection. NTSC and RS-170 are standard video formats used widely in both
North and South America, excluding Brazil. Most of Europe, Brazil, Australia, and Asia use the
PAL standard.

2.2 Applications
Law enforcement and fire service personnel encounter various scenarios that could benefit from
the use of handheld thermal imagers. Common law enforcement and fire service applications
include:
Law Enforcement:
• Identifying suspicious activity in total darkness without drawing attention
• Building searches to find hostages or suspects
• SWAT and tactical operations
• Search and rescue
• Locating recently disturbed surfaces (e.g., overturned soil)
• Locating hidden items and/or heat sources behind walls
• Retrieving evidence discarded by suspects (e.g., recently fired weapons or ejected
shell casings)
• Traffic investigations (e.g., locate and document tire skid marks).
Fire Service:
• Locating victims in poor visibility
• Detecting hot spots and hidden fires
• Identifying the source and spread of fires
• Aid in navigation of smoky environments
• Locating forensic evidence
• Assessing effectiveness of firefighting techniques and training.

2.3 Ingress Protection

The Ingress Protection (IP) rating, established by the International Electrotechnical Commission
(IEC), is a standard for rating a product’s protection against solids and liquids. Refer to
Appendix A for an explanation of IP ratings.

2.4 Standards/Regulations
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1801: Standard on Thermal Imagers for Fire
Service, 2013 Edition, provides information that jurisdictions may find useful when selecting
thermal imagers. This standard is included for reference purposes and only as it applies to the
utilization of thermal imagers.

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 Handheld Thermal Imagers Market Survey Report

In addition to NFPA 1801, NFPA 1670: Standard on Operations and Training for Technical
Search and Rescue Incidents, 2014 Edition, identifies and establishes levels of functional
capability for conducting operations at technical search and rescue incidents while minimizing
threats to rescuers. The requirements of this standard shall apply to organizations that provide
response to technical search and rescue incidents, including those not regulated by governmental
mandates. For additional information, including complete standards descriptions, refer to
www.nfpa.org.

2.5 Emerging Technologies

Recent developments allow for thermal imager integration with smartphones. This technology is
now available for use on multiple models of smartphones by means of a protective case, a
modular component that connects to the bottom of the smartphone, or as an attachment that
covers the smartphone camera. Smartphone thermal imaging is primarily used for commercial
purposes (e.g., detecting heat loss in buildings, plumbing applications). Smartphone thermal
imaging technology is not as advanced as the handheld thermal imagers discussed in this market
survey. However, agencies may find this an inexpensive and useful tool to supplement their
standard issue equipment for patrol officers and fire service personnel.

3. PRODUCT INFORMATION–VENDOR PROVIDED

This section provides information on more than 30 handheld thermal imagers that range in price
from $2,295 to $15,329. Table 3-1 and Table 3-2 provide general product specifications for
handheld thermal imagers marketed to law enforcement and fire service respectively. Product
information presented in this section was obtained from an RFI and directly from vendors and
their websites. The information has not been independently verified by the SAVER Program.

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Table 3-1. Law Enforcement Handheld Thermal Imagers – Vendor Provided

Vendor: American Technologies Network (ATN) Corp.
Warranty Duration: 3 years Battery Type: CR123A Lithium
Display: Monocular OLED Startup Time: 4 seconds
Video Output: RS-170 Battery Runtime: 2 hours
Field of View: 25° Weight: 0.83 pounds
Optical Magnification1: 1x Dimensions (LxWxH):
Electronic Zoom2: 2x, 4x 4.0x2.4x3.3 inches
Resolution: 336x256 Color: Black
OTS-X-E314 1X Refresh Rate: 60Hz IP Rating: NP
MSRP: $3,695 Video Polarity: White hot, black Image Capture: Yes
hot, color Video Capture: No
Warranty Duration: 3 years Battery Type: CR123A Lithium
Display: Monocular OLED Startup Time: 4 seconds
Video Output: RS-170 Battery Runtime: 2 hours
Field of View: 11° Weight: 1.1 pounds
Optical Magnification1: 2x Dimensions (LxWxH):
Electronic Zoom2: 4x, 8x 5.75x2.4x3.3 inches
Resolution: 336x256 Color: Black
OTS-X-E330 2X Refresh Rate: 60Hz IP Rating: NP
MSRP: $4,199 Video Polarity: White hot, black Image Capture: Yes
hot, color Video Capture: No
Warranty Duration: 3 years Battery Type: CR123A Lithium
Display: Monocular OLED Startup Time: 4 seconds
Video Output: RS-170 Battery Runtime: 2 hours
Field of View: 7° Weight: 1.4 pounds
Optical Magnification1: 4x Dimensions (LxWxH):
Electronic Zoom2: 8x, 16x 6.5x2.4x3.3 inches
Resolution: 336x256 Color: Black
OTS-X-E350 4X Refresh Rate: 60Hz IP Rating: NP
MSRP: $4,695 Video Polarity: White hot, black Image Capture: Yes
hot, color Video Capture: No
Warranty Duration: 3 years Battery Type: CR123A Lithium
Display: Monocular OLED Startup Time: 4 seconds
Video Output: RS-170 Battery Runtime: 2 hours
Field of View: 4.5° Weight: 1.75 pounds
Optical Magnification1: 6x Dimensions (LxWxH):
Electronic Zoom2: 12x, 24x 7.0x3.0x3.3 inches
Resolution: 336x256 Color: Black
OTS-X-E370 6X Refresh Rate: 60Hz IP Rating: NP
MSRP: $5,195 Video Polarity: White hot, black Image Capture: Yes
hot, color Video Capture: No

See page 10 for notes and definitions of the abbreviations used throughout this table.

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Vendor: American Technologies Network (ATN) Corp. (continued)

Warranty Duration: 3 years Battery Type: CR123A Lithium
Display: Monocular OLED Startup Time: 4 seconds
Video Output: RS-170 Battery Runtime: 2 hours
Field of View: 45° Weight: 0.83 pounds
Optical Magnification1: 0.5x Dimensions (LxWxH):
Electronic Zoom2: 1x, 2x, 4x 4.0x2.4x3.3 inches
Resolution: 640x512 Color: Black
OTS-X-F614 0.5X Refresh Rate: 30Hz IP Rating: NP
MSRP: $5,195 Video Polarity: White hot, black Image Capture: Yes
hot, color Video Capture: No
Warranty Duration: 3 years Battery Type: CR123A Lithium
Display: Monocular OLED Startup Time: 4 seconds
Video Output: RS-170 Battery Runtime: 2 hours
Field of View: 22° Weight: 1.1 pounds
Optical Magnification1: 1.5x Dimensions (LxWxH):
Electronic Zoom2: 3x, 6x, 12x 5.75x2.4x3.3 inches
Resolution: 640x512 Color: Black
OTS-X-F630 1.5X Refresh Rate: 30Hz IP Rating: NP
MSRP: $5,695 Video Polarity: White hot, black Image Capture: Yes
hot, color Video Capture: No
Warranty Duration: 3 years Battery Type: CR123A Lithium
Display: Monocular OLED Startup Time: 4 seconds
Video Output: RS-170 Battery Runtime: 2 hours
Field of View: 14° Weight: 1.4 pounds
Optical Magnification1: 2.5x Dimensions (LxWxH):
Electronic Zoom2: 5x, 10x, 20x 6.5x2.4x3.3 inches
Resolution: 640x512 Color: Black
OTS-X-F650 2.5X Refresh Rate: 30Hz IP Rating: NP
MSRP: $6,195 Video Polarity: White hot, black Image Capture: Yes
hot, color Video Capture: No
Warranty Duration: 3 years Battery Type: CR123A Lithium
Display: Monocular OLED Startup Time: 4 seconds
Video Output: RS-170 Battery Runtime: 2 hours
Field of View: 9° Weight: 1.75 pounds
Optical Magnification1: 3.5x Dimensions (LxWxH):
Electronic Zoom2: 7x, 14x, 28x 7.0x3.0x3.3 inches
Resolution: 640x512 Color: Black
OTS-X-F670 3.5X Refresh Rate: 30Hz IP Rating: NP
MSRP: $6,695 Video Polarity: White hot, black Image Capture: Yes
hot, color Video Capture: No

See page 10 for notes and definitions of the abbreviations used throughout this table.

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Vendor: E. D. Bullard Company

Warranty Duration: 1 year Battery Type: Proprietary
Display: 2.4-inch LCD rechargeable NiMH
Video Output: NTSC Startup Time: 4 seconds
Field of View: 15.75°x21° Battery Runtime: 3 hours
Optical Magnification: 1x Weight: 1.5 pounds
Resolution: 80x60, 160x120 Dimensions (LxWxH):
(selected at purchase) 6.5x4.0x3.4 inches
Edge Refresh Rate: 30Hz Color: Black
MSRP: NP Video Polarity: White hot, black IP Rating: IP67
hot, nocturnal (colors the image in Image Capture: No
red) Video Capture: No
Warranty Duration: 5 years Battery Type: Proprietary
Display: 3.5-inch LCD rechargeable NiMH
Video Output: NTSC Startup Time: 30 seconds
Field of View: 13°x9.8° Battery Runtime: 3 hours
Optical Magnification: 1x Weight: 3.5 pounds
Electronic Zoom2: 4x Dimensions (LxWxH):
Resolution: 320x240 4.25x7.5x6.0 inches
TacSight SE35 Refresh Rate: 30Hz Color: Black
MSRP: NP Video Polarity: White hot, black IP Rating: IP65
hot Image Capture: Optional
Video Capture: Optional
Vendor: FLIR Systems Inc.
Warranty Duration: 1 year Battery Type: AA NiMH or
Display: Bi-ocular LCD Alkaline
Video Output: NTSC or PAL Startup Time: 90 seconds
Field of View1: QD35 lens Battery Runtime: 4 hours (NiMH)
13°x10°; QD65 lens 7°x5°; QD100 Weight: 2.2 pounds3
BHS-X Series: QD35 lens 5°x3° Dimensions (LxWxH)4:
MSRP: $8,188 Optical Magnification: NP 11.0x6.5x2.63 inches
BHS-X Series: QD65 Electronic Zoom2: 2x Color: Black
MSRP: $9,448 Resolution: 320x240 IP Rating: IP66
BHS-X Series: QD100 Refresh Rate: 30Hz Image Capture: Yes
MSRP: $11,548 Video Polarity: White hot, black Video Capture: Yes
hot
Warranty Duration: 1 year Battery Type: AA NiMH or
Display: Bi-ocular LCD Alkaline
Video Output: NTSC or PAL Startup Time: 90 seconds
Field of View1: QD35 lens Battery Runtime: 4 hours (NiMH)
18°x13°; QD65 lens 10°x8°; Weight: 2.2 pounds3
BHS-XR Series: QD35 QD100 lens 6°x4° Dimensions (LxWxH) 4:
MSRP: $9,238 Optical Magnification: NP 11.0x6.5x2.63 inches
BHS-XR Series: QD65 Electronic Zoom2: 2x, 4x Color: Black
MSRP: $10,498 Resolution: 640x480 (sensor); IP Rating: IP66
BHS-XR Series: QD100 320x240 (viewfinder) Image Capture: Yes
MSRP: $12,598 Refresh Rate: 30Hz Video Capture: Yes
Video Polarity: White hot, black
hot
See page 10 for notes and definitions of the abbreviations used throughout this table.

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Vendor: FLIR Systems Inc. (continued)

Warranty Duration: 1 year Battery Type: AA NiMH or
Display: Monocular LCD Alkaline
Video Output: NTSC or PAL Startup Time: 90 seconds
Field of View: 7°x5° Battery Runtime: 4 hours (NiMH)
Optical Magnification: 1x Weight: 2.17 pounds
HS-307 Patrol Electronic Zoom2: 2x Dimensions (LxWxH):
MSRP: $7,899 Resolution: 320x240 10.96x3.33x2.62 inches
HS-307 Command Refresh Rate: 30Hz Color: Black
MSRP: $8,929 Video Polarity: White hot, black IP Rating: IP67
hot Image Capture: Yes (Command)
Video Capture: Yes (Command)
Warranty Duration: 1 year Battery Type: AA NiMH or
Display: Monocular LCD Alkaline
Video Output: NTSC or PAL Startup Time: 90 seconds
Field of View: 24°x18° Battery Runtime: 5 hours (NiMH)
Optical Magnification5: 1x Weight: 1.59 pounds
Electronic Zoom2: 2x Dimensions (LxWxH):
HS-324 Patrol Resolution: 320x240 9.36x3.33x2.62 inches
MSRP: $5,249 Refresh Rate: 30Hz Color: Black
HS-324 Command Video Polarity: White hot, black IP Rating: IP67
MSRP: $6,299 hot Image Capture: Yes (Command)
Video Capture: Yes (Command)
Warranty Duration: 1 year Battery Type: Proprietary
Display: Monocular OLED rechargeable Li-ion
Video Output: USB Startup Time: 2 seconds
Field of View: LS-X 17°x13°; Battery Runtime: 5 hours
LS-XR 18°x14° Weight: 0.81 pounds
LS-X Optical Magnification: 1x Dimensions (LxWxH):
MSRP: $3,499 Electronic Zoom2: LS-X – 2x, 4x; 6.7x2.31x2.44 inches
LS-XR LS- XR – 2x, 4x, 8x Color: Black
MSRP: $5,999 Resolution: LS-X 336x256; IP Rating: IP67
LS- XR 640x512 Image Capture: No
Refresh Rate: LS-X 60Hz; Video Capture: No
LS-XR 30Hz
Video Polarity: White hot, black
hot
Warranty Duration: 1 year Battery Type: CR123A Lithium
Display: Monocular OLED Startup Time: 3 seconds
Video Output: NTSC or PAL Battery Runtime: 3 hours
Field of View: 18.7°x14° Weight: 1.06 pounds
Optical Magnification: 1x Dimensions (LxWxH):
Electronic Zoom2: 2x, 4x 5.0x3.25x2.25 inches
Resolution: 640x480 Color: Black
Recon M18 Refresh Rate: 30Hz IP Rating: NP
MSRP: $11,025 Video Polarity: White hot, black Image Capture: No
hot Video Capture: No

See page 10 for notes and definitions of the abbreviations used throughout this table.

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Vendor: FLIR Systems Inc. (continued)

Warranty Duration: 1 year Battery Type: CR123A Lithium
Display: Monocular LCD Startup Time: 3 seconds
Video Output: RS-170 or PAL Battery Runtime: 3 hours
Field of View: 24°x18° Weight: 0.88 pounds
Optical Magnification: 1x Dimensions (LxWxH):
Electronic Zoom2: 2x, 4x 4.6x2.5x3.0 inches
Resolution: 320x240 Color: Black
Recon M24 Refresh Rate: 30Hz IP Rating: NP
MSRP: $5,880 Video Polarity: White hot, black Image Capture: No
hot Video Capture: No

Vendor: L-3/EOTech Inc.

Warranty Duration: 3 years Battery Type: AA Lithium
Display: Monocular LCD Startup Time: 5 seconds
Video Output: NTSC Battery Runtime: 6 hours
Field of View: 12°x9° Weight: 0.83 pounds
Optical Magnification: 1x Dimensions (LxWxH):
Electronic Zoom2: 2x, 3x, 4x 5.25x4.5x2.0 inches
Resolution: 320x240 Color: Black
X320 Refresh Rate: 30Hz IP Rating: IP67
MSRP: $3,799 Video Polarity: White hot, black Image Capture: No
hot, color Video Capture: No

Warranty Duration: 3 years Battery Type: AA Lithium

Display: Monocular LCD Startup Time: 5 seconds
Video Output: NTSC Battery Runtime: 5 hours
Field of View: 5002331-1 Weight: 0.83 pounds
18°x13.5°; 5002330-1 24°x18° Dimensions (LxWxH):
Optical Magnification: 1x 5.25x4.5x2.0 inches
Electronic Zoom2: 2x, 3x, 4x Color: Black/Tan
X640 (5002331-1) Resolution: 640x480 IP Rating: IP67
MSRP: $5,499 Refresh Rate: 30Hz Image Capture: No
X640 (5002330-1) Video Polarity: White hot, black Video Capture: No
MSRP: $5,699 hot, color
Vendor: L-3/Insight Technology
Warranty Duration: 1 year Battery Type: AA Lithium
Display: Monocular OLED Startup Time: 5 seconds
Video Output: RS-170 Battery Runtime: 4 hours
Field of View: 26.2° Weight: 1.03 pounds
Optical Magnification: 1x Dimensions (LxWxH):
Electronic Zoom2: 2x 3.75x2.95x2.7 inches
Resolution: 640x480 Color: Tan
CRATOS Handheld Refresh Rate: 60Hz IP Rating: IP68
MSRP: $13,860 Video Polarity: White hot, black Image Capture: Yes
hot, color Video Capture: No
See page 10 for notes and definitions of the abbreviations used throughout this table.

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Vendor: L-3/Insight Technology (continued)

Warranty Duration: 1 year Battery Type: CR123A Lithium
Display: Monocular OLED Startup Time: 5 seconds
Video Output: RS-170 Battery Runtime: 4.5 hours
Field of View: 23.6° Weight: 0.81 pounds
Optical Magnification5: 1x Dimensions (LxWxH):
Electronic Zoom2: 2x, 4x 5.0x2.8x2.2 inches
Resolution: 320x240 Color: Black
MTM Refresh Rate: 60Hz IP Rating: IP68
MSRP: $10,999 Video Polarity: White hot, black Image Capture: No
hot, color Video Capture:No
Warranty Duration: 1 year Battery Type: CR123A Lithium
Display: Monocular OLED Startup Time: 5 seconds
Video Output: RS-170 Battery Runtime: 4 hours
Field of View: 30° Weight: 0.81 pounds
Optical Magnification6: 1x Dimensions (LxWxH):
Electronic Zoom2: 2x, 4x 5.0x2.8x2.2 inches
Resolution: 640x480 Color: Black
MTM-PI Refresh Rate: 60Hz IP Rating: IP68
MSRP: $15,329 Video Polarity: White hot, black Image Capture: Yes
hot, color Video Capture: Yes
Notes:
NP—information not provided
Display—organic light-emitting diode (OLED)
Video Output—National Television System Committee (NTSC); phase alternating line (PAL)
Battery Type—lithium-ion (Li-ion); nickel metal hydride (NiMH)
Dimensions—L—length; W—width; H—height
IP Rating—ingress protection (IP)
1
Lenses are interchangable and may be purchased seperately.
2
Electronic zoom includes optical magnification.
3
Weight without lens.
4
Dimensions without lens.
5
Optional 3x extender lens available for $1,999.
6
Optional 2x extender lens available for $1,399.
Information in the table is based on data gathered from vendors and their websites from December 2014 to May 2015.

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Table 3-2. Fire Service Handheld Thermal Imagers – Vendor Provided

Vendor: Avon Protection Systems Inc.
Warranty Duration: 1 year Battery Type: Proprietary
Display: 3.5-inch LCD rechargeable NiMH
Video Output: NTSC or PAL Startup Time: 3 seconds
Field of View: 50°x37.5° Battery Runtime: 4 hours
Optical Magnification: 1x Weight: 3.8 pounds
Electronic Zoom1: 2x, 4x Dimensions (LxWxH):
Resolution: 320x240 8.0x6.25x5.25 inches
nVision XTP Refresh Rate: 30Hz Color: Grey
MSRP: $10,000 Video Polarity: White hot, color IP Rating: IP67
Image Capture: No
Video Capture: Optional
Vendor: E. D. Bullard Company
Warranty Duration: 1 year Battery Type: Proprietary
Display: 2.4-inch LCD rechargeable NiMH
Video Output: NTSC Startup Time: 4 seconds
Field of View: 33°x45° Battery Runtime: 3 hours
Optical Magnification: 1x Weight: 1.5 pounds
Resolution: 80x60, 160x120 Dimensions (LxWxH):
(selected at purchase) 6.5x4.0x3.4 inches
Eclipse Refresh Rate: 30Hz Color: Red, yellow, black, white,
MSRP: NP Video Polarity: White hot orange, blue, or lime-yellow
(selected at purchase)
IP Rating: IP67
Image Capture: No
Video Capture: No
Warranty Duration: 5 years Battery Type: Proprietary
Display: 3.5-inch LCD rechargeable NiMH
Video Output: NTSC Startup Time: 4 seconds
Field of View: 31°x40° Battery Runtime: 2 hours
Optical Magnification: 1x Weight: 1.9 pounds
Resolution: 240x180 Dimensions (LxWxH):
Refresh Rate: 60Hz 7.7x5.2x4.3 inches
Eclipse LDX Video Polarity: White hot Color: Metallic blue, red, yellow,
MSRP: NP black, white, orange, blue, or
lime-yellow (selected at purchase)
IP Rating: IP67
Image Capture: Optional
Video Capture: Optional
See page 13 for notes and definitions of the abbreviations used throughout this table.

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 Handheld Thermal Imagers Market Survey Report

Vendor: E. D. Bullard Company (continued)

Warranty Duration: 5 years Battery Type: Proprietary
Display: 3.5-inch LCD rechargeable NiMH
Video Output: NTSC Startup Time: 5 seconds
Field of View: 31°x40° Battery Runtime: 5 hours
Optical Magnification: 1x Weight: 2.56 pounds
Resolution: 240x180 Dimensions (LxWxH):
Refresh Rate: 30Hz 7.3x5.7x4.0 inches
T3X
Video Polarity: White hot Color: Metallic blue, red, yellow,
MSRP: NP
black, white, orange, blue, or
lime-yellow (selected at purchase)
IP Rating: IP67
Image Capture: Optional
Video Capture: Optional
Warranty Duration: 1 year Battery Type: Proprietary
Display: 4.3-inch LCD rechargeable NiMH
Video Output: NTSC Startup Time: 4 seconds
Field of View: 32°x50° Battery Runtime: 3 hours
Optical Magnification: 1x Weight: 3.7 pounds
Electronic Zoom1: 2x, 4x Dimensions (LxWxH):
Resolution: 320x240 5.8x7.9x5.5 inches
T4MAX Refresh Rate: 30Hz Color: Metallic blue, red, yellow,
MSRP: NP Video Polarity: White hot black, white, orange, blue, or
lime-yellow (selected at purchase)
IP Rating: IP67
Image Capture: Optional
Video Capture: Optional
Warranty Duration: 1 year Battery Type: Proprietary
Display: 4.3-inch LCD rechargeable NiMH
Video Output: NTSC Startup Time: 4 seconds
Field of View: 32°x50° Battery Runtime: 2.5 hours
Optical Magnification: 1x Weight: 3.9 pounds
Electronic Zoom1: 2x, 4x Dimensions (LxWxH):
T4N Resolution: 320x240 6.0x7.9x5.5 inches
MSRP: NP Refresh Rate: 30Hz Color: Red, yellow, black, white,
Video Polarity: White hot orange, blue, or lime-yellow
(selected at purchase)
IP Rating: IP67
Image Capture: Optional
Video Capture: Optional
See page 13 for notes and definitions of the abbreviations used throughout this table.

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 Handheld Thermal Imagers Market Survey Report

Vendor: FLIR Systems Inc.

Warranty Duration: 2 years Battery Type: Proprietary Li-ion
Display: 4.0-inch LCD Startup Time: 17 seconds
Video Output: NTSC or PAL Battery Runtime: 4 hours
Field of View: 51°x38° Weight: 2.43 pounds
Optical Magnification: 1x Dimensions (LxWxH):
Electronic Zoom1: 2x 4.72x4.9x11.0 inches
Resolution: K45 240x180; Color: Black
K Series K45 K55 320x240 IP Rating: IP67
MSRP: $4,195 Refresh Rate: 60Hz Image Capture: Yes
K Series K55 Video Polarity: White hot, black Video Capture: Yes (K55)
MSRP: $5,495 hot, color
Vendor: Palmer Wahl Instrumentation Group
Warranty Duration: 2 years Battery Type: Rechargeable Li-ion
Display: 3.5inch LCD Startup Time: 50 seconds
Video Output: NTSC or PAL Battery Runtime: 3 hours
Field of View: 17.5°x13° Weight: 1.65 pounds
Optical Magnification: 1x Dimensions (LxWxH):
Electronic Zoom1: 2x 5.9x4.5x9.0 inches
Resolution: 160x120 Color: Blue
Heat Spy Z30 Refresh Rate: 30Hz IP Rating: IP54
MSRP: $2,295 Video Polarity: Z30 – 4 color Image Capture: Yes (optional for
Heat Spy Z50 palettes; Z50 – 11 color palettes Heat Spy Z30)
MSRP: $2,995 Video Capture: No
Warranty Duration: 2 years Battery Type: Rechargeable Li-ion
Display: 3.5inch LCD Startup Time: 50 seconds
Video Output: NTSC or PAL Battery Runtime: 4 hours
Field of View: 25°x19° Weight: 1.65 pounds
Optical Magnification: 1x Dimensions (LxWxH):
Electronic Zoom1: 2x, 4x 5.9x4.5x9.0 inches
Resolution: 384x288 Color: Blue
Heat Spy Z70 Refresh Rate: 30Hz IP Rating: IP54
MSRP: $4,495 Video Polarity: Color Image Capture: Yes
Video Capture: No
Warranty Duration: 2 years Battery Type: Rechargeable Li-ion
Display: 3.6-inch LCD Startup Time: 50 seconds
Video Output: NTSC or PAL Battery Runtime: 3 hours
Field of View: 25°x19° Weight: 2.16 pounds
Optical Magnification: 1x Dimensions (LxWxH):
Electronic Zoom1: 2x, 4x 9.64x4.13x9.0 inches
Resolution: Z150 160x120; Color: Blue
Heat Spy Z150 Z170 384x288 IP Rating: IP54
MSRP: $3,495 Refresh Rate: 60Hz Image Capture: Yes
Heat Spy Z170 Video Polarity: Color Video Capture: Yes
MSRP: $6,495
Notes:
Video Output—National Television System Committee (NTSC); phase alternating line (PAL)
Battery Type—lithium-ion (Li-ion); nickel metal hydride (NiMH)
IP Rating—ingress protection (IP)
1
Electronic zoom includes optical magnification.
Information in the table is based on data gathered from vendors and their websites from December 2014 to May 2015.

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 Handheld Thermal Imagers Market Survey Report

4. PRODUCT INFORMATION–RESEARCHED
This section provides general product specifications on more than 30 handheld thermal imagers.
All products feature user-replaceable batteries and all of the thermal imagers for law
enforcement are black in color. All products listed for fire service have an IP67 rating with the
exception of the Scott Safety Eagle Imager 320, which has an IP54 rating. Contact the vendor
for pricing of these products. Table 4-1 and Table 4-2 provide general product specifications for
handheld thermal imagers marketed to law enforcement and fire service, respectively.
Specifications presented in this section were obtained from Internet and industry publication
research. The information has not been independently verified by the SAVER Program.

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 Handheld Thermal Imagers Market Survey Report

Table 4-1. Law Enforcement Handheld Thermal Imagers – Researched

Ingress Protection
Available Battery
Warranty (years)

(inches, LxWxH)
Battery Runtime

Weight (pounds)
Video Polarity

Commercially

Startup Time
Field of View

Battery Type

Dimensions

(IP) Rating
Resolution

(seconds)
Display

(hours)
Zoom
Vendor Product
Argus 160 P Monocular 3.5°, 6.5°,
2 160x120 W, B DR5 Li-ion  5 5 9.1x3.7x3.0 2.1 IP65
Type series OLED 12°, or 26°
Argus 160 TT 3.5-inch
2 26° or 50° 160x120 W, B DR5 Li-ion  5 5 11.1x3.6x2.9 1.6 IP65
Type series LCD
Argus 320 P Monocular 7°, 10°, 13°,
e2v Inc. 2 320x240 W, B DR5 Li-ion  5 5 9.1x3.7x3.0 2.1 IP65
Type series OLED 24°, or 50°
Argus 320 TT 3.5-inch
2 24° or 50° 320x240 W, B DR5 Li-ion  5 5 11.1x3.6x2.9 1.6 IP65
Type series LCD
Argus F Type 3.5-inch
2 25° or 50° 2x, 4x 320x240 NP NiMH NP 4 5 5.1x7.2x7.2 3.4 IP67
series LCD
TIM‐ Monocular
7 23°x17° 2x, 4x 384x288 W, B AA Lithium  7 4 5.3x2.0x1.8 0.8 NP
14CGAA OLED
TIM‐ Monocular
General Starlight 7 23°x17° 2x, 4x 640x480 W, B AA Lithium  7 4 5.3x2.0x1.8 0.8 NP
14CGAA‐17 OLED
Company Inc.
(GSCI) TIM‐ Monocular
7 23°x17° 2x, 4x 384x288 W, B AA Lithium  7 4 5.3x2.0x1.8 0.8 NP
14DXAA OLED
TIM‐ Monocular
7 23°x17° 2x, 4x 640x480 W, B AA Lithium  7 4 5.3x2.0x1.8 0.8 NP
14DXAA‐17 OLED
Integrated
T5 Thermal 3.5-inch
Technology NP NP 2x, 4x 320x240 C Li-ion NP 10 NP 12.5x10.0x5.5 3.0 NP
All-in-One LCD
Systems LLC
Scott Safety Eagle Attack 2 NP NP 160x120 W Li-ion 5 NP NP 1.7 IP67
Notes:
Blank Cell—product is not equipped with corresponding feature Display—organic light-emitting diode (OLED)
—system is equipped with corresponding feature Video Polarity—white hot (W); black hot (B); color (C)
NP—information not provided Battery Type—lithium-ion (Li-ion); nickel metal hydride (NiMH)
Information in the table is based on data gathered from Internet and industry publication research from December 2014 to May 2015.

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 Handheld Thermal Imagers Market Survey Report

Table 4-2. Fire Service Handheld Thermal Imagers – Researched

Warranty Duration (years)

Battery Runtime (hours)

Commercially Available

Startup Time (seconds)

(inches, LxWxH),

Weight (pounds)
Video Polarity
Video Output

Field of View

Battery Type

Dimensions
Resolution

Battery
Display

Zoom

Color
Vendor Product
3.5-inch Alkaline or
UCF-6000 NP USB 47°x32° 160x120 NP  2 or 41 NP 4.9x11.0x4.3 2.9 Blue
LCD Li-ion
3.5-inch Alkaline or
UCF-7000 NP USB 47°x32° 2x 160x120 NP  2 or 41 NP 4.9x11.0x4.3 2.9 Blue
LCD Li-ion
Draeger Safety
Inc. 3.5-inch Alkaline or
UCF-9000 2 USB 57°x41° 2x, 4x 384x288 NP  2 or 41 NP 4.9x11.0x4.3 2.9 Blue
LCD Li-ion
UCF-9000-
3.5-inch Alkaline or
(NFPA 2 USB 57°x41° 2x, 4x 384x288 NP  2 or 41 NP 4.9x11.0x4.3 2.9 Blue
LCD Li-ion
Certified)

Argus MI-TIC 2.7-inch Lithium

2 USB 50°x37.5° 160x120 W, B NP 2 or 52 5 8.0x3.8x3.35 1.7 Red
(MI-160) LCD Iron Phosphate

Argus MI-TIC 2.7-inch Lithium

2 USB 50°x37.5° 384x288 W, B NP 2 or 52 5 8.0x3.8x3.35 1.7 Red
(MI-320) LCD Iron Phosphate
e2v Inc.
3.5-inch
Argus4 160 2 NTSC 50°x37.5° 2x 160x120 W, B NiMH NP 4 5 5.1x7.2x7.2 3.4 Red
LCD
3.5-inch
Argus4 320 2 NTSC 50°x37.5° 2x, 4x 320x240 W, B NiMH NP 4 5 5.1x7.2x7.2 3.4 Red
LCD
3.5-inch
Argus4 HR320 2 NTSC 50°x37.5° 2x, 4x 320x240 W, B NiMH NP 4 5 5.1x7.2x7.2 3.4 Red
LCD
3.5-inch 54°
E380 1 NP 2x, 4x 384x288 W Li-ion NP 4 10 NP 2.9 Black
LCD Diagonal
ISG Infrasys3
3.5-inch 50°
Elite XR 1 NTSC 384x288 NP Alkaline or NiMH  3 or 54 5 5.4x6.5x4.5 2.6 Black
LCD Diagonal

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 Handheld Thermal Imagers Market Survey Report

Warranty Duration (years)

Battery Runtime (hours)

Commercially Available

Startup Time (seconds)

(inches, LxWxH),

Weight (pounds)
Video Polarity
Video Output

Field of View

Battery Type

Dimensions
Resolution

Battery
Display

Zoom

Color
Vendor Product
3.5-inch 59°
K85ST 1 NTSC 160x120 NP Alkaline or NiMH  3 or 54 5 5.4x6.5x4.5 3.0 Yellow
3
LCD Diagonal
ISG Infrasys
3.5-inch 54°
X380 1 NP 2x, 4x 384x288 NP Li-ion NP 4 10 5.0x4.5x9.0 2.1 Black
LCD Diagonal
Evolution 5600 2 NTSC 39°x39° 120x120 NP Li-ion NP 2 2 10.8x8.1x4.4 2.8 Black
Evolution 6000
2 USB 48°x37° 320x240 NP Li-ion NP 3.5 NP 7.3x4.8x11.6 2.7 Black
Basic
MSA Safety 3.5-inch
Incorporated Evolution 6000 LCD
2 USB 48°x37° 2x, 4x 320x240 C Li-ion NP 3 NP 7.3x4.8x11.6 2.8 Black
Extreme
Evolution 6000
2 USB 48°x37° 2x, 4x 320x240 C Li-ion NP 3.5 NP 7.3x4.8x11.6 2.7 Black
Plus
Eagle Imager 4-inch
Scott Safety 2 NP NP 2x, 4x 320x240 C NiMH NP 4 3 8.0x6.3x5.3 3.8 Black
320 LCD
Notes:
1
Blank Cell—product is not equipped with corresponding feature Battery runtime is dependent on battery type; 2 hours for alkaline batteries and 4 hours for Li-ion batteries.
—system is equipped with corresponding feature 2
Battery runtime is dependent on battery type; 2 hours for standard batteries and 5 hours for high-capacity
NP—information not provided batteries.
3
Video Output—National Television System Committee (NTSC) ISG Infrasys purchased by Scott Safety in November 2014.
4
Video Polarity— white hot (W); black hot (B); color (C) Battery runtime is dependent on the battery type; 3 hours for alkaline batteries and 5 hours for NiMH batteries.
Battery Type—lithium-ion (Li-ion); nickel metal hydride (NiMH)
Information in the table is based on data gathered from Internet and industry publication research from December 2014 to May 2015.

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 Handheld Thermal Imagers Market Survey Report

5. VENDOR CONTACT INFORMATION

Additional information on the handheld thermal imagers included in this market survey report
can be obtained from the vendors listed in Table 5-1.
Table 5-1. Vendor Contact Information
Vendor Phone Number Website/E-Mail Address
American Technologies Network (800) 910-2862 www.atncorp.com
(ATN) Corp. [email protected]
Avon Protection Systems Inc. (888) 286-6440 www.avon-protection.com
[email protected]
Draeger Safety Inc. (800) 858-1737 www.draeger.com

E. D. Bullard Company (877) 285-5273 www.bullard.com

[email protected]
e2v Inc. (800) 342-5338 www.argusdirect.com
[email protected]
FLIR Systems Inc. (877) 595-1989 www.flir.com
[email protected]
General Starlight Company Inc. (905) 850-0990 http://gsci1.com
(GSCI) [email protected]
Integrated Technology Systems (770) 307-1467 www.itssales.com
LLC
ISG Infrasys1 (877) 733-3473 www.scottsafety.com
www.isgfire.com
[email protected]
L-3/EOTech Inc. (888) 368-4656 www.eotechinc.com
[email protected]
L-3/Insight Technology (877) 744-4802 www.insighttechnology.com
[email protected]
MSA Safety Incorporated (877) 672-3473 http://us.msasafety.com
[email protected]
Palmer Wahl Instrumentation (800) 421-2853 www.wahlheatspy.com
Group [email protected]
Scott Safety (800) 247-7257 www.scottsafety.com
[email protected]
Notes:
1
ISG Infrasys purchased by Scott Safety in November 2014.

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 Handheld Thermal Imagers Market Survey Report

6. SUMMARY
This market survey report provides information on over 60 handheld thermal imagers. Handheld
thermal imagers are designed to be lightweight, compact, and easy to use. Many handheld
thermal imagers are equipped with a hand strap or over-the-shoulder strap for ease of use.
Handheld thermal imagers often differ in video polarity, resolution, field of view, zoom
capabilities, and display types. Most of the handheld thermal imagers in this market survey
report feature zoom, video/image capture capability, a video output option, and an IP65 rating or
higher. Considerations in purchasing a handheld thermal imager vary by user preference and
application. The preferred color of the handheld thermal imager varies by application. Those
designed for fire service use are typically available in bright colors, whereas handheld thermal
imagers designed for law enforcement use are typically available in more covert colors, such as
black or gray.
Emergency responder agencies that consider purchasing handheld thermal imagers should
carefully research each product’s overall capabilities and limitations in relation to their agency’s
operational needs.

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 Handheld Thermal Imagers Market Survey Report

APPENDIX A. INGRESS PROTECTION (IP) RATING

The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) Ingress Protection (IP) Rating specifies the level
of protection an enclosure provides against solid foreign objects and liquids. The first number refers to
protection against solid foreign objects, and the second number refers to protection against liquids. The
highest possible rating is IP68.

First Number Meaning Second Number Meaning

(Protection against solid foreign objects) (Protection against liquids)
0 No protection. 0 No protection.
Protected against solid
objects over 50 mm Protected against water
1 1
(e.g., accidental touch by falling vertically.
hand).
Protected against solid
Protected against direct
objects over 12 mm
2 2 sprays up to 15 degrees
(e.g., accidental touch by
from vertical.
finger).
Protected against solid Protected against direct
3 objects over 2.5 mm 3 sprays up to 60 degrees
(e.g., tools, wires). from vertical.
Protected against solid Protected against sprays
4 objects over 1 mm 4 from all directions.
(e.g., small wires). Limited ingress permitted.
Protected against low
Protected against
pressure jets of water from
5 dust-limited ingress 5
all directions. Limited
(no harmful deposit).
ingress permitted.
Protected against strong
jets of water. Limited
Totally protected against
6 6 ingress permitted
all dust.
(e.g., acceptable for use on
ship decks).
Protected against
temporary effects of
7
immersion between 15 cm
and 1 m for 30 minutes.
Protected against long
8 periods of immersion under
pressure.

A-1