[Southeast Power]

I Clicked on the banner ad for the Fluke IR instrument that has been taunting me all morning and decided that I need one, not want on but, need one.

Has anyone here used one of these low end or entry model type?

The FLK-VT04 and VT02 appear to have the same specifications with the 04 model being $200 more, in the upper $600 range. The 04 can be set up to monitor and might have some other features but, is it worth paying 50% more than the 02 model?

 

[zwodubber]

I got the VT02 when it was released to use for quick scans, it is really more of an IR thermometer than a thermal imager. I've read some posts/reviews on other sites and forums where unskilled people have purchased this simply to upsell unneeded repairs to customers simply because the display shows what appears to be overheating equipment.

It is useful as long as it is being used in the situation it was meant for. If you don't mind me asking, why do you need this it thermometer?

Feel free to ask any questions you have and I can provide more pictures for you when I'm at my laptop if you'd like.


When I received it

I carry it with as an added accessory to my FLIR

 

[Southeast Power]

I guess I had some concerns about the cost and why it was at the price point that it was.
From your comments, I now understand that it is a thermometer but, I see some relevance using it for finding hotspots.
Is there a practical difference for using FLIR as opposed to the technology in the Fluke instrument?
I see that it can capture images and they can be saved and printed for a report which may be my only application other than maybe scanning a panel or motor bearings.

 

[Tonedeaf]

Looks like a good cheap tool to generate sales. I bought my first Flir camera in the early 90's. Purchased it used and It cost as much as a new car. We used to be able to charge for scanning and generating a report. More and more the property managers i deal with took scanning out of their budgets.

So Nowadays we scan opportunistically when we do service work. Kinda of half ass, but just recently I picked up a panel change in a shoe store just because I had my camera with me when I was doing a service call.

 

[zwodubber]

I guess I had some concerns about the cost and why it was at the price point that it was. From your comments, I now understand that it is a thermometer but, I see some relevance using it for finding hotspots. Is there a practical difference for using FLIR as opposed to the technology in the Fluke instrument? I see that it can capture images and they can be saved and printed for a report which may be my only application other than maybe scanning a panel or motor bearings.

It does make finding hotspots easier. I will post up some pictures of the fluke display and the flir display so you can see the difference.

The fluke does come with reporting software which is pretty simple to use and generate documentation to show the customer. I'll also post a sample report from the fluke software so you can see how it looks.

I am out for most of the day but when I get home I'll get the info posted

 

[zwodubber]

OK just a few pics for now, my other laptop is at the office.

The VT02 will be helpful if you are looking for an overheating motor, and may be just what you are looking for. If you would like I'll get an image of a motor tomorrow with the Fluke.


The first 2 show exactly what you were looking for, picking out hotspots. One thing to note is that they appear "hot" they are well within operating specs. This can be deceiving to a customer.

Stripped down reports to show images from the VT02 and FLIR. The Fluke will show warmth while the Flir is for targeted troubleshooting.

 

[Southeast Power]

Ok so, it appears to be a whole different animal.
I think for thermometer use like I plan, one of the Fluke models is where I need to be.
Much thanks for the education.

John

 

[zwodubber]

Ok so, it appears to be a whole different animal.
I think for thermometer use like I plan, one of the Fluke models is where I need to be.
Much thanks for the education.

John

It sounds like the Fluke would be the product you need, glad I could help. If you have any other questions feel free to ask :thumbsup:

 

[MadDawg]

I just came across a FLIR attachment for the IPhone 5s for under $400.00
It doesn't have all the features, but you would always have it with you. It also contains a separate battery, which can be used to boost the phone battery.

LINK: http://www.flir.com/flirone/explore/

 

[FrunkSlammer]

Yeah that FLIR for iPhone is awesome enough to make me upgrade to a iPhone 5S if they don't have it for a 4S.

I don't need professional or quality, I just need gimmicks to show home owners and sell more junk.

 

[MadDawg]

Of course if you had pre recorded IR video of rodents running through the walls, you could mess with peoples minds as you "scan" their walls. Funnier would be a skeleton in the basement slab............

 

[FrunkSlammer]

I don't think it can see through walls or floors.. it just reads the surface tempature of things.

Otherwise would be a funny prank!