Patrollers with thermal cameras such as the FLIR LS, HS and BHS series in hand, have a tool for detecting and stopping criminals before they can steal items or damage property.
Designed for use on foot, the FLIR security range of thermal cameras allows security people to see at even the darkest of sites, and don’t rely at all on visible light to make an image. This makes thermal imaging cameras much more effective than traditional night vision equipment, which does still rely on visible light to make an image. Thermal imaging cameras work by detecting IR radiation, which is given off by practically every object in the world. This IR light is then converted into an image on the thermal camera, allowing users to clearly see hot objects (such as humans) regardless of whether they’re wearing dark clothing or hiding in areas such as dense foliage. Security users can see through darkness without the use of torches which may give away their position, and can detect things that shouldn’t be there when they may have otherwise remained hidden.
FLIR LS Series
FLIR’s LS series are entry-level single optic thermal cameras for tracking unauthorised people in an area. There are two devices in this range: the FLIR LS32, and the FLIR LS64. The LS64 is an upgraded version of the LS32.
LS32 Features
•2 x optical zoom
•Detection of human sized targets at up to 600 yards
•Detects vehicle heat at up to 1800 yards
•starts up in two seconds
•5 hour battery life
•326 x 256 detector with 17 x 13° field of view
•Simple operation with accessible buttons
LS64 Features
•Detection of human shaped targets at 1200 yards
•Detects vehicles up to 1.5miles away from camera
•2x, 4x and continuous optical zoom modes
•Switchable colour palettes
•Laser pointer
FLIR HS Series
There are four models available in FLIR’s HS series. These cameras produce better images than the LS series, but come with a larger price tag. There are technically two models – the HS-324 and the HS-307, but these are available in both standard and PRO kit forms. The major difference between the two is that the PRO models enable users to capture both images and video; the basic models are only used for tracking purposes.
HS-307 Features
•Silent running
•320 x 240 pixel images
•access to buttons on top of the device
•toggle brightness, polarity and zoom modes
•65mm lens included
HS-324 Features
•Shuttered eye piece designed not to reflect light
•2 x optical zoom
•320 x 240 image resolution
•Rugged design
•5 hour continuous operation
FLIR BHS Series
This thermal imaging camera is the best overall security camera available in FLIR’s range. It is dual optic (so it functions like a pair of binoculars) and is compatible with various different lenses to widen or contract the field of view.
There are two models in the BHS series: the FLIR BHS-X and the FLIR BHS-XR. Please note that both of these models do not ship as standard with a thermal lens.
FLIR BHS-X Features
•Compatible with 35, 65 and 100mm lenses
•Digital zoom up to 2 x
•320 x 240 standard resolution
•Silent running with shuttered lenses
•One touch video recording.
FLIR BHS-XR Features
•640 x 480 pixel quality
•Compatible with multiple lens types
•4 x optical zoom
•Video recording and image storage
•battery life of four hours continuous operation.
About PASS ltd
PASS (Portable Appliance Safety Services) are UK-based suppliers of thermal imaging cameras and equipment from manufacturers such as FLIR, Fluke, Testo and Cordex.
Also supplied a variety of test equipment for the electrical, environmental, industrial, gas, plumbing and various other sectors from a test equipment site, www.tester.co.uk.
