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Last month, a reader contacted me to point out that a thermal camera I had written about was an example of tech devices entering the U.S. market from China at very low prices. The reader also pointed out that, in their opinion, some of these thermal cameras aren't scientifically tested or properly vetted.
I thought that criticism was possibly a little harsh, but I can understand how people working in the tech sector can be unsettled by the speed of product development and the keen pricing coming out of China. It's certainly putting some domestic manufacturers under pressure and could be partly why President Trump has introduced tough tariffs on some Chinese products.
The technology behind thermal imaging is developing at a rapid pace and prices are falling. This new breed of consumer thermal cameras isn't designed as highly scientific tools for laboratory use and they probably won't be up to NASA's standards, but they are proving popular with hobbyists, HVAC engineers, electronics repair shops and even insulation installers.
To address the reader's concerns, I decided to take a closer look at the P1 Repair Master, the latest thermal camera from Thermal Master, designed for use in daily repair and inspection work by anyone who needs a portable thermal camera that can take temperature measurements using a smartphone. There are other brands besides Thermal Master and it's a sector that's heating up fast, if you'll excuse the pun.
The Thermal Master P1 Repair Master works with the latest iPhones and Android models and combines thermal imaging functions with what Thermal Master claims are professional-grade measurement tools. The P1 is aimed at engineers, electricians, HVAC technicians and DIY enthusiasts.
At the heart of the P1 Repair Master is a 320×240 X³IR resolution sensor driven by the RazorX ultra-clear algorithm. The P1 produces crisp infrared images that make spotting temperature differences easy, even on small components such as micro resistors or surface-mount capacitors. The sensor can detect temperatures ranging from -20°C to 600°C and claims an accuracy ±2°C, making it potentially useful for diagnosing low-temperature and high heat applications, whether that's on an electronic circuit board or aa part of a malfunctioning HVAC system.
The Thermal Master's high-sensitivity sensor claims to achieve a NETD (Noise Equivalent Temperature Difference) of ≤40mK, making it 43% more sensitive than entry-level mobile thermal cameras. Combined with a 25Hz frame rate, the P1 aims to deliver real-time infrared imaging with sufficient clarity for working in both bright and dark conditions.
The P1 is just designed for visual heat detection, although its makers claim it can be used for serious diagnostic applications and comes with a temperature measurement tools with 15 different measurement modes, including 3-point, 3-line, 3-rectangle and 3-circle selections. It can also automatically track the center, highest and lowest temperature points. Compared to conventional phone-style thermal cameras, Thermal Master says the P1 represents a 300% increase in measurement capability.
The P1 comes with IQ+ precision temperature analysis, smart temperature alarms and free professional data analysis software, enabling users to export and evaluate their data more easily. There are other features such as an isotherm mode, 12 professional color palettes and image correction controls for brightness, contrast, mirror and 360° rotation.
To ensure measurements are accurate, users can perform temperature corrections, including emissivity adjustment, distance calibration and ambient temperature compensation.
In operation, the P1 uses 0.32W of power, enabling it to be used for extended sessions. For example, Thermal Master says a Samsung Galaxy S23+ with a full 4,700mAh battery can power the P1 for around 367 minutes of continuous operation. The device's high-sensitivity sensor and energy efficiency reduce the amount of battery drain.
With an operating temperature ranging from -20℃ to 55℃, the P1 is designed for both indoor and outdoor use. Its USB-C connector has been lengthened by 2mm so that it can be used more easily with phones that have a case fitted.
While some thermal cameras are limited to a single operating system, the P1 Repair Master can work with both Android and iPhone devices, as well as having PC connection support. The camera has a USB Type-C connector so it fits Android phones and the latest iPhone models, plus it comes with a 50cm extension cable for situations where a more flexible approach or hands-free operation is needed, especially in tight or high spaces.
Users can record thermal photos and videos directly from Thermal Master app and then share the results with colleagues or post them to social media using a One-Tap Share function. The temperature measurement units can be switched between Celsius and Fahrenheit, depending on the user's preference. However, there's no macro function included.
While this new generation of affordable smartphone thermal technology isn't intended to replace high-end certified devices used in laboratories or by the likes of NASA, there's undoubtedly a market for affordable thermal cameras. The P1 Repair Master can be calibrated and will produce high-resolution imaging, making it a convenient and affordable tool that's small enough to fit in a pocket or toolbox.
While research scientists may want something with a bit more pedigree or certified precision, the P1 Repair Master will appeal to technicians, home inspectors, electrical engineers, auto technicians, maintenance teams or even DIY enthusiasts who simply want to check on the draft proofing of their home before winter sets in.