I’ve tested a lot of thermal cameras, and this tiny one is a new favorite

Regular readers will know that I am a big fan of thermal cameras. They are cool and give you a view of the world you can’t otherwise see, but they are also super useful and have become a key tool in my repair toolbox. I’ve used them for everything from spotting a faulty component on a circuit board to finding a wiring problem underneath floorboards.

A thermal camera is a super useful tool — and these devices are cheaper than you might think.

Also: Want an entire tech repair shop of tools in a single messenger bag? iFixit can fix that

The Thermal Master P2 thermal camera<!–>, which the manufacturer says is the “world’s 2nd smallest thermal camera”, is the perfect tool for the engineer, mechanic, or handyperson on the move.

Thermal Master P2 tech specs

• Resolution: 256 x 192 (512 x 384)
• Temp range: -20°C to 550°C
• Refresh rate: 25Hz
• Zoom: x15
• Accuracy: ±1.5℃
• Temperature resolution: 0.04℃
• Weight: 10g
• Power consumption: 0.3W
• Connector: USB-C
• Compatibility: Android (not compatible with iPhones or iPads with USB-C)

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Getting started with the P2 is easy. Download and install the Temp Master app from the Google Play Store, fire up the app, pop the camera into the USB-C port, and away you go. 

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If your Android smartphone is the ruggedized type, you might have problems fitting the camera, meaning you’ll need to use the supplied USB-C extension cable.

Also: This tiny USB-C accessory has a game-changing magnetic feature (and it’s 30% off)

The camera is tiny, weighing about 10 grams, and it fits into a carry case that is small enough to hook onto a keychain, so it’s always ready when you need it.

I’ve used many thermal cameras and one P2 feature I like is the 25Hz refresh rate. It makes my thermal cameras with slower refresh rates feel slow and clunky by comparison. I also like how the 15x zoom lets me get close to the action.

Also: I tested the world’s first thermal phone camera with a 50Hz refresh rate, and here are the results

The temperature resolution is sensitive — more than sensitive enough to “see” someone breathing by the temperature changes around their nose.

Not sure what you can do with one of these thermal cameras? Here are just a few things you can do:

• Find overheating electrical components (faulty components usually run hotter)
• Diagnose all sorts of HVAC problems, from windows that leak heat to radiators that aren’t warming up properly to AC units that aren’t cooling
• Find dangerously overheating rechargeable batteries
• Find radiator pipes underneath floorboards
• Find overheating power cables
• Find problems with cooling systems on desktop and laptop systems
• Spot binding brakes on cars

Here is a picture of a USB-C cable getting warm when carrying a heavy current load:

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My tip for learning to use a thermal camera is to use it to look at things when they aren’t faulty – your radiators, car brakes, electrical stuff, anything – and get to know how things should look, so you can tell when things aren’t working right.

ZDNET’s buying advice

The Thermal Master P2–>