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ZDNET’s key takeaways
- Super smooth and highly responsive app
- The tiny carry case can be attached to a keyring for easy transportation
- Needs the supplied USB-C extension cable to connect to most ruggedized smartphones
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What’s the deal?
Amazon is offering a $50 coupon for the Thermal Master P2 camera, lowering its price to about $200<!–>.
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.
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.
The P2 is up and running in minutes.
Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET
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.
The Thermal Master P2 has a really handy carry case that can attach to a keychain.
Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET
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.
Yes, this device is sensitive enough to see someone breathe.
Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET
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:
This USB-C cable is getting a little toasty.
Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET
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<!–> is a great thermal camera, and right now it’s $50 off, bringing the price down to a very reasonable $199. It’s a fantastic addition to any repair toolkit. I like the fast refresh rate and accuracy. However, this camera won’t work if you shift to an iPhone despite having a USB-C port.
I found the AirTags that Android users have been waiting for and they’re on sale
