Tag: Handheld Thermal Camera

  • Yellotec & FLIR Tech Tour 2026: Advancing Reliability Through Thermal Innovation

    Yellotec, in partnership with FLIR, is proud to announce the Yellotec & FLIR Tech Tour 2026, taking place during the last week of May and early June. This nationwide tour is designed to bring cutting-edge thermal imaging and reliability solutions directly to key industrial regions across South Africa.

    Through a combination of exclusive client site visits and invitation-only roadshow events, the tour will showcase how FLIR’s industry-leading technologies, supported by Yellotec’s technical expertise—help organizations improve asset reliability, enhance safety, and reduce unplanned downtime.

    What to Expect

    The Yellotec & FLIR Tech Tour focuses on real-world applications and hands-on engagement, giving attendees practical insights they can immediately apply within their operations. Highlights include:

    • Live site visits demonstrating thermal imaging in operational environments.
    • Roadshow events with expert-led discussions and technology showcases.
    • Practical applications of predictive maintenance, condition monitoring, fault detection, and early fire detection.
    • Direct engagement with Yellotec and FLIR technical specialists.

    Tour Locations & Dates

    The tour will visit key industrial hubs, with the following schedule:

    • Gauteng Roadshow Event
      Gauteng
      28 May 2026
    • Limpopo Roadshow Event
      Limpopo
      01 June 2026
    • Mpumalanga Roadshow Event
      Mpumalanga
      05 June 2026

    Additionally, exclusive site visits will take place in Cape Town, offering selected clients a closer look at FLIR solutions in live operating environments.

    Why Attend?

    This tour is ideal for maintenance managers, reliability engineers, electrical and mechanical specialists, and plant managers who want to:

    • Detect faults early using advanced thermal imaging
    • Improve maintenance planning and asset uptime
    • Enhance operational safety and compliance
    • Learn from proven, real-world industrial applications

    Join the Tour

    The Yellotec & FLIR Tech Tour 2026 is a unique opportunity to see industry-leading thermal and reliability technologies in action, where it matters most. Attendance for site visits and roadshow events is by invitation.

    To secure your place or learn more, contact the Yellotec team or watch out for your official invitation. We look forward to connecting with you on the road and exploring the future of reliability together.

  • FLIR iXX Series & Assetlink Training // Kriel

    You are invited to an exclusive event dedicated to showcasing a major advancement in inspection technology. FLIR’s new iXX Series delivers powerful integration with Assetlink software, creating a seamless connection between next-generation thermal cameras and your asset hierarchy.

    The iXX Series introduces a fully app-driven approach that transforms traditional inspections into a scalable, intuitive, and connected process. Teams no longer need to navigate complex or inconsistent inspection methods. Standardized, high-quality data acquisition supports enhanced safety practices, improved productivity, and faster, more informed decision-making across every site.

    During the event, experts will also demonstrate FLIR Assetlink, the browser-based software that bridges radiometric image data directly to designated assets. Designed for compatibility with FLIR Exx, T5xx, T8xx, and iXX cameras, Assetlink accelerates inspection workflows and enables instant access to insights on any device.

    Date: 6 November 2025
    Time: 9:30 for 10:00 SAST
    Duration: 2.5 hours
    Venue: Yellotec Kriel Offices, 2 Springbok Street, Kriel
    Light Lunch Provided

    Why Attend?

    • Discover how the FLIR iXX Series simplifies and scales thermal inspections
    • Learn how Assetlink connects inspection data to assets in real time
    • Watch live demonstrations highlighting practical field applications

  • FLIR iXX & Assetlink Training

    You are invited to join us for an exclusive event where we showcase FLIR’s iXX Series powerful integration with Assetlink, seamlessly connecting next-generation thermal inspection cameras with your asset hierarchy.

    With its app-driven design, the iXX Series transforms inspections into a scalable, intuitive, and connected process. Say goodbye to complex, inconsistent inspections and discover how standardized, high-quality data can enhance safety, productivity, and decision-making across your teams and sites.
    We’ll also introduce FLIR Assetlink, a browser-based software that seamlessly connects radiometric images to your asset hierarchy. Compatible with FLIR Exx, T5xx, T8xx, and iXX cameras, Assetlink speeds up workflows and delivers insights—on any device, anytime.

    Date: 28 October 2025
    Time: 9:00 AM SAST
    Venue: Yellotec Training Center,  5 Stirrup Ln, Woodmead, Sandton

    Why attend?

    • Discover how to simplify and scale thermal inspections with FLIR iXX
    • Learn how Assetlink connects data to your assets in real time
    • See live demonstrations and explore practical applications

  • Revolutionizing Condition Monitoring: The FLIR IXX Series & ASSETLiNK Software

    The FLIR IXX Series & ASSETLiNK Software

    The world of condition monitoring has just taken a giant leap forward with the release of the FLIR IXX Series cameras and FLIR ASSETLiNK software. Together, these solutions are designed to maximize efficiency, simplify workflows, and give organizations a smarter way to protect their most valuable assets. Whether you’re in manufacturing, utilities, energy, or facility management, these new offerings from FLIR provide the tools to move confidently into the future of predictive maintenance.

    Key Features of the FLIR IXX Series
    • The FLIR IXX Series is the next generation of handheld thermal imaging cameras. Engineered for professional inspectors and technicians, this series raises the bar for thermal imaging technology with faster performance, greater detail, and improved usability.
    • Mobile Apps & Customization: The IXX Series connects seamlessly with FLIR apps for quick sharing, remote viewing, and instant reporting. Organizations can also develop custom apps tailored to their workflows, ensuring the cameras integrate smoothly into existing systems.
    • Designed for the Real World: Rugged housings, ergonomic designs, and long battery life make the IXX Series reliable for daily use in demanding environments.
    • Exceptional Image Clarity: Featuring improved thermal resolution and advanced imaging modes, the IXX Series delivers crisp images that make it easier to detect and diagnose even subtle anomalies.
    • Optimized User Experience: A larger, more responsive touchscreen and streamlined menus ensure quick access to tools and settings, reducing time in the field.
    • Multi-Spectral Imaging (MSX®): Patented MSX technology overlays visible light details onto thermal images, providing clearer context without sacrificing thermal accuracy.
    • Connectivity & Sharing: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and cloud integration enable instant data transfer, reporting, and collaboration across teams.
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    With these upgrades, FLIR ensures that technicians not only spot issues faster but also communicate them more effectively, leading to smarter and more cost-effective decisions.

    Benefits and Applications of FLIR ASSETLiNK Software

    While the IXX Series excels at capturing high-quality thermal data, FLIR ASSETLiNK ensures that this data is fully utilized. ASSETLiNK is a cloud-based condition monitoring platform that connects data from multiple FLIR devices and sensors, turning raw information into meaningful insights.

    • Unified Asset Health View: ASSETLiNK consolidates information from thermal cameras, vibration sensors, and other monitoring tools into a single, centralized dashboard.
    • Automated Data Flow: No more manual data collection or fragmented reporting. ASSETLiNK automatically uploads and organizes data, saving time and reducing human error.
    • Smart Notifications & Alerts: Users can configure thresholds and receive instant alerts when equipment performance deviates from acceptable ranges.
    • Scalable & Secure Cloud Platform: Built on Microsoft Azure, ASSETLiNK is both scalable and secure, supporting small businesses as well as large enterprises with multi-site operations.
    • Integration with FLIR Condition Monitoring Tools: Compatible with FLIR thermal cameras, acoustic imagers, and vibration sensors, ASSETLiNK brings all condition monitoring data together for a holistic view of operations.
    • Remote Accessibility: Access asset health data anytime, anywhere, from any device, enabling faster decision-making and collaboration across dispersed teams.

    The result is a seamless ecosystem that shifts organizations from reactive maintenance to predictive strategies, reducing downtime, lowering costs, and improving overall operational efficiency.

    Industry-Specific Use Cases

    The combination of the FLIR IXX Series and ASSETLiNK delivers real-world impact across multiple industries:

    • Energy & Utilities: Monitor substations, transformers, and distribution lines with precision thermal imaging while using ASSETLiNK to centralize data from multiple sites. Early fault detection prevents costly blackouts and improves service reliability.
    • Manufacturing: Detect overheating machinery, misaligned bearings, or insulation breakdowns before they halt production. With ASSETLiNK, maintenance teams can track long-term asset health and prioritize interventions to minimize downtime.
    • Facilities Management & Buildings: Identify HVAC inefficiencies, moisture intrusion, or electrical panel faults with the IXX Series, then leverage ASSETLiNK to document and share inspection data for compliance and energy efficiency programs.
    • Oil & Gas: In high-stakes environments, thermal inspections paired with centralized monitoring help operators detect leaks, overheating equipment, and safety hazards before they escalate.
    • Transportation & Infrastructure: Ensure the integrity of rail systems, bridges, and electrical equipment by combining rugged field inspections with cloud-based reporting and trend analysis.

    Real-world examples of how custom apps can be created and applied with the FLIR IXX Series:

    • Transportation: A rail inspection app that links thermal imaging data to GPS locations, ensuring maintenance crews know exactly where potential failures are detected.
    • Utilities: A custom inspection app that standardizes transformer and substation thermal checks, automatically flagging hotspots and sending reports directly to central control.
    • Manufacturing: A custom dashboard app that integrates thermal camera data with production line sensors, giving maintenance teams live alerts on overheating motors or bearings.
    • Facilities Management: A mobile app designed for HVAC contractors that guides technicians through step-by-step inspections, logs thermal images, and instantly generates customer-ready reports.
    • Oil & Gas: A safety-focused app that combines thermal data with gas detection readings, helping operators quickly assess risks in hazardous environments.
    A New Era of Condition Monitoring

    Together, the FLIR IXX Series cameras and FLIR ASSETLiNK software redefine the standard for condition monitoring. The IXX Series introduces advanced imaging, intuitive design,customization and effortless sharing, while ASSETLiNK provides the intelligence and connectivity needed to unlock the full potential of captured data.
    For businesses seeking to safeguard assets, boost efficiency, and stay ahead of costly failures, these tools are more than just innovations — they are game-changers. By combining powerful imaging with intelligent data management, FLIR is shaping a smarter, more connected future for maintenance and reliability professionals.

    Ready to learn more? Explore the FLIR IXX Series and ASSETLiNK software today and see how they can transform your approach to condition monitoring.

  • Infrared Cameras, Thermal Cameras, Thermal Security Cameras or Thermography Cameras – What Are the Differences and Which One Do I Need?

    Thermal Cameras, Thermal Security Cameras and Thermography Cameras – What Are The Differences and Which One Do I Need?

    By Tjaart Broodryk

    Broadly speaking there are really two main types of Infrared Cameras, and then a third although the third is not that important in the mainstream marketplace.  The three main types then are:

    1. THERMAL IMAGING or THERMAL SECURITY Cameras – Cameras that are designed to output an infrared image only – these cameras cannot measure temperature.
    2. THERMOGRAPHY CAMERAS – Cameras that output a Radiometric infrared image and can measure temperature or quantify electromagnetic radiation in several different units.
    3. SCIENTIFIC INFRARED CAMERAS that allow users an open framework camera, necessary for Advanced Radiometry and allows total access to the setup, calibration and outputs of the camera.

    Main uses of these cameras (there are off course more) in the mainstream are:

    1. THERMAL IMAGING or THERMAL SECURITY Cameras that cannot measure are used for security / military purposes, or similar applications such as hunting – where detection is key and temperature measurement just does not matter.
    2. THERMOGRAPHY CAMERAS that can measure are used for maintenance or condition monitoring purposes or similar where detection of heat radiation differences and the temperature are important.
    3. SCIENTIFIC INFRARED CAMERAS – for users mainly in Research and Development applications where radiometry, accuracy, frame rates or camera speed and synchronization requirements are key. 

    Optical Gas Imaging (OGI) detects gas leaks, a fairly recent development in thermography camera development, possibly a new category camera on its own and is not discussed further here. If you need any information on Optical Gas Imaging Cameras, please contact our team directly.

    The internet, however, has become slightly confused, and mainly because the terminology to distinguish between these main types of infrared cameras have not been standardised – not between OEM’s and not even internal to OEMs.

    Not that this matters much to users looking for security or personal use Infrared cameras – where the bulk of the market sits today.  It does however matter a lot if you are looking for a camera that can measure temperature (accurately) and produce a report from captured data.  Searching the web when you need something other than a straightforward Thermal Imaging camera can be frustrating as terminologies are used incorrectly by suppliers that do not really know or care

    There are few people / companies out there that know enough about Infrared Cameras to be able to explain the differences, and even fewer that can accurately match your needs to a specific model.  Infrared Camera prices will range from cheap to very high, buying wrong happens daily.  There are literally thousands of Infrared Camera models available, and even more OEMs and distributors arrive daily. 

    The differences and the specifications between the main types – and then between the models of each type are not always clear. Save to say that there is a nice and confusing bunch of specifications that accompany all three types of cameras.  I will not go into the specifications here – that is saved in a future blog – and I am not an expert on the security type cameras, but when it comes to Thermography cameras, we know a lot. Which specifications matter? And why? Look for a future blog here or call us today if you need to know right now!

    This article aims to quickly give an overview of the three main types of cameras, the trick is that if you are going to use the camera for professional services – not so much personal – then buy from the supplier that has best knowledge, offers training and can support these cameras with spares and calibration services for at least the warranty term – which with FLIR Cameras is up to 10 years!

    The difference between the three types of Infrared cameras lies mainly in their intended end-use, features, and application environments, even though all three sense and convert infrared radiation (heat) rather into a visible light image.

    I am not going to elaborate on types of detectors, spectral ranges, temperature ranges, speed or optical specifications. This article is intended to highlight the basic differences only for users who need a quick guide around the type of Infrared Cameras available.  Below are a few tables intended to summarise this text and to give a little more information in bite size chunks.  Please do not hesitate to contact us if you need to explore our fascinating world of Infrared Cameras a little deeper.

    1. Purpose & Application
    THERMAL IMAGING CAMERAS
    FeatureThermography CamerasThermal Security CamerasScientific Infrared Cameras
    Primary UseIndustrial inspections, fault finding, maintenance, diagnostics, process automation and firefighting.Perimeter protection, surveillance, threat detection.  Vehicle night vision.Research and Development, Scientific Work 
    Typical ApplicationsElectrical & Mechanical fault detection, Heat Loss, Moisture Ingress, Early Fire Detection, Process Control.Intrusion detection, night surveillance, border control, Military Night vision.Target signature analysis, Heat Flow, Materials Behaviour, Propulsion studies.
    UsersArtisan, Engineers, Operations, Thermographers, Condition Monitors, Maintenance teams.Security personnel, Military, Law enforcement.Researchers and Scientists, Product Development Engineers.
    2. Design & Features
    THERMAL IMAGING CAMERAS
    FeatureThermography CamerasThermal Security CamerasScientific Infrared Cameras
    Form FactorHandheld or Fixed type – Subtype would be Point-and-Shoot (Pistol Grip) or Rotating Block for Handheld versionsFixed-mounted, PTZ (pan-tilt-zoom) or PVS (Personal Vision Systems) i.e.: handheld Monocular/ BinocularFixed or mounted design
    Detector TypesMostly Uncooled Microbolometers (Low price) Leak Detection (OGI) – mostly high performance cooledMostly Uncooled Microbolometers, for Long Range and Border control – High performance cooledMostly High-Performance Cooled Cameras. MCT, InSb, SLS.Uncooled Microbolometers for consumable or lower accuracy & slower tests.
    Thermal SensitivityFrom Bad or Poor to Good or Excellent.  From bad @ 100mk to excellent @ 35mK – massive differences between models.Uncooled good side from @50mK to excellent @20mk on the cooled versionsHighest Sensitivity @20mK and better. (Lower).
    Measurement ToolsTemperature readings, basic and or advanced analysis tools, spot meters, area tools, isotherms etc.Limited to colour pallets and contract alarms.Complete radiometric measurement and analysis suite for advanced users. User calibrations permitted.
    Image AnalysisRadiometric (temperature data per pixel)Non-radiometric (shows heat differences or thermal contrast only)Advanced Radiometric and time synchronisation 
    Recording/AlertingManual recording, single images or radio metric or standard video radiometric, inspection logs and notationsMotion alerts, real-time alarms, video analytics (mostly through software, limited onboard functionality)From a single FPS (frame per second) to thousands of FPS, with advanced triggering and various data streaming options. 
    3. Technical Capabilities
    THERMAL IMAGING CAMERAS
    FeatureThermography CamerasThermal Security CamerasScientific Infrared Cameras
    ResolutionOften higher (e.g., 320×240, 640×480, 1024×768 and shortly even higher!Lower (e.g., 160×120, 320×240 & 640 x 480) – optimised for detection.320 x 240, 640 x 480, 1024 x 768 and higher resolutions. 
    Frame ratesTypically, 9Hz to 30Hz, up to 60Hz and even 100Hz for special models.Usually, 30Hz only or lower.Programmable from 0.5Hz to 1000’s Hz with windowing, largely application dependent.
    IntegrationFixed type – Not typically integrated with CCTV.  Advanced VMS systems with plug-in Modules can be used, or specialised softwareIntegrated with video management systems (VMS)User dependant – Full SDK available for integration into various Research Software’s
    ConnectivityHandheld units provide USB, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi for data export. Fixed versions – Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, versions may support protocols allowing integration into vision and control systems –model dependant! Smart Cameras allow various interfaces and outputs. SDK Supported.Networked (IP, ONVIF compatible) for continuous feedsGigabit Ethernet (GigE Vision), CXP Dual Link
    4. Summary
    THERMAL IMAGING CAMERAS
    AspectThermography CamerasThermal SecurityScientific Infrared Cameras
    You Need It If…You’re diagnosing overheating equipment, building energy loss, or faultsYou need to monitor an area for intrusion or unusual activity at night or in low visibilityYour developing new products and need to know more about the heat flow properties or thermal signatures of materials and components 
    Main ValuePrecision temperature measurement & heat flow analysis, temperature trending.Reliable detection of humans/vehicles/animals in total darknessAccurate and reliable thermodynamic data for further analysis in FEM or Design platforms
    ExamplesFLIR E-series (E8 Pro, E96), FLIR T-Series (T865, T560), FLIR A series (A70, A700, A65)FLIR Scout Pro, FLIR Elara Series, FLIR FH Series, FLIR PT SeriesFLIR A6780 MWIR, FLIR X8580-HS/SLS, FLIR RS8500

    About the Author:
     
    Tjaart Broodryk has been a driving force at Yellotec for more than 17 years, serving as a director and helping shape the company into a leader in the field of Condition Monitoring and Predictive Maintenance.
     
    Tjaart plays a key role in fostering a culture of excellence at Yellotec, with customer focus and technical expertise at the center of his work. Specialising in infrared thermography, he is widely respected in the industry for his dedication to advancing the field and supporting the evolving needs of Yellotec’s clients.