FLIR- Thoughts ?

R

Robski97

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Guys,
Thinking of adding this ... Any thoughts ? Billy got some pics u can share of it in use ?

Rob
 
Do it Rob! I don't have any pictures because
1) I su+k at taking pictures
2) it's a low or no light situation and like I said I am terrible at taking pictures.
The units have evolved since I got my original FLIR but I did not buy the low end unit. The new FLIR units work and track targets on Raymarine MFD's and Garmin has an alternative to the FLIR that uses both night vision and a thermal imager all in one expensive package that will also track targets. In addition they are controlled via the boats NMEA2000 network in addition to the joystick control panel. This option was not available when I purchased my FLIR.
I would suggest you check out Ben's blog "Panbo" there has been some recent announcements and pictures of the units in action.
Bill
 
Rob
My car came with a FLIR system factory installed. Under the right conditions it works very well. It has gotten me out of a few tickets over the past 4 years!
The cement swan shows all the heat it has been collecting from the sun

DSC00594.jpg


DSC00595.jpg
 
The handheld units are nice and not as expensive as the permanent integrated units.
Unless you enjoy watching the FLIR from any MFD or TV in your vessel (great while at anchor).
I prefer the permanent solutions.
Bill
 
Billy ,
I have 10 year old hand held FLIR . Still works great but i want better.

If u were doing it all over again which would u select.

Thanx

Rob
 
Since I have Garmin I would chose the NMEA2000 controlled dual night vision/ thermal imager. If I had Raymarine newer MFD's I would go with the FLIR that is controlled by the MFD's.
Bill
 
What do you need it for? IMHO if you depend on FLIR you are out boating when you should not be. The only case I can see an exception to is running into thick fog unexpectedly, and radar already has this covered. Yes, it would make a great back up to radar but given all the dial tweeking I wonder about the value.
 
Nite running ! We are not in an open bay . Lots of obstacles . Would make life alot easier .

Isn't boating about less stress more enjoyment ?

Rob
 
FLIR beats radar hands down close in. AIS beats radar if all vessels were equipped with it but they are not. Broadband radar kills regular radar for close in work. It's all about enjoying yourself there is no hard work with a FLIR especially the new FLIR where you can make a target similar to MARPA and it tracks all by itself. However I love it when putting around at night I can't tell you how many small unlit fishing boats I have seen in total darkness I would have never seen without getting a bit close for comfort, the exception being broadband radar and being really good at reading radar. These small boats show up on the FLIR as if the sun was out. A FLIR unit takes all the stress out of total darkness or near darkness cruising. It's so simple to use even a monkey could figure it out.
Bill
 
If you ever have a MOB you will wish you had a FLIR! But for the naysayer's it will be too late.
No they su&k you say? You need to tweak them I thought we were talking about radar compared to FLIR for a moment? If so then why does the USCG use them on search and rescue missions?
Bill
 
Billy , what's the flir model of the unit that tracks ?

Rob
 
I have twin E 120 Rayjunk plottters

Ill go read .. ugh

Rob
 
Rob, I will dig up my units specifications and model number it's as easy to control as a bow thruster.
I have the non NMEA2000 unit that pans and tilts.
Bill
 
Sounds like a nice toy but I can't for the life of me see how I could justify it on an old six knot boat. I'd rather the idiots that run around at 30kts in the dark had one. In the meantime I'll just turn on the bordello lights and use a spotlight.
 
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