We are looking into start Thermography program, I was wondering what kind of questions to ask the vendors, so we get the best equipment for what we need.

We have a pretty good budget, and will be using it on both electrical and mechanical equipment.

Thanks
Tim

One thing that someone suggested before on this forum (sorry, I forget who or else I'd give them credit) is that you start your process by taking some infrared training.

I'm making the assumption that you're going to need training anyway (unless you've already got some or unless someone else will be doing the thermography).

Most likely there will be several different cameras available during the training. That was the case for the training I attended by AIRT because other students brought theses cameras. I think some of the other training outfits may even furnish cameras?

At any rate, you'll most likely get a chance to try out cameras. You'll get a chance to talk to people that have used various cameras.

As part of the course, you'll talk through things like field of view and resolution and the various features that are offered in camera software and reporting software. As each subject comes up you can make a note of the strengths and weaknesses of each brand.

Even if you don't have opportunity to scrutinize the exact camera models that you are interested in during the training, you will at least come out with a much better understanding of what kind of features will be important to you.

Tim,

Recommend that you visit Snell Infrared's web site. They are vendor neutral and have some good information on the kind of questions you need to ask. They also are hosting a conference in January in Florida that will give you a chance for some one stop shopping of cameras, etc.

The URL is: http://www.snellinfrared.com/

I have used several different brands of cameras over the last 12 years and find that the selection, once past the technical details, is very personal. I strongly agree with Pete on the need for training. A thermographer without formal training is a statistic waiting to happen in my opinion.

By the way, I am not affiliated with Snell or any of the vendors, just a camera user.

Ken Culverson