HeatSeeker Thermal Imager

“Our company spends thousands a year on thermal scans from an outside contractor. However, we never have them come back to re-check the problems they find, so we don’t know if we ever fixed them. During and after the HeatSeeker training we found out that the contractor we used was doing the scans wrong. They were scanning through the panels, and telling us there were problems. I went through the book that the contractor gave us with the IDEAL instructor, and he couldn’t believe what he saw. Now we have started a P.M. list, and things are better than I could have imagined. What we have saved has already paid for the camera, plus more. We are now looking at getting more HeatSeeker cameras for other parts of the facility. I just wanted to let you know that the IDEAL instructor is the best teacher and this camera is phenomenal. Thank you, this was great experience.   We will be back for more training.”

—K. R., Head Electrician, Pocatello, ID

“In the past we, contracted out thermal imaging of our water and wastewater motor control centers and switchgear annually. The cost of the HeatSeeker was equal to one year's inspection. Our IDEAL sales rep, Kathy Koziell, arrainged an in-house training session at our faciliy that was a big help in getting us started. We immediately found issues that we could correct by controlled shut downs of our equipment, avoiding emergency failure. We are very pleased.”

—M. P., Technical Maintenance Foreman, Portland, ME

“We purchased the HeatSeeker to check temperature differences between our hot and cold aisles in our data center, to see where the migration of hot air is mixing with the cold air. We also use it for preventative maintenance on our electrical systems and to determine where we may have a roof leak.

We also own another brand of thermal imaging camera that does not have the features of the IDEAL camera, such as blending the pictures. The IDEAL software is easy to use, and I like the reports that can be created. The different functions of this camera will save us from having to hire an outside vendor to do the testing, and will save a lot of money.”

—K. G., Chief Engineer, Somerset, NJ

“We checked other thermal imaging cameras and their prices where outrageous. By comparison the IDEAL HeatSeeker will do more than the higher priced models, and the follow up service has been great. We used the HeatSeeker™ to complete our annual infrared test on our electrical panels. We would have paid an outside contractor thousands of dollars to complete our infrared testing and still would have needed them to come test again the following year. Having a person on sight trained on how to use the IDEAL HeatSeeker has paid for itself and I am already saving money.”

—B. B., Rockford, IL

“We purchased the IDEAL HeatSeeker thermal imaging camera to help with the maintenance of our electrical distribution system. We take pictures each year of all of our electrical equipment and then compare results from year to year.

We found the software that came with the camera very easy to use and we really like the report that it generates. HeatSeeker is very easy to use and saves us on time and money — two key areas we're trying to cut down on.”

—P. C., Facilities Manager, Plymouth, MN

“About a month ago, a hospital was seeking my advice on the purchase of an IR camera — specifically the IDEAL HeatSeeker, model 61-844. Having personally seen and used dozens of cameras and not knowing anything about IDEAL, I voiced my opposition and recommended shopping the familiar brands like FLIR, Fluke, Raytek, Agema and more.

Since that time I have met with Ron Kipper, the KS/MO IDEAL representative, who loaned me a camera to try out for 10 days. Yesterday I took it with me to a very large tire factory in Topeka while touring the powerhouse, where the Manager and I plotted some new temperature settings for the feedwater system. I have since changed my opinion and I see no reason why this unit can’t be utilized for the hospital's scanning program.

One caveat — this unit's resolution is intended for close-in scanning, and consequently the image quality beyond six feet diminishes rapidly. Additionally, this unit is limited to 600 degrees Fahrenheit. But remember, you’re not just looking for hotspots you're also looking for temperature differential — such as between phases. For $3,500, it should get the job done.”

—J. W., Senior Engineering Specialist, Kansas