Topdon TC001 Thermal Camera Review
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 11 พ.ค. 2023
- The TC001 is a portable thermal camera that plugs into your phone. It's a great way to quickly check your house, appliances, electronics etc for unexpected hot or cold spots. It also has some interesting industrial and scientific features right in the Topdon app, including constant thermal monitoring and graphing.
I found the TC001 to be really convenient and easy to use. It needs very little setup beyond downloading the app, and the controls and settings are fairly intuitive. The only downside is the lack of a dedicated landscape mode. The camera also ships with a desktop adapter cable so you can use it with your computer. The Windows software is a little more basic and doesn't seem to have as many features as the Android app. It would still be handy for classroom or office use.
I used the Topdon imager to spot animals at night, to see heat and cold leaks from my household equipment, and of course to check out my cats in thermal vision! It's a really fun little device. It's also more portable, higher resolution, and more convenient than some of the larger handheld thermal cameras I've tried in the past. This would be perfect to bring camping and look for wildlife. It would also be ideal to put in your pocket and bring to a job site for monitoring building design, electrical systems, or science experiments.
Topdon also sent me the following coupon codes, if anyone is interested in picking one of these up for themselves:
TC001 (Andriod version): www.amazon.com/dp/B0B7LMB22Q
5% Code: 05H5QDQH
From 5/12 12:01 AM PDT to 5/18 11:59 PM PDT
TC002 (IOS version): www.amazon.com/dp/B0BYHP8KM9
10% Code: AWBYIL6L
From 05/12/2023 12:01 AM PDT to 05/21/2023 11:59 PM PDT
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Cool thing about these imported cameras, the 'cheaper' FLIRs from a few years ago only had 9FPS, but that was because of USA export restrictions, only the militarily and law enforcement got the good high FPS stuff from FLIR. These new generation of IR cameras have nice 25 FPS/30FPS straight from China.
It's interesting that you showed the cats! They are very particular about keeping in heat, the way they curl up, sit and such, the camera shows it well!
“You’ll have to excuse the cracked screen. This wouldn’t be the save for parts channel if we have a good laptop.” I watched this on a cracked phone screen 👏🏻
Hahaha me too! I have the tools to replace it but... It's not bothering me enough to want to buy a new screen.
Just found your channel, you are what the you in TH-cam was originally designed for, not what it has become so cheers
I remember when I visited my grandmother in Pensacola, Florida and she dropped some serious wisdom on me.
She said “Grandson, one day some people will waste their time reading your comment.” Today is that day.
Lol! Very nice 😂
I love your videos so much
Same
Me too! He's an awesome dude I just found him today.
Me too
me too
Im so glad i found this channel, im also equally glad others have i hope your channel keeps growing!!
*sigh* ... *bookmarks this video to "things I'd like" folder* , but seriously TH-cam just randomly recommended me your video for "Listening to Weather Satellites with Random Junk" and now I'm here, and now I'm going to binge watch all your videos. Thanks for the content good sir!
I have a mix of stuff, some satellite, some boats, some trains, some reviews like this, some other silly DIY... I'm all over the place.
Seems like there is a Chinese OEM thermal imaging sensor manufacturer that is (finally) able to challenge the American competition. Since about a year, I see all kinds of new brands of thermal cameras appear online. All with a 256x192 pixel chip, and all with a high (25Hz) capture frequency.
I just came here for the cats ❤️ "All right, way to go Donnie!"
They have their own TH-cam channel! www.youtube.com/@donnyfluff
Bought one based on this video, and it's great! Already spotted an outlet that is unusually hot and probably needs replacement. Interesting seeing how many devices are just little space heaters
Nice! Yeah they're really handy for diagnosing power / heat loss, I've already found some spots on my house that need more insulation.
I bought the same one. I use the cord part to get a better landscape image. Love the data logging. I used it to diagnose a external usb-c drive bay disconnecting. Didn't see many others with that feature.
Just came across your channel. Amazing work!
Wow, a new camera that doesn't use the Flir Lepton sensor that I hate? You have my attention! I wouldn't be surprised if they use the same sensor as the Seek thermal. the shutter sounds similar as well.
I'm not actually sure what sensor this uses, I'll have to look into that! I've played with Flir products before and had mixed results. The Picorder I showed currently has an MLX90640 and previously had an AMG8833. Those were OK for learning some DIY stuff, but are too low-res to do much else.
Came across your channel the other day, and I have to say you’re entertaining as hell . 😅
Keep up with the great content .
CAT phones have thermal cameras built in. got a CAT S62PRO myself and i absolutely love it. you can see how hot something is with different area things. like u can put a box around something and it will show u the hottest and coldest spot in that box. u can also make a picture with it and then later get the temperature data out of it. it saves the temperature of each pixel in the image. really cool stuff.
2x the price. this kit is for everyone else. take care.
Its is very useful to find shorted components on a motherboard
Thanks for a very thorough and competent review. Not a wasted moment of the viewer's time. Your understanding of the subject matter shines through your excellent dialogue.
This is gonna be a it of an impulse buy for me, but man... I can see so much use for this around the house. I want to verify the efficiency of some windows, maybe look at some electronics, help spot potential leaks and etc. Such a no brainer these days when it's at/below $300. Thanks for the review!
I like this guy and his cats
damn im already subbed to this channel for the radio/satellite stuff, and now i come across this video while randomly looking up reviews on this product. hats off sir :D
I haven't done as many reviews this year, but I do have another thermal camera coming up soon-ish!
I got the TC002 for iOS. Awesome bit of kit!
Fantastic review. None of the fluff, all of the stuff. Thanks for posting this. Sub'd
ooh. thats gonna be REALLY popular with the paranormal crowd!
Think that too
About 3 years ago we had a major white mold bloom in our home. Someone informed me that the likely source of the problem was a water leak, but I couldn't find it.
It wasn't in the plumbing and I couldn't isolate the source. A client in the mold remediation business loaned me a FLIR (Forward Looking Infra Red) camera and it allowed me to immediately locate the source, which was under flooring, invisible to the eye. It was a game changer and ever since I've wanted to get one of my own for future use.
Having used an actual lower end FLIR camera, I can tell you that both the detail or the images as well as the complexity and availability of adjustments in the TC001, seem to be far superior to the FLIR. I think I may have found my next tool to invest in. Thank you!
Glad it helps! I've used some of these at work to look for water issues. It can take some guesswork until you're familiar with how the temperatures correlate to a specific situation.
Ahh!! That Thermal Selfie = +💯!!
Gabe there’s a unicorn hiding in the wall of your house. 😂
Darn things are worse than mice! Always nesting in the walls 😂
@@saveitforparts>>> _"Through the walls...!"_
-- BABYLON 5
Very useful thanks
I am definitely buying this. It's hidable and does not make you look wierd having it. When i search thermal I always get propaganda of guns and hunting when i just want better vision/views in the dark.
7:48 The sky is evenly blue (cold temp) but there is a cloud and contrails that apears a little warmer than the sky. I would love to see if the blue sky would change color from sunrise to sunset due to temperature variations.
Ok.. truth is I do not understand really any of this guys technology... but I do understand smart is the new sexy. Subscribed!
Just wanted to let you know that its channels like yours on TH-cam that get it RIGHT. There's so much CRAP on YT, but your channel isn't one of those. Maybe its just because I like to see how things are made or work...the nuts and bolts. Thank you for what you do, and sharing it with the rest of us :)
^ This ^ Couldn't agree more.
Ok, this is a really cool product
Absolutely, is it relatively expensive tho?
nice! I own the P2 micro, even smaller, about the same quality and features, except for the temp graph/log/monitoring, that is a very good feature! It hasn't a windows app, but there is some thermal app by joe . I wil ask infiray to implement also some monitoring/graph tool
I have the hand held Topdon which I like. I had a FLIR module similar to this some years ago and it worked fine. The problem was when my phone died it was not compatible with the new phones that use the C connector. So it was trash. :< That's why I got the hand held.
I am the Grim Reaper of smartphones.
After destroying 4 in one year I finally settled on the CAT S62 PRO, which in addition to being essentially indestructible has a built in FLIR camera.
I've heard of those, always kind of wanted one since I also smash or drown my phones quickly!
@@saveitforparts I miss having a 3.5mm jack, but aside from that it's been great for me.
@@the_inquisitive_inquisitor>>> The S61 does not have a 3.5mm jack?
@@Allan_aka_RocKITEman the S61 DOES have a 3.5mm jack, I had a typo in my original comment. My current phone is the S62 PRO, not the S61
Next try it in your car as a dash cam? Try it out anyways.?
THANKS
It would have to be mounted outside since it can't see through glass.
Wish I had a use for it.
Sasquatch sightings maybe?
Looks like a nice piece of kit!
I'm still waiting for a good one to get under a hunnert bucks. I just want one to play with.
The little MLX90640 handheld units are getting cheap, but they're not very good resolution. That's what I have in the Picorder that just sees blobby shapes.
@@saveitforparts Yeah, there are always cheapo units out there but that TC001 unit looks terrific. I just can't justify 250 for something I'm just going to mess around with.
I'll have to start looking for a good excuse...
this makes my brain all fuzzy and happy, you do great reviews. the cat butt stamp was depression-curing >:3 i want to get one of these and thermally see which tasty baked item is freshest anytime at a bakery
Ooh, nice idea on the bakery! I'll have to play with this next time I make food and see how well done things are!
@@saveitforparts i wonder how accurate it would be for something like a steak :D
Cool
Cat blobs my favorite
Thanks for the video. Very helpful! Do they mention if theres a warranty? If there is, how long is it? I was also looking into the Flir camera for phones but ive read thay it was very common for that to break after youve stopped using it for a while
Here's hoping the continued competition serves to drive prices even lower. Amazing that what was thousands just 10 years ago is now about $250. Definitely seems to be worth the money if you need to diagnose something.
Thanks for the review and the cat tax payment. 😅
this has better resolution than the m5 t-lite which uses a thermal attachment on an m5stick.
The image is not the usual image aspect ratio of 9:16. If I remember correctly it has to do with the image sensor and some magic that makes them work.
So what you are seeing is all there is, tilting it wont help much.
I got this a few months ago. It is cool, but I'm still trying to find a way to really justify it. I found a motherboard fault but I am terrible at soldering and am no electrical engineer, so it doesn't really help me. The main reason I got it was to try to find where mice have been coming into my home, no luck. Love the videos!
If you've got a big heat difference between inside and out, and a bit of positive pressure, then the house air coming out of any holes should be visible. I'm not sure what your weather is like, but you could turn up the heat (or AC) and briefly put a fan in an open window blowing in. You might find a bunch of holes you didn't know about!
Try utilizing a blacklight or ultraviolet light. Mouse and rodent urine shows up pretty clearly under that light form and since mice don't control their bladder there should be a nice trail for you to follow
I wonder if that camera would pick up a fart signature?😂
This is a great review! I am looking to buy one of these for my classroom, to teach my students about heat transfer. Do you know of any interesting phenomena to observe in infrared?
Reflections on glass are interesting, and imprints left behind on surfaces by people / animals. It's also interesting to trace hidden water pipes in the wall, or see where heat leaks out of structures (maybe kids won't care about that, but I find it interesting!)
Very nice TC001 IR video. There are some people using the TC001 with a Raspberry Pi4 with a Python program. If so, then the new Orange Pi5 may be a good project? 😎 Thank you.
This is very interesting. Do you think this could be used to identify potential injuries to my horses. For example, if they had muscle injuries the skin temperature should be hotter with the strain. Also, do did it function outdoors in the daytime, and what is the distance range? Really keen on this to keep a check on my animals day and night, and potentially spot health issues. Thanks for the informative video.
Yes, it functions outdoors just fine, and I used it across a wide-open landscape recently out in the desert. I'm not sure about the horse diagnosis since I'm not a vet, but maybe?
How is it for real close up like looking at circuit boards with SMD parts?
I haven't tried that, but it looks pretty good when it's really close to the subject. I'm going to have to learn more about electronics so I can use this as a diagnostic tool!
I wish it was half the price but dang that's good
You got a unicorn there and it is technically cool
Darn things keep nesting in the walls!
infrared kitty !!!
This thing is way better than Flir and their crappy misaligned contrast outlines from the visible light camera, also no stupid Flir logo, i like this thing.
Wish he tried it out in the woods I live on a reservation and we don’t have street lights or anything like that so a lot of wild animals snoop around houses for food and a regular light won’t catch them because animals are smart around here lol as soon as they hear us come out they hide and they have great camouflage but they can’t hide from thermal so I’d like to see if it can catch heat from anything at 200 feet or so just to test the limits of it
Using the PC app, can you turn off FFC?
I don't see a switch like there is on the phone app.
Thanks.
I’m curious about the range? If effective enough to be used in hunting situations.. Thermal optics are very helpful in locating carcasses in light brush.
The deer at 8:15 were about 100 yards away. I've seen rail-mounted thermal scopes, but I'm not sure if they're legal everywhere.
Thanks, apparently I missed those few seconds, my bad.. Here in Oklahoma thermal scopes are only allowed for hogs and coyotes; with game warden permission. But its use in tracking blood trails is permitted.
4:43 Donny is so tired! Give the poor kitty a break, will yah?
He is tired 80% of the day and then 20% is insane scampering and bouncing off walls 😂
Can you turn off the temperature numbers and capture video without them?
Good question, it's sort of in the way sometimes. I don't see a switch. my guess is No.
also how long does the battery last inuse thanks
I haven't tried it long-term, I guess it depends on the phone's battery capacity.
Great video mate. Why do you speak only about temperature? It doesnt show humidity? Can I check the temperature and humidity at a particular spot or multiple spots like a Infrared Thermometer gun? I select a point or two and it shows the temperature and humidity there?
I've heard you can check humidity with these, but I only know about temperature differences in infrared and not as much about how humidity looks.
Hi what is it like in the darkness, want to use this towards my paranormal investigations.
Works great in total darkness, you can mostly see your way around a room, just be careful not to trip on stuff!
Can you save the digital counts of the image (raw uncompresed) vs JPEG or PNGs ?
I'm not sure, I'll have to look into that!
Do you recommend downloading the Android software from the play store or downloading the software from their site the apk?
I think I just did the Android store.
@@saveitforparts thanks I ordered it I'll have it tomorrow great review
Does anybody knows how it compares against the FILR One Pro, or the Seek Compact Pro ??
I just came across this video. I’ve been looking at this class of thermal cameras for quite a while. I liked the Flir one pro but failures of the built in battery and lack of support turned me away. The Seek compact pro was also a consideration and like the TC001, uses the phone battery for power which is a strong plus imo. I think Infiray makes some thermal cameras that are attractive too.
Here’s what I determined that I liked about the TC001: thermal resolution 256x192. Frame rate 25 Hz. Sensitivity 40 mK. $230 - ish. Better specs than the Flir 1 pro.
Flir 1 pro: thermal resolution 160x120. Frame rate 8.7 Hz. Sensitivity 70 mK. Internal battery $450
Seek Compact pro: thermal resolution 320x240. Frame rate < 9 Hz. Sensitivity
Good video. Can't download app to my Kindle Fire. Any suggestions
I had another video where I hacked my Kindle to use regular Google Play, but it was kind of a frustrating process.
@@saveitforparts
What did you do?
😎😎
I'm gonna use this to find mines... temperature difference in the air coming out is a good giveaway!
I used to have a thermal camera. If you use it outdoors for night vision, any wetness due to heavy rain will make everything the same temperature making it unusable.
Interesting, I haven't tried one in a wet environment so I didn't know that!
@@saveitforparts Maybe you could have a go and let us know the results. But I guess that will be another video.😏
This is going to sound extremely strange but I want to go ahead and ask you because A. you seem like a knowledgeable guy and B. you seem like a nice guy! I'm in a situation where I need to check a house for possible "bugging" such as microphones and hidden cameras. I have bought a RF detector and have a few suspicious areas. I'd like to see behind the plasterboard and see whether there are any cables/wires which aren't supposed to be there. Do you think it might work? I saw a very expensive "FLIR" (I think) and people were leaving reviews saying it didn't help for this (seems surprisingly common for people out there who are wanting them for this purpose). It is nothing illegal etc; it's due to a stalker who has harassed the victim for many years and made threats of installing microphones inside their property. If you see my question and answer it then that would be awesome but I'll give you a subscription and a like anyway for the fact you seem like a good guy!
I'm not an expert on bug hunting, I've heard of various products but the consumer-level stuff always seem a little on par with "ghost hunting" products. IE: someone just stuck flashy lights in a box to sell to unsuspecting buyers.
If there's a hidden camera with night vision/IR, you can often find it with another camera (like a cell phone) by turning off the lights and looking for the infrared glow. You can also look up hidden cameras and mics for sale and see what they're typically hidden in (smoke detectors, clocks, wall outlets, etc), then check all of those. If you know the stalker and their level of expertise, you might be able to narrow it down (are they the type to buy a secret mic or build their own, and would they be able to hide wires in a wall without leaving visible holes?). You can also get "white noise" machine that puts out an ocean or rain sound, it won't find a mic but it should help jam it. Anyway, just some ideas!
@@saveitforparts Thanks for your reply! I agree with you and that's been my concern in terms of investing money in products which claim to find hidden devices. I have checked the obvious places and not found anything so far although in places where the RF detector reacts I am yet to examine further. The problem is they moved into a new property and this stalker knows a lot of people and it would not at all surprise me that he "corrupted" someone to enable him access to hide something(s) before stuff was moved into the property. They are a bit smarter than the average stalker in that they operate carefully and do only the minimal things they can get away with while appearing random and coincidental to anyone outside of the situation. I think the reality is that I need to check with my endoscope camera inside the wall cavities and repair any damage after. I mean if something is found the victim will of course then be able to prove to the police what has been happening and prosecute this person to the full extent including for damages caused as a result of the harassment. The white noise machine sounds interesting so will have a look online. All the best! Dan (from the UK).
Do you have to send it back or do you get to keep? How much would you sell it to me for?
I'm keeping this one! It's too useful to get rid of, I have some other projects in mind for it :-)
@@saveitforparts I honestly didn't think otherwise!
Product "Currently not available" 😐
You my friend, are like that one guy in The last of us. Go watch S1E03 if you didn't watch it already.
Which andro phone u use?
Pixel 4, not the newest but it works OK.
Edit: flir One V3 is cheaper, and as the V1 already beats this TopDon unit based on this review, Flir is probably a better buy.
Previous comment:
Wonder why it's so big 🤨 the first generation Flir 1 from 5+ years ago is a quarter of the size. It'd be interesting to see if this has got a higher megapixel count. The other stuff (colour pallete, spot temp, video) is identical. Probs same chipset/software.
Someone else commented that this has a different chip than the FLIR models. I'm not really sure of the internal workings of it.
I disagree based on the stats provided by each manufacturer
The Topdon TC002 going for $230 on amazon is comparable to Flir’s pro model going for $430
The Tc002 has 256x192 resolution
FLIR gen 3 is 80x60
FlIR pro is 160x120
Tc002 Thermal sensitivity 40Mk
Flir gen 3 is 150mk
Flir Pro is 70Mk
(Lower mk = higher sensitivity and better imaging)
so not only is the ToPDon cheaper it is a way better value in terms of the image quality
Basesailor USB Type C Extension Adapter 3-Pack,PD USBC 3.1 Gen2 Female to Male Extender Converter
I wonder how the night sky looks like with that camera.
I actually pulled it out for the eclipse and it was kind of interesting, but didn't look clear enough to include in my eclipse video.
@@saveitforparts oh ok. Thanks alot for responding. Your projects are amazing and inspire me to as well take a little peak in radio astronomy. I plan on to either get a spectrum anyliser (tinySA ultra) that has a range of 100 KHz - 5.3 GHz or Satelite finder V8 950 MHz - 2.1 GHz. Both would cover the the hydrogen emission line in the milky way. The tinySA ultra is more expensive but i wonder if it's possible to do with the V8 satelite finder.
Can we use it for hunting?
I think that depends on the laws where you live.
there was a unicorn??
People try to find ghosts with these, but I found a unicorn! (We have a decorative cutout I made a while back to make the yard weirder 😁 )
Unicorn! What? 😮
Darn things keep hiding in the walls!
pretty nice thermal camera... but for 300 bux id expect something of decent quality.
I didn't know you have ducks
Yep, they show up in a few videos! Currently two ducks and a goose.
I bit the bullet and purchased one. Generally not a fan of chinese tools and their usually average apps that come with them. Not sure how it's going to go with electronic repair when we're briefly injecting voltage but we'll see.
I've gotten some use out of this, it's easy to bring on a road trip and look for caves!
1:18
...and it's unavailable! :(
Weird, it seems to work for me, I wonder if it depends on region or something? Or maybe they sold out quick!
Why would you wanna look at anything else?
I've got one. I wouldn't bother. Temperature readings are miles out. It gives you a relative colour picture of what your looking at as in if you're looking at 2 things on the screen, if they are different temperatures, they will be different colours. That's all you get, the actual reading on the screen are so far out that they are meaningless! If you connect it to your phone with supplied cable it doesn't work properly. After 10 to 20 seconds the left hand side of the screen turns orange indicating a warm surface. It does this regardless, even if what your looking at a flat surface of the same temperature. It's useless! Also basic instruction leaflet.
Unicorn spotted
Darn things keep nesting in the walls!
@@saveitforparts lol 😀
@@saveitforparts could you send me a unicorn egg please
Do you have any college degrees?
I went to college for Computer Science, but with most of my DIY projects I think I learn more just by tearing apart stuff from the trash :-P
Thanks I loves your videos
After some research, I can't find a thermal camera that supports IOS and USB C so sadly, no thermal camera with Ipads. *sad face*
I didn't realize they had anything with USB C, but I haven't really used an Apple product since the 90s 😂
Good for finding a Hot girlfriend 😊
Ok I HATE! To be that guy. But you don’t know if they have one for iPhone?
TCoo2 is for IoS.
Yep the TC002 model is for Apple, there should be a link with coupon code in the description.
@@saveitforparts great!!!
@@saveitforparts thank you
@@saveitforparts ty
Awesome bit of kit, but the price isn't something I'm willing to drop on it, given it will not get used for anything useful and just be a novelty / toy for curiosity.
I've actually been thinking of buying one for cave finding / electrical troubleshooting / vehicle diagnostics / home insulation updates. I had been using the MLX90640 on my Picorder for some of those things, but this one is much better resolution.
@saveitforparts >>> 👍👍