ZDNET Key Takeaways

• Super smooth and very responsive application
• Small carrying case can be attached to a key ring for easy transportation
• Requires included USB-C extension cable to connect to most rugged smartphones

Regular readers will know that I am a big fan of thermal cameras. They are cool and give you a view of the world that you might not otherwise see, but they are also very useful and have become a key tool in my repair toolbox. I’ve used them for everything from finding a faulty component on a circuit board to finding a wiring problem under floorboards.

A thermal camera is a very useful tool – and these devices are cheaper than you think.

Also: Want a complete technical repair shop of tools in one messenger bag? iFixit can fix this problem

THE Thermal Master P2 thermal camerawhich, according to the manufacturer, is “the second smallest thermal camera in the world”, is the perfect tool for the engineer, mechanic or DIYer on the go.

Technical specifications of the Thermal Master P2

• Resolution: 256 x 192 (512 x 384)
• Temperature range: -20°C to 550°C
• Refresh rate: 25Hz
• Zoom:x15
• Precision: ±1.5℃
• Temperature resolution: 0.04℃
• Weight: 10g
• Energy consumption: 0.3W
• Connector: USB-C
• Compatibility: Android (not compatible with iPhones or iPads with USB-C)

Getting started with the P2 is simple. Download and install the Temp Master app from Google Play Storelaunch the app, insert the camera into the USB-C port and off you go.

If your Android smartphone is a rugged type, you might have issues installing the camera, which means you’ll need to use the included USB-C extension cable.

Also: This little USB-C accessory has a revolutionary magnetic feature (and it’s 30% off)

The camera is small, weighing around 10 grams, and it fits into a carrying case small enough to clip onto a keychain, so it’s always ready when you need it.

I’ve used many thermal cameras and one P2 feature I like is the 25Hz refresh rate. In comparison, my thermal cameras with slower refresh rates seem slow and clunky. I also like how the 15x zoom lets me get closer to the action.

Also: I tested the world’s first thermal phone camera with a 50Hz refresh rate, and here are the results

The temperature resolution is sensitive – more than sensitive enough to “see” someone breathing based on temperature changes around their nose.

Not sure what you can do with one of these thermal cameras? Here are some things you can do:

• Check for overheating electrical components (faulty components usually run hotter)
• Diagnose all kinds of HVAC problems, from windows that leak heat to radiators that don’t heat properly to air conditioning units that don’t cool.
• Finding Dangerous Overheating rechargeable batteries
• Find the radiator pipes under the floorboards
• Finding overheating power cables
• Finding problems with cooling systems on desktop and laptop systems
• Spot constraining the brakes on cars

Here’s a photo of a USB-C cable that heats up when carrying a high current load:

My advice for learning how to use a thermal camera is to use it to look at things when they’re not faulty – your radiators, your car brakes, your electrical equipment, anything – and learn what the things should look like, so you can know. when things aren’t working well.

ZDNET’s purchasing advice

THE Thermal Master P2 is a great thermal camera, and it’s currently $50 off, bringing the price down to a very reasonable $199. It’s a fantastic addition to any repair toolbox. I like the fast refresh rate and accuracy. However, this camera won’t work if you upgrade to an iPhone despite having a USB-C port.