{"id":2105,"date":"2011-04-03T13:44:06","date_gmt":"2011-04-03T20:44:06","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/mikesenese.com\/DOIT\/?p=2105"},"modified":"2026-03-08T21:04:25","modified_gmt":"2026-03-09T04:04:25","slug":"the-diy-cheapo-thermocam","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mikesenese.com\/DOIT\/2011\/04\/the-diy-cheapo-thermocam\/","title":{"rendered":"The DIY Cheapo Thermocam"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

While filming Catch It Keep It<\/em> and Rock and Roll Acid Test<\/em>, we had a couple segments that were very heat-dependent. The scenes needed a way to show the temperature and changes of the stuff we were researching (one scene, frozen steaks; another scene, women’s panties–I know, classy). We used\u00a0Flir B50 thermal imaging cameras<\/a> which capture a real-time, “Predator”-style visualization of the temperatures of the area it is pointed at. I didn’t realize at the time that these cameras cost thousands of dollars.<\/p>\n

If you want to recreate the same effect but don’t need the immediate, live visual, here’s an easy build to create your own at a fraction of the cost, using a basic infrared thermometer, a webcam, and an arduino.<\/p>\n

The whole how-to can be found here.<\/a><\/p>\n

<\/embed><\/object><\/p>\n

Partlist<\/strong><\/p>\n

<\/strong>From\u00a0sparkfun.com<\/strong>:
\n–\u00a0Pan\/Tilt Bracket<\/a> $5.95
\n–\u00a0Servo – Small<\/a> $8.95
\n–\u00a0Servo – Medium<\/a> $10.95
\n– optional:\u00a0Laser Card Module – Red $7.95
\n– optional:\u00a0ProtoBoard – Square 1″ Double Sided – $2.50
\n 
\nFrom futureelectronics.com<\/strong>:
\n–\u00a0MLX90614ESF-DCI<\/a> $34.64
\n– 2 x\u00a04.7kOhm Resistor $0.06
\n 
\nFrom\u00a0seeedstudio.com<\/strong>
\n–\u00a0Harness for Arduino\/Seeeduino kit<\/a> $6.50
\n–\u00a0Seeeduino V2.21 (Atmega 168P)<\/a> $19.00 (or any other Arduino)
\n 
\nFrom amazon.com<\/strong> (or another retailer):
\n–\u00a0Microsoft LifeCam VX-700<\/a> $7.49\u00a0 (as far as you dont’t have a comparable webcam yet)
\n 
\nWhat you also need but most likely already have at home:
\nCables, Soldering Iron, Wire Cutter, Heat Shrink Tube, Tape, USB Cable for Arduino
\n 
\nAll the parts in this list cost together 104$, but if you already have an arduino or a webcam for example it’s a lot cheaper<\/p><\/blockquote>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

While filming Catch It Keep It and Rock and Roll Acid Test, we had a couple segments that were very heat-dependent. The scenes needed a way to show the temperature and changes of the stuff we were researching (one scene, frozen steaks; another scene,…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3,4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2105","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-diy","category-photo"],"yoast_head":"\nThe DIY Cheapo Thermocam — DO IT: Projects, Plans, and How-tos<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"# Meta Description Build a thermal imaging camera for under $100 using affordable components. 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