Affordable Thermal Imaging Camera Now Available on the Market
Affordable DIY Thermal Camera Project Offers Basic Thermal Mapping
Evan Yu, a maker known for his innovative projects, has unveiled a budget-friendly DIY thermal camera project that costs less than $100 to build [1][2]. The project utilizes the MLX90640 thermal image sensor, combined with an ESP32 microcontroller, and is designed to identify which parts are heating up.
The main components of this project include the MLX90640 thermal image sensor (with a 24 x 32 pixel resolution), an ESP32 board for processing and control, a battery charging and regulation circuit, a display module, a PCB, and a 3D-printed enclosure.
While the MLX90640's 24×32 pixel resolution is modest compared to higher-end commercial cameras, it is sufficient for basic thermal mapping. Software smoothing could potentially improve the visual output [1]. The project's code, written in the Arduino IDE and utilizing off-the-shelf libraries for the display and the image sensor, is approachable for makers familiar with these tools.
The project's focus is on cost-effectiveness and simplicity rather than high resolution or advanced imaging features. However, it is important to note that cheaper alternatives might not deliver optimal results. The potential drawback of a cheaper approach is that you might not get what you expect in terms of performance.
The project's bill of materials is relatively short, with a focus on the circuit to charge the battery, regulate it, and protect it against bad behavior. The DIY thermal camera project's design highlights the importance of battery management in the project's overall success.
The project includes a PCB layout, a 3D-printed case, and firmware files, all of which are available on Evan Yu's GitHub repository [1][2]. While some individuals might question the need for a camera in the project, the MLX90640's image sensor resolution is better than some cheap cameras, making it suitable for "what part is heating up" explorations.
[1] Evan Yu's GitHub Repository for DIY Thermal Camera Project: https://github.com/EvanYu/DIY-Thermal-Camera
[2] DIY Thermal Camera Project Documentation: https://github.com/EvanYu/DIY-Thermal-Camera/blob/master/docs/DIY%20Thermal%20Camera%20Project.md
The DIY thermal camera project by Evan Yu utilizes an ESP32 microcontroller and a PCB, demonstrating the integration of Arduino technology with thermal imaging. The project's code, written in the Arduino IDE, employs off-the-shelf libraries for the display and the image sensor, typically used in Arduino projects.
