A thermal monocular is a type of optical device that allows you to see in the dark by detecting infrared radiation emitted by objects. This technology does not require any visible light to operate, making it highly effective for use in complete darkness, through smoke, fog, and other visual obstructions.
Critical Specifications of a Thermal Monocular
- Resolution: The resolution of the thermal sensor impacts the clarity and detail of the image. Higher resolution sensors provide clearer images.
- Magnification: This determines how close objects appear through the monocular. Some devices offer variable magnification or digital zoom.
- Field of View: The wider the field of view, the larger the area you can observe at one time. A narrower field of view typically allows for greater detail at longer distances.
- Refresh Rate: Higher refresh rates result in smoother imaging, especially when tracking moving objects.
- Detection Range: This is the maximum distance at which the device can detect heat signatures.
- Battery Life: Since thermal monoculars are often used in the field, long battery life is crucial.
- Durability: Ruggedness and resistance to water and shock are important for outdoor use.
Applications of Thermal Monoculars
Thermal monoculars have a wide range of applications across various fields:
- Military and Law Enforcement: For surveillance, reconnaissance, and night operations.
- Hunting and Wildlife Observation: To track animals during the night or through dense foliage.
- Search and Rescue: To locate people in challenging conditions such as at night or in smoke-filled environments.
- Security: For perimeter monitoring and to detect intruders in complete darkness.
- Building Inspections: To identify heat leaks, moisture, and other issues in structures.
How to Select a Thermal Monocular
When choosing a thermal monocular, consider the following factors based on your needs:
- Purpose and Environment: Determine the primary use (e.g., hunting, security) and the typical environmental conditions (e.g., urban vs. rural, daytime vs. nighttime).
- Budget: Prices vary widely based on features and quality. Decide how much you are willing to spend.
- Ergonomics and Ease of Use: Consider the size, weight, and ease of operation, especially if you will be using it for extended periods.
- Extra Features: Look for additional functionalities like GPS, Wi-Fi connectivity, onboard recording, and image enhancement technologies.
Selecting the right thermal monocular involves balancing these specifications and features against your specific requirements and budget.
The SOTOB series is a handheld monocular infrared telescope known for its compact size, lightweight design, high performance, and low power consumption, making it versatile for widespread applications. It operates on a no-block, no-TEC mode, ensuring seamless, uninterrupted imaging. Additionally, it features various manually adjustable lenses to accommodate both domestic and international usage needs.
- Equipped with a high-performance 384×288/640×512 vanadium oxide uncooled focal plane detector.
- Offers five imaging modes: Black hot, white hot, false color, green hot, and red hot.
- Utilizes advanced non-blocking technology.
- Features digital zoom, picture-in-picture, easy menu access, photo and video capture, as well as data export functionalities.
- Enables video and image transmission over Wi-Fi.
- Powered by a 18650 battery and includes Type-C charging capability.
- Operable through function keys.
- Includes settings for outdoor and red dot modes.
- Allows for simultaneous display on OLED and CVBS screens.
- Provides a manual crosshair cursor for correcting defective pixels.
Item No | SOTOB-384-19/25/35 | SOTOB-640-25/35 |
Detector type | Uncooled vanadium oxide detector | |
Pixels | 12μm | |
Resolution | 384×288 | 640×512 |
Correction mode | No gear correction | |
Frame rate | 50fps | |
NETD | ≤35mk | |
Objective lens | 19mm、25mm、35mm | 25mm、35mm |
Display | 1024X768 | |
Eyepiece diopter | -5~+5 | |
Eye relief | 20mm | |
Input power | 18650×1 battery powered (typical DC3.7V) | |
Power dissipation | ≤2.2W | |
Standby time | ≥5h | |
Battery charging/Data export / CVBS video output | TYPE-C | |
Dot screen driver | 18650×1 battery powered (typical DC3.7V) | |
Digital zoom | 1×、2×、4× | |
Storage | Built-in on-board EMMC chip high-speed storage (32GB) | |
Video output | WiFi | |
Key operation | Supports multiple function keys | |
Function definition | Support digital magnification,picture in picture, menu call, outdoor mode, photo/video and other function definitions | |
Weight | <700g | |
Operating temperature | -25℃~+55℃ | |
Storage temperature | -40℃~+60℃ |
Singapore ShapeOptics is a company focused on the research and development, design, production, and sales of products that primarily utilize germanium and other infrared optical materials. Their product range includes infrared lenses, optical dome covers, modules, as well as observation and night vision equipment. The company’s offerings are extensively used across various sectors including military, equipment testing, security, industrial, electrical, automotive, medical, and consumer fields.