A thermal monocular is a compact infrared imaging device that enables users to see in complete darkness and adverse conditions by detecting infrared radiation (heat signatures) emitted by objects. Unlike conventional night vision devices, thermal monoculars do not require ambient or visible light, making them highly effective in smoke, fog, haze, foliage, and total darkness.
With its single-eyepiece design, a thermal monocular offers lightweight portability, fast deployment, and ease of use, making it ideal for handheld or helmet-mounted applications.
Critical Specifications of a Thermal Monocular
- Thermal Sensor Resolution: Higher resolution sensors provide improved image clarity, target recognition, and situational awareness.
- Magnification & Digital Zoom: Determines how close targets appear. Digital zoom and picture-in-picture enhance long-range observation.
- Field of View (FOV): Wider FOV supports area scanning; narrower FOV improves long-distance identification.
- Refresh Rate: Higher frame rates ensure smooth imaging when tracking moving objects.
- Detection Range: Maximum distance at which heat signatures can be detected or recognized.
- Battery Life: Essential for extended field use and continuous surveillance operations.
- Durability & Environmental Resistance: Rugged construction with resistance to shock, dust, and moisture for outdoor and tactical use.
Applications of Thermal Monoculars
Thermal monoculars are widely used across professional and civilian sectors:
- Military & Law Enforcement – Surveillance, reconnaissance, and night operations
- Hunting & Wildlife Observation – Tracking animals through darkness or dense vegetation
- Search & Rescue – Locating people in smoke, forests, or disaster environments
- Security & Surveillance – Perimeter monitoring and intruder detection
- Building & Industrial Inspection – Identifying heat loss, moisture, and structural issues
How to Select a Thermal Monocular
When selecting a thermal monocular, consider the following:
- Operational Purpose: Hunting, security, inspection, or professional tactical use will define required performance levels.
- Sensor Performance: Resolution, NETD, and refresh rate directly impact image quality.
- Ergonomics & Usability: Compact size, balanced weight, and intuitive controls improve long-term usability.
- Additional Features: Wi-Fi transmission, onboard recording, image enhancement, and GPS (if required).
- Budget vs Capability: Balance cost with performance based on real operational needs.
SOTOB Series Thermal Monocular
The SOTOB series is a high-performance handheld thermal monocular, designed with a compact, lightweight form factor and low power consumption. Utilizing advanced no-block (shutterless) technology, it delivers smooth, uninterrupted thermal imaging without image freezing or calibration pauses.
Equipped with vanadium oxide uncooled focal plane detectors, the SOTOB series offers excellent sensitivity and clarity. Its modular objective lens options allow flexible configuration for both domestic and international application requirements, making it suitable for security, hunting, search & rescue, and professional observation tasks.
Key Features of SOTOB Thermal Monocular
- High-performance VOx uncooled thermal detector
- Available in 384×288 and 640×512 resolutions
- Multiple color palettes: Black Hot, White Hot, False Color, Green Hot, Red Hot
- Advanced non-blocking (shutterless) imaging technology
- Digital zoom and picture-in-picture (PIP)
- Photo and video capture with 32 GB onboard storage
- Wi-Fi image and video transmission
- Powered by 18650 battery with Type-C charging
- OLED and CVBS simultaneous display support
- Rugged, lightweight design for field deployment
Technical Specifications – SOTOB Series
Detector & Imaging
| Model | SOTOB-384-19/25/35 | SOTOB-640-25/35 |
|---|---|---|
| Detector Type | VOx Uncooled | VOx Uncooled |
| Resolution | 384 × 288 | 640 × 512 |
| Pixel Pitch | 12 μm | 12 μm |
| Frame Rate | 50 fps | 50 fps |
| NETD | ≤ 35 mK | ≤ 35 mK |
Optical & Display
- Objective Lens: 19 / 25 / 35 mm (384) ; 25 / 35 mm (640)
- Display: OLED 1024 × 768
- Eyepiece Diopter: −5 to +5
- Eye Relief: 20 mm
- Digital Zoom: 1× / 2× / 4×
System & Environment
- Battery: 1 × 18650 Li-ion
- Standby Time: ≥ 5 h
- Power Consumption: ≤ 2.2 W
- Storage: 32 GB eMMC
- Video Output: Wi-Fi / CVBS
- Weight: < 700 g
- Operating Temperature: −25 °C to +55 °C