Thermal cameras: almost indispensable.
This article will cover the arrival of the new Flir M460 camera, which boasts exceptional image capture capabilities, as well as the FLIR MTMS camera, designed to significantly enhance lithium battery monitoring by accurately reporting any temperature variations in the engine room and pinpointing the location of the lithium battery bank(s).
FLIR MTMS
Let’s start with the thermal camera for the engine room. It provides continuous monitoring of temperatures within the engine room. Unusual temperature variations (such as increases) can trigger preventative alarms.
This is also true for battery bank monitoring. This camera constantly analyzes the temperature and immediately alerts you (with an alarm) if the temperature is abnormally high or undergoes a significant change. It can memorize the typical temperatures of components (engines, transmissions, batteries, etc.) and alert you to any variations exceeding the thresholds on your GPS screen or other device (via alarms).
Indeed, it’s not just the battery bank that’s monitored; the camera also tracks the engines and all other components that generate heat (transmissions, generators, and other equipment).
This allows for a rapid response and, most importantly, provides precise minutes for emergency measures. It’s worth noting that fires on board boats have been increasing since the introduction of lithium batteries, not only for boats but also for all onboard toys powered by lithium batteries (surfboards, Seabobs, and other gadgets).
Here’s a link to a full article, click here.
Now, let’s move on to thermal imaging cameras for navigation.
Thermal imaging cameras are very useful for nighttime visibility and for judging distances.
In short, they have become almost indispensable tools for boaters.
Today, several manufacturers offer thermal imaging cameras, including well-known brands like FLIR, SIONX, Nightride, and Strix.
FLIR cameras start at around $3,000 USD.
New FLIR M460 Thermal Imaging Camera
The FLIR M460-LRF Elite is an advanced, multispectral marine camera system with artificial intelligence, designed for professional marine applications. It combines thermal imaging, 4K visible video, a laser rangefinder, and a spotlight.
Let’s just say it’s FLIR’s top-of-the-line model; its price is around $10,000 USD, but it’s more than worth it, as the saying goes.
Key Features and Functionality of the FLIR M460-LRF Camera
- Multispectral Imaging: This system combines a high-sensitivity long-wave infrared (LWIR) thermal sensor with a high-performance 4K visible light camera for comprehensive situational awareness. It also incorporates Color Thermal Vision (CTV) technology, which overlays color visual data onto the thermal imagery to facilitate the identification of navigational aids and the coastline in their natural colors.
- Laser Rangefinder and Spotlight: It includes an integrated, ITAR-compliant laser rangefinder with a range of 12 km for accurate distance and bearing measurements, even in low visibility. A focused-beam laser spotlight is also integrated, capable of illuminating objects up to 1 km away for precise identification. • AI Target Tracking and Stabilization: The camera uses an onboard neural network for advanced AI target tracking, which automatically identifies and classifies marine objects such as vessels, buoys, and people. The system is integrated into a robust, three-axis stabilized gimbal that compensates for pitch, roll, and yaw, ensuring a smooth and stable image even in rough seas.
- High performance: The visible camera offers 25x optical zoom and 12x digital zoom, with ultra-low-light sensitivity for detailed observation. The thermal sensor provides 5x optical zoom for the early detection of distant objects.
Can this replace radar? Yes and no. In light fog, the camera will do the job, but in thick, dense fog, radar is an essential tool. Ideally, both instruments provide excellent safety in nighttime or foggy conditions.
The brokers at Ita Yachts Canada and its ProprioBateau division are available to provide expert advice.
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