Strange Thermal Scope Question

[kozumasbullitt]

This may be an unusual thermal scope question but can a thermal scope such as the ATN Thor 384/640 or Pulsar XD38A double up as a thermal device for maintenance use? I am mainly interested if it is possible to see studs and pipes in walls.

Thanks

[Hairball]

Depends on the temp variances between the walls and what is touching them on the other side. In the summer I can see every stud in the exterior walls and ceiling while inside my home. Not sure about pipes unless they are actually touching the sheetrock on the other side of the wall at some point. Any thermal device should do this as they are all measuring heat. The only difference will be the resolution of the image.

[kozumasbullitt]

Depends on the temp variances between the walls and what is touching them on the other side. In the summer I can see every stud in the exterior walls and ceiling while inside my home. Not sure about pipes unless they are actually touching the sheetrock on the other side of the wall at some point. Any thermal device should do this as they are all measuring heat. The only difference will be the resolution of the image.

What device do you have?

[Blade Gunner]

What are people's experiences good and bad with ATN.

[Rocky Sullivan]

FYI Flir makes an infrared camera that attaches to your phone, I use it all the time for work, and am able to see studs if it's warm outside. I think it's called Flir One.

[Rocky Sullivan]

Just took this now with it. 63 degrees outside.

[Hairball]

What device do you have?

I had an old ATN optic years ago and it was OK but nothing like their newer 3K+ rifle optics they currently offer. Now I use a FLIR Scout II for thermal stuff around the property. Any of the ATN thermals will do what you are looking for but as I described before, there needs to be temp variances to see well. If I walk through the house at night when everything is roughly the same temp you really don't see anything. If you plan on using it for hunting at night or whatever then you may get some use out of the rifle scope side of your purchase but if not, just go with the thermal camera.JMHO...Now only if these things could see through glass...

[goodlookin1]

In my experience, the $5000 unit I tested would not do this. Newer units have lower micron chips, which are more sensitive to temperature variances, giving you a more detailed image. Newer 12 micron units can differentiate your skins from the veins in your arms! Pretty crazy tech...

Again, as others have said, the pipes need to have temp differences. Otherwise they won't shop up any different.

[kozumasbullitt]

To follow up on this, the scope can see clearly into the walls. I am still fiddling with t but I can see the studs with no issues. In addition, I am able to see heat inside the electrical boxes outside as well as anything with any kind of heat.

[ArmsUnlimited]

This is the one I am using on my rifle. For the money it can not be beat, 12 micron 60hz frame rate and best feature I think is the ability to save multiple zero points so you can use the thermal on multiple weapon systems without having to rezero every time

Ive got it zeroed on an S&W MP15-22 (rabbit hunting), Mossberg MVP 308 (lightweight pig gun), Colt LE901 308 (pig gun), and a Colt AR15 (coyote/mountain lions in Nevada)

Contact us for pricing 10%+ off what is listed

https://www.armsunlimited.com/Trijicon-REAP-IR-Mini-Thermal-Riflescope-p/irms-35.htm

[OpticsPlanet]

You will see hot spots and cold spots on the wall, which indicates what is behind them

But most dry wall is thick enough that you will not get clear definition of what is behind it and also the paint acts as another barrier, especially if glossy

You can use it for maintenance purposes but not exactly in the sense that you are thinking

-Matt S.