THE NEW FLIR TEST & MEASUREMENT RANGE HIGH QUALITY, INNOVATIVE INSTRUMENTS

(28/03/2014)

FLIR thermal imaging cameras are now tools of the trade, everyday instruments for fast and cost-effective fault finding. And it is this change of emphasis that has prompted FLIR Systems to broaden the scope of its product range.

The company is now applying its hallmark quality design and build to a brand new range of test and measurement tools. These are premium products with innovative features that make them stand out from the crowd.

Initially six FLIR branded products are being introduced but the range is expected to grow rapidly in the coming months. They complement the established FLIR brand, Extech, which continues to serve the mass market.

Three electrical meters are in this first release. All feature large and clear LCD displays and bright dual-LED work lights to illuminate dimly lit work areas. They include Bluetooth® connectivity to Android™ mobile devices running the latest FLIR Tools Mobile® app.

Naturally these new additions will also have the ability to connect wirelessly to Meterlink® enabled FLIR thermal imaging cameras so that electrical readings can be embedded into IR images in real time.

Streamlined VFD troubleshooting
The first of the trio is the FLIR DM93, a rugged digital multimeter with advanced variable frequency drive (VFD) filtering that allows accurate analysis of non-sinusoidal waveforms and noisy signals found in VFD-controlled equipment. A special mode to eliminate ghost readings and automatic data recording to detect intermittent glitches are also standard features.

Simplify power and VFD analysis
The FLIR CM83 is an industrial-grade power clamp meter with power analysis and advanced VFD filtering for testing three-phase systems and VFD-controlled equipment. Other features include a harmonics mode to find noise from different electrical sources; ‘phase rotation’ to confirm phase orientation of three phase systems and ‘inrush current’ to detect start-up transients.

Multifunctional clamp meter
Combining the capabilities of a true RMS (square root of mean square) multimeter and clamp meter with a non-contact IR thermometer and Type K thermocouple is the new FLIR CM78. Ideal for use on industrial equipment and complex machinery, this new instrument enables users to capture accurate AC/DC readings up to 1000A or 1000V.

Illuminated voltage detection
The next new addition is the FLIR VP52, a compact, non-contact voltage detector with a powerful LED work light as well as dual-LED convenience lights at the probe tip. Other features include vibration feedback and multi-coloured LED alarms - useful for inspections conducted in noisy areas. High/low sensitivity modes for testing industrial equipment low voltage systems and tamper-proof outlets are also standard.

Versatile moisture meter
The new FLIR MR77 moisture meter features a pinless sensor and an external pin probe that capture moisture readings up to 19mm below the surface of various building materials. This rugged instrument also includes a field-replaceable temperature/ humidity sensor, spot IR thermometer and laser pointer.

Readings from the FLIR MR77 can also be transferred via Bluetooth to Android devices running FLIR Tools Mobile app and via Meterlink to similarly enabled FLIR thermal imaging cameras.

Easily manoeuvrable videoscope
Completing the initial range is the FLIR VS70, a videoscope designed for use in the industrial environment. It features intuitive handset controls that enable the user to guide the probe into tight areas to deliver clear video images to a large 5.7” colour LCD display.

The FLIR VS70 provides 180◦ and 90◦ camera views and SD card storage of video, image and audio files. Voice comments can also be captured via the product’s headset. Battery life is six to eight hours and a USB port is included for easy recharging.

Commenting on the introduction of the new FLIR Test and Measurement range, Sales Manager, Andy Baker said: “The FLIR brand is synonymous with highly reliable and cost effective thermal imaging and we now want to bring these values to more instruments used for predictive maintenance and condition monitoring.”

He continued: “The first six products are just a taster, there are many more in the pipeline. Our aim is to provide a comprehensive range, whose quality is FLIR assured.”

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