Milwaukee has announced their new M12 thermal imaging camera, model 2260-21, which further broadens their already vast selection of testing & diagnostics tools. The thermal imager features a 160×120 px thermal image resolution, 14-662°F temperature range, 3.5″ 640×480 px color LCD display, and it saves images to an SD card (2GB included) via jpeg format.

The M12 thermal imager is capable of simultaneously capturing and overlaying a thermal map over a visual image. 2 LED floodlights help illuminate dim work areas visually and in the corresponding photographs. The camera is rated at IP54 for weather and dust resistance, and is designed to be comfortably operated with gloved hands.

On paper, the M12 version looks to have an edge against competing models, but competitors (e.g. FLIR/Extech and Fluke) have many more years of experience in designing and troubleshooting these types of tools. It will be interesting to see if Milwaukee can successfully encroach on their territory.

The tool is bundled with a 2GB SD card, USB cable, 1X M12 RedLithium battery, 20-minute charger, SD card reader, carrying case, and report creation software. MSRP is $2500, and a tool-free version (2260-20) may be available in the future.

(Video Preview by Tools in Action)

(This post is a revision of the preview post first published on July 25th, 2011 to include updated specs and product details.)

Amazon ran out of today’s “Deal of the Day,” and to make up for it they slashed the price of the Black & Decker TLD100 Thermal Leak Detector. The Thermal Leak Detector is a compact infrared thermometer with an LED indicator beam that changes color to show changes in temperature.

We drew comparison to the Black & Decker TLD100 in our recent Porter Cable infrared thermometer review since the two are very similar in design. While the Porter Cable version offers additional features and is more suitable for professional applications, the Black & Decker one is smaller and more affordable with near-comparable functionality.

Right now it is priced at $28 with free shipping. Normal pricing is $35-40, so the discount is about 20% or so.

Buy Nowvia Amazon

Milwaukee Tools is adding yet another new tool to their cordless testing and diagnostics lineup, a fluorescent bulb and ballast tester. We have heard a couple of rumors and leaks about the new tool in recent months, with those discussing it usually using words such as amazing, unbelievable and incredible.

The new lighting tester can check all types of T5, T8 and T12 fluorescent lamps, bulb pin connections, and is optimized for diagnosing T8 electronic ballasts.  The kit will come with an adapter, AA batteries, and carrying case.

There is no word on launch date, pricing, or whether an M12 12V version will follow. A copy of the press release is on the next page:

Last month Porter Cable announced two new infrared thermometers that are powered by either an 18V rechargeable battery or common 9V alkaline battery. Wondering how well the $60 devices compared to the other IR thermometers we have used before, we asked for a sample of the 9V version (PCC582) to test out.

Features

The IR thermometer features a -22°-590°F measurement range, ±1.8° accuracy, and 12:1 spot ratio. You press the trigger to turn on the unit and sample a reference temperature, and an LED beam signals if your measured readings are hotter (red LED), colder (blue LED), or within limits (green LED) compared to the reference as you scan across different areas. You can set the LED signal threshold to be 1°, 5°, or 10°F, or can disable the feature entirely. Up to 10 temperatures can be recorded and played back on the device, and a small button changes units from °F to °C.

A backlit LCD displays the reference temperature (top right), current temperature reading (bottom), threshold (top left), and when in playback mode it shows the recorded temperature.

Size, Build Quality & Design

The thermometer fits comfortably in the hand, and is built with a solid-feeling plastic body. It is larger than other units on the market, but this is not necessarily a bad thing as it makes the device easier to hold, point, and pull out of a tool bag.

Performance

Temperature readings were accurate and were verified with another non-contact IR thermometer and a thermocouple. The colored LED beam spreads out over a distance, seemingly corresponding with the size of the sampled area at that distance, and is bright enough even across normal sized rooms.

VS. the Competition

Dewalt’s IR thermometer, which we reviewed a couple of months ago, is about double the price (including 12V battery and charger), but offers more powerful measurement options and a higher temperature range.

Cheap Import Model - these can be found at quite a few retailers for under $20, and are more compact but with potential accuracy, reliability, and repeatability issues.

Fluke Mini IR thermometer - this model and others like it are more compact, have higher temperature measurement ranges, greater accuracy, and are more expensive, but are not quite as quick for detecting thermal differences.

Black & Decker Thermal Leak Detector - the direct inspiration and backbone technology of the Porter Cable IR thermometer. The Leak Detector is slightly more compact but less rugged and does not feature the PC’s 10-measurement memory. Sensor specs are not available, but we assume the temperature range and accuracy are comparable. The Leak Detector is about $25 cheaper than than PC.

Conclusion

The Porter Cable infrared thermometer proved to be a very capable device. It has a tethered protector cap that keeps dust and debris away from the lens, a comfortable rubberized grip, and overall good feel to it. Taking individual measurements is quick and easy, and the thermal scanning feature and LED signal system performed well.

We recommend the IR thermometer, and prefer Porter Cable’s 9V model over the 18V one. But if you don’t need jobsite-tough build quality or the memory feature, the Black and Decker version looks to offer much of the same functionality at a lower price point.

Our only complaint is that there is no way to temporarily remove the dangling tethered lens/sensor cap.

Thank you to Porter Cable for providing the sample for this review unconditionally. Review samples are typically returned, donated, or in some cases retained for further testing or benchmark and comparison purposes.

The same Milwaukee M12 fork meter and drill combo that we mentioned over a month ago is back. The 2207-21P M12 combo kit includes a fork multimeter and 3/8″ cordless drill, with single M12 battery. Not a bad way to get into the M12 compact cordless lineup.

The way the combo is priced at $99, you can consider either tool a freebie.

Check prices or purchase via Amazon

I have seen the same price at one other retailer, perhaps indicating that Milwaukee is looking to clear their shelves of the 3/8″ drill/driver in preparation of an updated or refreshed model release. Or maybe they’re just trying to raise more attention about their fork meters and other diagnostic equipment. In any case, this is a great value-priced combo kit, despite the inclusion of only a singly battery.

Porter Cable just announced two new non-contact infrared thermometers – the PCC581B, an 18V-compatible model, and the PCC582B, which takes common 9V batteries. These new IR thermometers are designed for remodelers, HVAC professionals, and energy specialists, but they look to be great for DIY use as well.

18V version, front

Both models feature an easy-to-view temperature indicator beam, which take a reference measurement while projecting a green circle onto the sampled surface. When scanning across a new area, the beam will change to blue when a colder-than-reference temperature is measured, and red for hotter-than-reference temperatures.

The temperature indicator beam, or rather temperature differential indicator, can be used to find hot or cold spots, air leaks around doors, windows, or ductwork, and it can even be used to monitor the operating temperature of bearings and motors. Non-contact IR thermometers are handy devices that can be used for a wide range of applications.

Both IR thermometer versions will retail for ~$60, and will be available in November 2011. The 18V version does not include a charger or battery.

While these new IR thermometers don’t have the same bells and whistles as Dewalt’s 12V Max thermometer, they’re much easier on the wallet, and offer great features for the price.

Here is how thieves can and may already be using thermal imaging cameras for their no-good purposes:

1. They install an illegal card skimmer at an ATM
2. Then wait until a victim completes their transaction and moves on
3. Thermal imaging camera is pointed at pin-number keypad
4. Keys with residual heat from being pushed show up as hot spots
5. With bank card and pin numbers in-hand, thief steals money from victim or sells the information to others

Residual heat transferred to a keypad from a user’s fingers can still be detected 10, even 45 seconds after contact.

It is improbable that thieves would go to such lengths when there are easier ways of capturing pin numbers, e.g. with hidden cameras., but the risk still stands. Theoretically, residual heat can be picked up with cheaper and more easily disguisable IR thermometers, as well.

The primary defense against these methods is to look for a potential card skimmer. Whenever you use a credit or ATM card with an automated machine (ATM, gas pump, etc), check to make sure there are no add-on devices attached to the real card scanner.

Source: Technical Research Paper (PDF) via Sophos Naked Security and Wired

Today only (8/17/2011), Amazon is having a killer sale on this Milwaukee M12 combo kit. For $99 you get a 2207 fork-style multi-meter and a 2410-20 2-speed gearbox 3/8″ drill/driver, a 30-minute charger, one M12 lithium ion battery, and a few accessories.

Milwaukee M12 Fork Meter and Drill Driver Kit

If you’re looking to expand your M12 test and tool kit further, the M12 clamp meter + cordless screwdriver kit is a great deal and is still available at $119.

Bob sent in this hot deal find this morning – Milwaukee 2239-23 M12 combo kit, including a clamp-gun multimeter (2239-20) and cordless screwdriver (2401-20), for a mind-bogglingly low $119!

The MSRP price for this combo kit looks to be $490, according to Amazon and Google Products. The clamp-on meter by itself is priced at $250-$359, not including battery or charger.

You can get in on this deal by ordering kit from Toolup through Amazon or ebay. Shipping is not included in the $119 price.

Thanks, Bob, for the deal alert!

Fluke made the video to promote their new portable handheld vibration tester, model 810. Well done, Fluke and Propadata Films, well done!

Behind the scenes:

Dewalt’s 12V Max infrared thermometer has a 12-1 distance-spot size, and a temperature range of -20°F to 932°F (-29°C to -500°C), accurate to ±1.5% or ±1.5°C. The emissivity setting is fully adjustable, and the thermometer has a customizable hot-cold alarm.

The IR thermometer looks great on paper, but how well does it work?

Design

One of the things you’ll notice right away is the large digital display, which is backlit and easy to read. I also particularly appreciate that the digital display is recessed and shrouded by the same protective rubber non-marring material that is used on the grip.

Bright Green Backlit Display

The IR thermometer shares the same basic design features as Dewalt’s other 12V Max offerings (except for the LED work light). Dewalt’s 12V Max handle is quite ergonomic and comfortable to hold and use, but it does make the IR thermometer a bit larger than it has to be.

Most of the infrared thermometers on the market today are compact units that take standard alkaline batteries. Dewalt’s is one of the very few that are powered by rechargeable 12V/10.8V battery packs. While this could be a convenience for pro users, the added cost and size of the 12V Max platform will certainly make the IR thermometer less attractive to DIYers and occasional users.

Use & Performance

To turn the thermometer on, simply pull the trigger and wait a few seconds until the temperature screen comes up. After that, just point and sample. If you leave the tool idle, it will auto-shut off to save battery life.

Red Laser Assists with Targeting

To hold a measurement, take your finger off the trigger, and the last temperature reading will be locked on the screen. This is confirmed as “scan” disappears from the screen and “hold” pops up. At this point, you can also toggle the min/max button to view the minimum, maximum, and average temperature readings that were recorded during a scan.

The emissivity is set to 0.95 by default, and is adjustable in 0.01 increments. There is table in the user manual with common emissivity values, but you can find this information online as well. (Here’s a nice table by Fluke.) Many users won’t ever need to adjust the emissivity when taking comparative measurements, but these values must be adjusted to match the material being sampled for greatest quantitative accuracy.

Hot Alarm with Red LED Alert

When a reading goes beyond the adjustable high and low temperature alarm range, you’ll hear a beep and either a blue or red LED will light up. You have the option of disabling either the audible or visual alerts.

Cold Alarm with Blue LED Alert

Overall, the IR thermometer was exceptional easy to use, and it performed better than expected. When I passed the review sample to a colleague who wasn’t at all familiar with non-contact IR thermometers, he looked at the tool strangely for a minute, and then used it naturally. Aside from having to give him a brief primer on emissivity, there was absolutely no learning curve.

When I compared the IR thermometer’s readings to those of a thermocouple I know to be highly accurate, the measurements were spot-on.

The thermometer samples a 1.5″ diameter spot at a distance of 12″, 3.0″ at 36″, and 5.3″ at 60″.

Price

Taking into account that the Dewalt IR thermometer kit also includes a li-ion battery, charger, and kit box, its ~$130 price is appropriate for what you’re getting. Searching around, the other IR thermometers (e.g. Extech 42511) that I could find with comparable temperature ranges, distance-spot ratios, and adjustable emissivity settings were priced about the same.

Kit Includes a Compact Case

Conclusion

To be perfectly honest, I initially had some doubts about how the tool would perform. The specs look great on paper, but I was not sure how the IR thermometer would compare against more established models since it is one of Dewalt’s first 12V Max tools and one of their few measurement tools.

Bottom line, Dewalt’s 12V Max IR thermometer performs very well, and I cannot find anything significant to complain about.

The only thing that would make this tool better is if it had a built-in emissivity library, but that’s a bit much to ask for.

Dewalt 12V Max Infrared Thermometer Kit via Amazon
Product Info via Dewalt (DCT414S1)

Thank you to Dewalt for providing the review sample unconditionally.

Today only, Amazon sliced the price of this Milwaukee M12 2-tool kit. Included is an M-Spector digital inspection camera (2310), and an M12 compact screwdriver (2401). The kit is normally priced at $250, today it’s discounted to $159. Following is a rundown of basic specs and features.

2401 M12 Compact Screwdriver

• 150 in/lbs torque
• 15-position clutch
• 0-500RPM

2310 M12 Inspection Camera

• LCD display
• 3-foot water-tight flexible cable
• LED illumination

Kit Contents

• Both tools
• 2 x 12V batteries
• Battery charger
• Carrying case

Milwaukee Inspection Camera & Screwdriver Kit via Amazon

Priced separately, the 2310 kit costs ~$200 (via Amazon), and the 2401 kit $93 (via Amazon) or ~$55 for just the driver.

Product info via Milwaukee: Inspection Camera | Compact Screwdrivers

Dewalt’s new 12V Max cordless tool lineup is finally available. We mentioned these tools a few times thus far, and will be reviewing quite a few of them in upcoming weeks as well. From what we’ve seen already, they’re downright amazing.

Following are links to the tools on Amazon along with their model numbers in case you want to shop around. If Amazon is not listed as the default seller, check the right side under “more buying options.”

• 1/4” Screwdriver DCF610S2
• 3/8” Drill/Driver DCD710S2
• 1/4” Impact Driver DCF815S2
• 3/8” Impact Wrench DCF813S2
• LED Work Light DCL510
• Inspection Camera DCT410S1
• Infrared Thermometer DCT414S1
• Screwdriver & Impact Driver Combo Kit DCK210S2
• 3/8″ Drill/Driver & Impact Driver Combo Kit DCK211S2

Product Info via Dewalt

CPO Outlets is also currently stocking the full 12VMax lineup as well.

We’re told that Perceptron and Bosch have entered into a partnership to jointly develop new optical inspection devices. Perceptron is known for their non-contact measurement and inspection solutions, and as you should already know Bosch is a strong competitor in the power tool market.

Details are very vague at this point, but it looks like new products will be announced later this year with long-term cooperative research in the works.

Milwaukee’s 2300-20 M-Spector AA Digital Inspection Camera is now $99 via Amazon. The M-Spector allows for the inspection and examination of difficult to reach or occluded areas, such as within walls, pipes, machinery, and other such places.

This version is powered by four AA batteries, includes a 3′ water-tight flexible hose that fits through 3/4″ holes, and features a 2.4″ 320×240 pixel screen with an adjustable 2x image zoom, and features variable brightness LED illumination.

Previously, the lowest price we’ve noted was $103, and that was back in March. Since then, the price on the AA-powered M-Spector typically hovered around $109 at Amazon.

If you’re looking for an inspection camera or digital borescope, this is the likely your best option for under $100.

Milwaukee 2300-20 M-Spector Inpsection Camera, via Amazon
Product Info via Milwaukee