Yoidesu Thermal Camera - Handy Thermal Imager for Smartphones

Published on Aug. 2, 2023, 2:31 p.m.

The Yoidesu Thermal Camera is a compact and portable thermal imaging camera that can be easily connected to smartphones, tablets and laptops via USB-C or micro USB. It allows you to see and visualize heat signatures that are otherwise invisible to the naked eye. In this review, we will take a close look at the features, performance and real-world usability of this thermal camera.
Yoidesu Thermal Camera

Overview

With a resolution of 640 x 480 pixels, the Yoidesu thermal camera produces decent quality thermal images. It has a frame rate of 8fps, temperature range of -20°C to 300°C, and temperature accuracy of ±2°C. The camera integrates well with smartphones via the easy one-piece USB connector. It comes with 6 color palettes to represent different temperature ranges. The entire unit is lightweight and pocket-sized.

Key Features

  • 640x480 IR resolution
  • Temperature range -20°C to 300°C
  • ±2°C temperature accuracy
  • Frame rate of 8fps
  • 6 color modes
  • Lightweight and portable
  • USB-C and Micro USB connectivity

Design and Build

The Yoidesu thermal camera sports a compact polycarbonate body that feels sturdy in hand. It is very lightweight at just 79g including the USB cable. The front of the camera has the infrared sensor and LED indicators. One side has the USB port and a wrist lanyard. Overall, the design is minimalist and the build quality is decent.

Image Quality and Performance

Despite the modest 640x480 resolution, the Yoidesu thermal camera produces surprisingly good images with ample details and vibrant colors. The 6 color modes effectively highlight different temperature zones in a scene. The images have relatively low noise too. The 8fps frame rate ensures smooth thermal video recording. The temperature accuracy of ±2°C is quite reliable for most applications.

Yoidesu Thermal Camera

Ease of Use

The Yoidesu thermal imager couldn’t be easier to use - simply plug it into your smartphone’s USB port and you are good to go. The compact size and light weight makes it effortless to carry around. The user interface is intuitive with various image settings and analysis tools readily accessible.

Suitable Applications

This portable thermal camera is a perfect tool for identifying insulation issues, electrical faults, water leakage, HVAC problems etc. It can visualize overheating components in industrial equipment. Builders, electricians, contractors will find it useful for maintenance and inspection purposes.

User Feedback Analysis

Reviews of the Yoidesu Thermal Camera reveal a polarization in customer satisfaction. On one hand, a contingent of users decry the disappointing lack of detail from the low-resolution 32x32 IR sensor. They complain of muddy, indiscernible thermal images that fail to clearly show fine temperature variations or small anomalies. These customers feel misled by the marketing and expected sharper IR video for inspecting electrical systems or locating insulation gaps.

However, many other owners sing praises for the thermal camera’s supreme ease of use, precise temperature accuracy, and unbeatable portability. They find the image quality sufficient for basic diagnostics and appreciate the precise real-time temperature overlay. The compact plug-and-play design earns high marks for convenience and mobility. Most agree the tool delivers ample imaging power for common applications like finding air leaks despite its sensor limitations.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Compact and lightweight
  • Affordable price
  • Easy to use

Cons

  • Only 640x480 IR resolution
  • Mediocre image quality
  • App needs improvement

Value

Given its handy size and precise temperature reporting, the Yoidesu Thermal Camera provides worthwhile capabilities at a reasonable price point. For under $200, few competing models pack comparable thermal imaging utilities in such a miniature, user-friendly package. The compromises in image clarity are understandable trade-offs for its minimalist, highly transportable design. Those seeking more discerning IR resolution will need to invest in more expensive professional-grade equipment. So for casual home inspections, basic repairs, and ordinary thermography, the Yoidesu thermal camera gives you ample bang for your buck.

Conclusion

The Yoidesu Thermal Camera delivers good thermal imaging performance in a ultra-portable package. It’s easy to use and provides accurate temperature data. Just be aware of the limited 32x32 IR resolution. For inspecting buildings, HVAC systems or electrical faults, it’s a handy thermal imaging tool to keep in your pocket.

Yoidesu Thermal Camera

Specifications

  • IR resolution: 32 x 32 pixels
  • Thermal sensitivity: <50 mK
  • IR image resolution: 32 x 32 pixels
  • Visible light resolution: 640 x 480 pixels
  • Temperature range: -20°C to 300°C
  • Temperature accuracy: ±3°C or ±5% of reading
  • Thermal sensitivity: <0.05°C
  • Frame rate: 9 Hz
  • IR spectral band: 8 to 14 μm
  • Field of view: 43° x 43°
  • Focal length: Fixed focus
  • IR lens material: Germanium
  • Image file formats: JPEG, PNG, MP4 video
  • Palette modes: Iron, Rainbow, White hot, Black hot, Arctic, Lava
  • Operating temperature: 0°C to 35°C
  • USB interface: USB 2.0, USB-C connector
  • Power input: 5V via USB-C
  • App compatibility: Android and iOS
  • Storage temperature: -20°C to 60°C
  • Dimensions: 68 x 25 x 14 mm
  • Weight: 20g

What’s in the Box

The product package includes:
- Yoidesu Thermal Camera
- Wrist lanyard
- USB-C cable
- Micro USB cable
- Manual

Usage Guide

To use the thermal camera, simply follow these steps:
1. Install the app on your smartphone
2. Connect the camera using the USB cable
3. Open the app and point the camera to visualize the heat patterns
4. Adjust the image settings like color palette, temperature scale etc.
5. Capture photos and videos as needed
6. Analyze the thermal images to identify issues

Frequently Asked Questions about Yoidesu Thermal Camera

1. What are the key features of the Yoidesu Thermal Camera?

  • High resolution: 640 x 480 IR resolution and 640 x 480 visible light resolution for clear and accurate thermal images.
  • Wide temperature range: Measures temperatures from -20℃ to 300℃, making it suitable for a variety of applications.
  • High accuracy: +/- 3℃ +/- 5% of the reading for precise temperature measurement.
  • Multiple color modes: 6 color modes to choose from, allowing you to visualize temperature differences in different ways.
  • Compact and portable: Small and lightweight design makes it easy to carry and use.

2. What are some of the applications of the Yoidesu Thermal Camera?

  • HVAC: Detect heat loss and air leaks in buildings.
  • Building inspection: Identify structural defects and moisture damage.
  • Electrical and mechanical maintenance: Diagnose problems with electrical and mechanical equipment.
  • Preventive and predictive maintenance: Identify potential problems before they cause downtime.
  • Search and rescue: Locate people or objects in low-light or obscured conditions.

3. How do I use the Yoidesu Thermal Camera?

  • Download the Thermal Viewer app from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.
  • Connect the camera to your smartphone using the included USB cable.
  • Open the Thermal Viewer app and follow the instructions to start using the camera.

4. What are some tips for using the Yoidesu Thermal Camera?

  • For best results, use the camera in a dark environment.
  • Allow the camera to warm up for a few minutes before use.
  • Adjust the emissivity setting to match the material you are measuring.
  • Use the color modes to visualize temperature differences in different ways.
  • Save images and videos to your smartphone for later review.

Tips for using the Yoidesu Thermal Camera:

  • Use the camera in a dark environment. This will help to improve the image quality.
  • Allow the camera to warm up for a few minutes before use. This will ensure that the camera is operating at its best.
  • Adjust the emissivity setting to match the material you are measuring. This will improve the accuracy of the temperature measurement.
  • Use the color modes to visualize temperature differences in different ways. This can be helpful for identifying problems.
  • Save images and videos to your smartphone for later review. This can be helpful for documentation or troubleshooting.