FLIR Scion OTM130 Thermal Imaging Monocular

Published on Aug. 2, 2023, 7:33 p.m.

The FLIR Scion OTM130 is a lightweight, compact thermal imaging monocular designed for outdoor enthusiasts and hunters. It allows you to see in complete darkness, through smoke, fog, and other obscurants. I tested the OTM130 during a weekend hunting trip and was thoroughly impressed with its capabilities.

Overview

The FLIR Scion OTM130 Thermal Imaging Monocular features FLIR’s Boson thermal imaging core which produces crisp 9Hz thermal video and images. It has an OLED display for vivid imagery even in bright daylight. The monocular records geotagged video and stills to internal memory and supports microSD cards up to 128GB.

Key Features

320x256 VOx microbolometer sensor
9Hz refresh rate
16° x 12° field of view
Detection range up to 280m
Vivid 1280x960 OLED display
Onboard video and image recording
Redesigned user interface for quick adjustments
Internal memory and microSD card slot

Technical Background

Thermal imaging technology is a method of generating images using the infrared radiation emitted by objects. This technology relies on temperature differences between objects. By detecting the infrared radiation of objects at different temperatures, it converts it into a visible image. Thermal imaging technology is highly versatile in low-light conditions, at night, or when there are obstructions, as it is not restricted by lighting conditions and can penetrate fog, smoke, and certain obstacles. Thermal imaging technology has a wide range of applications in military, security, firefighting, medical, and architectural fields.

Design and Build

The FLIR Scion OTM130 Thermal Imaging Monocular has an IP67 weather-resistant polycarbonate shell that seems durable enough for field use. It’s nitrogen purged to prevent internal fogging. At just 1.3 lbs with batteries installed, the monocular is lightweight and easy to handle. The textured finish provides a secure grip.

Image Quality

The Boson imaging core and 14mm lens deliver excellent thermal image quality. Small details are easy to discern even at longer ranges. The 16° FOV provides a decent viewing area while keeping targets sufficiently magnified. Image contrast and clarity are superb.

Technical Parameter Analysis

Resolution

The resolution of a thermal imaging device refers to its ability to distinguish the smallest distance between two adjacent objects, usually expressed in pixels. The higher the resolution, the clearer the image and the richer the detail displayed. For applications such as hunting that require long-distance monitoring, high resolution is crucial.

Sensitivity

The sensitivity of a thermal imaging device affects its performance in detecting temperature differences. The higher the sensitivity, the wider the range of temperature differences the thermal imaging device can detect, thereby improving its applicability in various environments.

Temperature Measurement Range

The temperature measurement range of a thermal imaging device refers to the range of temperatures it can accurately measure. Different application scenarios require different temperature measurement ranges, so choosing the right thermal imaging device involves considering whether the required temperature measurement range meets actual needs.

FLIR Scion OTM130 Thermal Imaging Monocular

Ease of Use

FLIR redesigned the user interface to allow quicker access to thermal palettes, zoom levels, and other settings. Menu navigation is intuitive once you learn the button functions. The monocular powers up quickly for rapid target acquisition. Capturing images and videos is seamless.

Battery Life

Battery life is rated at 4 hours continuous use. I got about 3.5 hours of use during a weekend trip using the monocular intermittently. The CR123A batteries are easy to replace in the field.

Connectivity

The FLIR Scion OTM130 Thermal Imaging Monocular has a micro USB port beneath a weather-sealed cover. This allows you to connect to a computer to offload media or install firmware updates. The monocular records GPS coordinates to geotag your images and videos.

Accessories

The monocular comes with a USB cable, wrist strap, soft carrying case, and an objective lens cap. Optional accessories include a hard case, extra batteries, battery charger, and a wireless Bluetooth remote control.

Use Cases

This FLIR Scion OTM130 Thermal Imaging Monocular shines for hunting, search and rescue, boating, hiking, and other outdoor excursions. It’s particularly useful for spotting game at night or in low visibility conditions. The geotagging functionality helps you mark waypoints.

FLIR Scion OTM130 Thermal Imaging Monocular

Customer Reviews

Currently rated 5/5 stars based on 4 customer reviews. Users praise the excellent image quality and detection range. They find the monocular easy and intuitive to operate. Most mention using it for hunting and search and rescue applications.

Pros

Crisp thermal imaging
Onboard recording
Intuitive menus
Lightweight and durable
Good battery life

Cons

Expensive
Limited field of view

Price

The FLIR Scion OTM130 Thermal Imaging Monocular retails for $2350, putting it at the higher end of premium thermal monoculars. The image quality, onboard recording, and detection range justify the price for serious users.

Conclusion

The FLIR Scion OTM130 Thermal Imaging Monocular delivers best-in-class thermal imaging and onboard recording in a lightweight, field-ready package. It’s an outstanding choice for hunters, search and rescue teams, and anyone needing top-tier thermal capabilities. The steep price is backed up by superb performance and features.

Future Prospects

With the continuous development of science and technology, thermal imaging technology will usher in more innovation and applications. In the future, we can expect thermal imaging technology to play a more important role in medical diagnosis, autonomous driving, intelligent security, and other fields. At the same time, with the advancement of technology and the reduction of costs, thermal imaging devices will become more popular, bringing convenience and changes to more industries.