Fluke Ti100 9-Hertz General Purpose Thermal Imager

Published on Aug. 3, 2023, 9:15 a.m.

Thermal imaging technology, a pivotal tool in various industries, captures the heat emitted by objects to produce a visible image. This innovative technology allows for non-contact temperature measurement, making it indispensable in fields such as industrial maintenance, building inspection, healthcare, and more. The Fluke Ti100, a testament to this technology’s versatility, offers a practical solution for detecting and analyzing temperature discrepancies in multiple applications. This review delves into the Ti100’s specifications, performance, and real-world applicability, highlighting its role in preventive maintenance and troubleshooting tasks.

The Fluke Ti100 is an affordable and versatile handheld thermal imager designed for troubleshooting and preventive maintenance applications. It allows users to quickly scan equipment and identify potential issues before they lead to costly downtime. In this review, we will take an in-depth look at the key features, performance, design, and real-world usability of the Fluke Ti100 thermal camera.

Overview

Product: Fluke Ti100 9-Hertz General Purpose Thermal Imager
Manufacturer: Fluke Corporation
Release Year: 2011
Categories: Thermal Imagers, Diagnostic Tools

The Fluke Ti100 is an entry-level thermal imager with 160x120 infrared resolution and a field of view of 24° x 17°. It can detect temperature differences as small as 0.10°C to aid in identifying hot spots, thermal anomalies, and building heat loss. The imager visually overlays infrared images on real-world views using Fluke’s IR-Fusion technology.

Key Features

160x120 IR resolution with thermal sensitivity of ≤0.10°C
IR-Fusion overlay with picture-in-picture and auto-blending modes
Integrated focus-free lens with minimum focus distance of 1.2 m
Laser pointer to accurately identify areas of interest
Large 3.5” LCD and intuitive icon-based menu system
Rugged, lightweight design with hand strap for one-handed use
4+ hour rechargeable lithium-ion battery
SD card for saving thermal images

Technical Background

Thermal imagers like the Fluke Ti100 operate by detecting infrared radiation emitted by all objects above absolute zero in temperature. These devices translate the energy into an electrical signal, which is then processed to form a thermal image or thermogram. This image allows users to see temperature variations, which are crucial for identifying potential issues in electrical systems, mechanical equipment, and building diagnostics. Understanding the fundamental operation of thermal imagers provides a deeper insight into their capabilities and limitations.

Design and Handling

Weighing just 0.57 lbs, the Ti100 has an ultra-compact and lightweight design perfect for one-handed use. It has an intuitive 3-button menu system and a large 3.5” LCD, making navigation easy even when wearing gloves. The durable polycarbonate housing met MIL-STD 810G drop standards, ensuring reliable performance in harsh field environments.

The hand strap is adjustable for left or right handed operation. The Ti100 runs off a rechargeable lithium-ion smart battery that provides 4+ hours of use per charge and displays the remaining runtime. It comes with a convenient carrying case.

Image Quality and Performance

The Ti100 produces decent quality infrared images for an entry-level camera. The 160x120 resolution provides 19,200 temperature measurement points with a 3.39 mRad spatial resolution. It can discern temperature differences down to 0.10°C, providing enough sensitivity for many building inspection and mechanical troubleshooting applications.

The integrated focus-free lens provides images in good focus from 1.2 meters and beyond. The 24° x 17° field of view is relatively wide for an infrared camera of this size and price range. The IR-Fusion technology allows for blending digital and IR visuals to better identify and communicate potential issues.

Technical Specifications Analysis

The resolution of 160 x 120 pixels in the Fluke Ti100, while standard for entry-level thermal imagers, is sufficient for a broad range of applications, offering clear images and accurate temperature readings. The device’s sensitivity to temperature differences as small as 0.10°C is particularly noteworthy, as it allows for the detection of subtle issues that could indicate larger problems. Comparing these specifications with other models in the same price range, the Ti100 stands out for its balance of performance and affordability, making it a smart choice for professionals seeking reliable thermal imaging capabilities without a hefty price tag.

Fluke Ti100 9-Hertz General Purpose Thermal Imager

Image Storage and Software

The Ti100 has 4 GB of onboard storage plus an SD card slot for virtually unlimited image saving. It includes SmartView analysis and reporting software for Fluke thermal imagers. Images can be easily imported into SmartView via the included USB cable. They can also be wirelessly transmitted to a PC or mobile device using the optional Fluke Connect app and IR-to-wifi SD card adapter.

Fluke Ti100 9-Hertz General Purpose Thermal Imager

Battery Life

The built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery lasts about 4 hours of continuous use per charge. This is decent for short inspection sessions but not enough for an entire work day of imaging. Carrying an extra battery or USB power bank is recommended for all-day use.

Market Analysis

The thermal imaging market is witnessing significant growth, driven by advancements in technology and expanding applications across various sectors. The Fluke Ti100, positioned as an accessible yet robust tool, caters to a segment seeking cost-effective solutions without compromising on quality. Its competitive pricing and reliable performance align with the demands of a market that values both innovation and practicality. As industries increasingly recognize the importance of preventive maintenance and energy efficiency, tools like the Ti100 are set to become even more integral to operations, underscoring Fluke’s foresight in addressing the needs of a dynamic marketplace.

Usage Scenarios

The Ti100 thermal imager is designed for troubleshooting electrical and mechanical equipment, HVAC inspection, building diagnostics, and similar preventive maintenance applications. Its lightweight point-and-shoot design makes it easy for technicians to carry around all day for intermittent scans. The IR-Fusion overlay quickly identifies temperature anomalies so issues can be visually communicated.

User Feedback

The Fluke Ti100 thermal imager has received mostly positive feedback from users. Here is a summary of common user reviews:

Image Quality: Most users are very impressed with the image quality, noting the images are sharp, detailed, and easy to interpret. The 160x120 resolution provides enough detail for most troubleshooting applications.
Ease of Use: Users find the Ti100 easy and intuitive to operate, with simple controls and menus. The large 3.5” LCD screen makes it easy to view images in the field. The focus-free system eliminates the need to adjust focus.
Ruggedness: Users report the Ti100 is able to withstand drops and bangs on the job site. The hard plastic case protects it from impacts. The battery life is decent at around 4 hours of use.
Price: For the features offered, most users feel the Ti100 is a good value. It provides accurate, high-quality thermal images at an affordable price point compared to higher-end models.
Limitations: Some users note a lack of manual focus adjustment and wish for a zoom feature. There is no annotations feature. Image storage is limited to SD card rather than onboard memory.
Suggested Improvements: Users suggest adding a zoom capability, more onboard storage/memory, manual focus adjustment, and annotation capabilities in future models.

Overall, the feedback indicates the Fluke Ti100 hits a sweet spot of good performance, ease of use, and reasonable price point for many troubleshooting applications. Most users agree it provides accurate, quality thermal images you can rely on at an affordable cost compared to higher-end imagers.

Pros

Affordable price
Lightweight point-and-shoot design
Intuitive user interface
Rugged and reliable

Cons

Lower resolution than premium imagers
No interchangeable lenses
Manual focus not available

Price and Value

With an MSRP around $500, the Fluke Ti100 is competitively priced among entry-level handheld thermal imagers. Models with similar specifications and features often cost $600 to $1000.

Conclusion

The Fluke Ti100 delivers an excellent balance of performance, features, and usability in an affordable handheld thermal imager. For under $2000, it provides powerful infrared imaging capabilities in a compact, rugged package that can withstand real-world field use. Both entry-level and experienced thermographers will appreciate the intuitive operation and IR-Fusion overlay for inspecting buildings, HVAC systems, electrical panels, mechanical equipment, and more.

Brand & Service

Fluke has over 70 years of expertise in test and measurement tools. The Ti100 is covered by Fluke’s standard warranty service and legendary customer support. Overall, the Ti100 is a versatile, high-value thermal imager perfect for troubleshooting, preventive maintenance, and building diagnostics.