• Application Scenario
  • Battery
  • File Transfer
  • Firmware Upgrade
  • Measurement
  • Capture
Can a thermal imager see through walls?

No. Thermal imaging cameras cannot penetrate walls or floors like X-ray machines; they only detect heat emitted from an object's surface. However, in certain situations, thermal imaging can identify anomalies within walls or floors—such as energy loss from leaking hot water pipes or poor insulation. This is because thermal imaging captures heat conducted to the surface of the wall or floor. If pipes have no contact with the wall or floor surface, heat cannot be conducted, and the thermal imager will be unable to detect them.

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Can a thermal imager detect mold?

The process of mold growth often accompanies the release or absorption of heat, which may lead to changes in the temperature of its surrounding environment. However, since mold itself may not directly emit sufficient thermal radiation to be captured by a thermal imager, we recommend using it as part of a comprehensive mold inspection process that includes visual inspection, humidity testing, and possible air sampling to more accurately identify potential risk points.

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Guidance for Common Leak Detection Using Thermal Imaging

Detection Principle: Water possesses a higher specific heat capacity than building materials, causing leakage areas to exhibit different temperature change rates compared to surrounding materials. Thermal imagers capture this temperature difference, displaying leak points as low-temperature zones (typically blue), enabling non-contact localization. General Detection Techniques: 1. Optimal Inspection Times: Conduct inspections in the early morning or evening. At these times, the indoor-outdoor temperature difference typically exceeds 10°C (50°F). The thermal gradient created by solar radiation makes temperature differences at internal wall leakage points more clearly visible. 2. Environmental Conditions: Operate only in dry, clear weather. Rain or snow lowers surface temperatures and interferes with infrared signals, severely compromising detection accuracy. 3. Priority Inspection Areas: Focus scans on structural vulnerabilities, including wall corners, door/window edges, existing cracks, pipe penetrations, and connection points. These are high-risk zones for structural leaks and plumbing failures. 4. Dynamic Comparison Verification: Avoid relying solely on single-shot results. Capture multiple images of the same area during significant day-night temperature shifts or from varying angles. Dynamic comparison eliminates misinterpretations. Notes: Structural Leak Detection: Simulate moisture by splashing water on walls, or inspect residual damp areas immediately after rainfall to enhance thermal contrast. Pipe Leak Detection: For persistent leaks, combine imaging with water pressure fluctuations (e.g., before/after peak usage) and consult specialized pipe inspection guidelines. Micro-leakage handling: If leakage is extremely minor, resulting in negligible temperature differences, use equipment with higher sensitivity and resolution (recommended thermal sensitivity ≤40mK, resolution ≥256×192) to improve detection rates.

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Guidelines for Detecting Cold Water Pipe Leaks Using Thermal Imaging
Detection Principle:
Cold water leaks cause heat transfer to walls, resulting in lower temperatures in the affected area compared to the surroundings. Thermal imagers capture this temperature difference and display it as cooler zones (typically blue). Detection Techniques: 1. Optimal Timing: The temperature difference between cold water and ambient air is often minimal, making heat transfer to surfaces challenging. Prioritize inspections during early morning or evening hours when natural temperature variations enhance contrast. 2. Pressure Verification: Use a pressurization device to monitor pipe pressure; a sustained pressure drop may confirm a leak. 3. Winter Operation: Preheat walls and floors in a heated environment, then continuously feed cold water into the pipes to artificially create a significant temperature differential. 4. Summer Operation: Circulate cold water through pipes during early morning low-temperature periods to leverage environmental-water temperature differences for enhanced detection. 5. Temperature Difference Amplification Method: Inject hot water into cold pipes for 15 minutes (refer to hot water pipe detection methods) to rapidly generate identifiable temperature differentials. Note: Detection effectiveness is influenced by three factors: water temperature (must ensure a measurable difference >10℃ from ambient temperature), pipe burial depth (concrete or dense materials exceeding 5cm may obstruct imaging), and contact material (detectable on wood or gypsum board). This method applies to contact heat transfer scenarios. When pipes lack physical contact with building structures or leakage water cannot permeate to the surface, detection fails due to insufficient temperature contrast.
Guidelines for Detecting Hot Water Pipe Leaks Using Thermal Imaging
Detection Principle: When a hot water pipe leaks, thermal energy is conducted to the building surface, appearing as high-temperature zones (typically displayed as red or brightly colored patches) on thermal images, thereby locating the leak point. Detection Techniques 1. Optimal Timing: Conduct inspections during sunrise or sunset when ambient temperature variations are pronounced, enhancing thermal contrast. 2. Pressure Verification: Monitor pressure changes using a pipe pressure tester. A sustained pressure drop after pressurization indicates a probable leak. 3. Temperature Differential Enhancement: Ensure hot water temperature exceeds ambient temperature by at least 10°C and maintain flow for 15-30 minutes. Under these conditions, detectable temperature differentials can penetrate 3-5cm of concrete, wood, or drywall. 4. Path Tracing: Systematically scan along hot water pipe routes, focusing on high-risk areas like joints, valves, wall penetrations, and historically repaired sections. Notes:
Detection effectiveness is influenced by three factors: water temperature (must exceed room temperature by 10°C), pipe burial depth (concrete over 5cm or dense materials may obstruct imaging), and contact material (detectable through wood or drywall). This method applies to contact heat transfer scenarios. When pipes lack physical contact with building structures or leakage water cannot permeate to the surface, detection fails due to insufficient temperature differential contrast.
Can the IntellFault algorithm detect leaks or insulation issues with 100% accuracy?
The IntellFault algorithm performs preliminary screening by analyzing thermal imaging characteristics across different scenarios, relying on users capturing relatively clear images. While the algorithm demonstrates strong detection capabilities, its accuracy is not guaranteed to be 100%. After the algorithm provides a rapid assessment, users must independently evaluate suspicious targets. Accuracy will continue to improve with each algorithm update; please ensure firmware is kept current. Factors that may interfere with detection results: - Different wall materials affect thermal imaging results. Materials possess distinct thermal diffusion characteristics that can mimic problem areas, requiring re-inspection even by professionals. Surrounding heat sources (e.g., adjacent heating equipment or air conditioning vents) can interfere with wall detection by causing localized temperature increases. Techniques to improve leak detection success rates across different device models: 1. Devices with varying resolutions have specific requirements for leak area and distance. For example: - Devices with 96×96 resolution require leaks no smaller than 10cm×15cm within 1 meter; For a 96×96 resolution device within 2 meters, the leak area must be no less than 20cm×30cm; For a 256×192 resolution device within 2 meters, the leak area must be no less than 10cm×15cm; For a 256×192 resolution device within 4 meters, the leak area must be no less than 20cm×30cm. 2. Conduct multiple inspections and dynamically compare suspicious areas. Single-moment images are prone to misinterpretation; compare thermal images taken at different times (e.g., day/night variations, indoor/outdoor temperature differences) or from different angles to observe the same area dynamically.
How do I charge the imager?

To make sure your imager charges correctly, you need to use standard 5V/2A adapter and the cable that is either included with the imager or quality accessories of 5V/2A from other suppliers.
Note: 1. Third-party USB-C to USB-C cables cannot work.
 2.  If you use the imager for the first time or reuse it after prolonged storage,  charge your imager for at least 30 minutes beforehand. During the first 30 minutes, keep the imager in power-off status.

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How to extend lithium battery life?
1. Initial charging: Before first use, charge for 3 hours with the device powered off. 2. Charging cables: Use only original or certified cables. 3. Power adapter: Use a standard 5V/2A charger for optimal results. 4. Storage and Reactivation: For long-term storage, fully charge every 3 months. Before use after storage, charge for at least 30 minutes with the device powered off. 5. Power Button Guidance: Press and hold the power button to turn off the device. A short press only turns off the screen (supported on some devices).
How do I transfer images from the thermal imager to my PC?

1. Use supplied cable: Ensure you use the supplied cable with your imager, capable of both charging and data transfer between your PC and the imager.
2. Select USB Drive mode or disable USB Cast Screen: Depending on your imager model and firmware version, choose USB Drive mode when connecting to your PC. Alternatively, ensure the USB Cast Screen function is turned off.
3. Keep the imager powered on: Ensure that the imager remains powered on throughout the connection and file transfer process.
Following these steps helps ensure a smooth and successful connection between your imager and PC, facilitating data transfer and potentially firmware updates as needed.

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How to Update my device to New Version Via PC?

Before upgrading, ensure the following steps are taken:
1. Download the newest firmware package from the official website (https://www.hsftools.com/).
2. Charge your imager to more than 30% battery power.
3. Select USB Drive mode when connecting to your PC.
4. Turn off Auto Power-off to prevent the imager from shutting down during the upgrade.
Once prepared, follow these steps:
1．Connect your device to your PC: Use the cable provided to connect your device to your computer. Once connected, access the detected disk or drive.
2. Prepare the firmware file: Unzip the firmware file you've downloaded. Locate the .dav file within the unzipped folder. Copy this .dav file.
3. Transfer the firmware file: Paste the copied .dav file into the main directory (root) of the USB drive. Ensure it's placed in the top-most level of the drive for proper recognition.
4. Disconnect and reboot: Safely disconnect your device from the PC. Reboot your device to initiate the upgrade process automatically.

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How can I test the temperature measurement accuracy of my device myself?

1. Pour crushed ice and water into a cup, then turn on the imager. 2. Stir the solution and let it sit for several minutes. 3. Set the imager's emissivity to 0.95 and adjust the distance. 4. Aim the imager at the solution to measure temperature. The reading should be close to freezing point (0°C/32°F) and within the accuracy range. Note: For best results, measure the water surface temperature and avoid detecting the cup wall. Temperature measurement parameters require configuration based on the emissivity of the target object and the actual test distance.

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What causes the clicking sound and screen freeze after powering on the device?
This is a normal phenomenon for thermal imaging cameras. To maintain measurement accuracy, the camera automatically calibrates for ambient temperature changes. This process may cause screen lag and display the message “Calibrating,” accompanied by an internal clicking sound. This typically occurs during rapid camera movement or upon initial startup.
How to Capture Clearer Thermal Imaging Pictures?

Principle: Thermal imaging pictures reveal temperature distribution through color on the thermal map. The temperature span/range within the frame affects the image quality. 1. Thermal imaging issues become most apparent when the actual temperature difference of the target exceeds 10°C or 20°C, which helps highlight subtle temperature variations. When the temperature difference of the target is small, manually adjusting to increase the overall temperature range of the image can enhance the contrast of the target. 2. Maintain a recommended viewing distance within 6.56 feet (approximately 2 meters). Adjust the observation distance during measurement to ensure clear focus, especially for small targets. 3. Enable Picture-in-Picture or Fusion mode to enhance visual details using visible light (where applicable). 4. Select a color scheme suited to the scene to achieve high-contrast images.

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