Infrared and Powerline Patrol

[Helios]

Just curious how many operators (if any) use infrared to look for electrical issues on substations and lines?

[iChris]

Most of the companies that specialize in power line work already provide that service. To name just a few:

 

Air2

 

Haverfield

 

Winco

 

Summit Helicopters

 

Idaho Helicopters

 

Colorado Helicopters

 

Chesapeake Bay Helicopters

 

P.J. Helicopters

 

http://pjhelicopters.com/2012/07/pge-pj-helicopters-infrared-project/

[Helios]

Thanks for the reply. Yea I should have done a bit more research, I see most do this actually.

 

I am gonna go look this up....but while I am here. For anyone that has actually used the infrared cameras used by one of these companies how accurate are the temperature measurements given for the problem areas? Or is it just a general (you have a problem here) type thing, without temperature measuring capability.

[iChris]

 

Thanks for the reply. Yea I should have done a bit more research, I see most do this actually.

 

I am gonna go look this up....but while I am here. For anyone that has actually used the infrared cameras used by one of these companies how accurate are the temperature measurements given for the problem areas? Or is it just a general (you have a problem here) type thing, without temperature measuring capability.

 

 

 

It depends on the system used. The FLIR Systems 2000 series infrared camera has a thermal resolution of 1/10°F, and a pictorial resolution of 525 lines per frame.

 

Below is an example of what’s out there.

 

http://youtu.be/uBaiRvyPRg8

[Trans Lift]

I used a Thermal camera that was accurate down to the degree from 800ft. It is a military grade camera.

[achfly]

Normal black and white IR cameras that you find on helicopters (police and military mostly) don't have a clue what the temperature is. They produce a picture based on the difference in temp. from one object to another or one spot to another. those color coded pics indicating spcific temperatures are made by some other kind of high tech IR camera.

[Flying Pig]

FLIR makes those types of cameras. But in a military or LE environment there isnt a need to know the temperature so we dont buy them.

[LUDACHICK]

jumping in with a question on this topic. I have been given the opportunity to fly with a company using the FLIR Corona 350 system in an R44. I am a student pilot and experienced aerial photog. but Ive always used the basic DSLR, position the heli, lean out the window and the get the shot method. Ive played with the computer operated system but minimally. Im having a hard time finding formal training on this and would appreciate any and all advice / leads on how to learn this.

[LUDACHICK]

PS Im not looking to be the PIC just the camera operator. Ive gotten alot of info. on getting hours and training to actually fly the aircraft, Im hoping to get info on the actual camera operation. Thank you!

[500F]

I looked into buying a FLIR last year. FLIR offers trianing. You may have to go to their office in Wilsonville, OR. Or, I believe they can come to you as well. I was told training was included with the initial purchase, I'm not sure what kind of cost you would expect for training additional people after the fact.