Night Boating With An IR Camera And IR Flashlight

[jhalb]

I am trying out a idea that should allow me to spend more time on the river at night. I bought a Panasonic HX-A1 camera with an IR lenses and a $40 IR flashlight. This camera will hook up to my I Pad with direct WiFi, and attach to my mast or rail to see in the night or through medium fog.The camera and attachments including flashlight cost under $300 dollars. I have not used on the river yet but tested it outside and in my house. You can use as a live monitor or record video or take pictures. I did buy the add on battery to extend the battery up to 3 hours. The flashlight i bought has a range of 100 yards and sense it's an IR light it is invisible to the human eye.

[Flyboy]

looks like a good idea. That would really help coming in the small inlets into the marinas. probably would really help spotting desbris. See you this spring.

[captainmaniac]

Flir also makes a thermal imager that you can attach to an Android or iOS device. http://www.flir.ca/flirone/display/?id=69324

Usable range isn't that far (100-150' I am told) but only $250.

[Captain Chill]

Curious to see your results as I am looking for a cheap alternative to the IR nighttime boating experience. Please keep us updated when you get to try it out.

When you mean direct wifi you mean all I have to do is have a router right? It doesn't have to be connected to the internet to work correct?

[captainmaniac]

Realistically, before you consider IR for night time boating, you should first look at radar.... IR in my mind is more of a diagnostic aid (engine or exhaust temperatures, electrical circuits overheating, etc) or emergency aid (man overboard), or perhaps enhancing close quarters maneuvering in the dark. For basic navigation at night, you should be looking to radar.

[Paul]

Realistically, before you consider IR for night time boating, you should first look at radar.... For basic navigation at night, you should be looking to radar.

+1 It really gives you the opportunity to see a long way in the dark. Also, its a real helper in the fog.

[Captain Chill]

Realistically, before you consider IR for night time boating, you should first look at radar.... IR in my mind is more of a diagnostic aid (engine or exhaust temperatures, electrical circuits overheating, etc) or emergency aid (man overboard), or perhaps enhancing close quarters maneuvering in the dark. For basic navigation at night, you should be looking to radar.

Then do you have a link to a "less than $300" make-shift radar system by chance?

[prowlersfish]

Realistically, before you consider IR for night time boating, you should first look at radar.... IR in my mind is more of a diagnostic aid (engine or exhaust temperatures, electrical circuits overheating, etc) or emergency aid (man overboard), or perhaps enhancing close quarters maneuvering in the dark. For basic navigation at night, you should be looking to radar.

Agreed

[jhalb]

Curious to see your results as I am looking for a cheap alternative to the IR nighttime boating experience. Please keep us updated when you get to try it out.

When you mean direct wifi you mean all I have to do is have a router right? It doesn't have to be connected to the internet to work correct?

Direct WiFi connects between the camera and your I Pad or smart phone. You run a free app and control the camera. No router is needed. I don't now how this will work but there were times I stayed out too late and was concerned about logs and such.you can take this from boat to boat.

[bjanakos]

Then do you have a link to a "less than $300" make-shift radar system by chance?

Is that the new value of life and safety these days?

[captainmaniac]

Then do you have a link to a "less than $300" make-shift radar system by chance?

Is that the new value of life and safety these days?

Not sure why you are trying to take or portray this out of context... CaptainChill was (jokingly) asking if there was a cheaper radar system. Why are you trying to make it look like it was me asking the question seriously?

Do you just not know know how to copy/quote posts, or are you actually trying to attack me?

[bjanakos]

Not sure why you are trying to take or portray this out of context... CaptainChill was (jokingly) asking if there was a cheaper radar system. Why are you trying to make it look like it was me asking the question seriously?

Do you just not know know how to copy/quote posts, or are you actually trying to attack me?

Take a Captain Chill Pill. No one is "attacking" you. Forgive me, an honest mistake. Fixed.

[P-Dogg]

I think this is a fabulous idea. Show me radar that can detect crab pots.....

Please provide an update once you try this out.