ZDNET’s key takeaways
Super smooth and highly responsive app
The tiny carry case can be attached to a keyring for easy transportation
Needs the supplied USB-C extension cable to connect to most ruggedized smartphones
Regular readers will know that I am a big fan of thermal cameras. They are cool and give you a view of the world you can’t otherwise see, but they are also super useful and have become a key tool in my repair toolbox. I’ve used them for everything from spotting a faulty component on a circuit board to finding a wiring problem underneath floorboards.
A thermal camera is a super useful tool — and these devices are cheaper than you might think.
Also: Want an entire tech repair shop of tools in a single messenger bag? iFixit can fix that
The Thermal Master P2 thermal camera, which the manufacturer says is the “world’s 2nd smallest thermal camera”, is the perfect tool for the engineer, mechanic, or handyperson on the move.
Thermal Master P2 tech specs
Resolution: 256 x 192 (512 x 384)
Temp range: -20°C to 550°C
Refresh rate: 25Hz
Zoom: x15
Accuracy: ±1.5℃
Temperature resolution: 0.04℃
Weight: 10g
Power consumption: 0.3W
Connector: USB-C
Compatibility: Android (not compatible with iPhones or iPads with USB-C)
Getting started with the P2 is easy. Download and install the Temp Master app from the Google Play Store, fire up the app, pop the camera into the USB-C port, and away you go.
The P2 is up and running in minutes.
Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET
If your Android smartphone is the ruggedized type, you might have problems fitting the camera, meaning you’ll need to use the supplied USB-C extension cable.
Also: This tiny USB-C accessory has a game-changing magnetic feature (and it’s 30% off)
The camera is tiny, weighing about 10 grams, and it fits into a carry case that is small enough to hook onto a keychain, so it’s always ready when you need it.
The Thermal Master P2 has a really handy carry case that can attach to a keychain.
Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET
I’ve used many thermal cameras and one P2 feature I like is the 25Hz refresh rate. It makes my thermal cameras with slower refresh rates feel slow and clunky by comparison. I also like how the 15x zoom lets me get close to the action.
Also: I tested the world’s first thermal phone camera with a 50Hz refresh rate, and here are the results
The temperature resolution is sensitive — more than sensitive enough to “see” someone breathing by the temperature changes around their nose.
Yes, this device is sensitive enough to see someone breathe.
Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET
Not sure what you can do with one of these thermal cameras? Here are just a few things you can do:
Find overheating electrical components (faulty components usually run hotter)
Diagnose all sorts of HVAC problems, from windows that leak heat to radiators that aren’t warming up properly to AC units that aren’t cooling
Find dangerously overheating rechargeable batteries
Find radiator pipes underneath floorboards
Find overheating power cables
Find problems with cooling systems on desktop and laptop systems
Spot binding brakes on cars
Here is a picture of a USB-C cable getting warm when carrying a heavy current load:
This USB-C cable is getting a little toasty.
Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET
My tip for learning to use a thermal camera is to use it to look at things when they aren’t faulty — your radiators, car brakes, electrical stuff, anything — and get to know how things should look, so you can tell when things aren’t working right.
ZDNET’s buying advice
The Thermal Master P2 is a great thermal camera, and right now it’s $50 off, bringing the price down to a very reasonable $199. It’s a fantastic addition to any repair toolkit. I like the fast refresh rate and accuracy. However, this camera won’t work if you shift to an iPhone despite having a USB-C port.