The new “PREDATOR” Series of Thermal Imaging Cameras (GTi10/20/30/50) from General Tools & Instruments (General) offers outstanding benefits and value to HVACR technicians and contractors, plant and facility maintenance managers, energy auditors and others.

Ideal for revealing hidden heat- or cold-driven processes and problems, the Predator Series cameras can detect very small temperature differences from a distance by converting an object’s invisible infrared radiation to a visible color image. These visual thermal signatures help diagnose equipment malfunctions and poor performance more effectively than IR thermometer readings. General’s models offer a range of sophisticated features all at a best-in-class price.

Currently available in the US, Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, these hi-tech instruments can generate significant long-term savings by helping professionals quickly and easily:

· identify areas of poor HVACR and other machinery performance

· locate invisible or inaccessible thermal leaks and pinpoint leak sources (e.g., in piping or ductwork)

· inspect integrity of thermal insulation

· reveal overheated electrical circuits

· check/monitor combustion or temperature-controlled processes

· assess the “thermal envelope” of any building

· detect specific areas of energy loss (e.g., around/through windows, doors, radiators, roofs)

· support maintenance and repair efforts by documenting problem areas

General’s thermal imaging cameras are a strategic investment and typically pay for themselves in a short period of time. The cameras’ manual focus, optional interchangeable lenses and high resolution provide more accurate images and assessments than competitive models. They generate powerful, convincing images (called thermograms) and related data that help contractors and technicians document findings, design solutions and convince clients or managers to authorize the recommended repairs. Temperature data is displayed numerically and as an infrared colorized thermal image. The user can assign a range of colors to signify specific temperature ranges. On-camera analysis tools increase operator efficiency by allowing real-time access to and collection of all relevant data. Included software enables more detailed analysis, such as data interpretation and two-dimensional image or video creation.

See General’s New “PREDATOR” Series Thermal Imaging Cameras at Booth 816 at AHR 2013, January 28-30, 2013 at the Dallas Convention Center.

The instruments will be on display and available for order.

General’s GTi10 model ($1,999 MSRP) offers the following top features:

· 160 x 120 (19,200) pixel resolution (thermal images)

· Temperature measurement range of -4° to 572°F (-20° to 300°C) [Extended temperature range model (GTi10-650) to 1202°F (650°C)]

· Temperature sensitivity of +/-0.14°F (0.08°C) with accuracy of +/-3°F (2°C ) or 2% of reading

· 4 in. (100mm) minimum focal distance for close-up work

· Isothermal analysis: user-assignable isotherm colors signify specific temperature ranges

· 2 movable spots: simultaneous temperature analysis of two changeable pinpoints, plus 1 spot designated to search for maximum/minimum temperature point

· Ability to save thermal images in .JPG file format

· Bright 3.5 in. flip-up (protected) color LCD w/adjustable viewing angle

· Manual focus; adjustable image level & span (thermal brightness & contrast); variable emissivity

·  IP54 water-, dust- & oil-resistant; shock- & vibration- resistant; drop-proof to 1.5m

· Powered by two rechargeable Li-ion batteries (included) for 5 to 6 hours of operation

· Includes: analysis & reporting software on CD, 2GB MiniSD card, compact battery charger, video cable with BNC plug, USB 2.0 cable, lens cap, sun shield, hand & neck straps, custom hard case

· Optional accessories: wide-angle & telephoto lenses, tripod mount adaptor, SD card reader, in-camera charger, car charger, advanced reporting software, extra batteries

General’s GTi20 model ($2,499 MSRP) offers these additional features beyond the GTi10:

· Moveable picture-in-picture (thermal & visual image fusion)

· 320 x 240 pixel resolution (picture-in-picture/fusion images)

· 4 movable spots

· LED flashlight

· Temperature alarms

General’s GTi30 model ($3,799 MSRP) offers these additional features beyond the GTi20:

· 9 movable spots

· Moveable 5-area analysis: simultaneous temperature analysis of five different areas; areas are larger than spots

· Profile analysis (AKA Line Profile Analysis): displays temperature information in form of  horizontal line; gives quick comparison of temperature differences among different objects

· Voice annotation via Bluetooth (Bluetooth Headset with Charger included)

· Thermal video streaming via USB (requires optional PRO version software)

General’s GTi50 model ($5,499 MSRP) offers these additional features beyond the GTi30:

· 384 x 288 (110,592) pixel resolution (thermal images)

· 640 x 480 pixel resolution (picture-in-picture/fusion images)

· Temperature sensitivity of +/-0.072°F (0.04°C)

· Extended temperature range model (GTi50-1500) to 2732°F (1500°C)