Maintenance of thermal devices

[glasshalffull]

Now that thermal viewing has been a thing for a while I'm wondering what if any maintenance is required for operation and if so how often? Also how robust are SD members finding them and do they keep their performance over time? Is it essential to keep them under warranty?

 

[tozzybum]

My first input on this is pulsar's batteries expensive as they are lose power over time.
For my Xq50 2.5 hours is down to 1 to 1.5 hours.
Lens cleaning using decent Zeiss disposable wipes ,other than that nothing " user touchable. "

 

[Hook'N'Bullet]

My first input on this is pulsar's batteries expensive as they are lose power over time.
For my Xq50 2.5 hours is down to 1 to 1.5 hours.
Lens cleaning using decent Zeiss disposable wipes ,other than that nothing " user touchable. "

How long do you have it? Do you use external charger or charge through the device?

I've a Infiray CBL19 6 or so years now and still get a full day out of a battery. only see drop in battery performance in the frost

 

[tozzybum]

5 years latest battery is just over 15 months.
My infiray Tl35 I've had only 6 months so far so good.
But as I said Pulsar's not so good.
I use the external charger for the " changeable " batteries and obviously built in for the non removable 1.

 

[Stevie/P]

Had to return my pulsar unit under warranty moisture ingress ocular lens still waiting for it to be returned not good only 20 months old at a cost of over £2k

 

[leej]

I've had a Hik FQ50 for nearly 3 years. Use it at least 3 times a week and all I do is keep the lenses clean. Still absolutely faultless and still makes me smile at the quality of the image every time I look through it.
Runs off 18650's, so no problems there and I've only had to change to a 2nd battery about half a dozen times.
ATB
Lee

 

[Mike1979]

No matter how good your battery it will lose capacity over life so will not last as long as when new. In addition low temps will reduce capacity.

 

[Eric the Red]

No matter how good your battery it will lose capacity over life so will not last as long as when new. In addition low temps will reduce capacity.

This - plus letting it discharge regularly so it doesn't get a 'memory'.

 

[mealiejimmy]

This - plus letting it discharge regularly so it doesn't get a 'memory'.

There is no "memory" effect with lithium batteries (it was a thing with no longer available Nickel Cadmium batteries)
The batteries can be left in as long as you want and as long as there is no "vampire" discharge they will not lose charge

Cheers

Bruce

 

[Roebuck9]

The only issue with lithium batteries is do not leave them being charged over night or too long it is better to charge them at 95% than leave them being charged for hours after they have been fully charged. that makes them deteriorate.

 

[slider]

No matter how good your battery it will lose capacity over life so will not last as long as when new. In addition low temps will reduce capacity.

All the more reason to go for a thermal with replaceable batteries, such as the Hik 4K's

 

[jall55]

All the more reason to go for a thermal with replaceable batteries, such as the Hik 4K's

Have all (most) units not got replaceable batteries also though ?

 

[BenBhoy]

I've had my xm30S for maybe 5 or 6 years. Never missed a beat. Just recently though the time display keeps racing ahead (no nothing to do with clocks changing). I'll adjust time, but by next day it's 3 or 4 hours ahead again

 

[slider]

Have all (most) units not got replaceable batteries also though ?

No, some are build it. Also Many that have removable batteries had dedicated ones.
The Hik Habroks use standard 18650 batteries. Cheap as chips and readily available