Simultaneously with purchasing thermal imaging equipment, you need to think about its safety and proper storage. Each user strives to recoup the money invested, thanks to the opening up of new opportunities. Nobody wants to lose high-tech equipment due to negligence or ignorance of the operating rules. This article will highlight the issue of choosing a case for a thermal imager and talk about the principles of its storage and transportation.
Thermal vision device and why it is important to protect it?
Despite its robust housing and resistance to harsh operating conditions, the thermal imager needs protection. Our merits are said to be an extension of our demerits. This is fully applicable to a thermal imager. Its unique sensitive lenses are not glass but germanium or a special alloy that transmits thermal radiation. Germanium is a soft material. It is easy to scratch with abrasive cleaners, harsh chemicals, or dust. Scratches on the lens, they behave ambiguously, with sharp impacts. If this is the lens of a thermal imaging sight, then when the gun recoils during a shot, the screen may crack. The warranty does not cover this failure. Therefore, we clean the HPT optics with a special soft cloth moistened with distilled water or use a special cleaning kit. We all know that a thermal imager does a great job in bright sunlight. However, the screen of the thermal imager must not be aimed at it. Even briefly holding the lens in the sun can damage the sensitive sensor and leave a white or black mark on the screen. And if you keep it for a long time, then the matrix will become unusable. An explosion, a bright fire, and a powerful searchlight will give the same effect. Note that this is also not a warranty case. If the model is not out of production and has spare parts, the repair will be costly. Considering all of the above, we protect the lenses of the thermal imaging thermal imager from a bright direct light source and damage. Keep the lid of the device closed when the device is not in use or bright light. Regardless of what type of thermal imager you have, the basic rules for storage and transportation will be the same.
Main rules of transporting and storing your TVD.
The basic rules of storage and transportation are indicated in the instructions for your device. It is necessary to study the instructions and carefully adjust the thermal imager. If this is not done, the device can easily become unusable. Even at first glance, the harmless pressing of keys in random order can damage the device. For example, let's take the correction or removal of dead pixels on the device. If you do this with the lens cover open, they will shift, and the effect of broken glass will appear on the screen. The instruction emphasizes that correction is only possible with the lid closed. In this case, the correction will be successful. As you can see, when working with high-tech equipment, there can be no trifles. If your appliance breaks down, do not repair or disassemble it yourself. Entrust it to the warranty service. Always use the correct batteries for your model. Most gadgets are locked against using the wrong type of battery. But the best solution would be to clarify the type of battery, its voltage in the instructions before purchasing. Remember to remove the batteries from the instrument if you do not plan to use it. Storage with the battery inside may oxidize the battery contacts and lead to corrosion. Beware of moisture. Moisture accumulates on the metal parts of the device and can damage the device. Please refer to the operating instructions for the degree of protection of the device and the permissible temperature fluctuations. Do not change the battery in rain or snow. Beware of water getting into the interior of the device. Always clean and dry the Imager thoroughly before storing. Never shake, drop IR equipment. It contains fragile elements and can be easily damaged. Use handles, straps intended for carrying. Store thermal imagers away from bright light, high-temperature sources and in a dry and ventilated place. Thermal camera manufacturers recommend storing and moving IR vision optics in carrying cases. The best case would be a specially designed case for this particular model. If this is not the case, anyone suitable in size, with a good degree of protection against moisture and dust, will do.
Types of TVD cases.
Covers come in two types - soft and hard. Soft ones are made of nylon or ripstop fabric, wrapped in foam or polypropylene from the inside. They protect against moisture, dust, and shock. Some models do not sink in water. The advantages include an affordable price, lightweight, no noise during operation, comfort of use. Among the shortcomings, we note the lack of strength and the movement of objects inside. Soft cases do not have separate compartments for each item. Hard cases are made from lightweight aluminum, plastic, and composite materials. The interior of the bags is lined with foam or other lightweight closed-cell foam. Each thermal imager is placed in its own individual cell, covered with foam on all sides. An O-ring runs along the perimeter of the case. Many models are equipped with a pressure relief valve for mountain travel or airplane travel. The undoubted advantage is the complete protection of the equipment in any condition. Among the pleasant bonuses, we note the ability to customize the cells to the size of your equipment. The disadvantages include high weight and volume, as well as inconvenience when carrying. Note, a higher price than soft cases.
What to look at when choosing a TVD case?
Before buying a TVD case, you need to decide on the following parameters: budget, operating conditions, the total weight of things, distance from the place of use, and the desired degree of protection. The main trend assumes an increase in the degree of protection of the case and the complexity of storage and transportation conditions. If you plan to hunt at night with thermal imaging binoculars in the summer season near your home, then a soft case would be an excellent solution. If you are going to hunt in a mountainous area with thermal imaging goggles in winter, which you need to get to by plane, the choice will fall on a hard carbon fiber cover with a pressure valve. If you have an autumn hunting for a waterfowl with a thermal sight or a monocular, the choice may indicate several options. The first option would be a soft case that is completely waterproof and does not sink in water. With sufficient distance from home and the need for long-term transportation, it is advisable to consider a hard plastic cover with full protection. When using optical night vision devices, thermal imagers, conventional sights, and weapons, in any combination, it is possible to purchase one capacious solid case for transportation. When choosing a case for hard cases, we note the priority of wave-shaped cover panels over smooth ones. They have a higher degree of shock protection. In them, it is worth looking for reinforced support points, the ability to attach to the car, recessed handles.
Summing up, let's say that today the most versatile and effective device for detecting a target in any condition is a thermal imager. The main thing is to adhere to the rules of its use, transportation, and storage. The case will ensure the safety and stability of your thermal imaging equipment wherever you go.