I finally got two of my projects finished! Last weekend I finished the installation of my BDS (blind spot detector) and yesterday I got the thermal camera installed. I have an Android head unit which works with the camera; however, the camera isn't really designed for vehicle so I had to jury rig it and made it as safe as possible from the outdoor elements. Driving a Prius (hybrid) helps in keeping the device from getting hot because the engine is not constantly running and since it's mounted at the front, the airflow keeps it cool. There's actually a thermal camera designed for cars like the FLIR PathfindIR II, but I wasn't willing to spend $2,500 for it. This ThermApp camera I found on Amazon for $800 and works just fine for me. I used the iOttie GoPro mount and it's holding up exceptionally well. I don't notice one bit of vibration on the screen. I made a lens cover using a PVC plastic I found at Lowe's and placed a Zip Lock plastic bag and taped it sealed using layers of electrical tape. It didn’t come with a remote switch so I decided to put one and I found a customizable one online. I ran a USB cable through the firewall grommet, connected the device and VOILA! IT'S ALIVE!!!
It's pretty handy when driving at night especially when deer are out on the road and hopefully not run into them. Last night my friend and I saw a beaver on the side of the road. It was quite impressive.
That's awesome! And it's so neat and well integrated. (I also see your BSM in the A-pillar). I'm impressed!
Thanks! It's working beyond my expectation. I was initially reluctant because I wasn't quite sure how I was going to mount the camera and I thought of the iOttie product which I've used in the past. Yes, I did install a microwave radar blind spot detector and I'm truly impressed with it.
Where did you get a suitable dash button that says FLIR? I remember rockerswitchpros would offer custom engraving for the size of switch used in Gen 1, but for the Gen 3 size switch, I found one source that had a bunch of stock designs but would not engrave custom ones. -Chap
I found this switch on AliExpress.com and this is actually my second purchase from this seller. The other switch I got was for my BSD. Here's the link below: Toyota Switches (AliExpress.com)
The quality of the ThermApp camera is impressive and it's far better than the other one I have (Flir One). The app itself gives you the options to fine tune the resolution. Here are some of the screenshots from the head unit. Some of them were taken today in the rain and it had no problem seeing through it.
