IR MODE 32~932

[UAVIATOR 53]

What does MODE 32~932 means, exactly? Is 932F the max it can detect?

 

[jaja6009]

Your thermal sensor has two Gain settings.

High Gain Mode: -20° to 150° C (-4° to 302° F)
Low Gain Mode: 0° to 500° C (32° to 932° F)


A simple way to think of this is:

High Gain will give a more true apparent temperature. (More accurate temperatures)
Low Gain will allow you to see a larger range of temperatures and your above image is a good example, fire. (Larger range of temperatures)

In thermal cameras that either do not have an auto gain mode or you lock it on High Gain and then view flames, you will only be able to see the upper limit of the High Gain Mode and will not get a true apparent temperature since it willbe too low.

Most modern thermal cameras are set to Auto and will choose the correct Gain Mode.

 

[UAVIATOR 53]

Your thermal sensor has two Gain settings.

High Gain Mode: -20° to 150° C (-4° to 302° F)
Low Gain Mode: 0° to 500° C (32° to 932° F)


A simple way to think of this is:

High Gain will give a more true apparent temperature. (More accurate temperatures)
Low Gain will allow you to see a larger range of temperatures and your above image is a good example, fire. (Larger range of temperatures)

In thermal cameras that either do not have an auto gain mode or you lock it on High Gain and then view flames, you will only be able to see the upper limit of the High Gain Mode and will not get a true apparent temperature since it willbe too low.

Most modern thermal cameras are set to Auto and will choose the correct Gain Mode.

If the target is at, say 1200 degrees F, will the reading display 1200 or 932? (I fly for an FD).

 

[jaja6009]

The thermal camera will not see temperatures that high and any temperature number over 932 should not be trusted as very accurate if they even display.


This article does not address your question exactly, but does help to explain some aspects of it.

Understanding Temperature Modes - Insight Training LLC

Thermal Imaging-Understanding High & Low Sensitivity. This short article is an attempt to clarify a few misconceptions in regard to fire service thermal imaging cameras. All fire service thermal imaging cameras automatically switch gains or sensitivity modes based on the following: The overall...

insighttrainingllc.com

I also highly recommend a thermography class to get the best out of your thermal camera. Most firefighters have serious misconceptions about this tool and do not utilize it anywhere near its potential.
I also fly for a fire department and am in our training division.