Navigator II low-cost thermal imager

Our Review
The Navigator II thermal imaging night vision camera uses infrared energy. The navigator II lets you clearly see channel markers, traffic, pilings, and floating objects.

The new thermal imaging is based on solid state technology allowing smaller cheaper units plus the fact FLIR received a 70,000/yr order from BMW, enabling price reductions due to larger production and R & D. Still expensive however at approx $5,140 but navigating crowded channels at night is made a lot simpler. FLIR claim to be the leader in this field, which seems to be the case. The Navigator II option with pan tilt is $7,500 and $9,000 for the full pan and tilt.

The navigator II fixed model is 7 x 4 inches dia, and weights around 6 lbs. The camera has a 36 degree field of view and is will give you an image in the direction of the bow.

The navigator II pan/tilt model is slightly larger at 7 lbs and 10 inches tall to accommodate the motor. The camera pans 360 degrees and tilts 45 degrees and has a joystick control. There are several modes for the camera including 2 x Zoom.

FLIR has these models in its lineup. The Navigator is the cheapest and then we have the Mariner, SeaFLIR and Voyager. The Mariner is a simpler model than the navigator, without some of the extras. SeaFLIR is the most expensive at around $300,000. Voyager is often used in big power boats and costs closer to 75,000. The Voyagers range is 10 times the navigator model.

Additional Resources

Thermal imaging uses radiated thermal energy heat and differences as little as 0.04 degrees can be detected. “ Wiki definition infrared technology”

FLIR has added active stabilization to its $75,000 Voyager Camera. If you are looking in this price bracket, the voyager has 2 cameras one with a 20 degree wide angle and the other with a 5 degree angle to provide what they call “Foveal Vision” which is claimed to closely mimic the human eye.

FLIR Navigator thermal imaging Video Demonstration

BENEFITS High quality, long-wave thermal imager Delivers excellent imagery in total darkness, through smoke and light fog Accu-Point FLIRs exclusive pointing and control feature makes sure youll always know where your Navigator II is pointing Automatic image optimization Requires no adjustments from the operator to reveal outcroppings of land, channel markers, and obstructions Wide angle, 36 degree lens Provides excellent situational awareness for navigation Simple operation No training required! If you can watch TV, you can operate a Navigator II. Works with most Multi-function displays (MFDs) Navigator II supplies standard video output in both NTSC and PAL formats, and is easily displayed by most MFDs 2X E-Zoom Pan/Tilt model includes 2X E-Zoom feature for extra range performance and added safety Single button Home feature Makes sure the Navigator II can be easily returned to a known pointing position

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