FLIR Scout PS-Series PS24 / PS32
On two occasions I have had the opportunity to use FLIR thermal imagine scopes. They are very impressive, but so are their price tags. With a relatively low price of $1,999, the new FLIR Scout PS24 Thermal Camera brings thermal imaging within the reach of many consumers who need thermal capabilities for hunting or for locating lost people or livestock.
Unlike image intensifier night vision technology, which amplifies all the available visible and near-infrared light, thermal imaging system operate exclusively in non-visible infrared electromagnetic radiation. Because we are not able to see infrared radiation, the device instead creates a representation of what it detects and displays it on a small digital screen. The screen resolutions of the consumer models are low. The PS24 and PS32 have a 240×180 and 320×240 pixel screen respectively. You view the screen by looking through the view finder, like an optical scope, or by plugging in another device, for example a TV or computer, into the video output port.
The Scout displays temperature contrast. This means that as long as the object you are trying to locate is of significantly different temperature to the surroundings, it will be immediately obvious. In the White Hot palette white represents the hottest temperatures and black the coolest. The Black Hot palette is the reverse and the InstAlert palette highlights very warm objects, such as people, in red.
What most people don't realize is that the temperature contrast works just as well during the day as it does at night.
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Model | Scout PS24 |
| Detector Type | 240×180 VOx Microbolometer |
| Digital Zoom | No |
| USB Port | Software Updates/Upgrades/Charging |
| Video Output | NTSC or PAL Composite Video; 9 Hz Refresh Rate |
| Weight (with battery) | 12 oz |
| Size (L × W × H) | 6.70” x 2.31” x 2.44” (172 × 58.7 × 62 mm) |
| Battery Type | Internal Battery/Li-Ion |
| Battery Life (Operating) | 5+ Hours Typical |
| Range | Detect Man-Sized Target ~350 yds |
| MSRP (Price) | $1,999 |
We just got in a bunch of these FLIR units in. They are priced at $1999.99 and by far worth it.
It’s great to see the price drop on Thermal Imagers, I can remember when they were $15K minimum. I may have to update our night vision buyers guide. A FLIR scout complimented with an iGen would make for a very practical package. Use the Scout for detection and the iGen for Identification.
@Kings Flir Scout
yes it is correct, that you can not save videos or photos with the PS24, because it has not function in it. BUT: on the bottom side are 4 pins for a “hot shoe” like the H-Series from Flir. One pair is for charging the cam and one pair is for the TV (analogue) output. I put a wire with videosignal + and – to it and got the picture to my TV. (GREAT!!!!!) Next step was to buy a cheap DVR Media-Recorder with AV-IN. Got it for 50$ and now I can save videos and photos.
I do not have a hotshoe for the PS-series now. So I will ask flir to get one, because the preparation is there. Only the shoe is missing.
@Daniel,
Is the video output to your tv smooth or choppy? Is the refresh rate still 9Hz via the hotshoe video output, as it is with the built-in viewfinder display?
Wade
@nohi the lower refresh rate is due to government restrictions, anything more and you would have to get proper documentation from the government if you were traveling outside the US or even just going through airport security. These are great surveillance gadgets too!
@Daniel the USB cable is only used for charging and installing firmware updates. The scout ps series are designed more as night vision viewers than cameras like their scout ts24 Pro that allows you to capture photos and record video. Your ps24 has a freeze frame feature but doesn’t keep it memory for you to download later.
I got my ps24 3 weeks ago and had several night fun with it. That thing is amazing. I can detect foxes up to 300 meters, hogs to 400 meters.
My best hunting stuff in the last years.
Technical question: does anyone know how to get access to it with a pc? Pressing an button combination on start or so? USB is only charging, but there must be way get this connected.
another unimpressed reader; what’s the ambient temp at least? at those ranges an ir light and cheap night vision scope would serve and if it’s daylight then opening eyelids would work just as well as a $2,000 gadget
I have seen the First Mate MS-24 for $1700. It is very similar to the PS-24, so I bet you can get one at that price as well.
1999 dollars cheapesst one yett this is good for ocean rescue or criminal activitys we have a lot of crime in hawaii and this is exactly what we need
I love the price point on this. I am hoping if MSRP is $2K, we can get close to $1500 street pricing. The only thing I don’t care for it a 9hz refresh rate. Unfortunely, FLIR has lowered the refresh rate for civilian sales. They still offer 25-30hz refresh rate for the LEO units.
From the various thermal optics I’ve handled in the military that’s actually decent resolution.
I don’t know if I’m suppose to be impressed or not at the $2k price point, but I’m disappointed. It’s lower resolution than Gen 1 NV, with a slow update rate ( 9hz :^p ), and likely has a low amount of zoom. If this was $500, or if it was 320×240/24hz, then I’d be excited.
Just thing to hunt wild hogs at night in Texas!
This would be great for us dying to get our hands on something like the Trijicon ATWS but affordable
Now all it needs is a rail mount.
I’ve been waiting for this nearly as long as I’ve been waiting for a flying car. Glad to see someone finally come through.