Featured Products
SPI Corp Thermal Infrared Cameras
Sierra Pacific Innovation Corp has been a leading supplier of thermal infrared and night vision systems for over a decade. We specialize in commercial off the shelf systems as well as custom and semi-custom configurations.
The SPI Difference
SPI is a full service imaging company. Our years of experience allow us to hand select only the finest most cost effective solutions to your thermal and night vision needs. SPI specializes in finding the right tool for your job and if the right tool does not exist we will make it for you. Contact SPI for assistance with any of the following.
- Thermal Infrared Cameras (scientific and maintenance models)
- Thermal Infrared Imaging Systems (law enforcement and military models)
- Thermal Pan Tilt Zoom Multi-Sensor Systems (custom and COTS solutions)
- Night Vision (image intensified products)
- Night Vision (EMCCD products)
- Systems Integration
- Custom Design and Manufacturing
- Kitting Assemblies and Contract Logistics
Call SPI today to see what we can do for you. 702-369-3966.
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Thermal infrared imaging Cameras & night vision systems
Email: Sales@x20.org
 
Infrared cameras or thermal imagers were originally developed for military use during the Korean War to further enhance night vision capabilities, thermal infrared cameras have slowly migrated into other fields as varied as electrical inspections, energy home inspection audits and a wide array of applications Advanced optics and sophisticated software interfaces continue to enhance the versatility of thermal infrared cameras. Thermal infrared cameras are a truly amazing instruments that have many uses in everyday life. Thermal infrared cameras are mostly used to image for night vision application and is used extensively by the United States armed forces. Thermal infrared cameras are incorporated into air, sea and land aircrafts and vehicle. Hand held thermal imaging infrared cameras are also used extensively by ground forces for general theatre scanning, target acquisition and sighting. Thermal imaging infrared cameras are available for a wide variety of uses such as; Military thermal imaging for remote sensing, night vision, weapon sighting, perimeter security, installation surveillance & force protection Thermography ir imaging for predictive maintenance, electrical, mechanical, and overall preventive maintenance Research and development imaging for circuit boards, IC, PBC, and a wide array of specialized applications. A relatively new and emerging market for infrared thermal imaging cameras is energy audits for residential and commercial applications. Our thermography thermal imaging cameras are catered for home inspections, roofing surverys, building envelopes, missing insulation, mold detection and structure integrity. Click here for the www.x26.com thermal camera infrared specials
Forward Looking Infrared technology or commonly referred to as (flir) is a night vision enhancement system with many potential applications in law enforcement agencies. Infrared imagers offer vision enhancement superior to that available through conventional night vision systems. Originally developed for military operations, thermal infrared cameras have a wide variety of applications for law enforcement, fire fighting, governmental and commercial/ industrial operations. Recent technological enhancements have made them more accessible (and affordable) as a tool to support street-level law enforcement operations. |
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flir (forward looking infra red) infrared IR cameras were originally developed by the United States Navy to assist in the identification and targeting of opposition forces. These units measure the amount of infrared energy emitted by various objects and life forms. In other words, it allows the user to "see" the amount of heat (or thermal energy) an object emits. Infrared energy is normally invisible to the human eye, but thermal cameras are able to detect and interpret emissions and provide the user with an image, even in complete darkness. Like conventional night vision enhancement systems, thermal imaging does not provide a perfect picture of what is in its field of view. What it does provide is an image with sufficient clarity to allow users to distinguish between cars, trees, and people. Conventional night vision systems improve the user’s ability to "see" objects by enhancing visible light. These systems only work if there is at least a minimal amount of available light and if there is nothing obscuring visibility (such as dust, haze, fog, or smoke). Thermal IR cameras are still highly effective under conditions of low-visibility or complete darkness. By providing an image of the infrared energy being emitted by objects, the system can still "see" in complete darkness or obscured visibility. While the effectiveness of the system may be diminished when viewing distant objects under obscured conditions, infrared cameras still provide better visibility than other night vision enhancement systems. Because it measures thermal energy, infrared cameras can be used to conduct surveillance without relying on search lights or special lighting, improving the user’s ability to remain undetected. The military advantages of these early systems were significant. Naval vessels could still detect and target enemy ships, even on the darkest nights or under foggy conditions. As one might imagine, these early systems were large, heavy, and expensive. During the past decades, however, thermography cameras have been adapted for use aboard all types of aircraft, naval vessels, and ground vehicles; in recent years some manufacturers have even developed handheld units. Technological advances have significantly lowered the size, weight, and cost of thermal sights. These new systems may offer reliable service without requiring extensive or costly upkeep. Handheld thermal infrared scopes weight less than five pounds and may be within the price range of many law enforcement agencies. |
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thermal infrared imaging cameras have been successfully used by a number of major law enforcement agencies in recent years. Until recently, Thermal cameras has generally been a tool for aviation units. Mounted on a helicopter, a Thermal binocular or digital goggle fusion camera could assist in pursuits and Search and Rescue missions. The systems were still expensive and somewhat cumbersome. Because aviation units were most likely to respond to situations where Thermal imagers could be of use, this was a logical use of this resource. More recently, law enforcement agencies have begun experimenting with Thermal infrared cameras mounted on ground vehicles or as independent, handheld units. Lubbock, Texas, has Thermal infrared imaging cameras integrated into their canine vehicles. A canine vehicle is likely to become involved in search or pursuit operations, so deploying ground vehicle systems with these units makes sense. As technologies improve and costs continue to decrease, it may be more common to see ground vehicle mounted or handheld Thermal infrared cameras being used to support a wide variety of law enforcement applications. As a tool to assist in either pursuits or Search and Rescue missions, Thermal infrared thermal cameras offers several advantages to police organizations. While it was designed for use during operations taking place at night or under obscured visibility conditions, thermal imagers can also be used during day light hours. For example, a search for a missing child or a fleeing suspect might lead to a farm field. Depending on the nature and density of the foliage, an aviation unit equipped with IR thermography cameras might be able to locate a child or suspect who might otherwise be hidden from plain view, even during daylight hours. Many thermal infrared imaging cameras are designed to videotape what the operator sees. In addition, units may also serve as daylight video recording systems. These features allow officers to generate evidence which might be very helpful in prosecution. For example, a helicopter equipped with thermal sensor could assist ground vehicles in a high-speed pursuit of a stolen automobile. As soon as the helicopter arrived in the area of the pursuit, it could begin to record the events occurring on the ground. The system could videotape the infrared image of the driver "bailing" from the vehicle and fleeing into a residential neighborhood. The system could continue to videotape the suspect as he fled through backyards and assist aviation personnel in directing officers on the ground in order to make an apprehension. Having the chase on tape would provide incontrovertible proof that the suspect taken into custody was indeed the driver of the stolen vehicle (and not an innocent citizen "looking for a runaway cat"). Because the system is not dependent on the use of a search light (which might produce shadows and distortions on a videotape), it might also show that officers used appropriate force in taking a suspect into custody, thus limiting potential liability. Thermal infrared imaging cameras may be one of the best options for vision enhancement under conditions of obscured visibility. Some jurisdictions frequently encounter problems due to fog or haze. Vision systems which amplify available light may be less effective under such conditions. While thermal does have a limited ability to penetrate smoke, dust, haze, or fog, it is generally more effective than the naked eye or conventional night vision enhancement systems under such conditions. Police marine units may be find it easier to engage in routine patrol or search and rescue operations with a thermography imaging camera, even under conditions of heavy fog (and even during daylight hours). Fire departments have been using helmet-mounted goggles or hand held binoculars for several years to aid personnel in searching for victims in fires. Although binoculars cameras cannot penetrate all of the smoke generated by a burning building, it can improve a fire fighter’s ability to "see." These systems not only allow fire fighters to conduct a more thorough search in less time, but a search could be done with fewer personnel, placing fewer lives at risk in the performance of dangerous operations. Thermal binoculars can also be a valuable tool for police personnel conducting surveillance or security operations. Because the system works without relying on light sources, it can be operated in a covert manner. Personnel scanning a dark parking lot could observe potential victims or suspects without alerting these party’s to their presence. Individuals can be clearly seen, even under conditions of complete darkness. These unique thermal infrared night vision applications might enhance to covert nature of surveillance operations and decrease the number of personnel required to conduct such an operation. Thermal sights, scopes, binoculars, goggles and cameras may also be used to take digital thermal image of a person, luggage, buildings, automobiles, trucks, or boats (generally in an effort to search for drugs). While Thermal binoculars or goggles can not see through walls or doors, they can detect temperature differences which might indicate the presence of hidden compartments or contraband. A thermography scan may indicate if a person has something secreted beneath their clothing, or if the hold of a ship contains ice-cold fish or something with an even greater street value. Growing marijuana indoors requires the use of high-temperature artificial lighting; a thermal scan of a neighborhood might indicate if a specific house has an unusual hot spot which might indicate that such indoor gardening is taking place. It must be noted that the courts have not fully resolved how police officers can use thermal images in carrying out drug or contraband detection. Some federal circuit courts have viewed thermal imaging as equivalent to any other search. As such, police officers in these circuits may need either explicit probably cause or a search warrant in order to use thermal imaging. Other circuits have taken a more liberal stance, allowing law enforcement personnel to engage in random thermal imaging. Readers would be well advised to check the status of Thermal imaging as a search within their state and federal district courts before undertaking such operations. |
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newer digital compact thermal binoculars and goggles with increased sensitivity and smaller micron pitch offer a clear way for law enforcement agencies and military professionals to operate in a more efficient and effective manner. As a tool for an aviation unit, thermal infrared imagers can significantly reduce the time needed to conduct a search. Agencies using infrared imaging cameras might also have an easier time tracking and apprehending fleeing suspects. Thermal infrared cameras make pursuit and search operations more efficient and also safer. Suspects or victims can be quickly located. Officers on the ground can be directed to these locations without conducting prolonged, and potentially dangerous, searches. As a surveillance tool, thermal infrared imaging cameras may allow agencies to carry out some operations with fewer personnel and in a more covert manner. Officers can covertly scan areas, even under complete darkness. Under some conditions, infrared cameras may also allows users to detect well camouflaged individuals. Because many imagers allow for the generation of video recordings, it is easy to produce evidence suitable for use in the courtroom. Such evidence may enhance the likelihood of prosecuting defendants in cases where the cover of night might have otherwise made suspect identification difficult. Newer digital compact Thermal handheld cameras are being utilized in the commercial marketplace for applications such as electrical and mechanical thermography, printed circuit board or PBC analysis, energy audits, roofing, home inspections, water restoration, insulation audits, medical infrared imaging, data center, integrity and condition monitoring needs. thermal imaging is an emerging marketplace. The use of thermal technology can allow for agencies to conduct certain operations with fewer personnel. In addition, those personnel involved in such missions might be able to perform their duties with an enhanced degree of safety and security. The current cost systems may preclude some law enforcement agencies from enjoying these benefits. Despite the current cost of Thermal systems, it is likely that purchasing and maintenance costs will continue to decline, while performance improves in the years to come. |
SPI Resources
Thermal Infrared ImagingOur thermal infrared division brings you ultra high tech infra-red cameras at the lowest price in the country. We have specially designed systems for predictive maintenance, non destructive testing, roofing, medical, law enforcement, military, automotive, and all other thermal infrared thermography applications. NEW electrical power monitoring equipment now available. Night Vision
SPI offers the latest in high technology electronic equipment. We carry affordable state of the art light intensification night vision devices. Units are available in a variety of configurations including nightvision goggles, pocket scopes, night driving systems, binoculars, and weapon sights.
Spy Gear Hidden CamerasOur newly redesigned Spy Gear and Hidden Camera section provides you with the latest technology in surveillance and counter surveillance products. The latest specials include; Voice Changing Telephones, Bug Detectors, Telephone Tap Detectors, and a wide assortment of custom Hidden Camera applications. Notebook / Laptop ComputerWe now carry discount notebook / laptop computers for personal, business, and infrared mobile computing applications. A notebook computer is the logical choice for many people including professionals, students, thermographers, and any one on the go. We have the absolute lowest price on new, used, and refurbished laptop computers. Industrial Tools & WeldingOur industrial tool & welding department provides you with the latest in high tech equipment at wholesale pricing. Our air plasma cutters, mig, and tig welders are first class and you will not find a lower price anywhere. Free Internet Design Resources Free Web Pages, Free Email, Guides, Tutorials, and ScriptsOur brand new Internet Resources section has just gone online. Here you will find links to valuable online resources including free email, free web pages, design guides, free downloads, mp3's, and alot more. All the resources listed are ones that we have used ourselves. If you want to learn HTML, CGI scripting, Javascript, Flash 3 / Shockwave content, or you want free stuff we have guides, tutorials, and links to the quality resources. This section is new and we are constantly updating it. Check it out today. Alcohol Breathalyzers and Drug DetectionFinally, our alcohol and drug section offers you alcohol breathalyzers using the same technology most states use to prevent drunk driving. Free Forums and Live Online Java ChatOur new site offers you expanded access to free resources. We have instituted discussion forums for thermal infrared imaging, night vision, alcohol and drugs, and industrial tools. We are proud to announce the inclusion of a live online Java based customer support feature. You can now talk to a representative live online! Free Image GalleryThe image galleries have been expanded (especially the infrared thermal imaging gallery ), and there is a new community resource page with links to important alcohol and drug related sites. We are continually adding new products and services for you our customers. Check back often and let us know what you think by sending us email. |
