Australian transport operators can now purchase thermal imaging cameras, making night and low-visibility driving safer
By Gary Worrall
In what is almost an extract from an Isaac Asimov novel, Australian transport operators can now purchase thermal imaging cameras, making night and low-visibility driving safer.
Tony Kelly, from Victorian company Vissacon says the PathFindIR camera can be fitted to virtually any truck with a 12 volt power supply, and allows drivers to see up to 900 metres, depending on conditions.
Kelly says the only restriction on the camera is that it must be mounted outside the cab, with most operators choosing to place it behind the engine grille.
The camera is compatible with all lighting systems, including the latest High Intensity Discharge and LED equipment, and is also not affected by oncoming lights, unlike ‘low light’ cameras.
“This is a true thermal camera, it is purely looking at heat emissions or ‘signatures’ from vehicles, people and animals,” Kelly says.
“This means it can ‘see’ through smoke and dust, by detecting the heat signature of a an object further away.”
While it is currently only available as an aftermarket kit, Kelly says a number of truck manufacturers have expressed interest in the unit as a new truck option.