Question about using a thermal camera for intermittent faults

I always thought those handheld thermal cameras were a gimmick for our line of work, just another shiny tool to sell. Then, about two weeks ago, I was stuck on a Citation's autopilot that would drop out only after an hour in the air. We spent three days on the ground swapping boxes with no luck. A guy from the next hangar brought over his Flir One and we found a single voltage regulator on a board in the FCC that was running 30 degrees hotter than the rest under load. Replaced that one chip and the problem was gone. Has anyone else had a thermal camera save them from a real headache?

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4 Comments

paul_ramirez2mo ago

Ever used one to check engine harness chafing before it shorts out?

6

scott.olivia5mo ago

Still a gimmick most of the time though.

1

matthewmiller5mo ago

But that's exactly when they stop being a gimmick, scott.olivia.

-1

emma_garcia5mo ago

Right? Feels like they never really get past that stage.

7