I had noticed Prime Group India's advertisements in Autocar and WhatCar and wanted to bring it to the notice of TBHPians. Please note that I have no commercial interest in this matter except that I would have loved to buy one for night driving :-) .
The B&W cost in India for the camera (only) is Rs. 3.10 lakhs. Additional requirements include a display screen inside the vehicle and cabling etc. PathfindIR™ Automotive Night Vision
The FLIR Systems PathFindIR is a compact thermal imaging camera that significantly reduces the hazards of night time driving. Automotive Night Vision Systems enable drivers to detect and monitor potential hazards on or near the road, allowing more time to react to any potential danger. PathFindIR Thermal imager helps the user recognize pedestrians, animals, or objects in total darkness, smoke, rain and snow. The PathFindIR module can be integrated into military vehicle designs, or adapted for aftermarket commercial vehicle applications.
Excellent image quality The PathFindIR incorporates an uncooled 320 x 240 pixels microbolometer. This maintenance free system delivers crisp video images which can be displayed on virtually any display that accepts composite video.
Wide-angle lens The PathFindIR is equipped with an 19 mm wide angle lens. It give you an extremely wide field of view (36°), resulting in excellent situational awareness.
Designed for use in harsh environments
The PathFindIR is extremely rugged. Its vital core is well protected against humidity and water. The PathFindIR can be cleaned with a hose just like any other equipment. The PathFindIR operates between -40°C and +80°C.
Compact, easy to install The PathFindIR is extremely compact (5.8 x 5.7 x 7.2 cm) and weighs only 360 grams. This allows for easy integration in any vehicle. The PathFindIR can easily be installed behind a vehicle grill or in any other compact location.
Optional cable A 6 meter long cable is available for routing the PathFindIR’s power and video interface into a passenger compartment. On one side the cable connects to the PathFindIR. On the other end it has 2 wires that can be terminated, as required by the user, for hooking into the vehicle power bus and a video cable that is terminated with a BNC connector. It can be adapted to the video input connections on most standard monitors.
URL: http://www.flir.com/cvs/eurasia/en/content/?id=4950 Reviewed by Car Audio magazine: URL: http://www.caraudiomag.com/reviews/caep_0809_flir_pathfindir_night_vision_system/index.html Flir Pathfindir - Review Night Vision Illuminating The Night (Road)
By Vahik Voskanian
Residents of brightly lit cities forget how unnerving and dangerous driving at night can be without the comforting presence of streetlights. Headlights only penetrate the darkness so far, leaving much of the road and surrounding areas mysterious voids. An errant antelope (or anything else for that matter) might leap into your path or, more commonly, a connecting road might go unnoticed. One solution is FLIR's PathFindIR night vision system, which consists of a camera, installation cable and brackets, and monitor. Using the same core thermal imager that you'll find in a night vision-equipped BMW, the PathFindIR transmits a thermal image to your own in-car video monitor or one included in the kit.
The global leader in infrared cameras, night vision, and thermal imaging systems, FLIR Systems has created pivotal products for a wide range of industrial, commercial, and government activities in more than 60 countries. A pioneer in the commercial infrared camera industry, FLIR has kept many industries, including the military, fully stocked with thermography and night vision equipment for over 30 years. Their automotive aftermarket product brings a range of safety benefits like we've never seen before.
One of the most interesting aftermarket products I've tested, the FLIR PathFindIR is a high-tech thermal sensor that converts thermal energy (i.e., heat) into a 2-D image viewable on a video monitor inside your car. PathFindIR addresses one of the most important problems we all face when driving at night: not having enough time to react to potential road hazards. Since so many serious traffic accidents occur due to the driver not being able to see as far in low light conditions, the system allows the driver to see further without any additional lighting and also provides imaging at any speed.
One very cool feature the unit has is a built-in heating element to stabilize the window and prevent ice buildup in cold weather conditions. The heating system is completely automatic with a range of preprogrammed on/off temperatures. Unlike active IR systems, it uses passive technology that works day or night, and is unaffected by ambient light sources like oncoming headlamps. A standard video output is provided for use with many common monitors on the market.
Installation is pretty straightforward, as the camera can be installed anywhere outside of the vehicle's cabin. In our test car, an '08 Chevy Tahoe, we mounted it next to the driver's side factory foglight facing straight out. We wired the unit into the factory navigation system for the visual feedback. Installation took about two and a half hours from start to finish, including time to read the manual first (yes, we read manuals). It's a good thing we did as it clearly states that when the automatic shutter activates, the image will be "frozen" for about half of a second and a small white box will appear in the left, middle portion of the image during calibration. Without reading the manual, you might think something were wrong. The system comes with a very useful multimount bracket design that allows you change the angle of the sensor with ease.
The PathFindIR system is overall really easy to use. Once installed you simply turn on your headlights (this is the trigger we used to activate the system) and it's ready to go. The system works so well that I found in many situations it helped me see things I would've never imagined are on the side of the road when it's dark. It's pretty amazing to think how much technology is in its small 58mm x 57mm x 72mm package. I tested the unit side-by-side with our other test car, an '08 S63 with night assist, and the PathFindIR system blows the doors off the one offered by Mercedes-Benz. The factory Mercedes-Benz unit definitely has the cool factor with a big widescreen in the cluster of the car, but if safety and performance (not to mention a budget) are on the top of your list, I'd recommend a Civic with a PathFindIR system. The unit has unlimited potential for custom installations. Its small footprint makes it possible to mount almost anywhere. The other main advantage is the system is not vehicle specific, so you can take it with you to your next car.
Currently the PathFindIR system is available through a list of authorized dealers that you'll find on FLIR's website,
FLIR Thermal Imaging, Night Vision and Infrared Camera Systems. The camera and installation cable alone retail for $3,495. A kit like the one I tested, which includes a monitor, runs for $3,950-a small price to pay for what you get. Since the system can potentially save your life, I feel it's well worth the investment. It also has a cool factor that shiny high-end rims-for twice the price-lack. Until your local optometrist offers a thermal imaging software update I'd highly recommend you go out and get a PathFindIR system for your ride. Seeing is believing.
FLIR PathFindIR $3,495
-Thermal imaging camera
-Mounting bracket
-Installation cable
PathFindIR Kit with monitor $3,950