Adafruit has unveiled an exciting new project that combines the power of the Raspberry Pi 4 Model B and the MLX90640 IR camera to create a budget-friendly fusion thermal camera. This beginner-friendly build requires no soldering, making it accessible to tech enthusiasts of all skill levels.
The project, inspired by the “PitFusion” thermal camera, uses the Raspberry Pi camera module 3 to blend its feed with thermal data from the MLX90640. The result is a detailed, real-time heatmap overlaying the standard camera image, offering a fresh perspective on capturing thermal images.
In addition to the hardware, Adafruit provides a comprehensive guide, including CAD files for a custom snap-together case. The software setup is equally user-friendly. With a script provided for automatic installation, users can easily set up the necessary dependencies and access the project’s software bundle. This package allows users to manage features like adjusting temperature detection ranges and the thermal overlay’s opacity, plus capturing snapshots from the camera setup.
Though it’s not a high-resolution model, this thermal camera build presents the Raspberry Pi community with new possibilities, all while staying under $200. This makes it an attractive option compared to other entry-level thermal cameras available on the market. For those intrigued by the potential of this inventive build, further exploration into the Raspberry Pi thermal camera project promises a rewarding journey.
