Got a Question?
Got a question about a Pixfra product? Want to know how they work, where you can find them, or how you can test them out? We may already have the answer you’re looking for. Check out some of our frequently asked questions below, conveniently collated to help you find an answer as quickly as possible.
Do you drop ship?
Pixfra is distributed in the UK & ROI by Thomas Jacks Ltd, a trade-only distributor. As such, we do not send any items to members of the public and therefore do not offer drop shipping. If you are a retailer and wish to sell our products to the public, please get in touch at info@pixfra.co.uk, or call the Thomas Jacks offices on 01789 264 100.
Can I test out your products at your UK headquarters?
Our UK & ROI distributor, Thomas Jacks Ltd, are happy to help customers if they wish to test out any of our products. However, please note that an appointment is needed. If you arrive at the Thomas Jacks offices without an appointment, they may not be able to grant access to the building and you could be turned away.
Alternatively, we attend plenty of open days, exhibitions, trade shows, and demo evenings throughout the year, at which we offer hands-on demonstrations to members of the public and trade alike. For more information, please check Thomas Jacks Ltd’s social channels or get in touch.
Can Pixfra thermal imaging devices see through glass?
No; because glass does not let infrared radiation within 8-13ɥm pass through it, no thermal imaging device is capable of seeing through glass.
Can Pixfra thermal imaging devices see through walls?
A thermal imaging device is only able to detect a body’s surface radiation. It is possible to detect a crack in a wall, or to locate defective thermal insulation, but seeing through walls is not possible.
Will I damage my device if I point it at bright sunlight?
Pointing a thermal imaging device at a powerful source of energy (for example: a unit emitting laser radiation or the sun) with the lens cap open can have a negative impact on the accuracy of the device. Our devices will alert you when it is pointed at a source of high radiation to avoid damaging the unit.
Can I use a Pixfra device in extreme temperatures?
Although many of our thermal imaging devices are able of operating effectively in extreme conditions and temperatures, we do not recommend using a device in temperatures exceeding their stated operating temperature, as doing so may damage the unit.
Why do I need to calibrate my device?
Calibrating a thermal imaging device allows it to level the background temperature of the microbolometer, eliminating image flaws such as vertical stripes and ghost images (wherein the faint image of an object will remain visible on screen even when it is not being observed). Intervals between the need to calibrate depend on operating time — the longer a thermal imaging device operates in continuous mode, the less frequently a calibration is needed.
Do your thermal imaging devices emit anything harmful or dangerous?
No, our thermal imaging devices are completely safe. Thermal imagers do not emit anything; they only receive and analyse incoming infrared emissions from objects, converting them into an image on the device’s viewfinder.
What is a refresh rate?
A thermal imaging device’s refresh frame rate, measured in Hertz (Hz), tells the user how many times a second the thermal image is refreshed on the unit’s display. A higher refresh rate makes observation of fast-moving objects more comfortable. The lowest frame rate is 9Hz. It is important to know that thermal imaging devices with a refresh rate of 30Hz and 50Hz may have export limitations depending on the laws in your region. You can find out more about these limitations and how to gain an export licence here.
Why is image quality not as good in lower temperatures?
An observed object’s thermal signature will increase faster at positive temperatures, allowing for higher temperature contrast and an overall clearer image quality when compared to that of a thermal imaging device used in colder temperatures. In lower temperatures these objects usually cool down to roughly equal temperatures, leading to lower temperature contrast and thus resulting in the degradation of image quality.
Can I take a Pixfra device abroad?
All of Pixfra’s thermal imaging, multispectral, and night vision devices are strictly controlled by UK Government Export Licencing Regulations and are subject to UK Strategic Export Control Lists. Depending on specification, an export licence may need to be obtained prior to their being taken outside the UK, even temporarily (e.g. holiday).
It is the responsibility of the exporter, whether they be a company or individual, to ensure that such a licence is obtained. Failure to comply is a criminal offence.
For further information, advice, or to apply for a licence please contact the Export Control Joint Unit. See their details below.
Address:
Export Control Joint Unit,
2nd Floor, 3 Whitehall Place,
London, SW1A 2AW
Telephone: 020 7215 4594
Fax: 020 7215 0531
Email: eco.help@trade.gov.uk
For more info, please click here.
Can’t find what you need?
If our FAQs haven’t managed to help, please send us your question via the form below. Alternatively, you can contact our UK & ROI distributors, Thomas Jacks, at their UK offices on 01789 264 100.
