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Hi Becky!

This is absolutely one of my favorite exhibits to use as an  
exploration platform with visitors!  How fun!

You might want to look into leasing vs purchasing a heat camera.  You  
would be off the hook for maintenance of these highly technical  
items, as well, and access to newer models down the road if you want  
to update.  The cost of leasing (perhaps $3,500/yr) might seem high,  
but compared to the high ticket cost of good thermal cams, it might  
make more sense long-term to lease.

Stuart has some great ideas!  I also recommend that Explainers have  
items like black plastic trash bags, which are translucent to visible  
but transparent to infrared.  Having near access to an ice machine  
lets you have fun with ice cubes, where you can paint on your face,  
arms, clothes, etc.  Placement of the exhibit can make a difference  
as well.  At COSI Toledo, we had one near our school group entrance  
(by happenstance, not design), and we noticed that in the winter as  
kids came in from the coooooold, they would watch themselves unwrap  
and warm up in front of the camera.  Great held moment there for us  
to explore with groups when they're at their most curious.

Also, I'm a big fan of the wall-projection size image vs tv-sized  
image.  There feels to be a such of wonder and scale on larger  
projections that seems missing on smaller versions I've seen.  It  
also allows you to immerse in playing with the camera, not having to  
huddle close to the monitor to see what's going on, freeing you up to  
explore by yourself or with your larger group.

Best-

Samson


--------------
Sam Dean
Director - ExNet Program
e x p l O r a t o r i u m
3601 Lyon St.
San Francisco, CA 94123
e: [log in to unmask]
ph: 415.353.0422
c: 415.509.4303
f: 415.353.0433




On Dec 20, 2007, at 2:54 PM, Stuart Kohlhagen wrote:

> ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology  
> Centers
> Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related  
> institutions.
> ********************************************************************** 
> *******
>
> Becky,
>
> if someone from the exploratorium doesn't reply, get in touch with  
> them, they have a nice simple version of what you are describing  
> and would have local (USA) leads for suplliers.
>
>
> We'd used FLIR cameras, which have so far proved reliable ( 3-4  
> years), but cost around 20K US.
> The false color units are (have been) very much more expensive. you  
> can get similar grade monochrome for 3 to 5K. I have seen some  
> centres feed the monochrome video signal through a PC and false  
> color it in software, and also provide for an image grab and print  
> function at the same time.
>
> Make certain the model you get can come ON ( not standby) when the  
> mains is turned on, and that it doesn;t go to sleep if no buttons  
> are pressed after a short period. Many cameras have this built into  
> their firmware, on the assumption your running on batteries.
>
> The public love looking at them selves, allow for a few people to  
> be in shot.
> California sciecne centre has one, and you can pan it to look at  
> yourself, a lizard, and some rats ( or perhaps they where guinea  
> pigs), so you can see what cold and warm blooded really means.
>
> The nice thing to provide for the public are some glass screens to  
> step behind(in whole or in part), as visible light goes through,  
> but near visible thermal is blocked ( you disappear.).
>
> The Explo has some copper sheets, also set up in view, so you can  
> leave thermal hand prints etc. Let them hold up a small frame with  
> copper flyscreen mesh... you can see through it a bit, but you can  
> paint with your breath.
>
> Many electrical safety agents will supply these cameras, as they  
> are used to inspect power distribution boards for faulty wireing.
>
> All the Best
> Stuart Kohlhagen
> Manager Research and development
> Questacon
> The National Science and Technology Centre
> Australia
>
>
> Classification: UNCLASSIFIED
> ________________________________
>
> From: Informal Science Education Network on behalf of Becky Matthews
> Sent: Fri 21/12/2007 9:31 AM
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Infrared video cams
>
>
>
> ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology  
> Centers
> Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related  
> institutions.
> ********************************************************************** 
> *******
>
> We're looking for a good infrared video camera for an exhibit so
> visitors can see their infrared energy projected in false color images
> on a large screen.  If your science center or museum has such an
> exhibit, please let me know:
>
> 1) the camera you use (and its cost if available)
> 2) the number of colors it displays
> 3) how effective it is
> 4) any hints on how to make this exhibit the best experience possible
>
> Thanks!
> Becky
>
> Becky Fox Matthews
> Educator & Special Projects Manager
> Adventure Science Center
> 800 Ft. Negley Blvd.
> Nashville, TN 37203
> 615-401-5073
> www.adventuresci.com
>
> ********************************************************************** 
> *
> For information about the Association of Science-Technology Centers  
> and the Informal Science Education Network please visit www.astc.org.
>
> Check out the latest case studies and reviews on ExhibitFiles at  
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> For information about the Association of Science-Technology Centers  
> and the Informal Science Education Network please visit www.astc.org.
>
> Check out the latest case studies and reviews on ExhibitFiles at  
> www.exhibitfiles.org.
>
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