Thermal cameras

[cajar]

To the guys who have thermal cameras (I know a few of you have them) would they be of any use finding a metal back box that's been plastered over? Thinking the metal might be slightly cooler than the plaster in a warm house.

If not, other than magnets or a metal detector, any other ideas to locate them?

 

[RF Lighting]

Are there any wires in the missing box?

 

[Adam_151]

Lump hammer, after telling the plaster boarder what hes done and what you are going to do to find it

Unless its been decorated and about to be handed over then the forman might wish you to be more tactful

 

[cajar]

It's something I come across when connecting a customer back to bt after they've been served by virgin for several years. The bt supply has been filled with mud and decorated over. I find most of them through methodical thinking ie asking neighbours where their supply comes in, tape measure, then cold chisel and hammer, but would like a more precise way that doesn't rely on other neighbours or guess work. There are cables in the box but they are often carrying no current.

 

[RF Lighting]

If you can get to the other end of the cable, then you need a signal generator and locator. They are really good.

I doubt you'd really be able to spot a box with a thermal camera. If it's buried in the wall, then it's likely to be at the same ambient temperature as the rest of the wall.


http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Network-L...quipment_ET&hash=item3a86b63260#ht_6629wt_930

 

[cajar]

I've got one of them and agree with how useful they are though can be hit and miss if it's buried deep. thanks for the replies

 

[OwainDIYer]

I find an induction loop receiver (as used for testing hearing aid loops) useful, especially if you have a laptop which generates mains noise plugged into the same circuit.

An AM radio might also work.

Run it over the wall and you pick up the mains hum from the cables.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/231077145331

I got one from China/HK on Ebay for a tenner.