You don’t have to be a fan of Predator to appreciate thermal vision. From marvelling at the world through an entirely new perspective, to solving problems and diagnosing issues yourself, a thermal imaging camera unlocks a whole world of fun and useful possibilities – not to mention, saving money on callout charges for tradespeople when you can quickly and easily spot issues for yourself.
Enter TOPDON's TC002C Duo – a compact, easy-to-use smartphone thermal camera attachment that slips the power of professional-grade thermal imaging into your pocket.
Transform your smartphone
As TOPDON's first dual-system thermal camera, the TC002C Duo works seamlessly with both iOS and Android devices. For tech-savvy DIYers and mechanical professionals alike, it transforms a smartphone into a sophisticated diagnostic instrument capable of revealing heat signatures invisible to the naked eye, all while maintaining the accessibility and portability that traditional thermal cameras simply cannot match.
The TC002C Duo plugs directly into any USB-C compatible iPhone, iPad, Android device, or Windows PC – including the latest iPhone 17 – delivering instant thermal imaging without the need for separate screens or complex setup procedures.
This plug-and-play simplicity masks sophisticated capabilities – your existing device becomes both the display and control interface, with TOPDON's hardware handling the thermal sensing while your phone or tablet provides the processing power and familiar touchscreen controls.
For older iOS devices with Lightning ports, a USB-C to Lightning cable comes included, extending compatibility back to iPhone models from the 6 series onwards, ensuring that practically any recent smartphone can transform into a thermal camera in seconds.
Cutting-edge tech
At the heart of the TC002C Duo sits a 256×192 native thermal sensor – a respectable spec that TOPDON enhances even further via its proprietary TISR (TOPDON Image Super Resolution) tech.
This patented processing digitally upscales the thermal image to 512×384 resolution, effectively doubling the detail available for analysis and revealing temperature variations that lower-resolution cameras would miss entirely.
Combined with a 25Hz refresh rate, the system delivers smooth, real-time thermal tracking that proves essential when scanning dynamic environments or moving across surfaces during inspections.
The thermal sensitivity specs tell an equally impressive story – at less than 40mK (NETD), the device can detect exceptionally subtle temperature differences, making it particularly effective for identifying hidden issues like air leaks, moisture intrusion, or electrical hotspots that might register only fractional temperature variations.
For context, a thermal camera’s NETD rating measures how well it’s able to distinguish between very small resolution in thermal radiation. At less than 40 mK, the TC002C Duo can detect temperature resolution differences as mind-bogglingly minute as 0.10°C.
Elsewhere, the temperature measurement capabilities are equally impressive, covering a wide range from −20°C to 550°C (−4°F to 1,022°F) with an accuracy of ±2°C or ±2% of the reading. This broad spectrum makes the device suitable for everything from identifying heat loss around windows and doors, to diagnosing overheating electrical components or monitoring engine temperatures.
The camera can also effectively measure temperature differences from a safe distance of up to five metres, adding a layer of safety when inspecting potentially hazardous equipment.
Powerful app
TOPDON’s TopInfrared app serves as the control centre, with the interface offering customisation options including adjustable ambient temperature, distance to spot, and emissivity settings – all crucial parameters for obtaining accurate thermal readings in different scenarios.
Users can even select from 10 colour palettes or create custom gradients to visualise heat patterns in ways that best suit their specific applications. The app also features a Scenario Guidance Hub, providing step-by-step tutorials for common household inspections such as insulation checks, pest detection, and plumbing diagnostics.
Beyond home maintenance, the TC002C Duo is an incredibly handy tool across all manner of fields. Automotive technicians can use it to identify cooling system issues or overheating components, while HVAC professionals can quickly spot air leaks or ductwork problems, or even detect pests like rodents in hidden infrastructure.
The device also serves less conventional purposes – from enhancing outdoor activities like night hiking (where it can detect animals through their heat signatures) to adding a new dimension to family barbecues by visualising cooking temperatures in real time.
Measure with confidence
Measuring just 71×42×14mm and weighing a mere 30g, the TC002C Duo slips easily into a pocket or tool bag. The package includes everything needed to get started too – the thermal camera itself, a USB-C to Lightning cable for iOS device compatibility, a USB-C to USB-C extension cable for additional flexibility, a carrying bag, a cleaning cloth, and a quick user guide.
For users requiring more detailed analysis, the TC002C Duo also works with TOPDON's TopView software on Windows PCs. This desktop application enables side-by-side image comparisons, detailed reporting, and advanced diagnostics – features particularly valuable for professionals who need to document findings or perform thorough analysis.
Backed with lifetime technical support, TOPDON also offers professional hotline assistance based in the US, where users have access to expert help should they encounter any difficulties or have questions about specific applications.
For anyone seeking to add thermal vision capabilities to their diagnostic toolkit – whether for professional use, home maintenance, or simply exploring the world through a different lens – the TC002C Duo offers an accessible entry point to technology that was once exclusively professional territory.
The combination of dual-system compatibility, enhanced resolution, and intuitive software, creates a package that balances sophistication with usability. If that sounds like it’ll make for a fine addition to your tool collection, head on over to Amazon, where you can pick up the TOPDON TC002C