Waveshare Long-wave IR Thermal Camera Module 80×62 Pixels 45° FOV

Connect the module directly to your Raspberry Pi's 40-pin GPIO header using the included female header. Ensure the board is aligned correctly. Power is supplied through the Raspberry Pi's 5V GPIO pins; no external power source is needed as the module draws approximately 61mA. Use the provided FPC cable if your specific HAT version requires it for data communication between the sensor and the Pi's internal interface.

Waveshare provides comprehensive Python demo code tailored for Raspberry Pi, available on their wiki. This includes libraries to initialize the sensor, capture raw thermal data arrays, convert readings to temperature values in Celsius, and display false-color thermal images. Additional host computer software for Windows and Android allows for data visualization and basic configuration, supporting real-time video streaming and temperature logging for your applications.

The module has a typical temperature measurement accuracy of ±2°C when the ambient environment is between 10°C and 70°C. Accuracy can vary outside this range due to sensor drift. The Noise Equivalent Temperature Difference (NETD) of 150mK indicates high sensitivity to small thermal changes. For best results, allow the sensor to stabilize at the operating ambient temperature and avoid rapid environmental shifts or direct airflow on the sensor window during critical measurements.

Yes, the shutterless design enables continuous thermal imaging. The module supports a maximum output frame rate of 25 frames per second (FPS), providing smooth real-time thermal video. The actual achievable frame rate may depend on your Raspberry Pi model and the processing load of your application software. The Python demo includes examples for capturing and displaying this video stream, which can be used for live monitoring or recording thermal events.

The primary difference is the field of view (FOV). This Basic version offers a 45° FOV, suitable for focused monitoring of specific areas or objects. The Wide Angle version provides a 90° FOV, covering a much broader scene, which is useful for room-level occupancy detection or panoramic thermal surveys. Both versions share the same 80x62 sensor resolution, electrical interface, and core specifications; your choice should be based on the required coverage area for your project.