Topdon TC002C Thermal Camera for iPhone Review – Transforming Your iPhone into a Thermal Imaging Tool

Imagine being able to see heat – spotting energy leaks in your home, finding an overheating circuit, or detecting wildlife in the dark – all using just your smartphone. The Topdon TC002C Thermal Camera for iPhone makes this possible by turning your iPhone into a powerful thermal imaging device. In this in-depth review, we will explore how the TC002C works, its features and specifications, real-world applications, and what it’s like to use this compact thermal camera in everyday scenarios. This comprehensive guide will help you understand whether the Topdon TC002C is the right tool to add to your kit for seeing the unseen.

Thermal imaging technology, once limited to professionals with expensive gear, has become accessible to consumers through devices like the TC002C. By attaching this camera to an iPhone, anyone from a home inspector to a DIY enthusiast can visualize temperature differences as colorful images. We’ll begin with a quick primer on how thermal cameras work and why they’re so useful, then dive into the specifics of the Topdon TC002C – including how to set it up, its imaging quality, the companion app experience, and the myriad ways it can be used. Whether you’re considering this gadget for professional use or out of sheer curiosity, read on for a detailed review and analysis of the Topdon TC002C thermal camera.

What is Thermal Imaging and How Does It Work?

Thermal imaging (also known as infrared imaging) is a technique that allows you to visualize heat. Unlike a regular camera that captures visible light, a thermal camera detects infrared radiation – the invisible energy emitted by all objects based on their temperature. In simple terms, hotter objects emit more infrared radiation than colder ones, and a thermal camera picks up on these differences to create an image where different temperatures are represented by different colors.

Inside a thermal camera like the TC002C is a special sensor called a microbolometer. This sensor is essentially an array of tiny heat-sensitive pixels. Each pixel changes its electrical resistance based on the infrared heat energy it absorbs. The camera’s electronics measure those changes and translate them into a temperature reading for that pixel. The result is a grid of temperature data. The Topdon TC002C’s sensor, for example, captures a grid of 256 by 192 points, each corresponding to a temperature reading in the scene. The device then maps this data to a color scale (or grayscale) to produce the thermal image we see on screen.

To the user, the thermal image appears as a vivid map of heat: warmer areas might show up as bright red, orange, or yellow, while cooler areas appear in shades of blue or purple (depending on the color palette chosen). No visible light is needed – you could use a thermal camera in complete darkness and still see the heat signatures of people, animals, or objects. This makes thermal imaging incredibly useful for situations like night-time wildlife observation or locating heat leaks in a dark attic.

It’s important to note what thermal imaging cannot do. Thermal cameras cannot see through solid objects like walls or floors – they only measure surface temperatures. If an object behind a wall causes the wall’s surface to warm up or cool down, a thermal camera can detect that subtle temperature difference on the surface, but it’s not an X-ray vision. Similarly, thermal cameras generally cannot see through glass because glass tends to reflect infrared radiation rather than letting it pass through. So, if you point the TC002C at a window, you’ll mostly see the temperature of the glass itself or reflections of heat from other things, not a clear image of what’s on the other side.

Despite these limitations, thermal imaging is incredibly powerful for revealing things that are otherwise invisible. It can detect very small temperature differences – the TC002C, for instance, can discern differences as slight as 0.1°C – allowing you to spot problems or features that a touch of a hand might not even notice. In the next sections, we’ll look at various practical applications where this capability becomes a game-changer.

Real-World Applications of Thermal Cameras

Thermal cameras have moved beyond military and research labs into the hands of everyday users, because they offer a new perspective on everyday problems. Here are some of the most common and impactful real-world applications of devices like the Topdon TC002C:

Home and Building Inspections

One of the most popular uses of a thermal imaging camera is for home and building inspections. Homeowners, energy auditors, and contractors use thermal cameras to identify insulation gaps and air leaks. For example, on a cold night, pointing the TC002C at your walls and ceilings can reveal spots where insulation is missing or damp – these areas will appear cooler (darker) compared to the surrounding wall. You can literally see where heat is escaping from your house, be it through drafty windows, under-insulated attic spaces, or gaps around doors. This information is incredibly useful for improving energy efficiency; by sealing or insulating the identified areas, you can reduce heating and cooling costs.

Thermal imaging also helps in detecting water leaks and moisture intrusion. A hidden plumbing leak inside a wall or a roof leak often creates a cool damp spot that’s hard to spot visually but stands out in a thermal image. The evaporative cooling of wet materials makes them appear as a cold blue patch on a warm background in the thermal view. Home inspectors often use devices like the TC002C to find these “invisible” moisture problems before they lead to major mold growth or structural damage.

Furthermore, a thermal camera can assist in electrical inspections around the house. For instance, if a particular outlet, switch, or circuit breaker is running unusually hot (due to loose connections or an overloaded circuit), it will glow bright on a thermal image. Catching such issues early can prevent electrical fires. Even checking under-floor heating systems or radiators becomes easier – you can ensure all sections are heating evenly, and spot blockages or air pockets in hot water radiators by the temperature difference they exhibit.

HVAC and Plumbing Diagnostics

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) professionals find tremendous value in thermal imaging. With a tool like the TC002C attached to their iPhone, HVAC technicians can quickly scan ductwork and vents to see temperature distributions. For example, if an air duct is leaking behind a ceiling, the escaping hot or cold air will make a visible thermal imprint on the surrounding area. Likewise, checking each vent in a house with the camera can confirm whether conditioned air is reaching that vent properly. An obstructed or poorly insulated duct might show a cooler patch along the run or a weaker thermal output at the vent, indicating a problem.

Plumbers can use thermal cameras to trace hot water lines behind walls and under floors. Instead of guessing where a pipe runs, you can turn on the hot water and then watch with the TC002C as the warm pipe reveals its route as a glowing line. This is extremely useful for locating pipes before drilling or cutting into walls, or for finding where a hot water line might be uninsulated and causing heat loss. Thermal imaging can also show clogs in radiators or hydronic floor heating: a section of the radiator that’s cooler than the rest indicates a blockage or air pocket.

Another plumbing-related use is detecting radiant floor heating leaks or malfunctions. If part of a heated floor isn’t warming up, a thermal camera will show that zone as darker compared to the rest. On the flip side, if you suspect a leak in a hot water pipe under a slab, the leaking hot water spreading under the floor can create a warm halo in the thermal image, guiding you to the source.

Electrical and Electronics Troubleshooting

Anyone who works with electrical systems or electronics can benefit from a thermal imager. Electrical components often heat up before they fail, so catching unusual heat signatures can prevent failures and hazards. With the Topdon TC002C, you can safely scan electrical panels, outlets, and wiring for hotspots without touching them. For instance, an overloaded circuit breaker or a loose wire connection typically produces heat due to resistance – in a thermal image, it might appear as a bright hot spot in an otherwise uniform panel. This early warning allows for fixing the issue (like tightening a connection or balancing the load on the circuit) before it causes a fire or equipment damage.

On a smaller scale, electronics enthusiasts and repair technicians use thermal cameras to diagnose circuit boards and gadgets. If you’re repairing a computer, smartphone, or any electronic device, and something is malfunctioning, a quick look with the TC002C can show if a particular chip or component is overheating. A component running abnormally hot might be faulty or stressed. For example, a voltage regulator on a PCB that is overheating could indicate an electrical fault or short circuit. By identifying the exact component that’s hot, you can zero in on the problem much faster. This method is safer and more effective than the old “finger test” (where you carefully touch components to feel for heat – which risks burns or static damage).

Another benefit is in preventative maintenance for electrical systems. Periodic scans of motors, pumps, or even household appliances can reveal if bearings or windings are running hot. A failing motor, for example, might show one end hotter than normal due to friction. Similarly, in a server room or computer setup, a thermal camera can spot an overheating power supply or a clogged cooling fan by the heat buildup, helping to avert downtime.

Automotive Maintenance and Repair

Automotive enthusiasts and mechanics are increasingly using thermal cameras for diagnostics. Cars and trucks are full of systems that generate heat, and abnormal heat patterns can signal issues. With the TC002C plugged into your iPhone, you can perform a quick thermal sweep of various automotive components:

Engine diagnostics: After running the engine, a thermal image can show if all cylinders are firing evenly. An underperforming cylinder might have a cooler exhaust manifold branch than the others. You can also spot a clogged catalytic converter (it may show an unusual heat signature) or see how heat is distributing across the engine block and radiator.
Cooling system: By imaging the radiator and hoses, you can check for clogged areas (a clogged radiator might have cold spots where coolant isn’t flowing). You can also follow a hot coolant line through the cooling system to see if any part is unexpectedly cool (potential blockage) or too hot (maybe a stuck thermostat or low coolant level).
Brakes and wheels: After a drive, pointing the thermal camera at the wheels can reveal if a brake caliper is sticking. A brake that’s dragging will be significantly hotter than the others. This is a quick way to compare each wheel’s temperature. Similarly, wheel bearings that are failing generate heat, so the hub of a wheel might show up hot if there’s an issue.
HVAC in vehicles: You can even use the thermal camera to check if your car’s AC vents are blowing evenly cold air, or if the seat heaters are warming uniformly. The thermal image will clearly show the heated grid in a seat or which AC vent is cooler.

Using a thermal camera in automotive work not only helps in identifying problems but also is great for verifying fixes. If you’ve cleaned a brake caliper or flushed a radiator, a before-and-after thermal image comparison can confirm that the temperature profiles have normalized.

Outdoor, Wildlife, and Security Uses

Taking the TC002C outdoors opens up a host of interesting possibilities. For nature enthusiasts or hunters, a thermal camera is a unique tool for wildlife observation. Warm-blooded animals stand out against cooler backgrounds at night or in dense foliage. With an iPhone and the TC002C, you could observe wildlife in your backyard or campsite without any visible light. For example, if there’s a raccoon or deer hiding in the bushes at night, its heat signature will glow on your screen even if you can’t see it with the naked eye. This can be useful for hunters tracking game (following a blood trail by the warmth, or spotting an animal in the dark) or bird-watchers locating roosting birds in trees after sunset.

For outdoor security and safety, thermal cameras can act as night vision devices to some extent. They aren’t the same as infrared night-vision that amplifies low light, but they can detect intruders or hazards in total darkness based on heat. If you hear a noise outside at night, a quick scan with a thermal camera can tell you if there’s a person or animal out there (as long as they’re within the camera’s range and field of view). Many boaters also use handheld thermal imagers for navigation at night to avoid obstacles or find people overboard, and while the TC002C might not be marine-grade, it illustrates the versatility of thermal imaging.

Campers and hikers might use a thermal camera to check for fire hazards or embers. After dousing a campfire, a thermal scan can ensure no hot spots remain that could reignite. It’s also a fun tool for general outdoor exploration – you can see the warm footprints left on a trail, or check how well your cooler or thermal flask is insulating (the cooler should show cold sides if it’s keeping ice, whereas a poorly insulated one will show warmth leaking through).

Other Creative and Everyday Uses

Beyond the obvious applications, people are finding creative uses for thermal cameras in daily life. Photographers and artists experiment with thermal imaging for unique visual effects. Educators use devices like the Topdon TC002C to demonstrate principles of heat transfer and thermodynamics in a visually engaging way – for instance, showing convection currents from a heater, or how friction warms up surfaces.

In the kitchen, while a thermal camera is not a replacement for a thermometer, it can be an interesting way to visualize cooking processes. You could observe how evenly a pan heats on the stove or whether your oven has hot spots. Just remember, the TC002C is not food-safe or designed for high-heat contact, so keep it at a distance; but it’s perfectly fine for a quick surface temperature check from afar (for example, seeing if a pizza stone is uniformly heated or checking the temperature of oil in a pan by looking at the color).

Home hobbyists have used thermal cameras for things like ghost hunting (looking for unexplained cold spots) – though that’s more for fun than science – or checking the performance of PCs and gaming consoles (by seeing which part of a computer is getting hottest under load). The applications are virtually endless anytime temperature is involved.

To highlight how versatile thermal imaging can be, here’s a quick overview of common use cases for the TC002C and what kinds of problems or insights it can provide:

Use Case	What You Can Detect with the TC002C
Home Energy Audits	Heat leaks in insulation (cold spots in walls/ceilings), drafty doors and windows, gaps in weatherstripping (visible as colder areas compared to surroundings).
Water Leak Detection	Hidden plumbing leaks or moisture intrusion behind walls (cool damp areas show up against warmer dry surroundings).
Electrical Maintenance	Overheating outlets, switches, breakers, or wiring connections (hot spots that could indicate loose connections or overloads).
Electronics Troubleshooting	Failing components on circuit boards (a specific chip or part running hotter than others), areas of a device lacking proper cooling or ventilation.
HVAC & Plumbing	Leaky or poorly insulated air ducts (temperature drops along a duct run), clogged radiators or baseboard heaters (cold sections where hot water isn’t flowing), mapping radiant floor heating pipes or hot water lines behind surfaces.
Automotive Diagnostics	Misfiring engine cylinders (one exhaust manifold branch cooler than the rest), sticking brake calipers or wheel bearings (one wheel hotter than the others), uneven tire heating (which can indicate alignment or inflation issues).
Wildlife & Night Vision	Warm-blooded animals or intruders in complete darkness (their heat signatures against cooler backgrounds), recently left footprints or handprints (visible for a short time after contact).

As you can see, the potential uses for a thermal imager are remarkably broad and impactful. Now that we’ve covered what you can do with a thermal camera, let’s turn our focus to the star of this review: the Topdon TC002C itself.

Overview of the Topdon TC002C Thermal Camera

The Topdon TC002C is a compact thermal imaging camera designed to be used with Apple devices – specifically, iPhones and iPads. Topdon is a brand known for its automotive diagnostic tools and other gadgets, and with the TC002 series, they have entered the consumer thermal camera market. The TC002C model is an updated version tailored for the latest Apple devices that use a USB-C port (such as the iPhone 15 series and newer iPads). In essence, this little device allows your iPhone to double as a thermal camera, merging the phone’s computing power and display with Topdon’s thermal sensor hardware.

Physically, the TC002C is small enough to fit in your palm. It measures about 2.8 inches by 1.65 inches by 0.55 inches (roughly 7 cm x 4.2 cm x 1.4 cm) and weighs only 30 grams (around 1 ounce). It’s truly pocket-sized – you can toss it in a bag or even a jacket pocket without noticing it. The build quality is solid for a device of this category. It has an aluminum alloy casing which gives it a sturdy feel and helps protect the internal sensor. Topdon claims it’s designed to withstand drops from about 2 meters (6.6 feet) without damage, which means it should survive the occasional accidental drop or knock in a work environment.

One end of the TC002C has the USB-C connector that plugs into your iPhone or iPad. This connector is essentially the lifeline through which the device communicates with the phone and draws power. The TC002C does not have its own battery – it’s powered by the phone, which is actually very convenient because you never have to charge the thermal camera itself or worry about its battery dying in the middle of a job. The power consumption is quite low (around 0.35 Watts), meaning it has a negligible impact on your phone’s battery life. In practice, you can use the camera continuously for hours (Topdon estimates about 6-8 hours on a full phone charge, or even longer on an iPad) before significantly draining your device battery.

Compatibility: The “C” in TC002C indicates the USB-C interface. This model is intended for Apple’s transition to USB-C (which began with iPads and, as of the iPhone 15, includes iPhones). If you have an older iPhone with a Lightning port, Topdon has a previous model called the TC002 (without the “C”) that has a Lightning connector. However, Topdon thoughtfully includes an adapter in the TC002C package – a small USB-C to Lightning adapter – so that users of older iPhones can also use the TC002C. This means whether you have an iPhone 14 (Lightning) or an iPhone 15 (USB-C) or even an older Lightning-based iPad, you can connect this camera. Do note that the TC002C is not compatible with Android devices or computers; it’s designed specifically for iOS/iPadOS with the TopInfrared app (which we’ll discuss later). Android users would need a different model (Topdon’s earlier TC001 was for Android).

In the box, Topdon provides a nice carrying case which has cutouts for the camera and accessories. The inclusion of a flexible extension cable is particularly useful. This short cable (with USB-C male on one end and female on the other, and a Lightning adapter as needed) allows you to use the camera a short distance away from the phone. Why is this important? Because sometimes you want to maneuver the tiny camera into a tight space or at an odd angle that the phone attached directly might not fit. The extension cable also reduces strain on your phone’s port – rather than the camera hanging directly off the phone (which could wiggle or stress the connector if you move around), the cable gives it some slack. Many users prefer to plug the camera into the extension and then into the phone, for a more secure and flexible operation. Along with the case and cable, you also get a cleaning cloth and a quick-start guide to help you get going.

Using the TC002C is straightforward: you plug it into your iPhone or iPad, and launch the companion app TopInfrared. On modern iPhones, plugging in the camera might even prompt a pop-up to download the app from the App Store if you haven’t installed it yet (this is part of Apple’s support for accessories). There’s no power switch on the device – it turns on when connected and the app is opened. Within seconds, you should start seeing a live thermal image on your screen.

Next, we will delve into the detailed specifications and features of the Topdon TC002C, and what they mean for you as a user. Understanding the numbers behind a thermal camera – like resolution, temperature range, and sensitivity – will give context to how the device performs in practice.

Key Specifications and Features

To truly gauge the capabilities of the Topdon TC002C, let’s break down its key specifications and features. Below is a summary of the critical specs, followed by an explanation of each and why it matters for real-world use.

Topdon TC002C – Key Specifications:

Feature / Spec	Details for Topdon TC002C
Infrared Sensor Resolution	256 × 192 pixels (approx. 49,000 individual thermal pixels)
SuperResolution Output	512 × 384 pixels (via software enhancement)
Thermal Sensitivity (NETD)	< 40 mK (0.04°C) – detects very small temperature differences
Field of View (FOV)	56° (H) × 42° (V) wide-angle lens
Focus Type	Fixed focus, ~0.2 m to infinity (no manual focus needed)
Frame Refresh Rate	25 Hz (25 frames per second live thermal video)
Temperature Range	-4°F to 1022°F (-20°C to 550°C) measurable
Accuracy	±3.6°F (±2.0°C) or ±2% of reading (typical accuracy)
Thermal Palette Options	11 color palettes (Iron Red, White Hot, Black Hot, Arctic, Rainbow, Red Hot, Medical, Jungle, Golden, Shimmer, Dark Red)
Measurement Modes	Point (center or user-selected spot), Line (temperature profile), Area (region min/max/avg)
Imaging Modes	Thermal-only view, Visual+Thermal fusion (overlay mode using phone’s camera)
Emissivity Adjustment	Yes, adjustable in app (to calibrate for different material surfaces)
Connector / Interface	USB-C (digital interface, draws power from device) – Lightning adapter included for older iPhones
Power Consumption	~0.35 W (very low, drawn from phone battery)
Device Compatibility	iPhones/iPads with iOS 12.0 or later (designed for iPhone 15/16 with USB-C; works on Lightning iPhones via included adapter)
Dimensions	2.8″ × 1.65″ × 0.55″ (71 × 42 × 14 mm)
Weight	30 g (1.06 oz)
Build Material	Aluminum alloy housing (durable, drop-tested to ~2m)
Included Accessories	Semi-hard carrying case, USB-C extension cable, USB-C to Lightning adapter, cleaning cloth, quick-start guide

Now, let’s unpack these specifications in plain language and explain why they’re important:

Infrared Sensor Resolution (256 × 192): This refers to the number of thermal sensing pixels. A 256×192 sensor means there are 49,152 individual points detecting temperature in every frame. This resolution is quite high for a consumer thermal camera attachment. By comparison, some earlier smartphone thermal cameras had much lower resolutions (80×60 or 160×120). The higher the resolution, the more detail in the thermal image – you’ll be able to see smaller objects or finer temperature patterns. In practical use, 256×192 allows for clear detection of things like the outline of wall studs, individual electronics components, or small animals, which might be blurry blobs on lower-res imagers.
SuperResolution 512 × 384: Topdon employs a software technique to enhance images to 512×384 pixels. This doesn’t change the physical sensor, but through clever algorithms (like combining multiple frames or edge enhancement), the output image looks smoother and more detailed. The term “TISR” (Topdon Intelligent Super Resolution) is sometimes used. What it means for you is that when you save an image or zoom in, you have effectively a higher pixel count to work with, which can make the thermal images more informative and nicer to look at. It won’t create new magical detail that isn’t there, but it can sharpen the image in a way that, for example, text or numbers on a hot object might become slightly more readable than they would at 256×192.
Thermal Sensitivity (< 40 mK): This spec, often called NETD (Noise Equivalent Temperature Difference), indicates the smallest temperature difference the camera can discern. 40 mK means 0.04°C. The smaller the number, the more sensitive the camera is to tiny temperature changes. At 40 mK, the TC002C is quite sensitive – for instance, if you place your hand on a wall for a few seconds and remove it, the residual warmth left (just a couple of tenths of a degree difference from the rest of the wall) will likely be visible for a short time. High sensitivity helps in applications like detecting subtle insulation leaks or very fine electronic component heating. Some high-end professional cameras have 30 mK or lower, and older/cheaper ones might be 70-100 mK, so 40 mK is a strong point for the Topdon.
Field of View (56° × 42°): This is a relatively wide-angle lens, which means the camera captures a broad scene in one view. At a distance of 1 meter (3.3 feet), a 56° horizontal FOV covers roughly 1 meter width of area; at 3 meters distance it covers ~3 meters width, and so on. A wide FOV is great for scanning rooms or looking at large objects like walls or vehicles at close range. The trade-off is that small distant objects will occupy fewer pixels (i.e., less detail at range). The TC002C’s FOV is well-suited for most general purposes – you can stand in the middle of a room and see floor to ceiling and a wide wall area in one shot. If you needed to see very far away, that’s not the typical use of this device (you’d want a telephoto thermal scope). For typical inspections, the wide field is comfortable and you don’t need to step far back to capture what you need.
Focus Type (Fixed Focus ~0.2m to infinity): The camera’s lens is fixed focus, meaning there’s no adjustable focus ring – everything beyond a certain close distance will appear in focus. Typically, the TC002C can focus on objects about 20 cm (8 inches) away and farther. This covers most use cases. Very close objects (say 5 cm from the lens) will blur because the lens can’t focus that near, so if you want to inspect a tiny PCB component, you might need to hold the camera a few inches away, not right up against it. Fixed focus is standard in these small thermal cameras and keeps operation simple (no need to fiddle with focus knobs). It does mean the depth of field is large – generally from 20 cm out to infinity, everything is reasonably sharp.
Frame Rate (25 Hz): This is a standout feature. 25 Hz means the thermal video refreshes 25 times per second, which is close to real-time motion (for comparison, standard video is around 30 fps). Many compact thermal cameras (especially older or export-restricted ones) run at 9 Hz, which produces a more laggy or choppy motion when you move the camera or observe moving objects. With 25 Hz, the TC002C provides smooth thermal video. This is beneficial if you are scanning quickly or looking at moving subjects (like wildlife or a rotating machine) because the image will update fluidly. It also means less motion blur in each frame. The high refresh rate, combined with the iPhone’s processing power, allows the TC002C to record thermal videos effectively, not just still images.
Temperature Range (-4°F to 1022°F): In Celsius that’s -20°C to 550°C. This is the range of temperatures the camera can measure and display. The low end, -4°F (-20°C), means it can handle very cold environments (most people won’t need lower than that unless you’re in extreme arctic conditions or dealing with freezers or cryogenics). The high end, 1022°F (550°C), is quite high – this covers applications like checking a wood stove or furnace surface, automotive exhaust systems, or industrial equipment. Many general-purpose thermal cameras cap around 250°C or 400°C; having up to 550°C means you can even use it to look at things like a forge, kiln, or engine exhaust manifold at full throttle. It’s unlikely a homeowner will need that upper range, but it’s good to know the device won’t max out (show “white hot” everywhere) until really high temps. Keep in mind that if you do point it at something extremely hot (like glowing coals or molten metal), you should avoid direct exposure of the sensor to such intense heat sources (and never point any thermal camera at the sun) to prevent sensor damage.
Accuracy (±2°C or ±2%): This is the typical measurement accuracy. For most readings, the TC002C should be within 2°C of the actual temperature (or 2% of reading for very high temps). This is a common accuracy range for thermal cameras in this class. It means if you read a spot that’s actually 100°C, the camera might report something between ~98°C and 102°C. If a spot is 20°C, it might read 18°C to 22°C. Keep in mind accuracy can be affected by how well you’ve set the emissivity (how well an object’s surface emits infrared; shiny metals can throw readings off if not adjusted for). For comparing relative differences (finding what’s hotter or colder in a scene) the camera is extremely useful; for exact temperature measurement, there’s that small margin of error which is generally fine for non-laboratory use. If you needed very high precision, you’d use a contact thermometer or a specialized thermal camera with calibration – but for finding and comparing heat patterns, the TC002C’s accuracy is more than sufficient.
Color Palettes (11 options): The TC002C’s app offers a generous selection of color palettes. A color palette is basically the scheme that assigns colors to temperatures. Some common ones included are Iron Red (the classic black-orange-purple look often seen in thermal images), White Hot (where hotter is white and colder is black, good for detail), Black Hot (hotter is black, colder is white, often used in security/military contexts), Rainbow (uses a spectrum of color – useful for high contrast on subtle differences), and others like Medical, Arctic, Jungle, etc. Each palette can highlight different aspects: e.g., Medical might be optimized for the narrow range of human skin temperatures, whereas Arctic might be good for colder scenes. Having 11 choices means you can pick one that best shows the detail you need for a given task. Sometimes a problem that isn’t obvious in one palette jumps out in another because of how colors contrast. It largely comes down to user preference, but more options help with flexibility. Additionally, the app lets you customize and even create a custom palette if needed, or invert colors, to suit your viewing preference.
Measurement Modes (Point, Line, Area): This feature is part of the app’s functionality. The TopInfrared app allows you to put measurement tools on the image. Point mode lets you see the temperature at specific spots – by default, it shows the center point’s temperature, but you can tap on the screen to get the temperature of any pixel, or even add multiple spots to track different areas simultaneously. Line mode will display a temperature profile along a line you draw on the image (for instance, drawing a line from floor to ceiling on a wall might show how the temperature changes from bottom to top). Area mode gives you a region (like a rectangle) and displays the maximum, minimum, and average temperature within that area. This is great for monitoring, say, an entire electrical panel at once or an HVAC vent output. These modes turn your iPhone into a more quantitative thermal analysis tool – you’re not just seeing the heat, you’re getting numbers that you can use for diagnostics.
Imaging Modes (Thermal, Dual Fusion): The TC002C doesn’t have a visible-light camera built into it (some standalone thermal cameras do, to allow an overlaid image). Instead, Topdon’s app uses the iPhone’s camera to create a fusion mode where the thermal image can be overlaid on the normal camera image. In practice, this means you can view a blended image that shows you the outlines and details of the scene (from the regular camera) with the thermal information superimposed. This helps tremendously in identifying what you’re looking at – it gives context. For example, if you see a hot spot floating in a thermal image, turning on the dual image mode might show that it aligns with an electrical outlet on the wall, or it’s a small animal on a tree branch, etc. The app allows you to adjust the transparency of the thermal overlay and align it with the phone’s camera view. It’s a very handy feature that effectively combines the best of both worlds: the detail of a visual image and the insight of a thermal image.
Emissivity Adjustment: Different materials emit infrared at different efficiencies (emissivity). For accurate temperature readings, sometimes you need to adjust this value in the app. The TC002C via the TopInfrared app allows you to adjust emissivity or select material presets. The default emissivity (usually set around 0.95) works for most non-reflective materials like wood, drywall, matte paint, etc. If you’re measuring something shiny like polished metal or glass, the app lets you lower the emissivity value to calibrate the reading closer to true temperature (or you can apply a piece of tape or paint to that object and measure that spot, a common trick). The ability to adjust emissivity means you can trust the temperature measurements more in tricky situations, or at least be aware of potential errors if you leave it at default.
Connector and Power: As mentioned, it’s a direct USB-C plug-in device. The inclusion of a Lightning adapter in the package is a big plus – it means the one product can serve both new and older iPhones (so you’re not forced to buy a different model if you upgrade your phone, or if you have multiple devices). The camera communicates digitally with the phone through this port, streaming the thermal data in real time. Drawing power from the phone at about 0.35W is insignificant in terms of battery drain; it’s roughly equivalent to using a pair of wired headphones or a small sensor device. In practice, the phone’s screen brightness and processing (which are also in use while using the camera) will consume more power than the camera itself. So while using the TC002C will impact your battery (because you’re actively using the phone), the camera’s contribution to that is minimal.
Device Compatibility: The TC002C works with iPhones or iPads running iOS (or iPadOS) 12 or later. That covers all recent models and many older ones (for reference, iPhone 6s and above can run iOS 12, and all iPad Pros and many iPad models in recent years). Essentially, if you have an iPhone from roughly 2015 onward, you’re likely compatible. The key is you need the Lightning adapter for models before 2023, and you’ll use USB-C directly for the iPhone 15 series and beyond. The device is officially not supported on any non-iOS platforms. If you plugged it into an Android phone or a computer, it would not function because the app and drivers are iOS-specific. (There are other Topdon models for Android or USB-C Windows devices.)
Size and Weight: We already touched on this, but to reiterate: it’s tiny and light. Using it doesn’t add appreciable bulk to your phone. If attached directly, it sticks out about half an inch from the phone’s port. You can easily hold the phone with the camera attached and maneuver it with one hand. The lightweight also means less stress on the port. The small size does mean there’s no space for things like a tripod mount on the device itself (some larger cameras might have a tripod screw – this one doesn’t, but you can always mount your phone on a tripod if needed). The compact form is one of the big advantages – you’re more likely to carry it around, which means you’ll use it more often.
Accessories: The carrying case is a nice addition because thermal cameras are sensitive instruments, and you’ll want to protect that lens and connector when not in use. The case has a foam interior to snugly hold the camera and the little adapter and cable. It’s compact enough to slip into a larger tool case or camera bag. The cleaning cloth is provided to keep the infrared lens clean – a smudge or fingerprint on the lens can make the image appear blurry or distort temperature readings. It’s good practice to occasionally (and very gently) clean the lens – first blow off any dust, then use the microfiber cloth lightly; the lens probably has a special coating, so you don’t want to scratch it with rough materials. The quick-start guide walks through installing the app and basic operation; it’s useful for reference, though as we’ll discuss, using the device is quite straightforward.

Overall, the specs paint the picture of a highly capable mobile thermal camera. But specifications alone don’t tell the full story – the user experience and performance in practice are what really count. In the following sections, we’ll discuss how it is to use the TC002C in everyday scenarios, how the companion app functions, and the kind of thermal imaging performance you can expect in real-world terms.

Setup and Ease of Use

Getting started with the Topdon TC002C is refreshingly simple, even if you’ve never used a thermal camera before. Topdon has aimed to make the device as plug-and-play as possible. Here’s a step-by-step look at the setup and general usability:

1. App Installation: Before or after plugging in the camera, you’ll need the TopInfrared app (available free on the App Store). Many users will find that the moment you connect the TC002C to your iPhone’s port, the phone will recognize it and pop up a prompt asking if you want to download the associated app. This is an Apple feature for certified accessories. If not, you can manually search for “TopInfrared” in the App Store and install it like any other app. The app is not very large (around 300 MB) and installs quickly. It supports multiple languages and works on both iPhones and iPads (though currently it’s essentially an iPhone-oriented interface, it runs on iPads in compatibility mode).

2. Connecting the Device: If you have an iPhone 15 or any iPad with USB-C, simply plug the TC002C’s USB-C connector into the port. If your iPhone has a protective case that is too thick around the port, you might need to remove the case or use the extension cable for a proper fit, because the TC002C’s connector needs to insert fully. On older, Lightning-port iPhones, attach the included Lightning adapter to the camera first (which basically converts the USB-C male end of the camera into a Lightning male). Then plug it in to your phone. Within a second or two, the camera’s little status LED (if present) might blink and the app (once launched) should be ready to use.

3. Launching TopInfrared: Open the app, and you’ll see it recognize the camera and almost immediately a thermal image feed will appear on your screen. The first time, the app may ask for certain permissions – for example, access to the phone’s camera (needed for the fusion overlay mode), permission to save photos to your gallery, etc. Grant these so that you can use all the features. There’s typically a short calibration routine when the camera starts – sometimes you might hear a faint clicking sound from the device. That’s a tiny mechanical shutter inside doing a calibration frame (also known as a flat-field correction). This might happen every so often during use; it’s normal for thermal cameras to self-calibrate periodically to maintain accuracy. It only takes a split second when it occurs (the image may freeze momentarily when it does).

4. User Interface: The TopInfrared app interface is designed to be fairly intuitive:

The live thermal view takes up most of the screen.
On-screen, you’ll typically see a temperature reading (like the center spot temperature by default, or the hottest and coldest point’s temperatures).
Common controls (usually as icons) include switching color palettes, toggling the fusion mode (thermal/visible overlay), capturing a photo or video, and accessing settings/tools.
For example, you might see a palette icon – tapping it brings up the list of color palettes to choose from. You can tap through them and see the image colors change live, then pick the one you prefer.
There might be a visible light icon to activate the phone’s camera for overlay mode. If you enable it, you’ll see a combined image and there may be a slider to adjust how much thermal vs visible to show.
A menu or gear icon will lead you to more settings (like emissivity adjustment, temperature unit toggle between °F/°C, and other advanced preferences).
If you want to measure specific points, many apps (including TopInfrared) let you tap on the image to place a spot marker that will display the temperature at that location. You can likely add a few of these markers and drag them around.
There may also be an option to select an area or line for measurement as discussed earlier – typically found in a “Tools” or “Analysis” section of the app if available.

Despite the number of features, the interface isn’t cluttered. You can use the camera in the most basic way (just view the image and maybe snap a photo) without touching any advanced settings, or you can dig into those tools when you need precision.

5. Capturing Images and Video: Taking a thermal photo is as easy as tapping the on-screen shutter button (often a circular camera icon). The image will be saved to your phone’s Photos (if you allowed that) and/or within the app’s own gallery. The saved image usually includes the color palette applied, and it often embeds a small legend showing the temperature scale and perhaps the max/min values at the time – so when you look at it later, you know what temperature corresponds to which color. You can share these images like any other photo (text, email, social media, etc.).

Recording video is similarly straightforward – there might be a video camera icon or a toggle in the capture button to switch to video mode. When you hit record, the app will capture the thermal video (at 25 fps) and save it as a movie file. The file will show the thermal view with whatever palette and mode you had active. This is useful for observing something over time – for instance, watching how a machine heats up during operation or how a room cools down after turning on an AC. The length of video you can record may depend on your phone’s storage space, but the app might also limit individual recordings to keep file sizes manageable.

6. Using the Extension Cable: If you find that plugging the TC002C directly into your phone is inconvenient for a particular shot (say, you want to poke the camera around a corner, or into a tight engine bay, or you worry about bumping the camera), use the provided short USB-C extension cable. Plug the camera into one end of the cable, and the other end into your phone (using the adapter if needed). The app works the same, but now you can hold the camera separately from the phone. This is incredibly handy – for example, you could hold the camera at arm’s length up in a ceiling crawlspace while watching the live image on your phone down at eye level. Or you can place the camera into a spot with limited space while keeping your phone safe and accessible. The extension cable also takes the stress off the phone’s port if you’re moving the camera around a lot; it provides a bit of flex and give, where a rigid attachment might strain the connector.

7. Orientation and Settings Memory: The TC002C can be used in any orientation (pointing up, down, etc.). The app interface typically will rotate with your phone. If you plug the device in and it’s upside down relative to the phone, some apps auto-rotate the thermal image 180° to compensate, or you might have a rotate button. Based on user feedback, the TopInfrared app now remembers settings from the last use – for example, if you last used it in Fahrenheit and Iron palette, it will open with those same settings next time. It also can remember if you had the image flipped due to using the cable and camera inverted. This reduces the need to tinker with settings every time.

8. Learning Curve: For basic operation – pointing and observing – the learning curve is essentially zero. It’s very much like using your phone’s camera. Interpreting the images correctly does take a bit of practice (learning about reflections, emissivity effects, etc., as discussed earlier), but the immediate visuals are easy to grasp. Within a few minutes of scanning different things, you’ll start to get a feel for how things normally look in thermal (e.g., you’ll see that humans are warm, windows are usually cold at night, electronics heat up in certain spots, etc.). If you want to leverage the more advanced app features, you might spend some time reading the user guide or exploring the app’s menus. Topdon might also offer tutorial videos or an online FAQ for the TC002C – checking those out can quickly boost your proficiency.

9. Safety and Usage Tips: A few practical pointers when using the TC002C:

Avoid touching the camera’s lens – it may be tempting to wipe it with a finger if you see dust, but use the proper cloth instead to avoid smearing or scratching it.
The device can get mildly warm during operation (mostly from the phone’s warmth and the sensor working), which is normal. If you use it for very long periods (tens of minutes or more continuously), the sensor’s calibration might run more often; just allow it to do so to maintain accuracy.
If you transition from a very cold environment to a warm one or vice versa, give the camera a minute to acclimate. Thermal sensors can experience a temporary drift when the ambient temperature around them changes suddenly. The automatic calibration will help correct this.
Remember that shiny objects may show the temperature of what’s reflected, not their own. If you’re scanning a room and you see what looks like a very hot spot on a metal appliance, double-check by viewing from another angle – it might just be reflecting your own body heat or a heater’s heat. The app’s fusion mode can also help verify what the object is.
Use the emissivity settings if you plan to get numerical temperature readings from surfaces that you know are shiny or unusual. Or stick a piece of matte tape on the object to get a more accurate reading from that spot.

In summary, setting up and using the TC002C is as easy as attaching a phone charger or dongle and opening an app. There are no convoluted calibration routines or manual tune-ups needed – the device and app handle the technical details, allowing you to focus on exploring and capturing thermal images. Next, let’s discuss how the TC002C actually performs when it comes to capturing those images and the kind of quality and detail you can expect.

Thermal Imaging Performance and Image Quality

When it comes down to it, the value of a thermal camera lies in the quality of the images it produces and how well it can highlight the details you need. The Topdon TC002C, with its high resolution sensor and strong specs, generally delivers impressive thermal images for its class. Let’s break down different aspects of its performance:

Image Clarity and Detail: Thanks to the 256×192 resolution (and the software-boosted 512×384 output), images from the TC002C contain a good amount of detail. In practice, this means you can distinguish objects that are close together and see the outline and shape of heat sources clearly. For example, if you point the camera at a wall with pipes, you’ll not only see a vague warm strip – you might actually see the edges of the pipe’s heat pattern fairly crisply. Users have noted that it’s possible to see thermal images in surprisingly clear detail for a smartphone accessory. Small features like a footprint on the floor or a handprint on a wall after someone touches it may be visible. You won’t get the ultra-fine detail of a visible-light photo, of course (thermal imaging has lower resolution by nature), but within the thermal context the TC002C provides one of the sharpest images in its category.

When comparing to some other mobile thermal cameras: older models like the FLIR One (80×60) or even FLIR One Pro (160×120) produce a much blockier image. Those devices often rely on an edge detection overlay from a visual camera to help define objects. The TC002C’s native thermal resolution is high enough that even without any visible light overlay, you can often tell what you’re looking at. And with the TopInfrared app’s fusion mode, you get even more clarity by combining visual cues with the thermal image.

Thermal Sensitivity in Action: The <40 mK sensitivity means the camera can pick up subtle temperature gradients. On the screen, this translates to smooth gradients of color where temperatures change gradually, rather than big chunked jumps. If you look at a wall in a house, for example, you might see the gradual change in temperature from the floor (perhaps cooler if there’s a crawl space) to the ceiling (maybe warmer if heat has risen) depicted in smooth color transitions. A less sensitive camera might not show these minor differences or might show a noisy image (speckles of false variations). The TC002C’s image tends to be relatively low-noise, especially after it’s had a calibration frame. If you look at something that is almost all one temperature, you might see a little noise (fine grain) – that’s normal in thermal imaging. But any real differences stand out clearly. In practical terms, this sensitivity lets you do things like detect a stud behind drywall (on a cold night, the studs might appear as very slightly cooler lines because wood conducts heat differently than insulation; the TC002C is sensitive enough to see that pattern). Or you might spot drafts in a room because the moving air causes slight temperature anomalies that a high-sensitivity camera can reveal.

Refresh and Responsiveness: The 25 Hz refresh rate really shines when using the camera. If you move the camera around quickly, the image keeps up without significant smearing or lag. If you are observing something moving (like a person walking across your view, or a car driving by in the dark), you see a fairly continuous motion in thermal. With slower-refresh cameras (like 9 Hz types), fast movement tends to result in ghosting or jumping images – you might miss a quick event. With the TC002C, the video feels smooth and responsive. This not only makes the experience more pleasant (less waiting for the image to update), but it can be important for certain uses. For instance, if you’re scanning a fuse box and a fuse blows or sparks (just a hypothetical), at 25 Hz you’d actually catch a brief flash of heat; at 9 Hz you might miss that frame. Or when scanning a field for animals, a moving rabbit is easier to detect in smooth video versus choppy. Overall, the fluid frame rate is a significant advantage, and it’s somewhat rare in consumer thermal devices due to export restrictions – Topdon offering 25 Hz makes the TC002C stand out.

Color Palette and Contrast: Because the app offers many palettes, you can optimize the view for the scenario. In terms of performance, the TC002C displays the colors vividly and with good contrast. The auto-adjustment of span (if you leave it on auto) means that the image will always try to use the full range of colors available between the hottest and coldest thing in view. This yields maximum contrast. For example, if you’re looking at a relatively uniform scene with one small hot spot, auto mode will narrow the color range around that scene so you can really differentiate subtle changes. If that auto behavior ever makes consecutive images hard to compare (because each might scale differently), you have the option to lock the scale manually. The ability to set a fixed temperature range and see how a scene plays out within that is an important feature for analysis, and the TC002C’s app does allow that manual control. When locked, the image might look more washed out if the scene’s temps are all in a tight band, but it ensures consistency. It’s great that the app includes this, as some simpler thermal apps do not.

The image blending (fusion) mode is worth mentioning here too, as it affects the perceived image quality. In fusion mode, the clarity of edges and text from the phone’s normal camera can make the thermal image much easier to interpret. For example, reading a label or identifying a component is not possible in pure thermal if the item isn’t hot enough to show a distinct shape. But in fusion mode, you might see the actual lettering of an electrical panel or the outline of a fan blade in addition to its thermal signature. The TC002C’s app has implemented this well, giving you control over how to view it. If you prefer pure thermal, you can use that; if you need context, you slide the overlay. The alignment works best when you’re at a moderate distance (since the thermal camera and the phone’s camera have slightly different viewpoints and fields of view). If you’re very close to an object, the parallax might misalign the images a bit (like the thermal hot spot might appear slightly offset from the visual feature). The app often provides an alignment calibration, or you can mentally adjust by moving a little further back. In any case, it’s a useful tool for image quality improvement in practical terms.

Temperature Measurement and Accuracy in Practice: The TC002C provides temperature readings that are quite reliable for a device of its class. Many users cross-verify temperatures with known references and find the TC002C to be within a few degrees, which is expected. For example, pointing it at boiling water (100°C or 212°F) might give a reading around 98-102°C depending on emissivity setting and distance, which is on target. One should remember that the spot temperature you see is the temperature of the surface of whatever you’re measuring, not necessarily the internal temperature (e.g., measuring a person’s forehead might show ~91°F because skin is cooler than internal body temperature and emissivity of skin is high – thermal cameras are not medical thermometers).

Also, small hot objects that are much smaller than the camera’s pixel resolution will read lower because of “thermal averaging” (each pixel reads an area – if a hot object occupies only part of that area and the rest is cooler background, the reading is averaged). So, for instance, if you view a very thin hot wire, it might not show up as hot as it really is because each pixel sees some wire and some surrounding area. This is true of all thermal cameras and is a reason to move closer or use a zoom if you need to measure a small target accurately. The TC002C’s relatively high resolution mitigates this compared to lower-res cameras, but it’s still a factor.

For qualitative use (finding where something is hot or cold), the TC002C is excellent. For quantitative use (reading exact temperatures), it’s good with the caveat of the ±2°C accuracy and the need to account for emissivity. The app’s inclusion of emissivity adjustment is very helpful here. If you know, for example, you’re measuring a shiny steel surface, you might set emissivity to 0.6 and possibly input a reflected temperature (some apps allow inputting the reflected background temperature to compensate for reflections – not sure if TopInfrared does, but advanced thermal analysis does that). Even without diving that deep, you can get a reasonable measurement by putting a bit of electrical tape on the surface (tape has high emissivity ~0.95, and will come to the temperature of the surface). These are techniques professionals use and the TC002C’s readings are trustworthy enough to act on when such best practices are followed.

Low-Light and No-Light Use: Because thermal is independent of visible light, the TC002C essentially gives you a night vision camera. In a completely dark environment, the image quality remains the same as in daylight – it doesn’t need light, only heat differences. This is a huge advantage for certain uses (security, wildlife, attic inspections in dark corners, etc.). Even smoke or light fog can often be penetrated by thermal imaging (to some extent), something to note for safety applications. We should mention that glass and water are opaque to thermal: you can’t see through a window or underwater with it, so it’s not like everything invisible becomes visible – only things that either are in direct line of sight or are indirectly affecting a surface you can see.

Comparison with Other Devices: It’s clear that the TC002C’s combination of resolution and frame rate puts it at the upper end of current smartphone thermal imagers. For context, one of the closest competitors is the Seek Thermal CompactPRO (which has 320×240 resolution and ~15 Hz frame rate, but often runs at 9 Hz due to export versions). The Seek CompactPRO costs a bit more and doesn’t have an iOS USB-C version at the moment (Seek is releasing a new product for that). FLIR’s mobile offerings max out at 160×120 (FLIR One Pro) but have the MSX blending feature. In terms of raw thermal detail, the TC002C outperforms the FLIR One Pro’s thermal channel. FLIR’s advantage is usually in the software and image tuning (and brand reliability), but Topdon has closed much of that gap with a solid app and by leveraging the phone’s own camera for blending. The image quality between these devices for an end user would show that the TC002C gives a crisper pure thermal image, while a FLIR might show more edge detail due to its visible camera trick – however, since TC002C can do a similar trick using the phone camera, you get the best of both. So for a consumer or professional looking at options, the TC002C offers arguably the best resolution you can get without jumping to very expensive professional cameras (above 320×240 resolution, the price usually leaps into several thousand dollars).

Limitations and Considerations:

One inherent limitation is the fixed focus – since you can’t manually focus, extremely close-up imaging (within a few inches) will be blurry. There are third-party solutions like clip-on macro lenses (some people use germanium or Zinc Selenide lenses in front of thermal cameras to focus closer), but that’s niche. For the majority of tasks, you won’t need that because the device’s focus covers typical distances well.
Another consideration is the field of view – 56° is wide, which is great for indoors and scanning broad areas. But if you want to identify something small at a distance, you might find it challenging. For example, at 10 meters away, a human will appear relatively small in the image (though still detectable because of the heat). If long range is needed, a narrower FOV (telephoto lens) is better, but that comes at the cost of not being able to see as much width. So Topdon chose a versatile wide angle which is appropriate for the use cases we discussed (most being within a few feet to maybe tens of feet).
The TC002C has no built-in visual camera – again, it uses the phone’s. In practice this is fine, but one thing to note: FLIR’s MSX works even if you cover one camera because it’s built into the device; the TC002C’s fusion mode will not work if the phone’s camera is obstructed or in total darkness without any IR light (though in darkness your phone’s camera can’t see anything anyway; what I mean is if you were in a pitch dark room in fusion mode, the visible image would be black, but the thermal would still be working – you’d likely just use pure thermal in that scenario). So just be aware of which mode you’re in so you understand what you’re seeing.
No audio recording with thermal video: If you record a video with the TopInfrared app, typically it records just the video (some apps include an option to record audio via the phone’s microphone, but I’m not sure TopInfrared does – likely not aimed for that since it’s more for analysis than making narrated videos). If you plan to create a narrated thermal video (say a building walkthrough for a client), you might have to record video with the app and separately record voice notes, or simply point things out in the video after the fact.
Battery life: While the camera itself is low power, using it often means the screen stays on and perhaps at higher brightness, which can drain your phone in a couple of hours. If you’re a professional using it extensively through the day, consider carrying a portable charger or topping up your phone at lunch. The app doesn’t currently offer a “low-power mode” or anything, but you could manually dim your screen a bit if you don’t need full brightness to save some battery.

Overall, the performance of the TC002C in capturing thermal images is excellent. It provides the level of insight you’d expect from a device used by professionals, yet it’s accessible to a consumer in terms of ease and price. The fact that it can reveal tiny temperature differences and produce smooth, detailed images means it’s not just a gimmick gadget – it’s a legitimate thermal imaging tool.

Next, we’ll explore the TopInfrared companion app in more depth, as it’s a key part of the experience, and then discuss the general user experience including some practical insights, and finally wrap up the review with conclusions.

The TopInfrared App: Features and User Experience

The TopInfrared app is the software heart of the TC002C thermal imaging system. A hardware thermal camera is only as good as the software that displays and lets you interact with the thermal data, and Topdon’s app is quite feature-rich. We’ve touched on some aspects earlier; here we’ll delve a bit deeper into the app’s capabilities and what using it feels like on a daily basis.

Interface Layout: The main view of the app, as mentioned, is the live thermal viewfinder. The design is clean and focused on the image, with a few translucent icons overlaying the view. Key elements include:

A shutter button (to capture images or start/stop video recording).
A palette selection tool (often an icon that when tapped opens a list of palettes).
A toggle for fusion mode (to activate the visible-light overlay).
A menu for additional tools or settings (like enabling measurement points, switching units, adjusting emissivity, etc.).
Temperature readings on screen, such as the current center-point temperature and/or the hottest (max) and coldest (min) points in the frame, usually marked by little colored crosshairs or dots with labels like “Max 85°F” at the hottest spot.

The UI is designed so that you can still see what’s going on in the thermal image while adjusting settings. For example, if you open the palette menu, it might appear as a small row of thumbnails that don’t cover the whole screen, so you can scroll through palettes and instantly see how the image looks without leaving the scene.

Color Palette Selection: Changing palettes is quick – tap the palette icon and select the one you want. The effect is applied immediately to the live view. This encourages experimentation, which is good because sometimes one palette will reveal something that another doesn’t make obvious. For instance, a “Rainbow” palette might highlight a very slight temperature change with a color shift, whereas “Black Hot” might barely show it because grayscale can hide slight differences. On the other hand, “Black Hot” might help you see small details of shape better because our eyes are good at discerning detail in monochrome.

One nice thing is the app’s variety of palettes includes both high-contrast ones (like Iron or Rainbow which use many colors across the range) and simpler ones (like White Hot/Black Hot which are just gradients from one color to another). Sometimes for inspection work, a grayscale palette is best because it’s easiest to interpret brightness as heat. Other times for presentation or report, a colorful palette is more striking. Having 11 options (and the ability to customize) means you’re not likely to feel limited in this regard.

Measurement and Analysis Tools: If you’re doing more than just looking, the app’s measurement tools come into play:

You can tap on the live view to drop a spot marker. This might look like a small circle or crosshair that displays the temperature next to it. Need to know how hot that specific breaker is compared to another? Put a spot on each and you’ll see, e.g., “Breaker 1: 120°F, Breaker 2: 85°F” (you might label them in your head, the app will just show temps).
The line tool might be accessible via a menu. If you activate it, you would draw a line on the screen (maybe by dragging your finger from point A to B). The app would then show a mini graph or list of temps along that line. For instance, drag a line along a floor and you might see the temperature rising from 65°F at one end to 68°F in the middle and 70°F at the other end, showing maybe that one side of the floor is over a heating duct.
The area tool is often a rectangle that you can resize/pan. Once placed, it usually shows “Max, Min, Avg” for that area. Let’s say you put a box around an engine block, it might show Max 190°F, Min 150°F, Avg 170°F, giving you a sense of the distribution in that region. If you have more than one area tool, you could compare different zones side by side (depending on app limits, sometimes you can only have one area at a time).
Some advanced features from Topdon’s description include visualizing real-time temperature changes in waveform graphs. This implies the app can plot temperature over time for a selected point or area. For example, you could select a point on a device and watch a graph as it heats up or cools down. This is a pretty advanced feature usually found in high-end analysis software, but modern smartphones are powerful enough to do it, and TopInfrared seems to incorporate that. It could be useful for, say, seeing how fast something reaches thermal equilibrium or checking if a thermostat is cycling a system on and off (the graph would show a sawtooth or oscillation if so).

Emissivity and Parameters: In the app’s settings, you’ll find the emissivity adjustment. Typically, it might offer either a slider (from 0.01 to 1.00) or preset material options (like Matte, Semi-matte, Semi-glossy, Glossy, with corresponding values). The default 0.95 works for most everyday things (wood, drywall, fabric, skin, painted metal, etc.). If you need to measure something like a shiny metal pipe, you could dial emissivity down (maybe to ~0.5) to get a more accurate reading – or just know that the reading is lower than actual due to reflection. For general scanning, many people leave emissivity at default and just interpret relative differences (which is fine, because a hot spot will show as a hot spot even if the absolute temperature is a bit off).

There may also be a setting for reflected temperature (some apps have this, where you input the approximate ambient or background temperature in the environment to help compensate for reflections). If you’re outdoors on a cold day scanning something shiny, the reflection might be of the cold sky which influences reading. Inputting, say, 20°F as reflected background could help the algorithm adjust. This is a more advanced concept – likely TopInfrared either handles it behind the scenes or has a simple option in a “Pro” menu.

You can also switch units between Fahrenheit and Celsius in the settings. Perhaps also Kelvin if someone needs that, but generally F and C.

Another parameter might be temperature range mode – some thermal cameras let you choose to focus on a certain range (like a “High gain” mode that covers -10 to 140°C for more sensitivity in normal temps, or a “Low gain” mode that covers up to 550°C but with slightly less sensitivity). Given the spec of -20 to 550°C, the device likely has at least two calibration ranges internally. It’s possible the app switches automatically when needed (like if you view something very hot, it switches range). Or they might expose it to the user as a setting (less likely in a consumer app). But be aware if you point it at something near the top of the range and then back to normal stuff, you might see a short recalibration as it adjusts ranges.

Saving and Sharing Data: The app likely saves images to the iPhone’s Camera Roll by default (if permission given). It might also keep a copy in an in-app gallery. The images saved are usually standard formats (JPEG or PNG). Some thermal apps also save a radiometric version (like a TIFF with embedded temperature data per pixel) but that’s rarely used outside of specialized analysis software. TopInfrared does allow exporting data to a PC by downloading from the app (their site mentions downloading available updates from the app, possibly meaning firmware, but maybe they also allow exporting images). However, for the average user, a simple JPEG with the color is enough.

If needed, you can annotate images after capturing – either within the app (drawing arrows, adding notes) if that feature exists, or just using any photo markup tool on the saved image. It might be helpful if the app allowed adding notes before saving, e.g., tag a location or object name.

Updates and Support: TopInfrared, as an app, will get updates through the App Store. Topdon has shown responsiveness to feedback (fixing bugs like remembering settings, etc.). If Apple makes changes (like a new iOS version or new hardware differences), Topdon can update the app to maintain compatibility. For example, one could imagine if Apple changes how accessory permissions work, an update might be needed.

It’s also worth noting the app has a moderate rating (as of now around 3.4/5). The relatively small user base (niche product) means a few critical reviews can drag that down. The criticisms were mainly about initial issues (lack of iPad interface, wanting a manual, learning curve things) rather than core functionality. The fact that the app is actively maintained is a good sign – it means the product will likely improve over time. If Topdon adds features via software (like new palettes or measurement capabilities), you benefit without needing new hardware.

App Limitations: One thing the app does not do (as far as current info) is offer multi-device support or wireless streaming. The camera must be plugged in; you can’t use it remotely unless you physically move the phone or have a super long USB-C extension (which might degrade signal). There’s no WiFi in the camera, so you can’t mount the camera somewhere and walk away with the phone (some specialized thermal cams have wireless modules, but again, at this price/size, that’s not expected).

Also, you can’t use the camera with other third-party apps on iOS. iOS doesn’t really allow apps to directly access the thermal camera feed unless the manufacturer provides an SDK and someone writes an app using it. As of now, you’ll use TopInfrared. On Android (for the TC001 model), sometimes people used third-party apps, but on iOS, it’s a closed system. So, while on a computer you might use something like FLIR Tools or MATLAB with thermal data, on iPhone you’ll mostly stick to the provided app.

Real-world Example of App Use: Imagine you’re doing a home inspection with the TC002C and TopInfrared:

You walk into a room, take out your phone and camera, plug it in, and start scanning.
You see a suspicious cold area on the ceiling. You switch palettes to Rainbow to highlight the gradient. It shows a clear blue patch. You tap to measure it – 60°F, while the rest of the ceiling is 68°F. Possibly an insulation issue or moisture.
You save an image of that, which automatically includes the temperature scale and maybe the min/max.
You then go to the electrical panel. You use fusion mode to easily locate each breaker by its label while seeing thermal. You notice one breaker is orange-white (much hotter) while others are greenish. You drop a spot on it: 130°F, while others are 90°F. You snap a photo for documentation.
Later, you review these images and include them in your report. The thermal palette and the visible context (from fusion) make it easy for your client to see what’s wrong (e.g., “This breaker is significantly hotter – see thermal image – which could indicate a problem”).
Meanwhile, at one point you had to put the camera into a tight crawlspace. You used the extension cable and maybe even turned on the phone’s flashlight just to avoid stepping somewhere (though the flashlight doesn’t affect thermal, it helps you navigate). The thermal app had no issue with you doing that – it kept running as you re-positioned.

Throughout all this, the app ran smoothly, didn’t crash or glitch. That’s the ideal experience, and for most, that’s how it will go. If something did go wrong (say the camera disconnects due to a loose cable insertion), the app would typically alert or just pause the image. Plugging it back in or tightening the connection would restore it. It’s always wise to keep the phone and camera relatively still when connected, or use the cable to avoid mechanical strain.

In essence, the TopInfrared app is a powerful companion to the TC002C hardware. It transforms raw data into an accessible visual form and adds the tools needed to make that data actionable. Whether you’re casually exploring your house or doing a formal inspection, the app provides the flexibility to either keep it simple or dive into analysis.

With a thorough understanding of the device and app, let’s move on to discuss some broader user experience points – how it feels to use in various scenarios, and answer some common questions prospective buyers might have, like durability, portability, and suitability for different users.

User Experience and Practical Insights

Beyond specs and features, what is it actually like to use the Topdon TC002C in day-to-day scenarios? In this section, we’ll share practical insights and address common questions to give you a clear picture of the ownership experience.

Portability and Convenience: One of the first things users notice is how convenient it is to carry and deploy the TC002C. It’s small enough to slip into a pocket or any little nook in a tool bag. Because it draws power from the phone and has no internal battery, you don’t have to remember to charge it – it’s ready whenever you need it. This means you’re more likely to actually use it regularly, since there’s minimal hassle. Need to check something quickly? Plug it in and within seconds you have a thermal view. This is a stark contrast to larger, handheld thermal cameras that might be left behind unless you know you’ll need them. Many owners end up keeping the TC002C with them “just in case,” and they often find unexpected uses for it because it’s on hand.

Build Quality and Durability: The TC002C is a sturdy little unit. The aluminum casing protects it from everyday bumps. Dropping any sensitive device isn’t recommended, but knowing it’s been drop-tested to about 2 meters provides some peace of mind. If it does fall from a moderate height onto a hard surface, check it for any visible damage – if the housing or lens isn’t cracked, it’s probably fine (maybe run a calibration in the app to ensure everything is still aligned). The weakest point physically is the connector – you wouldn’t want to bend that. Using the extension cable can prevent accidents like accidentally knocking the camera while it’s plugged directly into the phone.

Topdon also provides that protective case, which is great for storage and transport. After using the camera, it’s wise to put it back in the case so the lens stays clean and you don’t risk bending the connector in your pocket. The case is compact and can fit into larger cases or drawers easily.

As for longevity, since the device has no moving parts except the tiny calibration shutter (which is designed for many thousands of cycles), there’s little that can wear out. It’s largely about treating it well – keep it dry (it’s not waterproof), avoid extreme temperatures (don’t leave it on a car dashboard in summer heat or toss it in a freezer), and avoid static electricity (when connecting to your phone, normal handling is fine; just don’t rub it on synthetic carpets, etc., basic electronics caution).

iPhone Compatibility (present and future): The TC002C is explicitly made for iPhones with USB-C (the iPhone 15 series onward) and modern iPads. The inclusion of the Lightning adapter in the box is a big bonus, as it covers older iPhones. So right now it spans a huge range of models – basically the iPhone 6/6s (2014/2015 era) up to the latest iPhone 15, and iPads from older Lightning ones to the newest iPad Pro/Air with USB-C. That’s a broad compatibility window.

Looking forward, Apple has moved to USB-C universally due to regulations, so future iPhones (iPhone 16, 17, etc.) will presumably also use USB-C. This means the TC002C should work with them without issue, possibly with only app software updates if needed. It’s a device that isn’t likely to be obsoleted by a port change anytime soon (unlike the older Lightning-only cameras which became awkward after iPhone 15’s release).

It’s worth noting the TC002C is not MFi certified (Apple’s Made for iPhone program) in the traditional sense, because as a USB-C accessory it doesn’t need that program like Lightning ones did. This means Topdon doesn’t have an artificial lock; as long as the app is allowed to access the device, it works. If Apple introduces any changes to how USB accessories work (they could potentially restrict thermal cameras for security or something, though that’s unlikely), Topdon would address it via app updates.

Impact on Phone Usage: When you’re using the TC002C, your iPhone is essentially tied up displaying the thermal feed. You can still multitask to an extent (you could swipe home and do something else, and the app might pause the feed until you return). But practically, you’ll use the phone for thermal, finish that task, then continue with other phone uses. If you get a call or message while inspecting, you can take it – but if you physically move the phone a lot or shake it, just be mindful of the camera hanging off. If you’re on a call and want to use the thermal cam simultaneously (say, showing someone something via a video call), that’s tricky because TopInfrared doesn’t integrate into video calls. You’d likely have to capture an image and then send it.

Battery Life Considerations: The phone will drain faster while doing thermal imaging, but not drastically more than filming a video or using the flashlight + camera. If you start at 100% battery and continuously use the TC002C for an hour, you might find your battery down by maybe 20-25% (this is a rough estimate; it varies by phone model and screen brightness). Using an iPad yields longer usage simply due to bigger battery. In practice, you can easily do spot-checks around a house without worrying about battery. If you plan an all-day survey with lots of thermal usage, bring a portable charger or plug into a power bank in between sessions.

Interestingly, the TC002C might actually save you battery compared to something like a FLIR One Pro, because those had internal batteries that, if empty, prevented use even if your phone was charged. With the TC002C, as long as your phone has juice, the camera works. And you can charge the phone while using the camera if needed by using a splitter or a dock (though that’s not typical to do in the field).

Who Benefits the Most (and Answers to “Is it for me?”):

Professionals (Home Inspectors, HVAC Techs, Electricians, etc.): If you’re in these fields, you likely already see how this tool can help. It’s a way to elevate your service – you can find issues that others might miss and provide clear visual evidence to clients. It’s especially good for professionals who maybe occasionally need thermal imaging but couldn’t justify a high-end camera before. Even if you already have a bigger thermal camera, the TC002C can serve as a convenient backup or something you have on you at all times. For heavy daily use, it’s robust enough, but you’ll want to treat your phone carefully on job sites (consider a rugged case or a lanyard for your phone so you don’t drop the whole assembly from a height).
Engineers and Technicians: People in technical fields often have a use for thermal imaging, whether it’s debugging a circuit, checking heat sinks in a product design, or monitoring equipment. This device is basically like having a mini thermal lab in your pocket. If you work with electronics, you can quickly identify hot components without guesswork. For those in maintenance, it’s a great predictive maintenance tool – scan motors, bearings, fuse panels routinely and save images for records. At this price point, even if your company has a high-end thermal camera locked up for special use, having your own TC002C at your desk means you can do thermal checks on a whim. It fosters a proactive approach to catching issues early.
Automotive Enthusiasts and Mechanics: Think of the TC002C as a new kind of scan tool, one that visualizes temperature. Many car problems manifest as unusual heat – a misaligned wheel creates excess heat in a tire, a clogged injector leads to a cooler cylinder, a weak cylinder shows cooler exhaust, a failing catalytic converter might overheat or underheat relative to normal, an A/C system low on refrigerant might show a different temperature profile on the condenser, etc. Mechanics can use it to wow customers too – “Here’s an image of your car’s exhaust manifold; see how cylinder 3 is cooler? That’s why you have a misfire code, likely a spark issue.” It’s a level of insight typically not available without expensive tools. For DIY car enthusiasts, it’s a way to examine your vehicle’s health beyond what OBD data tells you.
Outdoor Enthusiasts & Security-Minded Users: If you own land or go camping, a thermal camera can be incredibly handy. Checking for wildlife at night or ensuring your property is clear of people can provide peace of mind. Some farmers use thermal at night to check on livestock without disturbing them. Search and rescue volunteers sometimes carry small thermal cameras to find missing persons in low visibility. The TC002C can serve in such scenarios in a pinch (keeping in mind the range limits – it’s not a long-range scope, but in a forest or field at night, it can see a human or animal from dozens of yards away easily due to the heat contrast).

A note: if you plan to use it extensively outdoors at night, consider the brightness of your phone screen (you might not want it blinding you; you can dial it down or use a red filter mode if your phone supports color filters, to preserve your night vision). Also, be mindful of dew or moisture – on a damp night, protect the camera/phone from getting wet as they’re not waterproof.

DIY Homeowners & Gadget Enthusiasts: For the average homeowner, the TC002C is a great tool for understanding your living space better. You can perform your own mini energy audit and then fix issues like adding weatherstripping or insulation and immediately see the improvement in thermal images. If you’re into smart home tech or gadgets, this satisfies the curiosity of “how does heat flow in my house?”. It can also be a safety tool – for example, you could use it periodically to check that your circuit breaker panel or outlets aren’t overheating, potentially preventing electrical fires. Gadget lovers will just have fun exploring – viewing the heat signature of everything from frying pans to smartphones (yes, point it at your other electronics to see how warm they get). It’s also an educational tool for kids; you can visualize principles of science (like thermodynamics) in a very direct way. The novelty factor is high – showing your friends thermal images is always a crowd-pleaser – but beyond that, you’ll find practical uses pop up unexpectedly (like discovering that your laptop is overheating on one side because a fan is clogged, etc.).

Any Downsides or Annoyances?

If you’re using an older iPhone with the adapter, the setup isn’t as sleek as just plugging in USB-C. The little adapter plus camera hanging off could be a bit wobbly. Using the extension cable in that case is highly recommended for stability.
On iPads, since the app isn’t fully optimized for the larger screen (as of now), you either run it in a window or 2x scaled mode. It still works and actually the large display is fantastic for viewing, but the UI might feel a bit funny (e.g., small buttons or lots of empty space). We expect Topdon will improve this, but even if not, it’s a minor thing – functionality remains.
Some users initially get confused by the color scaling (like, “I took two pictures but the colors look different because the scale auto-adjusted”). This is solved by understanding and possibly using the manual range lock when needed. It’s a slight learning hump, but once over it, you appreciate why it works that way (to give best contrast automatically).
While the camera and app boot up quickly, doing a thorough scan of a whole house or building takes time and interpretation. Don’t expect that you’ll instantly diagnose everything – you still have to think about what the thermal images mean. Sometimes additional verification is needed (moisture meter for a cold spot to see if it’s wet, for example). The TC002C gives you clues and evidence, but it doesn’t replace deeper inspection tools; it complements them.

Overall Satisfaction: Users of the TC002C often express that it exceeded their expectations. There’s something almost magical about seeing heat, and when you apply it practically (like “wow, I found exactly where my wall insulation was missing and fixed it”), it’s very rewarding. It turns previously invisible problems into visible ones that you can act on. Given its price point relative to professional equipment, many are impressed by the high resolution and performance. There are a few who might have wished for minor improvements (like a fully metal body, or an even higher resolution sensor – who wouldn’t love more, but that would raise cost significantly). However, the consensus is that the TC002C hits a sweet spot of performance, portability, and price.

Having walked through all these aspects – from technical details to user impressions – we can now wrap up with a conclusion that summarizes the strengths of the Topdon TC002C and what kind of value it brings to the table.

Conclusion

The Topdon TC002C Thermal Camera for iPhone is a powerful example of how far thermal imaging technology has come – from bulky, expensive equipment reserved for specialists, to a compact accessory that anyone with an iPhone can use. After this deep dive into its capabilities and real-world performance, it’s clear that the TC002C delivers on its promise of transforming your smartphone into a versatile thermal imager.

What Stands Out:

High-Performance Imaging: With its 256×192 infrared resolution (boosted to 512×384 output) and 25 Hz refresh rate, the TC002C produces thermal images that are detailed and fluid. You’re not just getting “rough blobs” of heat – you can make out specific features and subtle temperature differences. From finding a small pipe behind a wall to spotting a warm animal in the yard at night, the clarity is more than sufficient for both professional diagnostics and everyday curiosity.
Ease of Use: Topdon has made advanced technology very user-friendly. The plug-and-play nature means there’s no complex setup. The TopInfrared app’s intuitive interface lets even beginners get results right away. At the same time, the app offers a depth of features (multiple palettes, measurement tools, image fusion, etc.) that advanced users will appreciate. This makes the TC002C suitable for a broad audience – you don’t have to be a thermography expert to benefit from it.
Versatility in Applications: One of the biggest takeaways is just how many problems and scenarios the TC002C can be applied to. It truly earns the title of a multi-purpose tool. In one day, you could use it to check your home’s insulation in the morning, help a friend diagnose an electrical issue in the afternoon, and then observe nocturnal wildlife in your backyard at night. It invites creativity in its use. For professionals, it adds a new dimension to your work (be it building inspection, automotive repair, or electronics debugging). For consumers, it’s like adding a new sense – the ability to see heat – which can be both fun and practical.
Compact and Portable Design: The physical design of the TC002C complements modern life – it’s small, light, and durable. It doesn’t require lugging around extra gear or worrying about charging another device. This convenience cannot be overstated, because it means you’ll actually carry it with you and use it when an opportunity arises. It seamlessly integrates with your iPhone, essentially becoming an extension of it. And because it’s self-contained (no batteries, no wireless pairing), it’s very reliable when you connect it.
Value Proposition: Considering its features, the TC002C is priced very reasonably in the context of thermal imaging devices. There are cheaper thermal gadgets out there, but they often have very low resolution or are more novelty than tool. There are higher-end devices, but they cost many times more. The TC002C strikes a balance where it provides professional-grade functionality at a prosumer price. For someone like a contractor, it can pay for itself quickly by identifying issues that could have been missed (or by providing services that competitors without thermal imaging cannot). For a consumer, it’s an investment in your own ability to maintain and understand your home, car, and surroundings, not to mention the cool factor of having thermal vision.

A Few Final Considerations:

While the TC002C is feature-rich, it’s not a standalone device – it requires an iPhone or iPad. This is generally a plus (since it leverages the great screen and processing of your phone), but it means if you ever switch to a non-iOS phone, you’d need an alternative solution. For the vast majority who stick with iPhones or have an older one to dedicate to it, that’s not an issue.
Using the device responsibly is key. For example, don’t rely on it for critical life-safety decisions without proper training (it’s a tool to aid, not a guarantee – e.g., it can help detect a person in the dark, but it’s not foolproof in all conditions). However, when used as intended, it greatly enhances your awareness.
The TC002C, like all thermal cameras, doesn’t give you specifics like what a problem is – it shows you where a thermal anomaly is. Interpretation is up to you. But thanks to the visual context (fusion mode) and your own knowledge of the environment, you can usually deduce the cause. It essentially shines a spotlight (in infrared) on areas you should investigate further.

In conclusion, the Topdon TC002C Thermal Camera is a well-rounded, impressive piece of tech that turns your iPhone into a practical thermal imaging tool. It brings infrared vision into the palm of your hand, enabling you to troubleshoot, explore, and observe in ways that were previously out of reach for the average person. After using it, you’ll likely find yourself wondering how you managed without the ability to instantly spot heat leaks or hot spots. Whether you’re a professional aiming to enhance your services or a tech enthusiast eager to explore the invisible world of heat, the TC002C is ready to reveal what’s hidden – in living color (or grayscale, if you prefer!) – whenever and wherever you need it. It’s not often that a single device can appeal equally to the handyman, the scientist, and the gadget lover, but this one comes very close. The Topdon TC002C is, in a word, illuminating – both literally and figuratively – and it earns a strong recommendation as one of the best thermal camera solutions for iPhone users currently available.

ReviewHot

Topdon TC002C Thermal Camera for iPhone Review – Transforming Your iPhone into a Thermal Imaging Tool

What is Thermal Imaging and How Does It Work?

Real-World Applications of Thermal Cameras

Home and Building Inspections

HVAC and Plumbing Diagnostics

Electrical and Electronics Troubleshooting

Automotive Maintenance and Repair

Outdoor, Wildlife, and Security Uses

Other Creative and Everyday Uses

Overview of the Topdon TC002C Thermal Camera

Key Specifications and Features

Setup and Ease of Use

Thermal Imaging Performance and Image Quality

The TopInfrared App: Features and User Experience

User Experience and Practical Insights

Conclusion

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Topdon TC002C Thermal Camera for iPhone Review – Transforming Your iPhone into a Thermal Imaging Tool

What is Thermal Imaging and How Does It Work?

Real-World Applications of Thermal Cameras

Home and Building Inspections

HVAC and Plumbing Diagnostics

Electrical and Electronics Troubleshooting

Automotive Maintenance and Repair

Outdoor, Wildlife, and Security Uses

Other Creative and Everyday Uses

Overview of the Topdon TC002C Thermal Camera

Key Specifications and Features

Setup and Ease of Use

Thermal Imaging Performance and Image Quality

The TopInfrared App: Features and User Experience

User Experience and Practical Insights

Conclusion

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