REVIEW: Andres Industries TIMRO 640

What's better than a residual light intensifier? Correct, a thermal imaging device (WBG). The German company Andres Industries has developed the probably smallest and most multifunctional thermal imaging optic in the world. We were able to test it and today we will tell you what you can expect from this masterpiece of technology:

First of all, the technical data. The screen resolution is 640 x 480 px and has a viewing angle of 38°, higher than some competing products. The weight is only 220g with batteries (2 CR123A). The thermal imaging core is available in 9Hz and 25Hz, but the latter is only for authorities. The housing is made of titanium and therefore almost indestructible, unless the much-cited tank runs over it. The runtime is up to 4.5 hours and the optic has up to 8x zoom (1; 2; 4 and 8x).

This WBG is multifunctional because it fulfills three basic functions. First, it is a handheld device, second, it can be used as a thermal imaging goggle, and third, as a targeting system. However, only the authority version (Timro 640m) can provide the latter application. The difference between the authority and civilian versions is the reticle and weapon mounting capability. In the following, we will discuss the military version, but most of the features are the same in the civilian version.

SONY DSC

Now to the exterior. The front houses the lens, which is hidden under a titanium cover. To turn on the WBG, this flap simply needs to be flipped down, and flipped up to turn off. On the left side are the buttons for the menu, filter mode, zoom, and screen brightness (10 levels). On the right side is the battery compartment and above it, hidden under a cover, the mounting point for lasers, radio transmission modules, etc. On the top is the mounting point for various helmet adapters (Spuhr in the picture), these helmet adapters can be obtained directly from Andres Industries for all common NVG mounts (Rhino, Dovetail, Spuhr). On the bottom, the rail mount is attached. In the civilian version, retrofitting is not possible! For size comparison, the Timro 640m next to a Mini14 (PVS14) NVG.

Users have four viewing modes available. White Hot, Black Hot, Search, and Booster. The first two are self-explanatory. In the "Search" mode, heat sources like humans and animals are highlighted. Things with average heat radiation (e.g. foliage, branches, furniture indoors) are barely visible. The "Booster" mode is, in a way, the opposite of "Search", as it maximizes the display of even the smallest differences in heat radiation. This is intended to aid orientation, even in tunnels or rooms.

Here is an image of how the view through the optic is arranged. The filter mode is shown in the top left corner (White Hot here), in the center an analog compass that can be turned off, a digital one next to it. In the top right, the shutter and battery level are displayed. The shutter symbol is shown 2 seconds before the device automatically calibrates, as the image will remain still for about 1 second. In the center is the reticle, with several display options, and below that is the zoom factor.

On the back, the viewfinder - a red filter can be inserted - with an eyecup and below it a cable switch and a video in/out jack. This allows two Timros to be connected to each other and used as corner or weapon view. This means that you actually see through the Timro on the helmet what the Timro on the pistol records. This is a special feature of this device and really very practical. Furthermore, up to six different weapons can be zeroed in and saved.

CONCLUSION: A top innovative and technically flawless device made in Germany. Small, light, robust, and absolutely reliable. Additionally, it has a corner view mode and several other very useful features. Some authorities are already using and testing this device.

Available directly from Andres Industries in Olive starting at €11,000. Other colors are in development

Here is a video from Andres Industries demonstrating the various filter modes