Thermal imaging has long been a pricey and specialized technology, but M5Stack’s M5Stick T-Lite Thermal Camera Dev Kit changes the game with an incredible $79 price tag. This compact, finger-sized thermal camera offers big features at a low cost, making it a must-have for hobbyists, DIY enthusiasts, and anyone intrigued by thermal imaging tech. I’d say give it a go, it’s available on their website here.
Key Features That Set the M5Stick T-Lite Apart
Unbeatable Price and Build
While most thermal cameras cost hundreds of dollars, the M5Stick T-Lite stands out with its $79 price tag. It uses the same MLX90640 infrared sensor as its budget $69.90 sibling, but comes fully assembled with WiFi connectivity and an onboard display.
WiFi-Enabled IoT Connectivity
The M5Stick T-Lite can link to any WiFi network or create its own Access Point (AP) mode, allowing thermal data to be seamlessly uploaded to the M5Stack IoT Cloud. No additional apps, subscriptions, or invasive registration required – just log into the cloud dashboard from any internet-connected device.
Offline Thermal Display with Built-In OLED Screen
When no WiFi is available, the T-Lite can operate in offline mode, streaming real-time thermal visuals to its color OLED display. The onboard battery offers 15-20 minutes of continuous use, but adding a power bank can extend its runtime for longer scanning sessions.
Customizable with Open-Source Firmware
For tech-savvy users, the T-Lite offers unmatched flexibility. M5Stack provides open-source firmware on GitHub, enabling you to reprogram and customize the device for your needs using the free M5 Burner software.
Thermal Tech Made Accessible
Despite its low 32×24 resolution, the M5Stick T-Lite is a practical and fun thermal camera that delivers WiFi connectivity, cloud capabilities, and impressive portability. Whether you’re scanning for hot spots, exploring DIY projects, or just geeking out over thermal visuals, this device packs value far beyond its price.
From smartphone-ready thermal data to standalone offline displays, the M5Stick T-Lite makes high-tech thermal imaging affordable and accessible to all. For just $79, it’s time to heat up your toolkit.
Why This Thermal Camera Stands Out
- Affordable: Only $79
- Portable: Compact, lightweight design
- No App Required: Seamless cloud access without invasive installs
- Customizable: Open-source firmware for tailored applications
The M5Stick T-Lite proves you don’t need to break the bank to enjoy thermal imaging technology. Perfect for creators, hobbyists, and tech enthusiasts, it’s a “hot” gadget that makes thermal visuals fun, functional, and affordable.
