FLIR AX8 Marine Thermal Monitoring System for Temperature

The FLIR AX8 Marine Thermal Monitoring System is an innovative solution for continuous temperature surveillance of critical compartments on a vessel. This compact fixed-mount camera combines a thermal infrared sensor and a standard visible-light camera in one unit, providing real-time monitoring of the thermal state of onboard equipment. By installing the AX8 in key locations – for example, in the engine room above engines or generators, near exhaust manifolds, or alongside shaft bearings – you gain a 24/7 “thermal sentry” that watches for signs of overheating or abnormal temperature changes in those areas.

A standout feature of the AX8 system is its ability to trigger alarms based on temperature thresholds. Using a user-friendly software interface, you can define specific temperature limits: if the temperature in the monitored area exceeds the preset threshold, the FLIR AX8 will issue an alert – sounding an alarm and displaying a visual warning on connected Raymarine displays or other networked devices. This early warning capability is invaluable; instead of the crew discovering an overheating engine only once damage or a fire has occurred, the system alerts you immediately, giving you time to respond by throttling down, shutting off equipment, or investigating the issue.

At the core of the FLIR AX8 is the proven FLIR Lepton thermal micro-sensor with an 80x60 pixel resolution. While 80x60 may seem modest, it’s more than sufficient for detecting temperature anomalies, covering a broad field of view (48° x 37°) and sensing temperature differences as small as 0.1°C (NETD < 100 mK). The built-in visual camera provides a standard video image of the monitored scene. FLIR’s exclusive MSX® (Multi-Spectral Dynamic Imaging) technology then merges the two feeds into one – it overlays the sharp edge detail from the visible camera onto the thermal image. The result is a thermal picture where you can easily recognize objects (engines, pipes, components) because their outlines are visible, making interpretation of the thermal data much more intuitive.

Integration with onboard electronics is a major advantage of the FLIR AX8. The camera connects to the vessel’s network via Ethernet (10/100 Mbps). Raymarine multifunction displays can automatically detect AX8 cameras on the network and display their video feed and alarms. This means you can see the live thermal view of, say, your engine room directly on your chartplotter or helm display, alongside charts and instrument data. Additionally, the system supports up to 8 AX8 cameras on the same network. In practice, this allows you to monitor multiple areas simultaneously: for example, twin engines, a generator, an electrical panel, and a battery bank – all streaming thermal data to the bridge.

Setting up the AX8 is straightforward. Once connected, the camera is accessed via a web-based interface for configuration. From there, you can adjust parameters such as material emissivity (for accurate temperature readings), define Regions of Interest (ROI) for focused alarm monitoring, set temperature thresholds, and specify what actions to take when an alarm is triggered. The FLIR AX8 package also includes configuration software and documentation to help with integration and alarm setup.

Physically, the AX8 is a very compact, lightweight device – small enough to fit in the palm of your hand – which makes it easy to install even in tight spaces or directly on equipment panels. For added flexibility in mounting, FLIR offers optional mounting kits – like a Ball & Socket mount – that allow you to angle the camera precisely toward the target area. The camera itself is built to handle industrial environments: it’s housed in a durable casing rated IP67 for water and dust ingress. This is sufficient protection for installation in enclosed marine compartments where humidity, dripping water, or dust might be present (though it’s not meant for full immersion or exposed outdoor mounting).

With the FLIR AX8 on board, boat owners and crews gain peace of mind about the condition of their critical equipment. This system helps prevent failures and accidents by catching small issues (like an overheating bearing, an exhaust riser starting to clog, or a cooling pump running dry) early through temperature change detection – allowing maintenance or intervention before a minor issue turns into a major incident or fire. It’s especially valuable for larger yachts and commercial vessels, where engine rooms and machinery spaces are often unattended for periods of time. But even on smaller boats – for instance, a cruiser with an inboard engine – the AX8 can stand guard in the background while you focus on piloting.

In summary, the FLIR AX8 Marine Thermal Monitoring System acts as a smart thermal guardian for your vessel. By continuously scanning for unusual heat buildup and providing instant alerts, it dramatically reduces the risk of unseen overheating and gives you the opportunity to address problems before they escalate. It’s an investment in safety and preventative maintenance, helping to protect both your crew and the longevity of your onboard machinery.