The Thermal Hat is an amazing M5StickC compatible thermal camera. Just like the M5Unit THERMAL, this stickc HAT module integrates the MLX90640 sensor. This sensor can measure the surface temperature of an object and create a thermographic image through a temperature gradient formed by different surface temperatures. With a cover for the stickc HAT, you can easily transfer all implementations to a stickc - based controller. It's tiny, low - cost, and highly productized.
The MLX90640 Infrared (IR) sensor array offers high resolution and reliable operation in harsh environments. It's a cost - effective alternative to expensive high - end thermal imaging cameras. Unlike microbolometers, it doesn't need frequent recalibration, ensuring continuous monitoring and reducing system cost.
There are two field of view (FoV) options: a standard 55° x 35° version and a wide - angle 110° x 75° version. This unit has a 110°×75° FoV, also known as the BAA package.
You can connect it to the M5StickC via GOIO 0/26 (I2C add: 0x33).
Product Features:
- M5StickC Compatible
- Operating Voltage: 3V ~ 3.6V
- Current Consumption: 23mA
- Field of View: 55°x35°
- Measurement Range: - 40°C ~ 300°C
- Resolution: ±1.5°C
- Refresh Rate: 0.5Hz - 64Hz
- Operating temperature: - 40°C ~ 85°C
Include:
- 1x THERMAL CAMERA HAT
APPLICATION:
- High precision non - contact temperature measurements
- Intrusion / Movement detection
- Visual IR thermometers
For more information, you can check the schematic, official channel, official forum, and MLX90640 Datasheet. There's also an Arduino example. And here's the pin map:
| M5StickC | GPIO0 | GPIO26 | 5V | GND |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| HAT THERMAL | SDA | SCL | 5V | GND |
Using this thermal camera hat is quite easy. First, connect it to your M5StickC via GOIO 0/26 (I2C add: 0x33). Once it's connected, you can start using it for various applications like measuring the temperature of objects without touching them, detecting if there's any movement, or using it as a visual IR thermometer.
When it comes to power, make sure the operating voltage is between 3V and 3.6V. The current consumption is about 23mA, so keep that in mind when using it with your power source.
As for the field of view, you have two options. This particular unit has a 110°×75° FoV, which gives you a wide - angle view. The measurement range is from - 40°C to 300°C, and the resolution is ±1.5°C.
You can adjust the refresh rate between 0.5Hz and 64Hz according to your needs. Just note that the operating temperature should be between - 40°C and 85°C. Don't expose it to temperatures outside this range, or it might not work properly.
In terms of maintenance, there's not much to do. Since the MLX90640 sensor doesn't need frequent recalibration, you can use it continuously without much hassle. But keep it clean and dry to ensure its long - term performance.
