Long form, community generated answers to frequently asked questions about the Infragram project on Kickstarter

Can this be used as a thermal imager? For example, to find hot and cold spots around my home?

The short answer is that no, it cannot be used as a thermal imager--however, we have been working on a project that does just that: http://publiclab.org/wiki/thermal-camera

Is the square of DIY filter large enough to attach to a SLR lens?

Yes, we are sending a 4"x4" square of filter.

Could it be used to help identify pigments or in some case reveal hidden things under drawings or paintings?

We're not sure! Can you link to any examples of this sort of use? If we know the desired wavelengths, we could better answer the question.

What's the infrared wavelength you are using? Do you plan to add far infrared filters in the 750. 850 and 950 infrared spectrum?

The bands are quite wide - you can see the actual spectrum of one of the test filters in this post: http://publiclab.org/notes/cfastie/04-21-2013/rosco

Because of the interest in photosynthesis, we're not targeting a narrow band, but maximizing infrared sensitivity with a broad band filter.

What is the sensitivity of the CMOS sensor you are using, how many lumins?

We're not sure about this, in part because we haven't made a final camera selection. We'll post the specs we have on the webcam version soon, though it is a consumer-grade webcam and may not offer raw image capture.

Is it possible to stack filters with your camera?

See above -- we haven't made a final camera choice yet, but since we'll be selecting a very inexpensive one, the likelihood is not high that we'll have a standard filter screw. We are looking at some standard lens mounts which could help, however... more soon.

When I take a plant photograph, where is the information to help me analyzing or interpreting the color of a photo regarding the plant health?

You can start by looking at the breadth of research by Public Lab members here: http://publiclab.org/tag/ndvi and http://publiclab.org/wiki/near-infrared-camera. We'll be collaboratively building out that documentation (Wikipedia-style) as we go.

Is the web cam level capable of doing infra red out of the box? Meaning if I take it, plug it into my laptop or what have you, I will be able to go out in my backyard and take shots with it infrared style?

If you remove the filter and add your own infrared pass (visible block) filter you'll be able to take infrared photos, yes. We have some documentation on the website to guide you on that too: http://publiclab.org/wiki/infragram-convertible-cameras

Can you put the filters on a pair of glasses, and use them without needing a camera?

No, because your eyes cannot see near-infrared. A CCD or CMOS camera can, but only after we remove the infrared-blocking filter.

Which cameras can be converted with an Infragram filter?

We're creating a list here: http://publiclab.org/wiki/infragram-convertible-cameras

**I was wondering if it is possible to get more than one filter kit?

Certainly! Please include a note when you fill out your backer report to that effect.

I would prefer to incorporate the camera into a watering system, i.e. take picture, evaluate plant, water if necessary. Do you have any plans to move in this direction?

Yes! we are developing Infragram processing software for the Raspberry Pi. With some programming and a Raspberry Pi or other Arm Linux board, you could totally incorporate the camera.

Can this be used with a smartphone camera, such as iPhone or Galaxy S III?

We would love to have this functionality on cell phone cameras, but you would have to permanently modify your cell phone to capture near infrared. We can't confirm that the infrared filter is removable on any particular phone.

_-- yet to be answered -- _

looks like an awesome project! How much more work for a camera that can do Ultra Violet?

The "click and go" edition, is that coming with Sdcard slot?