Busted by thermal imaging

[sparkitalready]

I've read about growers getting busted by fly-overs using thermal imaging to detect grow rooms. I've also read a bit about blocking thermal imaging using a heat-reflective material. Problem is they never said what type of material it is or where they got it. Anyone know what type of material it is or how much it costs? Would the thermal survival blanks work if you pieced a couple together?

[fireinside2288]

idk about the thermal survival blanks. but i think what your thinkin about is called millar. somethin like that. its used my nasa. its somewhat expensive. but affordable.

[HerbalRemedies]

It's called Block IR

you can get it here amongst other places:

Mylar is a highly reflective material used for lighting enhancement, it won't block IR.... I have also read (here on GC) they need more than a heat signature to get a search warrant now...

[DrTrichome]

If you are growing indoors, you should already be using mylar for its reflective qualities. If law enforcement has already sent a chopper out to scan your home for heat signatures, you are already busted and they are just compiling evidence to make a case. Just make sure that you are STEALTH meaning that nobody that you know needs to know about your setup. Also, get a good carbon filter. I would recommend the Carbonaire; it has always worked great for me.

[boochiano]

How many watts would you have to be using for them to pick it up on thermal imagining?
I would guess greater than 1000 watts.
Also I would think temps whould have to significantly higher than the house for it to be detected.
I did see a video of cops busting a house using thermal imaging. They had gotton a tip beforehand though.
In the video it looked like at least 3-4 1000 watters.
Hope this helps ease fears!

[DrTrichome]

He's right, anything around 1000W or less should not be a problem especially if you air-cool the lighting source.

[Hashmouf]

Originally Posted by DrTrichome

He's right, anything around 1000W or less should not be a problem especially if you air-cool the lighting source.

Yes very true if you are running a small operation you have nothing to worry about. Most grow ops detected by Infa Red have 5 or more lights that produce a substantial heat signal. But if you run 2 even 3 lights that are cooled and you grow room temp stays at a constant temp identical or very close to the rest of the home you will not emit a a visible heat signal.

[lacussumok]

can they see plants in ther ir thingy or just strong heat i mean i use flourescents for mine and this is kind of scaring me but i keep mine in the heater room and thats in the basement can they still see all the way down and im pretty sure im no where near using 1000w

[midijunky]

I thought they can't use IR unless they have a warrant anymore. By the time they've progressed that far into their investigation you're pretty much cooked anyway.

[Enuff4All2Share]

Imaging won't penetrate a basement grow. I'm inclined to agree with the idea that the home closet grower needn't worry about it, but should concentrate on secrecy, odor management, light leaks, and anonymity online in order to put paranoia to rest. If you cover these basis, then you know you aren't getting caught, and the helicopters can just go and fly themselves...


E

[NorCalHal]

Don't fret. After the feds busted in on a few rich folks with self tanning beds, they stopped busting down doors because of thermal imaging.

[Mr.Sparkle]

the helicopters arn't using penetrating IR scanners they are just scanning the surface of the house, so if you have a attic grow or something it will probably pick up heat and the material your thinkin of is polyshield which can be found at www.polyshield.ca

[Enuff4All2Share]

Yeah... bustin' rich folks for no good reason is a great way to change the laws! - "Do you know who I AM?!"


Enuff

[boochiano]

Originally Posted by Enuff4All2Share

Imaging won't penetrate a basement grow. I'm inclined to agree with the idea that the home closet grower needn't worry about it, but should concentrate on secrecy, odor management, light leaks, and anonymity online in order to put paranoia to rest. If you cover these basis, then you know you aren't getting caught, and the helicopters can just go and fly themselves...


E

The house I saw busted the grow was in the basement.