New Training Resource: Learning Center at IR.Tools
We are super excited to unveil our brand-new Learning Center!
This will be a dedicated hub to all things infrared in the IR.Tools world.
Since I founded this company in 2006, I’ve been passionate about educating our dealers and customers on the ins and outs of infrared technology and its crucial role in protection and identification.
Over the years, I’ve penned numerous blogs and created short video clips with tips and instructions to help soldiers, and officers, and now sportsmen to effectively utilize our patches, markers and targets.
The overwhelming reception of this content is always positive with requests to keep it coming. So, to meet the demand, we took steps to streamline and organize the material for seekers to easily find.
Our goal is to establish IR.Tools as a training resource for infrared technology, and how it protects, identifies, and trains the Military, Law Enforcement and Sportsmen.
How Identification Led to Training
In the beginning IR.Tools was strictly focused on “identification”.
We built ¾” friend or foe identification patches sewn onto every US uniform with our proprietary SandStorm Technology™. The success of our SandStorm ¾” patch quickly led us to build larger identification patches — US flags, Nation flags, call signs, morale logos, and more.
A few years later, we expanded our offering to include identification built with thermal films — patches, panels, and markers. Soldiers and police quickly found the value of thermal identification when using thermal imagers in their operations.
The introduction of thermal film in a patch or panel paved the way for the expansion of thermal training targets. In a short time, we had two patents on infrared zeroing targets — Thermal Zeroing Target and Universal Zeroing Target. In addition to the zeroing targets, we built large thermal targets and a specialized heated target for indoor and outdoor training.
We recognized at this point IR.Tools had made a pivotal shift. Our focus from strictly infrared IDENTIFICATION now included infrared TRAINING.
Drone Training with Thermal Discs
Training had become part of our identity so when the Texas Department of Safety and the CA Regional Training Center approached us for NIST-compliant thermal training discs, we accepted the challenge without hesitation.
After a lot of back and forth, we seamlessly merged the existing visible training discs with thermal film.
With all 5 levels of the NIST certification complete, NIST trainers are equipped with versatile discs for visible and thermal training scenarios.
Drone Training with 2D Dummies
Almost daily, we are reminded of the remarkable rescues made possible by the advanced technology of infrared cameras.
In response to this, IR.Tools teamed up with 2D Dummies to build a life-like training dummy designed for both visible and infrared camera training. Our exclusive Upright thermal film, featured on one side of the dummy enables officers training with a thermal imager to learn how to interpret a heat signature.
Officers appreciate the convenience of not having to lie down in the woods or fields as part of the training process!
Training You! Infrared 101 — The Basics
So here we are! Ready to publish and grow our catalog of information to help you learn more about infrared.
We published phase #1 of the Learning Center with a focus on the basics of infrared. Our aim in phase #1 is to define infrared and clear up some of the confusion this complex topic brings.
There are 5 lessons in Infrared 101 — The Basics
- Getting Started: What is IR Energy
- Choosing the Right IFF Protection
- Video: 4 Key Differences Between IR Reflective and Thermal Film
- Identifying the Right Film Types
- Key Differences Between IR and Thermal
Join Us!
We hope you join us in this journey, gain confidence as you advance through each lesson, and share feedback along the way.
Contact me if you have any questions or an idea for a new lesson!
The Author: Tom Boyer
Since 2006, Tom has been the driving force behind IR.Tools, dedicated to delivering top-notch infrared solutions to the military, law enforcement, and sportsmen communities.
What began with a single infrared patch has blossomed into a comprehensive store featuring hundreds of IFF patches, vehicle IFF, an extensive suite of thermal training targets, and tools for drone pilots.
Beyond his innovative products, Tom is passionate about educating users on infrared technology and showcasing how advancements in IR can enhance their operations.
Tom holds an MS in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Maryland and an MBA from Regents University.
