ESPEC Chamber Cam: See Inside Environmental Tests as They Happen

Unitemp, the UK supplier of ESPEC environmental test chambers, has launched the new ESPEC Chamber Cam in the UK. It is the first camera designed specifically for environmental test chambers. It lets engineers see what happens to a sample during a test, rather than finding failures only when the door opens at the end.

The Chamber Cam mounts through a chamber's existing cable port, needing no wall modification. It records video or timed still images throughout a test. ESPEC's ES-ImageFit software links each image to the chamber's temperature and humidity data, showing exactly when and under what conditions a change occurred.

Environmental tests often run for hours, days or weeks with the chamber door closed. Viewing windows offer limited help, as condensation forms during humidity and cold phases, interiors are dark and reflections obscure detail. No one can watch a 1,000-hour test continuously.

The Chamber Cam solves this by placing the lens inside the chamber while keeping the electronics outside. Heated glass in front of the lens prevents condensation during temperature and humidity transitions. Built-in LEDs light the sample, and a fan keeps the external camera body cool even with the chamber at +150°C.

During playback, ES-ImageFit scrolls the temperature and humidity trend graph alongside the video. Engineers can see whether a change happened during ramp-down, cold dwell or recovery, together with the exact set point and measured values.

The Chamber Cam is available in two versions. The HD model (SUC-0030-HD) records at 1280 × 720 and suits whole-sample changes such as swelling, warping, loose connectors and failing seals. The 4K model (SUC-1000-4K) records at 3840 × 2160 with up to ×5 digital zoom, capturing fine detail such as cracking, corrosion, delamination and solder joint changes. Both record continuous video or still images at intervals of 1 to 60 seconds.

Applications include failure analysis, electronics and PCB testing, automotive and aerospace components, battery cells and modules, and materials and coatings. The time-stamped images also provide evidence for qualification reports, and engineers can check unattended overnight tests without opening the chamber door.

The Chamber Cam is designed for ESPEC temperature and humidity chambers, including the Platinous J Series and Bench-Top Series. Synchronised capture requires an ESPEC P310 or P200 controller. The camera fits 50 mm or 100 mm cable ports, with adapters for both included, and carries a two-year warranty.

Customers can send their chamber model and serial number to Unitemp for a compatibility check. Where a chamber needs an additional cable port, Unitemp's service team can advise on retrofits.