Remember the Infiray ML19 and the MH25? They were decent bang for buck thermal monoculars for helmet mounting or standalone use. We hoped the new version of the device named MH25W would be an upgrade to the previous version, but that was not the case.
Everyone knows RH-25 (USA) or PFalcon 640+ (rest of the world), and its a major upgrade for the MH25, but the biggest downside is that it costs and weighs around 50% more.
In our quest to find a replacement for MH25 that outperforms MH25W but does not cost as much as PFN640, we found iRay YM.
What are the problems with MH25W ?
First, when the MH25W arrived out of the blue instead of MH25, we were positively surprised. Infiray has a thermal that is in TAN colour and it has internal video recorder.
Everything else about the device was a disappointment. We could write a whole blog about MH25W, but there are better products to write about, so we will explain the main issues here.
Issue #1: Blemishes
The device does not calibrate itself well, resulting blemishes on the screen with inconsistent heat detection. Manual calibration with Infiray special software did not solve the problem.
Issue #2: No option to choose Contrast
In addition to the blemishes, which comes very visible at high contrast settings, you can’t change the contrast level. Contrast allows the user to choose how dominantly objects with bigger temperature variances appear on the screen. Here you can see the effect of having the contrast set too high (MH25W) Only the human is highlighted and the surroundings are not visible, making it practically unusable for a bridged solution. On the left side on the video we used a PFN640+ for comparison on how a device should perform when there is a big temperature difference between an human and the environment (snow)
Issue #3: Change Of Display
The first MH25 had a 1280×960 LCOS display, but the so-called “upgrade” in the MH25W with a 1024×768 AMOLED display turned out to be quite disappointing. Users didn’t hold back, saying the screen looked “grainy” and some even felt like they were looking through a curtain with their device.
MH25
MH25W
MH25W
Conclusion
Due to all the issues, we returned most of the MH25Ws to Infiray. The above mentioned picture quality posed one problem, but the devices also exhibited other critical flaws, such as their inability to function in -15°C temperatures and random automatic shutdown. In short, we were thoroughly disappointed with what was touted as an “upgrade.”
Our core value is that we only sell devices we would use ourselves, and MH25W does not meet the bar.
Consequently, we made the decision not to sell the MH25W due to its high price tag, which did not align with its performance, as it performed on par with a 600€ thermal device.
The following blog post will be about an device that we use ourselves and trust on the field.
iRay Jerry-YM
About The Device
The Jerry YM represents IRay’s latest addition to their thermal monocular lineup. Like its counterparts, the MH25 and RH25, the Jerry YM boast a compact and helmet-mountable design, housing a 640×512 resolution core. However, its unparalleled affordability sets it apart from its siblings, making it a standout offering in the thermal vision market with its compact form factor.
In The Box:
The Jerry YM comes in a durable hard case, providing all the necessary components for helmet mounting and other accessories. Notably, it includes a Clone L4G24 mount, which exhibits impressive solidity, surpassing the quality of FMA or Sotac replica mounts. Additionally, the package contains a simple dovetail J-arm that can be easily switched between eyes, along with a charging/footage export cable and rechargeable batteries.
First Impressions
The Jerry YM is an impressively lightweight device, tipping the scales at just 230g. Its body is constructed from durable polymer, and the buttons are thoughtfully covered with plastic dabs, making accidental presses unlikely. The user-friendly controls are easy to navigate, and the new software provided with the YM model is notably more straightforward than previous IRay devices.
While the ocular lens might initially appear similar to that of the PFN640/RH25, upon turning on the device, it becomes evident that significant upgrades have been made compared to previous generations. 25 mm of eye relief, the Jerry YM almost matches the PVS-14, allowing for comfortable bridging with eye protection at the same distance, sparing you from having the thermal device directly against your eye protection. The ~400€ lens upgrade that was mandatory for Mh25 is no longer necessary.
Improvements:
One aspect that I find less favorable in the software is the prominent display of the selected color palette in the bottom left corner. Given the visual representation of the thermal image, identifying the current setting, such as black hot, can be easily discerned without the need for such large text. This redundant display tends to detract from the overall quality of the captured footage.
Color Palettes:
The Jerry YM offers a selection of four color palettes: Black Hot, White Hot, Rainbow, and Iron. However, it lacks the well-known red hot feature, which might be disappointing for some users who are accustomed to using it. Despite this limitation, there is hope for improvement in the next generations. Manufacturers often listen to user feedback and work on enhancing their products, so it is entirely possible that the red hot feature could be introduced in a future update, providing a more comprehensive range of colour options to suit various preferences and needs.
Power:
The device is designed to utilize 18650 (3.7V) batteries, ensuring sufficient and reliable power for extended usage. Alternatively, it can also be powered through a power bank connected to the conveniently positioned USB C port located on the front of the device housing. It is favored to use devices that do not use prioratory batteries.
Mounting
The Jerry YM comes with a J-arm included in the package. This J-arm features a sliding IPD adjustment, allowing users to customize the positioning based on their interpupillary distance. It is designed to easily switch between the left and right eye for added flexibility and user convenience.
The J-arm is simple and well-made, and it securely connects to the Jerry YM’s proprietary footprint screw holes, ensuring a stable and reliable attachment to the device.
Currently, there is no way to bridge the Jerry YM with any other device, but Falconcalw has been working on making it a possibility with the YM arm.
Performance
The Jerry YM delivers impressive performance with its 12μm 640×512 sensor running at 50hz, resulting in remarkably smooth imagery. Its 640 core also offers a commendable digital zoom capability, allowing users to examine details with precision.
Moreover, one of the most noteworthy features of the Jerry YM is its exceptional lightweight design, tipping the scales at just 230g. This makes it notably lighter compared to the PFN640, which weighs 380 grams. When combined with a monocular setup and other lightweight accessories, the entire configuration can be kept under 700g, making it an ideal choice for users seeking a portable and easy-to-handle thermal solution.
In terms of performance metrics, the Jerry YM impresses with a detection range of 1800m and human recognition at distances 630 meters on the spec sheet but in reality at 400 meters people start looking like blobs
J-YM Spotting An DJI Drone At 200 Meters
J-YM 350 Meters
J-YM VS MH25 V2
Here is the comparison video of Jerry-YM (left) and MH25W (right)
Summary
The Jerry YM stands out as one of the finest entry-level 640-resolution thermal devices, offering exceptional image quality and impressive features. While it should be noted that it has a slightly unconventional mounting interface and cannot be used as a clip-on device, these limitations are overshadowed by its highly competitive pricing, lightweight design, and remarkable performance.
For those seeking an upgrade from basic, inexpensive entry-level thermals to a device with enhanced capabilities, the Jerry Ym proves to be an ideal choice. It strikes an excellent balance, providing substantially more capabilities than typical low-tier thermals without requiring the significant investment needed for models like the RH25 or PFN640.
Reward For Making This Far 🙂
100€ Discount code for the J-YM
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