Bullard MX User manual

TM
Bullard MX Thermal Imager
User Manual
Congratulations
Congratulations on the purchase of your new Bullard MX Thermal Imager.
The Bullard MXThermal Imager combines the most advanced thermal
imaging technology with our expertise in high heat, impact resistant
thermoplastics to bring you the most durable thermal imager on
the market. Our innovative design includes many unique features
making Bullard Thermal Imagers the best choice for
today’s firefighters.
The benefits of using thermal imaging technology as a fire fighting tool
encompass just about every aspect of a firefighter’s job. Thermal imaging
is not, however, a technology designed to replace current fire fighting
tactics. Rather, it is a tool that allows the firefighter to be more effective
and make better decisions. Some of the many uses for your
Bullard MX Thermal Imager include:
•Search and rescue
•Scene assessment
•Locating the seat of the fire
•Determining the spread of the fire
•Locating hot spots
•Identifying potential flashover situations
•Determining ventilation points
•Determining entry points
•Overhaul
•Hazmat
•Wildland firefighting
•Training
NOTE
To help us better serve you, please fill out the warranty card enclosed with your
Bullard MX Thermal Imager.
Table of Contents
Imager Diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Use and Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Charging the Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Palm andTop Straps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Care Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Replacing Display Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Warranties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Technical Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Ordering Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
WARNING
Read all instructions and warnings before using this product. Failure
to observe these instructions could result in death or serious injury.

TM
Bullard MX Thermal Imager
Figure 1
Carry
Strap
Lens
Lens
Bezel
(5)
Transmitter
Channel
Switch
(3)
Pistol Grip
Transmit Button
(Optional)
On/Off Button (1)
Sleep Button (2)
Battery
Compartment
(4)
Polycarbonate
Display Cover
(6)
Rear Boot
Direct Charge Port
LCD
Screen
Imager Diagram
2

Bullard MX Thermal Imager
Use and Operation
3
Use and Operation
Power: To turn on your Bullard Thermal Imager, simply
depress the large green “On/Off”button on the left side of
the unit (Item 1, Figure 1). Upon depressing the “On/Off”
button, the “Sleep”indicator light will appear on the
viewing screen. However, the thermal image will not appear
immediately as the unit requires a few moments to
warm-up and complete the self-calibration process. After
approximately 15 seconds, the display screen will light up
and the camera will complete its self-calibration.
Once this boot-up process is complete, the thermal image
will appear on the screen. If the camera has been in recent
use, immediately prior to turning on, thermal stabilization
may not be required during the self-calibration process.
Therefore, as soon as the screen lights up, the thermal
image will appear.
Always use the power switch to turn the camera off. If the
battery is removed before the power is switched off, the
normal self-diagnostics could be interrupted and upon
reinsertion of the battery, the screen may not display a
thermal image. In this case, the camera must be switched
off using the power switch and rebooted by pressing the
power switch.
Sleep Mode: To conserve battery life, the BullardThermal
Imager includes a unique “Sleep”feature. To put the unit
into “Sleep”mode, simply press the yellow “Sleep”button
on the left side of the unit (Item 2, Figure 1). When in the
“Sleep”mode, the “Sleep”indicator light will appear on
the viewing screen. To bring the unit out of the “Sleep”
mode, simply push the yellow button again. The thermal
image will immediately reappear on the screen. The
“Sleep”mode disengages the transmitter, if activated.
LED Low-Battery Warning Lights: Five LED lights
located to the left of the LCD screen indicate the life of the
battery in the thermal imager.The green LED light at the top
indicates a fully charged battery. As the battery begins to
discharge the lights will change to yellow and then red,
indicating the battery is low and should be taken out and
re-charged.
On-Screen Battery Status Indicators: The on-screen
battery display is located in the upper right-hand corner of
the LCD screen. This battery indicator resembles a small
battery and is green in color. When the battery icon
appears completely green this indicates that the thermal
imager battery is fully charged. As the battery in the
imager begins to discharge, the level of green color in the
battery icon will decrease. When the battery nears total
discharge, a warning triangle will begin to flash in the
middle of the screen indicating the need to change the
battery.
EI (Electronic Integration) Mode: The Bullard MX is
equipped with a state-of-the-art,
Automatic Thermal
Throttle . The Bullard “smart”iris automatically manages
the level of thermal energy that reaches the sensor,
ensuring that the image on the screen is always as sharp
as possible, regardless of the level of heat the imager
detects. When the “smart”iris engages, the lettters EI will
appear on the screen just below the battery icon.
NOTE
You may observe a momentary freeze in the
image as the unit switches into or out of the
“smart”iris mode.
Red Hot Feature: To assist the operator in interpreting
the image on the screen, the Bullard MX comes standard
with the “
Red Hot” feature. Once the “smart”iris activates
indicating increased thermal energy, the Bullard MX will
paint the hottest area in the view red. This feature only
operates in the EI mode.
Relative Heat Indicator (RHI): The Bullard MX
Thermal Imager is equipped with an on-screen “
Relative
Heat Indicator”(RHI) . The RHI provides a relative
temperature for the object, or objects, framed in the
on-screen cursor. The relative temperature is then
displayed on the bar style gauge located on the right side
of the screen.The RHI will not register temperatures below
100°F or above 1,100°F. The accuracy of the indicated
temperatures is affected by many factors. For example, the
relative temperature displayed on the gauge is an average
of the surface temperatures of all objects targeted in the
cursor.
Additionally, the RHI is programmed to assume that all
objects exhibit an emissivity coefficient of 0.95. This
emissivity factor was chosen based on an average of the
most probable objects that would appear in a fire related
scene. However, some objects, especially those with shiny
silver surfaces, will exhibit very different emissivity factors
and thus adversely affect the accuracy of the RHI.
Therefore, operators should not use the RHI to try to
determine exact temperatures. This tool is best used to
provide a general idea of heat conditions and to compare
the relative heat of one object to that of another.
WARNING
The Relative Heat Indicator (RHI) cannot be relied on to
provide accurate temperature measurements. Making
tactical decisions based on the temperatures indicated
on the RHI scale could result in death or serious injury.

TM
Charging the Nickel Metal Hydride Battery
4
Charging the Nickel Metal Hydride
Battery
Before using a battery for the first time, be sure
to charge and drain the battery at least three
times. This will enable the battery to achieve
maximum life.
Using the Battery Charger: The battery should be
charged in the battery charger, using either the AC or DC
adapter provided. To charge battery, simply insert battery
into charger base so that the metal connectors on the
battery are aligned with the metal connectors in the
charger. A red light will illuminate on the charger to
indicate that the battery is charging. When the light on the
charger turns to green, your battery will be fully charged.
You may leave the battery in the charger indefinitely. You
cannot overcharge the battery.
Using the Direct Charge System: The direct charge
system will allow the NiMH battery of the Bullard Thermal
Imager to be charged inside the camera. The system can
be used to charge one or two NiMH batteries at a time,
one inside the camera and/or one inserted into the
charger base.The charge system can be powered by either
110V AC power supply or the 12V DC adapter cable.
Connect the power source into the rear of the charger
base.
The plug receptacle on the front of the charger base will
not accept the power supply cord. Connect the charger
base to the camera by using the gray connector cord
provided. Insert one end of the cord into the charger base
using the outlet provided on the front of the charger and
the other end into the direct charger receptacle located on
the handle of the thermal imager. A red light will illuminate
on the charger base to indicate that battery charging is in
process. When the light turns green, the charging is
complete.You may leave the direct charge system in place
indefinitely. The batteries cannot be overcharged.
Use only the gray connector cord leading from the charger
base to plug into the camera.You cannot plug either power
supply directly into the camera.
Using the Direct Charge System/Battery Charger:
A battery can be charged in the charger at the same time
as the battery in the camera is being charged by using the
directions previously mentioned. Charging both batteries
at the same time will not lengthen the charge time or
cause any damage to the batteries or charging unit.
Loading the Battery: To open the battery compartment
(Item 4, Figure 1), turn the two thumb knobs outward and
pull the door open. Remove battery. Now insert a fully
charged battery making sure the Bullard decal is facing
away from the camera and the type is right side up. If the
battery has not been inserted correctly, the door will not
shut and the thumb knobs can not be secured. If the door
will not shut, remove the battery and review the
instructions above. The battery can easily be replaced in
the dark.To do so, simply locate the notched bottom of the
battery. Make sure the notch is pointing away from you
and is on the left-hand side. If the door will not shut,
remove the battery and try again.
Additionally, as with all batteries, your Bullard
rechargeable battery will experience a slow drain of its
charge during storage. The amount of drain varies widely
based on storage conditions. For best performance,
charge each of your batteries every two weeks.
Dual Charger Base
12V DC Adapter
110V AC Power Supply
24V DC Output
Figure 2
CAUTION
The output of the 110V AC power supply is 24V DC. Using
any other 110V AC power supply may cause
damage to the system, especially if two batteries are
being charged simultaneously. Most 110V AC power
supplies that have 12V DC outputs will not generate the
current needed to charge two NiMH batteries at once.
Failure to observe instructions may result in permanent
damage to the thermal imager.
CAUTION
Do not use the 110V AC power supply (24V DC output) to
power anything else, such as the optional video
transmit receiver unit (which is designed to operate at
12V DC).The optional video transmit receiver unit will be
damaged by use of the 110V AC power supply. Failure to
observe instructions may result in permanent
damage to the thermal imager.
CAUTION
Never connect the direct charger to the thermal imager
without a NiMH battery being installed in the thermal
imager’s battery compartment. Failure to observe
instructions may result in permanent damage to the
thermal imager.
CAUTION
The Direct Charge System uses a 24V charger. Using any
power supply other than the 110V AC power supply with
24V DC output or the 12V DC cord provided with your
unit will cause damage to the system. Failure to observe
instructions may result in permanent damage to the
thermal imager.

Palm and Top Straps/Care Instructions
5
Palm and Top Straps
The palm and top straps are designed to allow the user to
field replace the top and side strap without having to
return the imager to the factory.
Replacing the Palm Strap: Using a 3/8" wrench,
remove the nut on the right side of the strap. Remove the
strap from the screw by lifting away from the camera.
Remove the left side of the strap by removing the screw
with a Phillips screwdriver. The new strap should be
attached by first securing the left bracket to the camera
using the existing screw. The right bracket should then be
secured by placing the bracket on the screw and
tightening the nut. The strap is correctly attached when
the Bullard logo is facing outward.
Adjusting the Palm Strap: To adjust the palm strap on
the side of the unit, pull open the leather hand guard and
readjust the strap. Once adjusted to comfortable length,
close the leather hand guard.
Adjusting the Shoulder Strap: To attach
the shoulder strap, clip the hooks to any of the three
D-rings on the unit. Adjust the strap to a comfortable
length.
Replacing the Top Strap: Unwrap leather pad from
strap to expose the ends of the strap. Remove right side of
strap from Velcro®hook and loop material, wrap the end
around the anchor on the top of the camera and re-attach.
Remove the left side of the strap from the Velcro, wrap the
end around the anchor on the top of the camera and
re-attach. Wrap leather pad around the strap ends.
Wrist Strap: This strap can be used as a backup to keep
the imager from falling if it should slip from your hand.The
adjustable strap fits over the sleeve of your turnout gear
and can adjust to any size wrist. The wrist strap can be
easily attached to any D-ring located on the camera.
Care Instructions
The design of the Bullard Thermal Imager requires very
little maintenance.
For best results, after each use:
•Clean the outside of the unit with mild soap or
detergent.
•Wipe the lens with a clean, soft, dry cloth.
•Clean the display with a clean, soft, dry cloth.
•Ensure screws are tight on rubber bumpers and side
strap.
•When not in use, always store your Bullard Thermal
Imager in the case provided.
Cleaning the Lens: The thermal imager lens is
protected by both a silicone gasket and a plastic lens
bezel.The bezel (Item 5, Figure 1) contains a drain hole so
that any water that may get into or behind the bezel will be
effectively drained away.
Normally, the lens can be cleaned with a soft, dry cloth and
soapy water. However, if the bezel drain becomes clogged,
it may be necessary to remove the bezel in order to clean
out the passageway. The bezel can be easily removed by
unscrewing the two retaining screws. Once clean,
re-attach the bezel ensuring that the drain is positioned on
the bottom of the assembly.
Top Strap
Palm Strap Wrist Strap
Bullard MX Thermal Imager
CAUTION
Do not use solvents or paint thinners to clean your
Bullard Thermal Imager, as they could permanently mar
the surface or degrade the protective properties of the
casing. Failure to observe these instructions may result
in permanent damage to the thermal imager.

TM
Replacing the Video Display Cover Window/Service
6
Replacing the Video Display Cover
Window
The display cover (Item 6, Figure 1) has a scratch resistant
hard coating to minimize marring. However, if heavy
scratching or gouging does occur, the cover window can be
replaced.To do this, simply remove the four stainless steel
screws along the top and sides of the window. Then
remove the battery door thumb knobs by loosening the
two screws that retain them. Remove the plastic display
cover window and replace with a new one (part number
TIWINDOW), making sure that the O-ring countersink
slots around the mounting holes are facing outward. When
reinserting the screws, make sure each one has the
sealing O-ring in place.
Service
If your BullardThermal Imager is not performing properly,
please contact Bullard Inside Sales at 877-BULLARD (285-
5273).
Describe the problem to the Bullard Representative as
completely as possible. For your convenience, your
representative will try to help you correct the problem
over the phone, or will transfer you to the Bullard Service
Center. Before returning your Bullard Thermal Imager:
1. Verify with your Representative that the product should
be returned to Bullard. Inside Sales or the Service
Center will provide you with written permission and a
return authorization number.
2. Before returning the product, decontaminate and clean
your thermal imager to remove any hazardous or
contaminated materials that may have settled on the
product during use. Laws and/or shipping regulations
prohibit the shipment of hazardous or contaminated
materials. Products suspected of contamination will be
professionally decontaminated at the customer’s
expense.
3. Ship returned products, including those under warranty,
with all transportation charges pre-paid. Bullard cannot
accept returned goods on a freight-collect basis.
4. Returned products will be inspected upon return to the
Bullard facility. The Service Center will telephone you
with a quote for required repair work that is not covered
by warranty. If the cost of repairs exceeds stated quote
by more than 20%, your Coordinator will call you for
authorization to complete repairs. After repairs are
completed and the goods have been returned to you,
Bullard will invoice you for actual work performed.
WARNING
Do not attempt to disassemble the sealed case of your
Bullard Thermal Imager. If the unit is not functioning
properly return it to Bullard for evaluation.
Disassembling the unit voids all warranties. Failure to
follow these instructions could result in death or
serious injury.
WARNING
Thermal Imaging is not a technology designed to
replace current fire fighting tactics. Rather, it is a tool
that allows the firefighter to be more effective and to
make better decisions. Failure to follow these
instructions could result in death or serious injury.
WARNING
Do not attempt to remove the lens gasket or the rear
boot. These parts are sealed and removal will cause
leakage. Failure to follow these instructions could
result in death or serious injury.
WARNING
The Bullard Thermal Imager is not certified as
intrinsically safe. Failure to follow this instruction may
result in serious injury or death.

Warranty Information/Technical Specifications
7
Warranty
Bullard warrants to the original purchaser that the Bullard
Thermal Imager is free of defects in materials and
workmanship under normal use and service for a period of
one (1) year from date of manufacture. The Bullard
obligation under this warranty is limited to repairing or
replacing articles that are returned within the warranty
period, shown to be defective after inspection by Bullard,
and subject to the following limitations:
a. Article must be returned to Bullard with shipping
charges prepaid.
b. Article must not be altered from its original
configuration.
c. Articles must not have been misused, abused, or
damaged in transport.
Bullard provides a limited lifetime warranty on the Bullard
Thermal Imager outer shell. This warrants that the outer
shell is free of defects in materials and workmanship
under normal use and service for the original purchaser.
The Bullard obligation under this warranty is limited to
repairing or replacing articles that are returned within the
warranty period, shown to be defective after inspection by
Bullard, and subject to the following limitations:
a. Article must be returned to Bullard with shipping
charges prepaid.
b. Article must not be altered from its original
configuration.
c. Article must not have been misused, abused, or
damaged in transport.
d. When the outer shell is obsolete and Bullard no
longer stocks the part, the limited lifetime warranty
will be terminated.
In no event shall Bullard be responsible for damages, loss
of use, or other indirect, incidental, consequential or
special costs, expenses or damages incurred by the
purchaser, notwithstanding that Bullard has been advised
of the possibility of such damages.
Any implied warranties, including warranties of
merchantability and fitness for a particular
purpose, are limited in duration to one (1) year
from the date of manufacture of this product.
Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of
incidental or consequential damages, or allow limitations
on how long an implied warranty lasts, so the above
limitations or exclusions may not apply to you. This
warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may have
other rights which vary from state to state.
Extended Warranty
The extended warranty has all the same terms and
conditions as the one-year warranty, except it is for the
period of two years. This warranty can be purchased
directly from Bullard or through any authorized Bullard
distributor.
Technical Specifications
Weight
with battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.38 lbs. (2.44kg)
Detector
Detector Type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Uncooled Microbolometer
Resolution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 320 x 240
Sensing Material . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vanadium Oxide (Vox)
Spectral Response . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 to 14 microns
Thermal Stability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Thermoelectric Cooler
Update Frame Rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 Hz
NETD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . <70 MK
Video Output . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . DC coupled digital signal
converted to RS-170 format
Temperature Indication . . . . 5 x 5 pixel target size, array
centered
Distance/Spot Ration . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 feet = 0.36 inches
Outer Casing
Shell Material . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ultem®Thermoplastic
Sealing Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Silicon
Strap Material . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kevlar
Display Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Polycarbonate
Lens
Material . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Germanium
Focal Length . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 mm
Speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . f/.87
Field of View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55°
Electrical System
Power Source . . . . . . . . . . . . . . NiMH rechargeable Battery
Output Source . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 V
Capacity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1100 mA.hr
Operating Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.25 to 1.5 Hrs
LCD Monitor
Display Size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4" (10cm)
Dot Pitch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.259 mm (V) x 0.210 mm (H)
Dot Format . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234 x 380 Dots
Pixels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89,622
Pixel Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . R-B-G Delta Configuration
Display Method . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TFT Active Matrix System
Input Signal Level . . . . . . . . . . 1.0 V P-P (Positive) 75 Ohm
Back Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CCFT Bicklight
Wireless Remote Transmitter (Optional)
Transmitting Frequency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.4 GHz
Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 400 mW
Power Consumption . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.8 W
Frequency Selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Channel Switch
FCC License . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Part 90
Bullard MX Thermal Imager

TM
Respiratory
Protection Fire and Rescue Safety
Head
Protection Thermal
Imaging
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Ordering Information
86050026703(0901)
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ISO 9001
certified
BULLARDMX Bullard MX Thermal Imager
(Includes Bullard Thermal Imager, two
10V NiMH rechargeable batteries, 24V
charger with 24V AC, and 12V DC
adapters, wrist strap and carry case.)
MXTRANSCOMMAND Includes wireless remote transmitter,
TV/VCR (110 AC and 12 volt DC), 4
channel receiver mounted inside theTV,
antenna, and all necessary cables.
MXTRANSMITONLY Wireless remote transmitter
(Receiving system not included.)
MXTRANSMIT Includes wireless remote transmitter,
antenna, 4 channel receiver switch box,
cable, 110V AC, and 12V DC adapters.
MXRECEIVER Bullard Transmitter Receiver System
Includes the antenna, 4 channel
receiver switch box, and necessary
cables
MXCOMMAND Includes TV/VCR (110 AC and 12 volt
DC), 4 channel receiver mounted inside
the TV, antenna, and all necessary
cables.
TRUCKMNT Truck mounted direct charge system.
This system includes vehicle mount,
battery charger, 2 power cables (110 and
12 volt), mounting gasket, attachment
hardware, and security buckle
BATTERYNIMH 10V NiMH rechargeable battery
BATTERY10V 10V NiCad rechargeable battery
SHSTRAP Replacement shoulder strap
STRAPKIT Thermal Imaging Camera replacement
strap kit includes wrist strap, palm
strap, and top strap
TIWINDOW Replacement hard coated
polycarbonate display cover
DUALCHARGER Dual-Direct Charger for NiMH and NiCad
rechargeable batteries
TIPOWERCORD Gray cord connecting charger base with
thermal imager
TIGLARESHIELD Attaches to Thermal Imager reducing
glare in bright sun conditions
TRIPOD Heavy-duty 4 foot tripod for Thermal
Imager.
CLAMP Thermal imaging clamping system to be
used with tripod or as stand alone system
to mount imager to almost any surface
OMNI Omni directional antenna with permanent
and magnetic base.
Visit our website at www.thermalimager.com.
Ordering Information
CATALOG NUMBER DESCRIPTION CATALOG NUMBER DESCRIPTION
Bullard
1898 Safety Way
Cynthiana, KY 41031-9303
Toll free: 877-BULLARD (285-5273)
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
www.bullard.com
Bullard GmbH
Hochkreuzallee 36
53175 Bonn-Bad Godesberg
Germany
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
©2001 Bullard
Bullard®is a registered trademark of Bullard
Ultem®is a registered trademark of General Electric
Company.
Velcro®is a registered trademark of Velcro USA.