e2v ARGUS 13 Guide

ARGUS
1
3
Firefighters’ Solid-State
Through Smoke
Vision System
User’s Manual and Warranty Terms
Argus
1
- Trademark licensed from Argus Industries, Inc.
#e2v technologies limited 2003 DAS702198AA, Issue 2

SAFETY NOTES
ARGUS
1
3
THERMAL IMAGING CAMERA
and CHARGER/BATTERY PACKS
Please read before use
This product is an aid to fire and rescue operations in smoke and darkness.
It is not intended as a replacement for standard firefighting techniques. Users
must ensure that all established procedures are followed.
This equipment is not certified as intrinsically safe and therefore must not
be operated in flammable or explosive atmospheres.
Neglecting the above may result in injury or death.
An auto-iris adjusts sensitivity allowing very hot scenes to be viewed. This
circuitry also protects the camera from damage.
To avoid damage:
"The camera should be switched on before entering a fire situation and
remain on until after exit.
"When switched off, the camera should not be directed towards very hot
objects, e.g. the sun. We recommend that it is stored in the supplied case or
storage mount.
WARNINGS indicate a hazard. Failure to appreciate the hazard could result in
personal injury or death. Do not proceed until the hazard is understood.
CAUTIONS indicate a hazard. Failure to appreciate the hazard could result in
severe damage to the unit. Do not proceed until the hazard is understood.
Notes provide useful information.

WARNINGS
Electrical hazards
Do not remove the cover of the charger, or disassemble the charger power lead
or rechargeable pack. There are no user serviceable parts within the charger,
charger lead or the rechargeable pack.
Charger misuse
The charger must only be used for the charging of rechargeable packs; do not
insert any other item into the charger. The charger must not be used to charge
primary cells; the charger will not accept the primary cell pack. Do not use a
damaged charger. Do not attempt to charge damaged packs.
Disposal
The Ni-MH cells contained within the pack must be disposed of in accordance
with local regulations. Do not incinerate. Do not attempt to charge damaged
packs.
Environmental
The charger must not be subjected to water spray, rain or immersion.
CAUTION
The Camera and Rechargeable Battery System are despatched from e2v
technologies in a safe condition. Any unauthorised modifications may
compromise safety and invalidate the warranty. The Camera and Rechargeable
Battery System are designed to be safe when used in accordance with the
instructions provided.
e2v technologies does not accept responsibility for damage or injury resulting
from failure to follow the instructions provided.
All matters arising which relate to the safety of products should be reported
immediately, in writing, giving full details to The Product Safety Officer at e2v
technologies.
NOTE
The Argus
1
3 BST thermal image camera contains an export-controlled
component and may not be shipped to another country without the prior
approval of the US Government, which should be requested from e2v
technologies.

Introduction
ARGUS
1
3
Thermal Imager
The Argus
1
3 thermal imager is brought to you by e2v technologies, the world
leader in through smoke vision systems.
e2v technologies, with over 18 years experience in firefighters’ thermal imaging,
continues to produce high quality, affordable systems designed exclusively for
the fire and rescue services.
Argus
1
3 uses the latest high resolution, solid-state FPA detector or
microbolometer technology to provide superb quality images under the most
arduous conditions while retaining the class-leading ergonomics of the previous
Argus
1
systems.
Through the proper use of this Argus
1
3 system, the user will be able to:
.See through dense smoke and darkness.
.Detect and display the relative temperatures of objects within the scene.
.Locate the seat and spread of the fire.
.Move swiftly in search and rescue of casualties.
.See in zero visibility conditions.
.Significantly improve safety and mobility.
Argus
1
3 is designed to withstand the high temperatures, knocks and driving
spray often encountered in the firefighting environment.
1

Argus
1
3 has also been designed with the following features:
.Capture of 26 images.
.Time and date.
.2x zoom.
.Ambient temperature measurement.
.Choice of 8 colour palettes.
.Spot temperature (optional).
.Internal video transmitter (optional).
This manual contains information covering operation of the system and
operating techniques, user maintenance and care of the product, complete with
a full technical specification.
2

Contents
Page
1 Camera ....................... 4
1.1 GETTING STARTED ..................4
1.2 DISPLAY GRAPHICS ..................6
1.3 OPERATING NOTES ..................8
2 Standard Functions .................. 11
2.1 IMAGE CAPTURE .................. 11
2.2 ZOOM ...................... 11
2.3 TIME AND DATE .................. 11
2.4 AMBIENT TEMPERATURE ............... 12
3 Optional Functions .................. 13
3.1 SPOT TEMPERATURE MEASUREMENT .......... 13
3.2 TRANSMITTER ................... 13
3.3 RECEIVER KITS ................... 14
4 Remote Control Functions ............... 16
5 Software ...................... 18
6
Cleaning, Maintenance and Replacement Parts ........ 26
7 Specifications .................... 29
8 Battery and Charger .................. 31
8.1 BATTERY ..................... 31
8.2 BATTERY CHARGER ................. 32
9 Warranty Terms ................... 33
9.1 EXPRESS WARRANTY ................ 33
9.2 EXCLUSIVE REMEDY ................ 34
9.3 EXCLUSION OF CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES ....... 34
3

1 Camera
1.1 GETTING STARTED
.In the case with this manual you
will find the camera, a pair of
handles, a neckstrap, remote
control, two rechargeable battery
packs, battery charger with mains
and DC leads, two AA battery
packs, customer software and
data lead.
.Check that the rechargeable
batteries are fully charged before
use and the battery packs contain
LR6 type batteries (if supplied).
Open battery door and insert the
battery pack as shown. It will fit in
either rotation. Close the door.
4

.Turn on the unit using the middle
RED button on the rear. A RED
light will be illuminated in the
position shown. A long (3 second)
press is required to switch the
camera off.
.After switch-on and for
approximately 10 seconds, a
splash screen will be displayed
on the camera screen while the
system performs a self-test
routine. This splash screen is
customer configurable – see
section 5.
.After 10 to 20 seconds
(depending on ambient
temperature and sensor type) the
thermal image, with battery status
display, time and date and
ambient temperature, will
appear. If spot temperature
option is included, the sample
window and spot temperature
will also appear.
5

1.2 DISPLAY GRAPHICS
The camera is equipped with an advanced microprocessor based control and
user warning system. In addition to controlling the automatic operation of the
camera to ensure the best possible picture at all times, the control system
provides graphics on the display to alert the user to certain conditions as follows:
.Battery Status
The battery status indicator is always visible at the lower left side of the display,
except during the start up/self-test routine. See Charger and Battery section for
operation details.
.Over-temperature Warning
As the circuitry within the camera approaches its maximum designed operating
temperature, a warning symbol in the shape of a thermometer will appear to the
right of the battery status indicator. The camera will continue to operate at this
temperature but the user may see some degradation of the image quality.
If the user ignores this warning and continues to operate the camera in very high
temperatures, a flashing temperature warning statement will appear on the
screen.
When the temperature warning statement is present, the camera is very
close to its absolute operating limit and the image will start to degrade
considerably. The user must remove the unit from the high ambient
temperature at this time; failure to comply may result in permanent
damage to the unit.
6

.General System Failure Warning
As part of the operation of the system, the microprocessor monitors certain
functions and displays an internationally recognised warning symbol if it detects
a fault. The warning, which takes the form of an exclamation mark within a
triangle, will appear to the right of the battery status indicator (and to the right
of the temperature warning if this is active). The warning will appear if any of the
following faults are detected:
High humidity within the sealed case assembly.
This will occur if the plastics or the case seal are damaged and allowing
moisture into the camera.
Failure of the lens iris assembly
This warning symbol may appear briefly during normal operation, but the
camera must be returned to an authorised service centre or the factory if the
warning symbol remains on.
Failure to act upon this level of warning may result in serious damage to the
system and may invalidate the warranty.
.Zoom Symbol
The zoom symbol indicates when the 2x zoom function is activated. This will
appear to the right of the battery status indicator.
.Image Capture Symbol
The image capture symbol appears for a short time over the battery status
indicator after the image capture button has been pressed. The screen will also
show which image number out of 26 has been captured.
.Transmitter ON/Channel Number Symbol
When the transmitter is turned on (if fitted), the transmitter ON/channel number
symbol will appear to the right of the battery status indicator.
7

1.3 OPERATING NOTES
.Interpreting The Image - Relative Temperatures
The image displayed is simply a black and white picture of the infrared energy
entering the lens. The camera displays relative temperature differences between
individual objects and their surroundings, irrespective of overall ambient
temperature.
The camera is set up to display objects at various shades, from black for cooler
items to white for hotter bodies, i.e. in a room at 20 8C a cold drink would
appear black whilst a hot radiator would appear white. In a room at 250 8C,
however, it is possible that the same hot radiator may appear darker than, for
example, burning materials.
.Identification of Fire and Hotspots
The camera will represent zones of very high temperature as white zones within
the picture. Very small fires or smouldering material will cause the automatic iris
to close down slightly, but the image of surrounding objects will remain clearly
visible.
.Hidden Fires
It is possible that fires may be burning or smouldering behind doors, in ducting
or indeed in wall or floor cavities. In such circumstances, the operator should
look for areas which appear whiter when compared with the surroundings. For
example, a fire behind a door will cause the door to appear whiter against the
background. Similarly, a white area on an otherwise dark wall could indicate the
area of fire behind the masonry.
8

.Search for Persons and Objects
The camera is not restricted to locating fires. In many cases, the firefighter will be
using the camera in a search for casualties, to seek out dangerous items such as
fuel tanks or gas cylinders and also as an aid to navigation through unknown
premises.
.Image Clarity
The sharpness and clarity of the image provided is related to the temperature of
the scene and objects in view. A cold room provides little infrared energy and
less detail is detected than in a warm environment where objects give off
significant energy. In general, the warmer the scene, the more thermal contrast
and hence greater detail in the picture.
.Heat Layers in Closed Spaces
In a major fire, a layer of hot gases may build up in the upper region of the
closed space. Attempting to use the camera in this hot layer will cause the image
to become featureless. By bringing the camera down beneath this layer, the unit
is able to provide the firefighter with a clearer picture of the scene ahead.
.Windows and Polished Surfaces
Glass is not transparent to long wavelength infrared energy and it is not possible
for the operator to use the camera to look through a window. A white window
would indicate that the window itself is relatively warm and may be being
heated by a fire behind it. Just as we see reflections in glass under normal
circumstances, it is possible that the camera can detect infrared reflections in
glass, mirrors and polished or painted surfaces. Care must be taken to ensure
that the image seen is not simply a reflection. Experience will give the operator
added confidence.
9

.Control of Water Streams/Jets
When viewed through the camera, water streams from hose reels will appear
black against the background scene. The control and aim of water flow can be
monitored by viewing the flow and its effect on the fire through the camera. It
may be necessary, if employing a water wall, to drop the wall momentarily to
view the effects of the extinguishing stream.
.Smoke Types
The camera will provide vision through all types of smoke and steam.
.Lens Cleaning During Operation
The camera lens, like the BA visor, may become obscured during use. The lens
may be cleaned with a glove or cloth if necessary.
10

2 Standard Functions
2.1 IMAGE CAPTURE
.Up to 26 images can be captured and stored in the camera. These images
can then be viewed or deleted using the remote control or software
provided (see section 4 for details of remote control). Using the software
provided, captured images can be downloaded to a suitable laptop/PC in
.bmp format.
.To capture an image press the left-hand button. The image capture symbol
will appear over the battery status indicator and the number of the image
out of 26 will be displayed on the screen.
.If the image capture button is pressed and the camera has 26 images stored,
a warning ‘FULL’ will appear. Before further images can be stored, images
will have to be saved to a laptop/PC or deleted using the remote control or
software provided.
2.2 ZOOM
.The zoom function is operated by a short press on the right-hand button
and is indicated by the magnifying glass icon on the screen.
.Where the temperature measurement option is combined with zoom, the
sample window is also expanded to suit.
2.3 TIME AND DATE
.Time and date is displayed at the top of the screen in the format:
hh:mm dd/mm/yy
.This is also present on the external video feed for recording directly or via the
Video Transmission systems and will be shown on any image captured.
.The date and time can be adjusted using the remote control or software
provided.
11

2.4 AMBIENT TEMPERATURE
.The ambient temperature sensor is fitted to the front of the camera and the
ambient temperature is displayed on the video.
.The range for ambient temperature measurement is 717 8C (1.4 8F) to
150 8C (302 8F). If ambient temperature measurement is not required, it can
be turned off using the software and the readout display will be removed
from the video.
12

3 Optional Functions
3.1 SPOT TEMPERATURE MEASUREMENT
.The addition of a sensor to the
camera allows the operator to
view the average scene
temperature (within a defined
area). The temperature is
displayed as an overlay on the
camera video.
.This system is intended to give the
operator the ability to detect
possible hazards such as hot gas
bottles or tanks. The camera can be configured to give a reading in 8Cor8F
by using the user software (see section 5).
.Scene temperatures between 0 8C (32 8F) and 500 8C (932 8F) can be
displayed. If the temperature lies outside this range a 4or 5symbol
appears before the reading indicating that it is outside the possible range.
Note: If the object in the scene does not fully fill the sample window, then a false
reading may be obtained. Care should be taken not to cover up the sensor
window (with a hand for example) when using this system.
3.2 TRANSMITTER
The transmitter is housed inside the camera and is powered by the camera
battery. It is designed to allow remote viewing of a thermal image from the
camera. To switch on the transmitter, press and hold the transmitter ON button
at the rear of the camera. When the transmitter is turned on, the transmitter on/
channel number symbol will appear to the right of the battery status indicator.
13

The performance of the system will allow a transmitting range of greater than
1 km (0.6 mile) line of sight. This will be reduced when used inside buildings and
will vary depending on the construction of the building and how many walls etc.
are between the camera and the receiver.
Due to the relatively low power of the system and the high frequency used (1.4
or 2.4 GHz) it is normal for the received picture to break up momentarily when
the camera is moved. This break-up is caused by multi-pathing of the signal as it
bounces off objects and people between the camera and the receiver.
The transmitter is available in two frequencies, 1.4 GHz and 2.4 GHz, depending
on the local licensing regulations of the country of use.
.1.4 GHz Transmitter
The transmitter is supplied as a single-channel 200 mW system and is
MPT1349 approved for use in the UK only. The transmitter should be used in
conjunction with the Receiver Kit DAS548076AA or the Receiver Case.
.2.4 GHz Transmitter
The transmitter is supplied as a two-channel 300 mW system and is FCC part
90 approved for use in the US. The transmitter should be used in
conjunction with the Receiver Kit DAS547874AA or the Receiver Case.
3.3 RECEIVER KITS
Both the receiver kits provide a standard 1.0 V video output and are designed for
use with a separate video monitor (not supplied). The receiver requires 12 V dc
power, either from a vehicle supply or the mains adaptor supplied. The antenna
can be mounted on a pole if required and is connected to the receiver by a 3 m
(10 ft) long cable.
14

Mount the antenna in a suitable location, so that the front of the unit is directed
towards the camera is deployed. Connect the antenna to the receiver using the
cable provided. Connect the DC power to the receiver using the mains adaptor
provided. Connect the receiver to a suitable video monitor using the phono or
BNC connector located on the rear of the unit.
.Receiver kits for 1.4GHz transmitters (DAS548076AA)
The stand-alone receiver is single-channel and is supplied complete with
high gain antenna (DAS549406AA). Also supllied is an antenna to receiver
cable (DAS548241AA) and mains adaptor unit (DAS548235AA).
.Receiver kits for 2.4GHz transmitters (DAS547874AA)
The stand-alone receiver has two channels and is supplied complete with
high gain antenna (DAS547875AA). Also supplied is an antenna to receiver
cable (DAS548236AA) and mains adaptor unit (DAS548235AA).
15

4 Remote Control Functions
To access the remote control functions, press the RED button on the remote. The
screen will show the first of the list of 8 options. These are:
Brightness Adjustment,
Contrast Adjustment,
Colour Adjustment,
Transmitter Channel,
Colour Options,
White Hot or Black Hot,
Stored Image: Review and Deletion,
Time and Date Setting.
To access any of these functions press
the menu ~or menu !buttons
until the desired option is displayed.
Once the desired option has been
selected, each option has further
action (see below). Pressing the RED
button again will set any changes
required and leave the option list or,
pressing the menu ~or menu !
buttons, another option can be
selected.
.Brightness, Contrast and Colour
Adjustment
By pressing the + or 7buttons,
the brightness, contrast and colour of the LCD screen is increased or
reduced.
.Transmitter Channel
By pressing the + or 7buttons, the transmitter channel is selected.
16