FLIR Tau Camera TAU-0035-00-10 User manual

Tau Camera
User’s Manual
FLIR Commercial Systems, Inc.
70 Castilian Drive
Goleta, CA 93117
Phone: 888.747.FLIR (888.747.3547)
International: +1.805.964.9797
www.flir.com
www.corebyindigo.com
Document Number: TAU-0035-00-10
Version: 150
Issue Date: June 2011
®
This document is controlled to FLIR Technology Level EAR 1. The information contained in this document is proprietary and/or restricted and pertains
to a dual use product controlled for export by the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). This document and data disclosed herein or herewith is
not to be reproduced, used, or disclosed in whole or in part to anyone without the written permission of FLIR Systems, Inc. Diversion contrary to US
law is prohibited. US Department of Commerce authorization is not required prior to export or transfer to foreign persons, parties, or uses otherwise
prohibited.

Tau User’s Manual
-ii June 2011 TAU-0035-00-10, version 150
© FLIR Commercial Systems, Inc., 2011. All rights reserved worldwide. No parts of this manual, in whole
or in part, may be copied, photocopied, translated, or transmitted to any electronic medium or machine
readable form without the prior written permission of FLIR Commercial Systems, Inc.
Names and marks appearing on the products herein are either registered trademarks or trademarks of
FLIR Commercial Systems, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries. All other trademarks, trade names, or company
names referenced herein are used for identification only and are the property of their respective owners.
Liberation fonts are copyright 2009 by RedHat and are used under authority of the GNU public license.
Information about these fonts and the GNU public license can be found at:
https://www.redhat.com/promo/fonts/.
This product is protected by patents, design patents, patents pending, or design patents pending.
If you have questions that are not covered in this manual, or need service, contact FLIR CVS Customer
Support at 805.964.9797 for additional information prior to returning a camera.
This documentation is subject to change without notice.
This equipment must be disposed of as electronic waste.
Contact your nearest FLIR Commercial Vision Systems, Inc. representative for instructions on
how to return the product to FLIR for proper disposal.
FCC Notice. This device is a subassembly designed for incorporation into other products in order to
provide an infrared camera function. It is not an end-product fit for consumer use. When incorporated
into a host device, the end-product will generate, use, and radiate radio frequency energy that may cause
radio interference. As such, the end-product incorporating this subassembly must be tested and
approved under the rules of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) before the end-product may
be offered for sale or lease, advertised, imported, sold, or leased in the United States. The FCC
regulations are designed to provide reasonable protection against interference to radio
communications. See 47 C.F.R. §§ 2.803 and 15.1 et seq.
Industry Canada Notice. This device is a subassembly designed for incorporation into other products in
order to provide an infrared camera function. It is not an end-product fit for consumer use. When
incorporated into a host device, the end-product will generate, use, and radiate radio frequency energy
that may cause radio interference. As such, the end-product incorporating this subassembly must be
tested for compliance with the Interference-Causing Equipment Standard, Digital Apparatus, ICES-003, of
Industry Canada before the product incorporating this device may be: manufactured or offered for sale or
lease, imported, distributed, sold, or leased in Canada.
Avis d’Industrie Canada. Cet appareil est un sous-ensemble conçu pour être intégré à un autre produit
afin de fournir une fonction de caméra infrarouge. Ce n’est pas un produit final destiné aux
consommateurs. Une fois intégré à un dispositif hôte, le produit final va générer, utiliser et émettre de
l’énergie radiofréquence qui pourrait provoquer de l’interférence radio. En tant que tel, le produit final
intégrant ce sous-ensemble doit être testé pour en vérifier la conformité avec la Norme sur le matériel
brouilleur pour les appareils numériques (NMB-003) d’Industrie Canada avant que le produit intégrant ce
dispositif puisse être fabriqué, mis en vente ou en location, importé, distribué, vendu ou loué au Canada.
EU Notice. This device is a subassembly or component intended only for product evaluation, development
or incorporation into other products in order to provide an infrared camera function. It is not a finished
end-product fit for general consumer use. Persons handling this device must have appropriate electronics
training and observe good engineering practice standards. As such, this product does not fall within the
scope of the European Union (EU) directives regarding electromagnetic compatibility (EMC). Any end-
product intended for general consumer use that incorporates this device must be tested in accordance
and comply with all applicable EU EMC and other relevant directives.

TAU-0035-00-10, version 150 iii
Table of Contents
1 Introduction
1.1 Available Tau Configurations ................................................................. 1-2
1.2 Tau Specifications ............................................................................... 1-4
1.3 Unpacking Your Tau Camera ................................................................ 1-5
2 Optional Tau Camera Accessories
2.1 Tau VPC Module Accessory .................................................................. 2-1
2.2 Tau Camera Link Module ..................................................................... 2-2
2.3 Tau WFOV Locking Ring and Tool .......................................................... 2-3
2.4 Tripod Mount for Tau Camera .............................................................. 2-3
2.5 Photon Replicator Board ...................................................................... 2-3
2.6 Photon Replicator Kit .......................................................................... 2-4
2.7 Software Accessory Alternate Lens Calibration Software .......................... 2-4
2.8 Software Accessory SDK for Windows & Embedded ................................ 2-5
3 Basic Operation of the Tau and GUI
3.1 Operation of the Tau Camera using the USB Interface .............................. 3-1
3.2 Remote control of the Tau Camera ....................................................... 3-3
3.3 Installing the FLIR Camera Controller GUI ............................................... 3-4
3.4 Connecting the Tau to a PC via USB ...................................................... 3-7
3.5 Troubleshooting the FLIR Camera Controller GUI ................................... 3-10
3.6 Operation of the FLIR Camera Controller GUI ........................................ 3-11
3.7 Setup Tab ........................................................................................ 3-12
3.8 Analog Video Tab .............................................................................. 3-16
3.9 Digital Video Tab ............................................................................... 3-20
3.10 Image Capture Tab ......................................................................... 3-22
3.11 AGC Tab ....................................................................................... 3-23
3.12 ROI Tab ......................................................................................... 3-26

Table of Contents Tau User’s Manual
iv TAU-0035-00-10, version 150
3.13 Thermal Tab .................................................................................. 3-28
4 Tau Digital Data Channel
4.1 XP Bus Setting—BT.656 Digital Interface ............................................... 4-1
4.2 XP Bus Setting—CMOS Digital Interface ................................................. 4-3
4.3 Discrete I/O ...................................................................................... 4-5
4.4 Photon Camera Legacy LVDS Output ..................................................... 4-6
4.5 Legacy LVDS Digital Data Channels ....................................................... 4-8
5 Overview of the Electrical Interface
5.1 Input Power ....................................................................................... 5-1
5.2 Hirose 50-Pin Connector ..................................................................... 5-1
5.3 Analog Video Output ........................................................................... 5-3
5.4 Command and Control Channel ............................................................ 5-3
5.5 LVDS Digital Data Channel ................................................................... 5-3
5.6 Parallel Digital Data Channel ................................................................ 5-4
Appendix A Pin-out Definitions
A.1 I/O Module 333-0018-00 ................................................................... A-1
Appendix B Serial Communication Technical Details
B.1 Serial Communications Primary Interface ............................................... B-1
B.2 Serial Communications Protocol ........................................................... B-1
B.3 Status Byte ....................................................................................... B-2
B.4 Function Byte ..................................................................................... B-3
B.5 Example of the format of a serial message ........................................... B-11
B.6 Description of Serial Commands ......................................................... B-12
Appendix C Tau with Photon Accessories
C.1 Operation of the Tau camera using the Photon Accessory Kit .....................C-1
C.2 Remote control of the Tau camera .........................................................C-2
C.3 Connecting the serial communications interface using the development kit ...C-2
Appendix D Mechanical IDD Reference
Sheet 1 Tau Camera Mechanical Interface Control Document WFOV ............ D-3
Sheet 1 Tau Camera Core Interface Description Document 5mm - 19mm, .... D-4
Sheet 1 Tau Camera Core Interface Description Document 25mm ............... D-5
Sheet 1 Tau Camera Core Interface Description Document 35mm ............... D-6
Sheet 1 Tau Camera Core Interface Description Document 60mm ............... D-7

TAU-0035-00-10, version 150 June 2011 1-1
1 Introduction
The Tau camera is a long-wavelength (8 – 14 microns) uncooled microbolometer camera
designed for infrared imaging applications that demand absolute minimum size, weight, and
power consumption. It is available with multiple different lens focal length options, as well as
lens-less (not shown) and narrow-field-of-view (NFOV) options. The Tau Software Developer’s Kit
(SDK) enables camera control using one of several programming languages including VB6,
VB.net, C#, and C++ (MFC). The FLIR Camera Controller GUI is an example of an application
created using the SDK—See “Software Accessory SDK for Windows & Embedded” on page 2-
5.
Figure 1-1: Tau Cameras
The camera provides “power-in, video-out” capability, which means that one need only apply input
voltage to receive analog video. For those applications requiring serial control, the Tau camera
includes a serial interface (RS-232) for transmitting camera commands and receiving status.
The Tau camera also provides 8-bit and 14-bit digital data options, including CMOS, BT.656,
and the Legacy Photon LVDS—See “Tau Digital Data Channel” on page 4-1.
5mm 13mm
(43° HFOV) 9mm (48° HFOV) (34° HFOV) 19mm (24° HFOV)
60mm
(8° HFOV)
35mm
(13° HFOV)
25mm
(18° HFOV)
100mm
(4.6° HFOV)

1—Introduction Tau User’s Manual
1-2 June 2011 TAU-0035-00-10, version 150
1.1 Available Tau Configurations
The Tau camera is available with different lenses providing different fields of view, the ‘Slow
Video’ or ‘9 Hz’ option for license-free exportability, and also a 160 × 120 resolution at a
reduced price.
Note
Resolution f/# FOV (H × V) Weight with
lens
5 mm 160 × 120 1.25 43° × 35°
72 g
9 mm
160 × 120
1.25
25° × 20°
320 × 240 48° × 37°
13 mm
160 × 120
1.25
17° × 14°
320 × 240 34° × 26°
19 mm
160 × 120
1.25
12° × 10°
320 × 240 24° × 18°
25 mm 320 × 240 1.4 18° × 14° 135 g
35 mm 320 × 240 1.4 13° × 10° 129 g
60 mm 320 × 240 1.1 7.6° × 5.7° 200 g
100 mm 320 × 240 1.6 4.6° × 3.7° 503 g
The Tau camera lenses are sealed to IP67 (1 meter). The camera back is not sealed.
Boresight features are available on Tau WFOV cameras. See “Mechanical IDD Reference” on
page D-1.
Contact FLIR CVS Customer Support or your local FLIR sales representative for information
on available Tau camera configurations, part numbers, and ordering information.

Tau User’s Manual 1—Introduction
TAU-0035-00-10, version 150 June 2011 1-3
Table 1-1: Tau Camera Lens Range Performance (Standing Man—1.5m by 0.5m)
5mm
Lens
43°
HFOV
9mm
Lens
48°
HFOV
13mm
Lens
34°
HFOV
19mm
Lens
24°
HFOV
25mm
Lens
18°
HFOV
35mm
Lens
13°
HFOV
60mm
Lens
8°
HFOV
100mm
Lens
4.6°
HFOV
115 meters—Detection
27 meters—Recognition
14 meters—Identification
205 meters—Detection
52 meters—Recognition
26 meters—Identification
300 meters—Detection
74 meters—Recognition
37 meters—Identification
450 meters—Detection
112 meters—Recognition
56 meters—Identification
560 meters—Detection
140 meters—Recognition
70 meters—Identification
780 meters—Detection
190 meters—Recognition
97 meters—Identification
1320 meters—
340 meters—Recognition
172 meters—Identification Detection
2075 meters—
540 meters—Recognition
270 meters—Identification Detection

1—Introduction Tau User’s Manual
1-4 June 2011 TAU-0035-00-10, version 150
1.2 Tau Specifications
• 320 (H) ×256 (V) or 160 (H) ×128 (V) uncooled microbolometer sensor array,
25 ×25 micron pixels
• Spectral band: 7.5 - 13.5μm
• NEdT Performance: < 50mK at f/1.01
• Input voltage range: 4.0 – 6.0 VDC
• Power Consumption: < 1.0 Watts (nominal at room temperature using 5V input)
• Time to image: < 3 seconds
• Operating Temperature Range: -40°C to +80°C
•Weight:≤72 grams with either the 5mm, 9mm, 13mm, or 19mm lens option2
Note
• Analog video output:
NTSC (320 × 240) 30Hz (‘Slow Video’ rate (7.5Hz) is available for exportability)
or
PAL (320 × 256) 25Hz (‘Slow Video’ rate (8.3Hz) is available for exportability)
Note
• Digital video output: 8- or 14-bit serial LVDS, CMOS, or BT 656
• Remote camera control RS-232 interface: FLIR Camera Controller GUI software
available for free download at http://www.corebyindigo.com/Tau
• The VPC accessory used for USB connectivity requires that the driver is installed
before using. This driver is installed as part of the FLIR Camera Controller GUI
installation.
•2×and 4×Digital Zoom with electronic pan/tilt (analog video)
• Dynamic Digital Detail Enhancement (DDE)
The latest information concerning specifications, accessories, camera configurations, and
other information can be found in the Tau Thermal Imaging Camera Core Data Sheet at:
http://www.corebyindigo.com/Tau/.
1. NEdT at the camera output measured with FLIR's proprietary noise reduction applied in the as-
shipped configuration. Typical performance is approximately 35mK with f/1.0 optics.
2. Some early WFOV Tau lens options (5mm, 9mm, 13mm, and 19mm) were shipped with a nickel-
plated magnesium lens flange which is not rated for salt/fog. All Tau cameras now ship with black
ecoated lens flanges with a secondary undercoating. This allows the Tau lens flange to survive hun-
dreds of hours in a salt fog environment.
The Tau camera is an export controlled item. In order to increase the Camera’s
exportability, a ‘Slow Video’ version of Tau is available. The frame rate is reduced to
approximately 9 Hz. This change allows Tau to be exported without US export license to
most countries. Please contact FLIR for additional information.
The NTSC analog video format is default for cameras with analog video. The FLIR Camera
Controller GUI software (free download) allows you to select between NTSC or PAL video
output formats and save this configuration.

Tau User’s Manual 1—Introduction
TAU-0035-00-10, version 150 June 2011 1-5
1.3 Unpacking Your Tau Camera
The Tau camera is typically delivered as a component part for incorporation into an original
equipment manufacturer’s (OEM) product; no documentation is included. Documentation and
utilities such as the latest version of this User’s Manual, the FLIR Camera Controller GUI, and
Mechanical Interface Description Documents are available for download from the
www.corebyindigo.com website.
Please unpack the camera heeding customary Electrostatic Sensitive Device (ESD) precautions
including static safe work station and proper grounding. The Tau camera is packaged in foam to
prevent damage during shipping. It is also placed in a conductive anti-static bag to protect from
electrostatic discharge damage.
Caution!
Disassembling the camera can cause permanent damage and will void the warranty.
Operating the camera outside of the specified input voltage range or the specified operating
temperature range can cause permanent damage.
The camera back is not sealed. Avoid exposure to dust and moisture.
This camera contains electrostatic discharge sensitive electronics and should be handled
appropriately.

1—Introduction Tau User’s Manual
1-6 June 2011 TAU-0035-00-10, version 150

TAU-0035-00-10, version 150 June 2011 2-1
2 Optional Tau Camera Accessories
Accessories for your Tau camera can be purchased from the online FLIR Camera Accessory
Store located at www.flirshop.com.
2.1 Tau VPC Module Accessory
The VPC (video, power, communications) module is an expansion board for the Tau camera that
provides a convenient way for customers to power and communicate with the camera via USB.
The VPC module also incorporates an MCX connector that outputs analog video. The VPC
module includes a USB-A to USB-mini B cable for power and communications, as well as an
MCX-to-BNC cable for analog video.
For instructions on installing the VPC Module refer to paragraph 3.1 “Operation of the Tau
Camera using the USB Interface” on page 3-1.
Figure 2-1: Tau VPC Module Installed on a Tau camera
The Tau camera is powered using the USB connector with a nominal draw of 180 mA at 5VDC
and a peak startup draw of 500 mA. The camera uses serial communication at either 57600
or 921600 Baud by creating a virtual COM Port on your computer for USB communications.
The Baud Rate is selected using auto-Baud and the camera will communicate at the first Baud
Rate in which it receives a valid command until it is powered off.
MCX coaxial
Mini USB
Mounting screws
M1.6 × 0.35 × 6 mm SHCS
Power status light

2—Optional Tau Camera Accessories Tau User’s Manual
2-2 June 2011 TAU-0035-00-10, version 150
2.2 Tau Camera Link Module
The Camera Link module is an expansion board for the Tau camera that provides a convenient
way for customers to power and communicate with the camera via USB and access LVDS
digital video with a high-speed Camera Link channel. The Camera Link module also incorporates
an MCX connector that outputs analog video.
The Camera Link Module takes CMOS-type digital data from the Tau camera and converts it to
Camera Link. In order to use a Camera Link module for acquisition of data, you will need to first
enable the CMOS XP Bus Output using the FLIR Camera Controller GUI. See “Digital Video Tab”
on page 3-20. On this same page, you can select either 8-bit or 14-bit digital output. Once you
make these changes, it is a good idea to save settings to make them power cycle consistent.
See “Save Settings” on page 3-14.
The Camera Link module accessory comes with the spacers and mounting screws shown in
Figure 2-2. Note that Camera Link cable, frame grabber, or capture software are not included.
For instructions on installing the Camera Link Accessory refer to paragraph 3.1.2 “Installing
the Camera Link Module” on page 3-2.
Figure 2-2: Tau Camera Link Module Installed on a Tau camera
The Tau camera is powered using the USB connector with a nominal draw of 230 mA at 5VDC
and a peak startup draw of 550 mA. The camera uses serial communication at either 57600
or 921600 Baud by creating a virtual COM Port on your computer for USB communications.
The Baud Rate is selected using auto-Baud and the camera will communicate at the first Baud
Rate in which it receives a valid command until it is powered off.
The digital data complies with Base Camera Link standards and should be compatible with any
brand Camera Link Frame Grabber and software. The FLIR Camera Controller allows for control
of the Tau camera, but does not support Camera Link frame capture and third-party software
must be used.
External sync is not possible with the Camera Link module.
MCX coaxial
Mini USB
Mounting screws
M1.6 × 0.35 × 8 mm SHCS Power status light
Mounting screws
M1.6 × 0.35 × 16 mm SHCS
Mini Camera Link
(analog video)
(digital video)
Spacer
Ø3 mm × 3.1 mm

Tau User’s Manual 2—Optional Tau Camera Accessories
TAU-0035-00-10, version 150 June 2011 2-3
2.3 Tau WFOV Locking Ring and Tool
Tau Locking Ring Accessory,
421-0041-00
Lock Nut Tool,
421-0042-00
Type 2 - 025 O-ring
(not included)
The locking ring is designed to mount a Tau WFOV
camera into a bulkhead. The M29 x 1.0 thread on the
outside of the lens mount flange is placed through the
clearance hole in the bulkhead and the o-ring seals the
camera to the face.
The Type 2-025 O-ring is not for sale through FLIR. This is
a standard o-ring available from many suppliers.
The locking ring accessory is made of Delrin so as not to
scratch the Tau camera lens flange. Scratching the
external plating can compromise the coating and make
the Tau camera more susceptible to corrosion. The lock
nut tool will attach to a torque wrench for proper
tightening. Torque the locking ring to 4.0 in-lbs.
2.4 Tripod Mount for Tau Camera
Tripod mount,
261-2071-00
This accessory adapts two of the mounting points on the
Tau camera to a standard 1/4”x 20 tripod mounting
plate. The tripod adapter mounts to the bottom of Tau
camera using two furnished socket head screws.
2.5 Photon Replicator Board
Photon Replicator Board,
421-0040-00
This expansion board adapts the Tau camera's native
50-pin Hirose connector to the 30-pin SAMTEC
connector used on FLIR's Photon cameras. The
replicator board makes the Tau camera electrically pin-
compatible to a Photon camera, including the provision
for operating the Tau camera over a similar input
voltage range as the Photon camera: 6.5-27 VDC.
A cast magnesium spacer and 4 socket-head machine
screws are included (not shown).

2—Optional Tau Camera Accessories Tau User’s Manual
2-4 June 2011 TAU-0035-00-10, version 150
2.6 Photon Replicator Kit
The Photon Replicator kit,
421-0045-00)
The Photon Replicator Kit
includes a Photon Replicator
Board, as well as a wearsaver,
and rear cover, that emulates the
15-pin D-sub electrical interface
to Photon 320. A “horseshoe”
shaped bracket is also included
that, when attached to the Tau
camera, exactly mimics the
mounting scheme of the Photon
320 camera.
With this accessory kit, the user
will need a standard BNC cable
for analog video output and a
standard RS-232 serial COM
cable for advanced configuration
using the free downloadable FLIR
Camera Controller. The Photon
Replicator Board adapts the 50-
pin Tau connector to a 30-pin
Samtec connector that allows the
use of existing Photon cables and accessories. Purchase accessories for your camera from the
FLIR Camera Accessory Store located at www.flirshop.com.
2.7 Software Accessory Alternate Lens Calibration Software
110-0133-72
For customers that furnish their own optics for use with Tau cores, FLIR sells a Windows
application program called Alt Lens Cal. This software enables users to perform a
supplementary calibration of the camera with a lens. This field-calibration process requires the
use of at least one blackbody source (a uniform, controllable temperature reference) that has
an area greater than the diameter of the front of the lens.
The Alt Lens Cal software also requires a customer-furnished PC, which should be dedicated to
this task. The calibration routine calculates gain terms on a per-pixel basis with the customer-
supplied lens attached to the Tau core, and stores the customer-performed calibration in non-
volatile camera memory. The original factory calibration coefficients are first uploaded from the
camera and stored into a file on the PC, then the new calibration data is downloaded and
stored directly into the camera. Multiple calibration files can be stored on the host computer.
The original factory calibration file can be restored if necessary, and the customer can actually
build a library of lens calibration files for a Tau camera.
Alternately, customers can contact FLIR to purchase a Lens Calibration feature that works with
the FLIR Camera Controller GUI software.
Adapter
Replicator board
Board spacer
Photon adapter
board
Rear cover
Connector
Assembly instructions
and M2 screws
standoffs
and M1.6 screws

Tau User’s Manual 2—Optional Tau Camera Accessories
TAU-0035-00-10, version 150 June 2011 2-5
2.8 Software Accessory SDK for Windows & Embedded
110-0133-16
The Tau Software Developer’s Kit enables camera control using one of several programming
languages including VB6, VB.net, C#, and C++ (MFC). Code examples are included to help
illustrate how some of the camera control functions can be used. The FLIR Camera Controller
GUI is an example of an application created using the Tau SDK.
Refer to http://www.corebyindigo.com/.

2—Optional Tau Camera Accessories Tau User’s Manual
2-6 June 2011 TAU-0035-00-10, version 150

TAU-0035-00-10, version 150 June 2011 3-1
3 Basic Operation of the Tau and GUI
3.1 Operation of the Tau Camera using the USB Interface
The Tau VPC Module and Camera Link Module are USB interfaces for the camera to provide
power and serial communication for more advanced camera command and control via the free
downloadable FLIR Camera Controller GUI. Both modules provide an analog video output, while
the Camera Link Module also provides a digital video output in the Camera Link format. Camera
Link command and control functions are not supported, only the camera link digital video output
is provided.
Connector Type: USB mini 5-pin
Power over USB VPC: nominal draw 180 mA at 5V
(peak load at startup 500 mA at 5V)
Power over USB Camera Link: nominal draw 230 mA at 5V
(peak load at startup 500 mA at 5V)
Serial communications baud rate: 57600 Baud or 921600 Baud
Hot swap protected
Windows Service for automatic detection supported through SDK
3.1.1 Installing the VPC Module
Step 1 Plug the VPC Module into the mating 50-pin
Hirose Connector on the back of the Tau camera.
Step 2 Install the two socket head cap screws to secure
the VPC Module.
Note
Table 3-1: Miniplug / Microplug
Pin Name Color Description
1VCC Red+5V
2 D- White Data -
3D+GreenData+
4ID1
1. Pin 4 of mini-USB connector may be not connected, connected to GND, or used as attachment identification
at some portable devices.
none permits distinction of Micro-A- and Micro-B-Plug
Type A: connected to Ground, Type B: not connected
5 GND Black Signal Ground
Use only M1.6 ×0.35 ×6 mm screws.
Longer screws will damage the camera.

3—Basic Operation of the Tau and GUI Tau User’s Manual
3-2 June 2011 TAU-0035-00-10, version 150
3.1.2 Installing the Camera Link Module
Step 1 Using a 1.5 mm socket driver, remove the two case screws at the bottom of the
camera (opposite connector).
Step 2 Insert the two M1.6 × 0.35 × 16 mm socket head cap screws through the corner
holes of the Camera Link module, install the spacers on the screws, and thread the
screws into the camera to replace the case screws removed earlier.
Step 3 Plug the module connector into the mating 50-pin Hirose Connector on the back of
the Tau camera.
Step 4 Install the two M1.6 × 0.35 × 8 mm socket head cap screws to secure the module at
the connector.
Note
Step 5 Finish tightening the two M1.6 × 0.35 × 16 mm socket head cap screws at the
corners of the case.
The digital data complies with the Base Camera Link standard and should be compatible with
any brand Camera Link Frame Grabber and software.
The FLIR Camera Controller allows you to control the Tau Camera, but does not support
Camera Link frame capture so that a third-party software must be used. FLIR has tested the
ImperX FrameLink Express frame grabber (http://imperx.com/frame-grabbers/framelink-
express).The ImperX frame grabber comes with FrameLink Express software that allows for
recording single or multiple images (BMP, JPG, TIF, and RAW) as well as standard AVI clips.
Configuration requires selecting 1 TAP, L->R for the tap reconstruction, selecting the
appropriate bit depth that you chose in the FLIR Camera Controller, and clicking “Learn” to
discover the number of digital pixels available.
Use only M1.6 × 0.35 × 8 mm screws. Longer screws will damage the camera.
MCX coaxial Mini USB
Mounting screw (2)
M1.6 × 0.35 × 8 mm SHCS
Power status light
Mounting screw (2)
M1.6 × 0.35 × 16 mm SHCS Mini Camera Link
(analog video)
(digital video)
Spacer (2)
Ø3 mm × 3.1 mm
Hirose Connector

Tau User’s Manual 3—Basic Operation of the Tau and GUI
TAU-0035-00-10, version 150 June 2011 3-3
3.1.3 Connecting the Tau Camera for Analog Video
Plug the Video cable into the mating connector
on the back of the camera. Attach the other end
to a compatible video monitor’s composite video
input. If your monitor has an RCA input
connector, a BNC to RCA adapter can be used.
Plug the mini USB plug into the mating
connector on the back of the camera. Connect
the other end of the cable to a USB port on the
computer. At this point, you are only using the
power from the USB port.
3.2 Remote control of the Tau Camera
The Tau camera with the a Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface accommodates advanced
camera control through the FLIR Camera Controller GUI. A user can control the camera
through this interface using their own software and hardware by following the Serial
Communication Protocol and command structure defined in Appendix B. This requires
programming skills and a strong technical background. The user can also use the FLIR Camera
Controller GUI offered as a free download from FLIR using a Windows based PC with a
standard USB port. This software provides remote control of various camera features and
modes.
The FLIR Camera Controller GUI software is compatible with Windows XP with .Net Framework
version 2.0 or later. The GUI will prompt the user to update to the latest .Net Framework.
Note
If your embedded or specialty applications require custom control software, a Software
Developer’s Kit (SDK) is available. Those intending to generate their own custom software are
encouraged to read the remainder of this section regarding the FLIR Camera Controller GUI to
better understand the camera modes and parameters.
We recommend that Windows Update is turned on, keeping the operating system current;
and that you use the latest version of the FLIR Camera Controller GUI
(available on our website).
USB cable
Analog video ou
t
Power light
to computer

3—Basic Operation of the Tau and GUI Tau User’s Manual
3-4 June 2011 TAU-0035-00-10, version 150
3.3 Installing the FLIR Camera Controller GUI
Step 1 If you have another version of the FLIR Camera Controller GUI loaded on your PC, you
should uninstall it using the Windows Uninstall utility via the Windows Control Panel
before proceeding with this installation. This is an important step as camera
malfunction is possible if you do not remove any older versions of Tau (or Omega/
Micron/A10) software.
Step 2 Using your favorite WWW browser, navigate to the following URL:
http://www.corebyindigo.com/Tau.
Step 3 Click the Download Tau GUI (Zip file) link.
Step 4 When the File Download prompt appears, choose Save. It is recommended that you
create a new empty directory such as “FLIR Camera Controller GUI Installable Files”
on your desktop, for download.
Step 5 Extract the Installable files using WinZip or other available software.
Step 6 Open the directory where you saved
the Installable files. Double-click the
setup.exe file to begin installation.
Step 7 Click Next> at the Setup Welcome
screen.
When the installer finishes loading. Follow
the prompts.
Camera Controller GUI USB driver