FLIR Tau User manual

Tau
User’s Manual
Document Number: TAU-0035-00-10
Version: 100
Issue Date: April 2009
TM
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.
PHONE: [phone]
INTL: [phone]
FAX: [phone]
EMAIL: [email protected]

© FLIR Inc., 2009. 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 Inc.
Names and marks appearing on the products herein are either registered trademarks or
trademarks of FLIR 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 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.
PHONE: [phone]
INTL: [phone]
FAX: [phone]
EMAIL: [email protected]

TAU-0035-00-10, version 100 iii
Table of Contents
1 Introduction
1.1 Tau Specifications ............................................................................... 1-2
1.2 Available Tau Configurations ................................................................. 1-3
1.3 Unpacking Your Tau Camera ................................................................ 1-4
2 Optional Tau Accessories
2.1 Tau Video Power Com (VPC) Accessory ................................................. 2-1
2.2 Backward-compatible Photon accessories .............................................. 2-2
2.3 Software accessory SDK for Windows & Embedded ................................. 2-3
3 Basic Operation of the Tau and GUI
3.1 Operation of the Tau camera using the Photon development kit ................. 3-1
3.2 Remote control of the Tau camera ........................................................ 3-2
3.3 Connecting the serial communications interface using the development kit .. 3-2
3.4 Installing the FLIR Camera Controller ..................................................... 3-3
3.5 Connecting the Tau to a PC via the I/O Module ....................................... 3-6
3.6 Troubleshooting the FLIR Camera Controller ........................................... 3-8
3.7 Operation of the FLIR Camera Controller ................................................ 3-9
3.8 Setup Tab ........................................................................................ 3-10
3.9 Analog Video Tab .............................................................................. 3-14
3.10 Digital Video Tab ............................................................................. 3-18
3.11 AGC Tab ....................................................................................... 3-19
3.12 ROI Tab ......................................................................................... 3-22
4 Tau Digital Data Channel
4.1 Using the Digital Data Channel .............................................................. 4-2
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 Digital Data Channel ............................................................................ 5-3

Table of Contents Tau User’s Manual
iv TAU-0035-00-10, version 100
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-10
B.6 Description of serial commands .......................................................... B-11
B.7 Spare Serial Communications Channel ................................................. B-12
B.8 Analog Video Interface ...................................................................... B-12
B.9 Digital Data Channels ........................................................................ B-13
Appendix C Mechanical IDD Reference
Tau Camera Core Interface Description Document 5mm - 19mm, ..................C-3
Tau Camera Core Interface Description Document 25mm..............................C-4
Tau Camera Core Interface Description Document 35mm..............................C-5
Tau Camera Core Interface Description Document 60mm..............................C-6

TAU-0035-00-10, version 100 April 2009 1-1
1 Introduction
The Tau 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 a No Lens
option intended for customers who mount their own lens and perform ancillary Alternate Lens
Calibration—See “Software accessory SDK for Windows & Embedded” on page 2-3.
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 demanding more advanced control, the
Tau camera includes a serial interface (RS-232) for transmitting camera commands and
receiving status. In more demanding situations, the Tau camera also provides 14-bit and 8-bit
digital video options, including CMOS, BT-656, and the Legacy Photon LVDS—See “Tau Digital
Data Channel” on page 4-1.
5 mm 13 mm
(43° HFOV) 9 mm (48° HFOV) (34° HFOV) 19 mm (24° HFOV)

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1-2 April 2009 TAU-0035-00-10, version 100
1.1 Tau Specifications
• 320 (H) x 256 (V) or 160 (H) x 120 (V) uncooled microbolometer sensor array,
25 x 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: ~ 2 seconds
• Operating Temperature Range: -40°C to +80°C
• Weight: 70 grams with either the 5, 9, 13, or 19mm lens option
Note
• Analog video output:
NTSC (320x240) 30Hz (slow video output rate (7.5Hz) is available for exportability)
or
PAL (320x256) 25Hz (slow video output rate (8.3Hz) is available for exportability)
Note
• Digital video output: 8- or 14-bit serial LVDS, CMOS, BT 656
• Remote camera control RS-232 interface: FLIR Camera Controller software
available for free download at www.corebyindigo.com/service/
softwareupdates.cfm)
• 2X Digital Zoom with electronic pan/tilt
• Dynamic Digital Detail Enhancement (DDE)
Note: These specifications are subject to change without notice.
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/products/uncooledcores.cfm.
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.
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 Inc. for additional information.
The NTSC analog video format is the default in all cameras. The FLIR Camera Controller
software allows you to select between NTSC or PAL video output formats and save this
setting.

Tau User’s Manual 1—Introduction
TAU-0035-00-10, version 100 April 2009 1-3
1.2 Available Tau Configurations
The Tau is available with different lenses providing different fields of view and the ‘Slow Video’ or
‘9 Hz’ option for license-free exportability.
Note
Contact FLIR CVS Customer Support or your local FLIR sales representative for information
on available Tau camera configurations, part numbers, and ordering information.
Figure 1-2: Tau Camera as delivered showing 50-pin Hirose Connector and Back Cover

1—Introduction Tau User’s Manual
1-4 April 2009 TAU-0035-00-10, version 100
1.3 Unpacking Your Tau Camera
The Tau camera is typically delivered as a standalone product; no documentation is included.
Documentation and utilities such as the latest version of this User’s Manual, the FLIR Camera
Controller, 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 is not sealed. Avoid exposure to dust and moisture.
This camera contains electrostatic discharge sensitive electronics and should be handled
appropriately.

TAU-0035-00-10, version 100 April 2009 2-1
2 Optional Tau Accessories
2.1 Tau Video Power Com (VPC) Accessory
The Tau VPC module is the first thing many users will connect their Tau camera, and for some
customers it may be the only thing they will ever need. The VPC provides connection to a host
computer for power, command/control, and digital image capture; it has a direct connection
for analog image output.
Figure 2-1: Tau VPC module with Tau camera
Connector Type: USB mini 5-pin
Power over USB: nominal draw 180mA at 5V
(peak load at startup 500mA at 5V)
Command communications Rate: 57600 Baud
Hot swap protected
Windows Service for automatic detector supported through SDK
Table 2-1: 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
MCX coaxialMini USB

2—Optional Tau Accessories Tau User’s Manual
2-2 April 2009 TAU-0035-00-10, version 100
2.2 Backward-compatible Photon accessories
The following are accessories that offer a development environment or extended features for
your Tau camera.
Figure 2-2: Photon Replicator Kit
1. Cable, Tau to I/O Module, 6 foot length
(Part Number: 308-0076-02)
2. Input/Output (I/O) Module (Part Number: 333-0018-00)
3. AC/DC Power Supply (Part Number: 206-0001-20)1
4. IEC Line Cord (Part Number: 208-0004-02)
5. Photon Replicator Board (Part Number: 250-0324-00)
6. Board Spacer (Part Number: 261-1477-00)
7. Wearsaver (Part Number: 250-0194-00) Not Shown
The Photon Replicator kit includes a power supply, input/output module (interconnect box),
Photon Replicator Board (26-pin to 50-pin adapter to Tau allowing use of existing Photon cables
and accessories), and cables to facilitate AC power in and analog video out for your Tau
camera. With this accessory kit, the customer only needs to purchase a standard RS-232
COM cable in order to perform advanced configuration using the free downloadable FLIR
Camera Controller. Longer screws are required to mount the replicator board to the Tau core.
1. Photon Replicator Board accepts 6-24V. (The Tau core input voltage is 4-6V without the replicator
attached.)
5
2
13 4
6

Tau User’s Manual 2—Optional Tau Accessories
TAU-0035-00-10, version 100 April 2009 2-3
Figure 2-3: Digital Data Serial-to-Parallel Module or SIPO (Part Number: 333-0017-00)
FLIR’s optional serial-in, parallel-out (SIPO) module converts the serial LVDS into parallel data.
The SIPO mates directly to the I/O module’s digital data port, and furnishes a 68-pin connector
that can be attached to a frame grabber via a digital interface cable. This accessory facilitates
capture of the LVDS serial digital data channel from the Tau camera and mirrors it in a parallel
format used with computer-based capture boards.
These boards require third-party software not offered or formally supported by FLIR. Refer to
Chapter 4 for details on known compatible frame grabbers and interface cables, as well as
setup files for the two we have verified.
2.3 Software accessory SDK for Windows & Embedded
The Tau Software Developer’s Kit (SDK Part Number 110-0102-46) 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 is an example of
an application created using the Photon SDK.
Refer to http://www.corebyindigo.com/service/softwareupdates.cfm.

2—Optional Tau Accessories Tau User’s Manual
2-4 April 2009 TAU-0035-00-10, version 100

TAU-0035-00-10, version 100 April 2009 3-1
3 Basic Operation of the Tau and GUI
3.1 Operation of the Tau camera using the Photon development kit
Backward compatibility with existing Photon equipment may be the simplest way to connect to
your Tau camera to provide power and obtain video. It also facilitates serial communication for
more advanced camera command and control via the free downloadable FLIR Camera
Controller. In this first section, we will discuss simply applying power and obtaining video output,
not serial communication.
Remove the lens cap. (Remember to replace the lens cap when the camera is not in use to
prevent accidental scratching and dust contamination.)
Using the Development Kit’s Interface Cable and I/O Module, plug one end of the Interface
Cable into the mating connector on the back of the camera. Connect the other end of the
Interface Cable to the mating connector on the I/O Module labeled CAMERA.
Attach one end of a standard BNC cable to the video port labeled VIDEO on the I/O Module.
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 power supply into an electrical outlet. Insert the circular plug at the other end of the
power supply into the power jack labeled POWER on the I/O Module and tighten the locking
screw finger tight. The camera will take ~2 seconds to produce an image after you apply of
power.
You should see an initial splash screen with the FLIR logo displayed, and then live infrared long
wave imaging video will follow! Point the camera in different directions and notice the imagery. If
the video image appears low in contrast, point the camera at a scene with high thermal
contrast such as at a person.
To camera
I/O Module
(333-0018-00)
To video monitor
To power supply
(206-0001-20)

3—Basic Operation of the Tau and GUI Tau User’s Manual
3-2 April 2009 TAU-0035-00-10, version 100
3.2 Remote control of the Tau camera
The Tau camera accommodates advanced camera control through an RS-232 serial interface.
A user can control the camera via this interface by following the Serial Protocol Communication
and command structure requirements located in Appendix B and their own hardware/software
interface. This requires programming skills and a strong technical background. The user can
also use the FLIR Camera Controller offered as a free download from FLIR using a Windows
based PC with the standard serial communications and components provided in the
Development Kit. This software provides remote control of various camera features and
modes. The FLIR Camera Controller software is compatible with Windows XP. The PC must
have a spare serial communications port or you must use the Tau VPC module USB accessory.
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 to
better understand the camera modes and parameters.
3.3 Connecting the serial communications interface using the
development kit
You should have successfully operated the camera and obtained live video on a monitor as
described in paragraph 3.1 “Operation of the Tau camera using the Photon development kit” on
page 3-1.
The only additional hardware required for serial communication is a serial cable connected as
shown below.
Attach one end of a standard RS-232 serial port (9-pin) PC cable to the communications port
labeled RS-232 on the I/O Module. Attach the other end to the serial port on your PC. This
cable should be a standard RS-232 cable, not a cross-over configured serial cable.
A USB to Serial port adapter is acceptable, but the data communication rate must be set to
57600 BAUD.
To PC serial COM port
(RS232)
To Camera

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TAU-0035-00-10, version 100 April 2009 3-3
3.4 Installing the FLIR Camera Controller
Step 1 If you have another version of the FLIR Camera Controller 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/service/softwareupdates.cfm
Step 3 Click the Download FLIR Camera Controller link for the version which supports your
Tau.
Step 4 When the File Download prompt appears, choose Save. This will save the installable
file in the directory of your choice. It is recommended that you create a new empty
directory such as “FLIR Camera Controller Installable Files” on your desktop, for
download. The file Tau_GUI.zip will be saved.
Step 5 Open the directory where you saved the
zip.
Step 6 Double click the Tua_GUI.zip file. The
WinZip utility should open the zip file
and show the compressed contents.
Step 7 Save the files shown via the WinZip
Extract command. This method is
important as it preserves the
necessary installation paths for the
install utility. It is not recommended
that you drag-and-drop the contents from the WinZip utility. Extract to a directory of
your choice.
Step 8 Navigate to the directory where you
extracted the contents. Inside that
folder you will find a directory which
should contain the files shown: Double
click the FLIR Camera Controller
setup.exe file to begin installation.

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3-4 April 2009 TAU-0035-00-10, version 100
Step 9 Click Next>> at the Setup
Welcome screen.
When the installer finishes
loading. Follow the prompts.
Step 10 Select Destination Folder if
different than the default.
Then, click Install.
Step 11
Step 12 Once installation is complete,
click Finish.

Tau User’s Manual 3—Basic Operation of the Tau and GUI
TAU-0035-00-10, version 100 April 2009 3-5
Step 13 Installation is complete. You can start the application or create a shortcut to the
application via the
Start→Programs→Tau→FLIR Camera Controller path.

3—Basic Operation of the Tau and GUI Tau User’s Manual
3-6 April 2009 TAU-0035-00-10, version 100
3.5 Connecting the Tau to a PC via the I/O Module
Step 1 Follow the steps shown in paragraph 3.1 “Operation of the Tau camera using the
Photon development kit” on page 3-1 for basic operation of the camera. Power-down
after verifying that the camera is producing an image.
Step 2 You may have done this operation in paragraph 3.1. If not, connect one end of a
standard serial cable (user must provide as this is not included with the Tau camera
or the Development Kit) to the 9-pin female DB9 connector on the I/O module labeled
‘RS-232’. Do not use a ‘cross-over’ serial cable.
Step 3 Connect the other end of the standard serial cable to an unused serial port on your
computer. These ports may be labeled ‘COM1’ or ‘COM2’.
Step 4 Power on the camera. Assuming the FLIR Camera Controller software is already
installed on the PC (see installation instructions above), launch the software by
selecting Start→Programs→Tau→FLIR Camera Controller.
Note
When the FLIR Camera Controller is started, the Status tab of the utility should return
data similar to the following.
The FLIR Camera Controller remembers the last COM port that successfully communicated
with a Tau camera and will use that port as the default at start of the application. If the
connected camera is no longer on that port, the port setting pop-up window will appear asking
for you to select the proper port setting.
Figure 3-1: FLIR Camera Controller Status Tab

Tau User’s Manual 3—Basic Operation of the Tau and GUI
TAU-0035-00-10, version 100 April 2009 3-7
Step 5 Connect to your camera by selecting Connect from the
Camera menu.
Step 6 If you want the FLIR Camera Controller to
automatically connect when it is started,
select Settings from the Tools menu, then
check the Automatically connect on
startup box in the Settings Framework tab.
Additional settings include camera
connection polling, status logging,
and FLIR Veneer style.

3—Basic Operation of the Tau and GUI Tau User’s Manual
3-8 April 2009 TAU-0035-00-10, version 100
3.6 Troubleshooting the FLIR Camera Controller
If the FLIR Camera Controller does not link with
the camera, you may see the popup shown at the
right which indicates that the GUI has not been
able to communicate with the Tau Camera.
Verify the items in the following checklist:
Is the camera properly cabled to the host PC? Verify that you selected the
proper port if it was not detected automatically. Clicking in the lower right of the FLIR Camera
Controller window on top of the word COM will bring up a dialog box indicating COM port. Also,
try disconnecting and then re-connecting the RS-232 serial cable to the PC. If the GUI was
launched before the serial cable was connected, close the GUI, connect the serial cable, then
re-launch the GUI.
Is the port already in use by another application? Shut down any other
applications that may be using the port. Also, multiple instances of the FLIR Camera Controller
Program can be instantiated using different ports so be sure the camera you are interested in
controlling is actually connected to the physical port.
Is the Tau camera power on? Verify that the camera is producing an image on a
separate monitor. Also, at camera power up, you can hear two sets of a click-click sound,
separated by about 5 seconds, as the internal shutter performs its on-power-up calibration. If
you don’t hear these sounds, it’s likely the Tau camera is not being powered correctly.
If you cannot initiate serial communication with the camera after verifying these items, refer to
the frequently asked questions (FAQ) at http://www.corebyindigo.com/Tau/TauFAQs_All.cfm
or contact FLIR Customer Support at [phone].