FLIR ThermoVision Micron User manual

ThermoVision® Micron/A10 User’s Guide 412-0006-10 Version 130
ThermoVision®
Micron/A10 Camera
User’s Guide
412-0006-10
Version 130
FLIR Systems
Indigo Operations
70 Castilian Dr.
Goleta, CA 93117-3027
805 964-9797 FAX [phone]
www.indigosystems.com

ThermoVision® Micron/A10 User’s Guide 412-0006-10 Version 130
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1INTRODUCTION................................................................................................................. 4
2MICRON/A10 SPECIFICATIONS .................................................................................... 4
3OPTIONAL MICRON/A10 FEATURES........................................................................... 5
4UNPACKING YOUR MICRON/A10 CAMERA .............................................................. 6
5OPTIONAL MICRON/A10 ACCESSORIES.................................................................... 7
6OVERVIEW OF THE MICRON/A10 ELECTRICAL INTERFACE............................ 8
INPUT POWER............................................................................................................................... 8
ANALOG VIDEO OUTPUT ............................................................................................................. 9
COMMAND AND CONTROL CHANNEL........................................................................................... 9
DIGITAL DATA CHANNEL ............................................................................................................ 9
BASIC OPERATION OF THE MICRON/A10 CAMERA .................................................... 10
7REMOTE CONTROL OF THE MICRON/A10 CAMERA .......................................... 14
INSTALLATION OF MICRON/A10 CONTROL PANEL SOFTWARE .................................................. 14
CONNECTING MICRON/A10 TO A PC VIA THE I/O MODULE....................................................... 15
CONNECTING MICRON/A10 TO A PC VIA THE ETHERNET MODULE ........................................... 16
CONNECTING MICRON/A10 TO A PC VIA THE FIREWIRE(IEEE-1394) MODULE ........................ 17
TROUBLESHOOTING THE COMMAND &CONTROL LINK ............................................................. 19
OPERATION OF THE MICRON/A10 CONTROL PANEL .................................................................. 20
7.1.1 Control Panel General Tab .................................................................................. 20
7.1.2 Control Panel Video Tab ...................................................................................... 23
7.1.3 Control Panel Digital Tab .................................................................................... 27
7.1.4 Control Panel Advanced Tab................................................................................ 28
7.1.5 Control Panel Menu Options................................................................................ 30
8MICRON/A10 DIGITAL DATA CHANNEL.................................................................. 33
USING THE DIGITAL DATA CHANNEL ........................................................................................ 34
9MICRON/A10 PHYSICAL INTERFACE ....................................................................... 34
DIMENSIONED DRAWINGS ......................................................................................................... 34
MOUNTING................................................................................................................................. 34
APPENDIX A: PIN-OUT DEFINITIONS ............................................................................... 39
CAMERA I/O .............................................................................................................................. 39
I/O MODULE .............................................................................................................................. 40
COPYRIGHT NOTICE © INDIGO SYSTEMS CORPORATION 2003

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Cautions:
•Do not remove the camera cover. Disassembly of the camera (including removal of the
cover) 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 and replace the lens cap
when not in use.
•Do not image extremely high intensity radiation sources, such as the sun, lasers, arc
welders, etc.
•The camera is a precision optical instrument and should not be exposed to excessive
shock and/or vibration. Refer to the Product Specification (ISC doc. 102-0005-09) for
detailed environmental requirements.
•This camera contains static-sensitive electronics and should be handled appropriately.
•If you have questions that are not covered in this manual, or need service, contact
Customer Support at [phone] for additional information prior to returning a
camera.

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1INTRODUCTION
The ThermoVision® Micron or ThermoVision® A10 is a long-wavelength (7.5 – 13.5 microns)
uncooled microbolometer camera designed for infrared imaging applications that demand absolute
minimum size, weight, and power consumption. It is available with five different lens options:
8.5mm focal length (55° x 41° field of view), 11mm focal length (40° x 30°), 18 mm (25° x 19°),
30 mm (15° x 11°) or 50 mm (9° x 7°). The camera provides “power-in, video-out” capability,
which means that one need only apply input voltage to receive analog video. However, for
applications demanding more advanced control, Micron/A10 includes a serial interface (RS-232)
and Control Panel software for transmitting camera commands and receiving status.
Micron/A10 also provides an optional digital data interface via parallel, firewire or ethernet
interface.
2MICRON/A10 SPECIFICATIONS
•164 (H) x 128 (V) uncooled microbolometer sensor array, 51 x 51 micron pixels
•Input power range: 3.5V – 9.0VDC (7.5V – 30.0V, optional)
•Power Consumption: 1.5 Watts (nominal at room temperature with 8V input)
•Operating Temperature Range: 0°C to 40°C (-40°C to +55°C extended range, optional)
•Humidity: 95% non-condensing
•Dimensions: see detailed drawings in Section 9
•Weight: approx 107 grams for 11 mm, 18 mm & 30 mm; 150 grams for 50 mm
•Analog video output: NTSC (PAL optional)
•Remote interface: RS-232 (Control Panel software included.)
•Included features:
o“Smart Scene” image optimization. (Automatic adjustment of image brightness
and contrast as the scene content changes so that imagery never appears
under/overexposed or “washed out”. See page 20 for more details.)
oDual exposure states. See page 22 for more details.
Low-temperature state: NEdT < 85 mK, Max. scene range > 150 oC (at 25 oC ambient).
High-temperature state: NEdT < 350 mK, Max. scene range > 500 oC (at 25 oC ambient).
oOn-screen symbols, including a low-voltage indicator and overtemp indicator.
See page 26 for more details.
Note: These specifications are subject to change without notice. See the Product Specification
(ISC doc. 102-0005-09) for detailed functional, performance, and environmental requirements.
See the Interface Control Document (ISC doc. 102-0005-03) for detailed interface
descriptions.

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3OPTIONAL MICRON/A10 FEATURES
•Extended input voltage range: 7.5V – 30.0V (standard range is 3.5V – 9.0V)
•Extended operating temperature range: -40 oC to +55 oC (standard range 0 oC to +40 oC)
•PAL video format (See page 9. Standard video output is NTSC.)
•Automatic dynamic range control (i.e. automatic selection of high-temperature and low-
temperature modes based. See page 22.)
•Spot-meter capability (See page 28.)
•Includes color isotherm capability (See page 29.)
•Includes digital output channel (See page 33.)
Note: Please contact Customer Support at [phone] for information on upgrading your
camera.
Figure 1: Three of the available lens configurations
11 mm
18 mm
30 mm

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4UNPACKING YOUR MICRON/A10 CAMERA
The items shown in Figure 2 come standard in your Micron/A10 Camera package. If there is
any discrepancy between this list and the contents of your camera package, please contact Indigo
Systems Customer Support immediately at [phone].
1. Micron/A10 camera
2. I/O Module
3. Interface cable (3’ length is standard. See Section 5 for other available lengths.)
4. 110/220V AC/DC Converter with outlet plug
5. Tripod adapter
6. Lens cap
7. Control Panel software
8. User’s Guide
Figure 2: Standard Micron/A10 Equipment
1
4
25
6
8
7
3

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(d) Remote Control
Panel
5OPTIONAL MICRON/A10 ACCESSORIES
•6”, 3’, 10’ or 25’ interface cable
•3’, or 10’ Power / Video Cable (replaces Interface Cable and I/O Module)
•Digital data serial-to-parallel module (parallel data cable sold separate)
•IEEE-1394 Firewire Module (Figure 3a)
•iPAQ handheld Remote Control Panel with cable and adapter (Figure 3b)
•Ethernet Interface Adapter Module (Figure 3c)
•Environmental enclosure (Figure 3d)
•Hotshoe adapter*with or without Sony DCR-TRV Camcorder (Figure 3e)
•Self-contained rechargeable battery pack (Figure 3f)
•Battery / battery charger (not pictured)
*The Hotshoe adapter interfaces the Micron/A10 camera directly to a Sony DCR-TRV Camcorder with an
Intelligent Accessory Interface (i.e. Hotshoe) and video input. With the Hotshoe adapter, the Micron/A10 camera
and the camcorder becomes a single integrated system using a common battery, display, and recording mechanism.
Figure 3: Some of the Micron/A10 Accessories
3a 3b 3c
3
d
3e 3f

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6OVERVIEW OF THE MICRON/A10 ELECTRICAL INTERFACE
The Micron/A10 camera provides all input/output signals via a single 18-pin connector. The
signals on this connector include input power, analog video output, serial communication
channel for command and control and the digital data output.
Note: See the Interface Control Document (ISC doc. 102-0005-03) for detailed interface
requirements. Pin-out definitions for the camera and the I/O Module are provided in Appendix A.
Input Power
Included with the Micron/A10 camera is an AC/DC converter that generates 8VDC input power
from 110 VAC or 220 VAC. If you prefer to provide your own power supply, please verify that
the input power at the camera connector meets the specifications shown in Table 1.
CAUTION: Reversing polarity of input power will damage the camera’s internal power supply
and repair is not covered under the camera warranty.
Table 1: Input Power Requirements
Parameter Baseline
Value
Value with Optional
Preconditioner
Comment
Minimum voltage 3.5V 7.5V Voltage at the camera
connector
Maximum voltage 9.0V 30.0V Voltage at the camera
connector
Max. Ripple 100 mV 100 mV Peak-to-peak from DC to
10 MHz
Peak Load Power 2500 mW 2500 mW When actuating the shutter
mechanism
Note: To use the Firewire Module and a Micron/A10 camera with the Extended Voltage Range
option, the maximum voltage input is 12.0 V to the module.

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Analog Video Output
The video output of the Micron/A10 camera can be configured to either NTSC or PAL-
compatible.*In either case, the output is intended to drive a 75-ohm load impedance. See Table
2 for a list of other relevant video parameters.
Table 2: Video parameters
Parameter NTSC PAL
Monochrome equivalent RS-170A CCIR
Frame rate 30 Hz 25 Hz
Active video lines 480 512
# displayed detector samples 160 (H) x 120 (V) 160 (H) x 128 (V)
Note: To use the Micron/A10 Isotherm option, the video monitor must be color capable. For
display of Micron/A10 video without Isotherm capability, a monitor complying with the
monochrome-equivalent standard shown in Table 2 can be used.
Command and Control Channel
Remote control of the Micron/A10 camera is provided via a RS-232 serial interface. Section 8
provides detailed information regarding this interface.
Digital Data Channel
Micron/A10 provides a digital channel with real-time serialized digital video. The camera
outputs either 8-bit or 14-bit data. Conversion of the digital data to a parallel format for data
acquisition requires a serial-to-parallel converter accessory; or can be provided via a Firewire or
Ethernet Module which are also accessories. Section 9 provides detailed information regarding
this interface.
*NTSC is the U.S. standard for color analog video. PAL is the European standard.

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BASIC OPERATION OF THE MICRON/A10 CAMERA
Note: If you are using the Ethernet Module, environmental enclosure, integral battery pack,
Remote Control Panel or Hotshoe adapter additional instructions may also be provided.
1. If you intend to mount the camera on a tripod, attach the tripod adapter plate to the
bottom of your Micron/A10 camera using a 5/64 “ hex driver.
2. Remove the lens cap. (Remember to replace the lens cap when the camera is not in use
to prevent accidental scratching and dust contamination.)
3. If using the standard Interface Cable and I/O Module, plug one end of the Interface Cable
into the mating connector on the back of the camera, as shown in Figure 4. (Either end of
the Interface Cable can be plugged into the camera.) Connect the other end of the
Interface Cable to the mating connector on the I/O Module labeled “CAMERA”.
4. If using the optional Power/Video Cable, plug the 18-pin connector into the mating
connector on the back of the camera.
5. If you are using the Ethernet Module, plug one end of the Interface Cable into the mating
connector on the back of the camera, as shown in Figure 4. Connect the other end of the
Interface Cable to the mating connector on the Ethernet Module, also shown in Figure 5.
Connect a standard ethernet cable (CAT-5) between the Ethernet Module and the PC.
6. If using the optional Firewire Module, plug one end of the Interface Cable into the
mating connector on the back of the camera, as shown in Figure 6. Connect the other end
of the Interface Cable to the mating connector on the Firewire Module, also shown in
Figure 7. For connection with laptops an Indigo 9-Volt power supply must be connected
to power Firewire Module, as shown in Figure 8.
7. Attach one end of a standard BNC cable or RCA for the Firewire (either not included) to
the video port labeled “VIDEO” on the I/O Module, Ethernet, Firewire or on the optional
Power/Video Cable. Attach the other end to a compatible video monitor.
8. Plug the AC/DC converter into an electrical outlet. Insert the circular plug at the other
end of the AC/DC converter into the power jack labeled “POWER” on the I/O Module,
Ethernet, Firewire or the optional Power/Video Cable. The camera will take ~1 second
to produce an image after application of power.
9. The camera will automatically perform a flat-field correction (FFC) at periodic intervals.
This operation, which improves image quality, takes less than 1/2 second to complete.
This feature can be disabled or controlled manually or with a time delay via the
Micron/A10 Control Panel (See page 22.)
10. If you intend to use the Micron/A10 Control Panel for remote control of the camera,
follow the additional steps described in Section 7. Figure shows the I/O Module and
camera after cabling power, analog video, and RS-232, Ethernet or Firewire interface.
11. If you intend to use the digital data channel, follow the additional steps described in
Section 8.

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Figure 4: Connecting the Interface Cable to the Micron/A10
Figure 5: Micron/A10 after cabling
To video
monitor
To electrical outlet
To PC (only required if using RS-232
interface.)

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Figure 6: Micron/A10 and Ethernet Module
Figure 7: Laptop connected to Micron/A10 and Ethernet Module
To Indigo 9-Volt power supply
To video monitor
Laptop with
standard RJ45
connector
Micron/A10
Ethernet
interface cable
Standard CAT-5
LAN cable

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Figure 8: Micron/A10 and Firewire Module
Figure 9: Laptop connected to Micron/A10 and Firewire Module
To Indigo 9-Volt power
supply
To video monitor
Laptop with
built-in 4-pin
Firewire port
6-pin to 4-pin
adapter

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7REMOTE CONTROL OF THE MICRON/A10 CAMERA
Micron/A10 provides advanced camera control through an RS-232 serial interface. This can be
accessed using a PC with either the standard serial communications port and the I/O Module or
using the Ethernet Module or with the Firewire Module. Included with your Micron/A10 is a
PC-based Control Panel software that communicates with the camera. This software provides
remote control of various camera features and modes as well as image capture using a graphical
user interface (GUI). The Micron/A10 Control Panel software is compatible with Windows
2000 / 2000 Professional, and Windows XP Professional. The PC must have a spare serial
communications port for the I/O Module or a spare LAN/RJ45 connector for the Ethernet
Module or a spare FireWire (IEEE-1394) port for the Firewire Module to execute the Control
Panel software.
Note: If using the optional Firewire Module and your computer does not have a built-in
Firewire port, you can add FireWire to your system. The addition of a FireWire PCI
Host Adapter or using a FireWire PCMCIA Cardbus Card can also be used.
If your application demands a more portable means of camera control, a button-panel accessory
installed on a Compaq iPAQ handheld computer is offered as an option. Operation of the iPAQ
Control Panel is described in separate documentation provided with that accessory. For
Omega™ users with embedded or specialty applications that require custom control software, a
Software Developer’s Kit (SDK) and an Interface Control Document (ICD) are available to
support your development efforts. Those intending to generate their own custom software are
encouraged to read the remainder of this section regarding the Micron/A10 Control Panel to
better understand the camera modes and parameters.
Installation of Micron/A10 Control Panel Software
1. Insert the CD marked Micron/A10 Control Panel Install Disk into your CD-ROM drive.
If the setup program (setup.exe) does not execute automatically, then execute it by
finding setup.exe in the CD-ROM with Windows Explorer and double-clicking the icon.
(Alternatively, you can select “Run” from your Windows start menu, and then type “E:\
setup.exe”, replacing E: with the appropriate drive-letter for your CD-ROM.)
2. The installation program will present instructions for installing the application to your
hard drive. By default, the setup wizard will install the application in the directory
C:\ProgramFiles\Indigo\ThermoVision Micron, and the filename is Micron Control
Panel.exe.
Note: If using the Ethernet Module further steps are required to install. Please refer to the
included install guide ISC doc. 421-0007-12. If using the Firewire Module and a PC running
Windows XP further steps will be required to install the device driver. Please refer to the
included install guide ISC doc. 421-0012-12.

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Connecting Micron/A10 to a PC via the I/O Module
1. Follow the steps shown in Section 0 for basic operation of the Micron/A10 camera. After
verifying that the camera is producing an image, power down the camera.
2. Connect one end of a standard serial cable (not included) to the 9-pin female DB9
connector on the I/O module labeled “RS-232”.
3. Connect the other end of the standard serial cable to an unused serial port on your
computer. These ports are usually labeled “COM1”, “COM2”, etc.
4. Power on the camera. Assuming the Control Panel software is already installed on the
PC (see installation instructions above), execute the software.
5. The Control Panel software will attempt to automatically identify the COM port upon
which the camera is installed. If the Control Panel successfully links to the camera, skip
ahead to the section below titled “Operation of the Micron/A10 Control Panel”.
6. If you see the window shown in Figure 10, verify that the camera is powered on and
connected to the PC. Then select the RS232 option and appropriate COM port then hit
the “Apply” button. If the Control Panel successfully links to the camera, skip ahead the
section below titled “Operation of the Micron/A10 Control Panel”.
Figure 10: Control Panel Select RS232 Comm Window
7. Following Step 6, if you are still having trouble communicating with the camera then
refer to the guidelines in the following section, titled “Troubleshooting the Command &
Control Link”

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Connecting Micron/A10 to a PC via the Ethernet Module
1. Follow the steps shown in Section 0 for basic connection of the Micron/A10 camera and
the Ethernet Module.
2. Connect one end of a CAT5 cable to the RJ45 port on the Ethernet Module, as shown in
Figure 11.
3. Connect the other end of the CAT5 cable to an open RJ45 port on your computer. The
port is usually available on the back of the PC through a standard LAN network interface
card or NIC card. If using computer with only one LAN connection then you may want to
add an additional NIC card in an open PCI slot to be dedicated for the camera; otherwise,
use the existing LAN connection. Contact your IT department for network connection
instructions.
Figure 12: Ethernet connection
4. Assuming the Micron/A10 Control Panel software is already installed on the PC (see
installation instructions above), execute the software.
5. The Micron/A10 Control Panel software will attempt to automatically identify the port
upon which the camera is installed. When the Network Device Finder window pops up,
as shown in Figure 13, right click on the correct device (each Ethernet device has a
specific MAC address that is identified on the bottom of the device) and set the IP
address. Again, if using computer with only one LAN connection or on a router/switch
then you may want to check with your IT department for network connection
instructions.
6. If the Control Panel successfully links to the camera, skip ahead to the section below
titled “Operation of the Micron/A10 Control Panel”.

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7. If you see the window shown in Figure 14, verify that the Ethernet Module LED is
powered on and connected to the PC. Then select the Ethernet Comm interface option
and then hit the “Connect” button. If the Control Panel successfully links to the camera,
skip ahead the section below titled “Operation of the Micron/A10 Control Panel”.
Figure 15: Control Panel Select Ethernet communication
8. Following Step 7, if you are still having trouble communicating with the camera then
refer to the please refer to the Ethernet Quick install guide ISC doc. 421-0007-12.
Connecting Micron/A10 to a PC via the Firewire(IEEE-1394) Module
9. Follow the steps shown in Section 0 for basic connection of the Micron/A10 camera and
the Firewire Module.
10. Connect one end of an IEEE-1394 cable to either of the two ports on the Firewire
Module, as shown in Figure 16.
11. Connect the other end of the IEEE-1394 cable to an unused firewire port on your
computer. These ports are usually available on the back of the PC through a standard
firewire PCI card. If using a “firewire ready” laptop, attach the 4-pin to 6-pin converter to
IEEE-1394 cable and attach to laptop as well as the Indigo 9-Volt power supply
connected to the external power input of the Firewire Module, as shown in Figure .

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Figure 16: IEEE-1394 Cable connect to Firewire Module
12. Assuming the Control Panel software is already installed on the PC (see installation
instructions above), execute the software.
13. The Control Panel software will attempt to automatically identify the port upon which the
camera is installed. If the Control Panel successfully links to the camera, skip ahead to
the section below titled “Operation of the Micron/A10 Control Panel”.
14. If you see the window shown in Figure 10, verify that the Firewire Module LED is
powered on and connected to the PC. Then select the IEEE-1394 Comm interface option
and appropriate COM port then hit the “Apply” button. If the Control Panel successfully
links to the camera, skip ahead the section below titled “Operation of the Micron/A10
Control Panel”.

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Figure 17: Control Panel Select Firewire communication
15. Following Step 14, if you are still having trouble communicating with the camera then
refer to the guidelines in the following section, titled “Troubleshooting the Command &
Control Link
Troubleshooting the Command & Control Link
If the Control Panel software does not link with the camera, verify the items in the following
checklist:
1. Is the camera properly cabled to the host PC? Verify that you selected the proper port if
it was not detected automatically. Also, try un-connecting and then re-connecting either
the CAT-5, IEEE-1394 or RS-232 serial cable to the PC .
2. 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 Micron/A10 Camera Control
Program can be instantiated using different ports. Assign another comm. port when
running multiple cameras or “daisy-chaining” Firewire Modules.
3. Is the Micron/A10 camera power on? Verify that the camera is producing an image.
Contact Indigo Customer Support at [phone] if you cannot initiate serial communication
with the camera after verifying these items.

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Operation of the Micron/A10 Control Panel
When the Control Panel successfully links to the camera, you will see the window shown in
Figure 18. The Control Panel provides four tabs as well as six menu options across the top. It
also provides a text message in the lower-left corner showing status information reported back
from the camera after each command.
Figure 18: Micron/A10 Control Panel, General Tab
7.1.1 Control Panel General Tab
The General Tab on the Control Panel, shown in Figure 18, provides the ability to modify three
different camera modes: Image-Optimization mode, Dynamic-Range-Control mode, and Flat-
Field-Correction mode.
Image-Optimization Mode: Micron/A10 provides four Image-Optimization modes: