FLIR M-Series User manual

Operator’s
Manual
M-Series

432-0003-60-10 Version 100 May 2017 2
© FLIR Systems, Inc., 2017. 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 Systems, Inc.
Names and marks appearing on the products herein are either registered trademarks or
trademarks of FLIR 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.
This product is covered by one or more of US Patent Nos: 7470904; 7034301; 6812465; 7470902;
6929410 and other patents pending or design patents pending.
The M-Series thermal imaging system is controlled by US export laws. There are special versions
of this system that are approved for international distribution and travel. Please contact FLIR
Systems, Inc. if you have any questions.
The contents of this document are subject to change without notice.
For additional information visit www.flir.com or write to FLIR Systems, Inc.
FLIR Systems, Inc.
6769 Hollister Ave.
Goleta, CA 93117
www.flir.com/maritime
Support email: [e-mail]
Proper Disposal of Electrical and Electronic Equipment (EEE): The European Union
(EU) has enacted Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive 2002/96/EC
(WEEE), which aims to prevent EEE waste from arising, to encourage reuse, recycling,
and recovery of EEE waste, and to promote environmental responsibility.
In accordance with these regulations, all EEE products labeled with the “crossed out wheeled bin”
either on the product itself or in the product literature must not be disposed of in regular rubbish
bins, mixed with regular household or other commercial waste, or by other regular municipal waste
collection means. Instead, and in order to prevent possible harm to the environment or human
health, all EEE products (including any cables that came with the product) should be responsibly
discarded or recycled.
To identify a responsible disposal method where you live, please contact your local waste
collection or recycling service, your original place of purchase or product supplier, or the
responsible government authority in your area. Business users should contact their supplier or
refer to their purchase contract.
Document History
Version Date Comment
100 May 2017 Initial release
© FLIR Systems, Inc., 2017. 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 Systems, Inc.
Names and marks appearing on the products herein are either registered trademarks or
trademarks of FLIR 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.
This product is covered by one or more of US Patent Nos: 7470904; 7034301; 6812465; 7470902;
6929410 and other patents pending or design patents pending.
The M-Series thermal imaging system is controlled by US export laws. There are special versions
of this system that are approved for international distribution and travel. Please contact FLIR
Systems, Inc. if you have any questions.
The contents of this document are subject to change without notice.
For additional information visit www.flir.com or write to FLIR Systems, Inc.
FLIR Systems, Inc.
6769 Hollister Ave.
Goleta, CA 93117
www.flir.com/maritime
Support email: [e-mail]
Proper Disposal of Electrical and Electronic Equipment (EEE): The European Union
(EU) has enacted Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive 2002/96/EC
(WEEE), which aims to prevent EEE waste from arising, to encourage reuse, recycling,
and recovery of EEE waste, and to promote environmental responsibility.
In accordance with these regulations, all EEE products labeled with the “crossed out wheeled bin”
either on the product itself or in the product literature must not be disposed of in regular rubbish
bins, mixed with regular household or other commercial waste, or by other regular municipal waste
collection means. Instead, and in order to prevent possible harm to the environment or human
health, all EEE products (including any cables that came with the product) should be responsibly
discarded or recycled.
To identify a responsible disposal method where you live, please contact your local waste
collection or recycling service, your original place of purchase or product supplier, or the
responsible government authority in your area. Business users should contact their supplier or
refer to their purchase contract.
Document History
Version Date Comment
100 May 2017 Initial release

Contents
432-0003-60-10 Version 100 May 2017 3
M-Series Overview
Additional References ....................................................................6
Documentation Conventions ..........................................................7
Warnings and Cautions ........................................................................7
System Description ..............................................................................8
M-Series Gimbal Assembly ............................................................9
Joystick Control Unit (JCU) ............................................................9
Multiple Cameras, JCUs, and Other Devices ...............................10
Video Display......................................................................................11
Thermal Imaging...........................................................................11
Video Screen Icons ......................................................................11
M-Series Joystick Control Unit
JCU Introduction.................................................................................14
JCU Buttons .......................................................................................14
Power/DIM Button ........................................................................14
MENU Button................................................................................14
USER Button ................................................................................15
SCENE Button..............................................................................15
COLOR Button .............................................................................15
HOME Button ....................................................................................... 16
Special Button Functions..............................................................16
Button Summary...........................................................................17
JCU Puck ...........................................................................................17
Tilting the Camera ........................................................................17
Panning the Camera.....................................................................18
Zooming the Camera....................................................................18
JCU Display........................................................................................18
M-Series System Startup
System Startup and Shutdown ...........................................................19
The Bootup Process...........................................................................19
Standby Mode ....................................................................................20

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JCU Power Menu ...............................................................................21
Power Menu .................................................................................21
Assign JCU...................................................................................21
JCU Stndby?.................................................................................21
System Stndby?............................................................................21
Global Stndby? .............................................................................22
Calibrate JCU ...............................................................................22
Cancel ..........................................................................................22
Factory Default Settings .....................................................................22
M-Series System Configuration
Overview ............................................................................................24
Main Menu..........................................................................................24
Enable (Disable) Only Vertical Stab..............................................25
Enable (Disable) Vert & Horizontal Stab.......................................25
Video Setup ..................................................................................25
Set Thermal Color Default............................................................25
Set Video Polarity .........................................................................25
Enable (Disable) Color Thermal Video .........................................25
VIS CAM Low-Light Mode: Off .....................................................26
Set Symbology ...................................................................................26
Display All Icons ...........................................................................26
Display Minimal Icons...................................................................26
Hide All Icons................................................................................26
User Programmable Button................................................................26
System Setup Menu ...........................................................................27
Save Camera Settings..................................................................27
Camera Pan/Tilt Settings..............................................................27
Enable (Disable) Ball-Down Installation .......................................27
Enable (Disable) Rearview Mode .................................................28
Name Camera ..............................................................................28
Enable (Disable) Defog Mode ......................................................28
About/Help..........................................................................................28
Video Icon Help Screens ..............................................................28
Product Information ......................................................................28
Contact FLIR ................................................................................29
Restore Factory Defaults..............................................................29

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Camera Pan/Tilt Settings Menu..........................................................29
Enable (Disable) Pilot Mode .........................................................29
Enable (Disable) Twist-to-Pan Mode ............................................29
Set Zero Azimuth..........................................................................30
Enable (Disable) High Power Standby and High Motor Torque....30
Set Stow Position..........................................................................31
Surveillance Mode ........................................................................31
Mechanical Stabilization .....................................................................33
Mechanical Stabilization Icons......................................................33
IP Interface and PC Operations
M-Series Web Browser Interface........................................................34
View Camera and JCU IP Address ..............................................35
Camera Web Server Login Accounts ...........................................35
Log in to the Camera Web Server ................................................35
Setup and Configuration Menus ...................................................39
Maintenance Menus .....................................................................43
Firmware Update ..........................................................................47
Accessing the JCU Web Interface................................................47
M-Series Reference Information
Introduction.........................................................................................49
Acronyms ...........................................................................................50
List of Icons ........................................................................................51
System Specifications ........................................................................52
Feature Comparison of M-Series Models...........................................53
Troubleshooting Tips ..........................................................................54
On-Screen Messages.........................................................................56
Restoring the Factory Network Settings.............................................57

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1M-Series Overview
This manual describes the operation of the M-Series camera. If you need help or have additional
questions, please call to speak with our support experts; see the phone numbers listed on the
back cover of this manual.
This manual includes information about the following topics:
• System description
• Using the joystick control unit (JCU)
• System startup and shutdown
• Configuring your M-Series camera
• Setting up the interface between your camera and a PC
• Helpful reference information such as acronyms, parts lists, and a table of icons, and a
comparison of model features
Additional References
Your M-Series camera comes with a complete documentation set on a USB flash drive that
includes this manual as well as others. All documents are in PDF format and can be viewed with
Adobe Acrobat Reader:
•M-Series Installation Guide (FLIR Doc. # 432-0003-60-12) contains information about how to
install the camera.
•M-Series Quick Start Guide (FLIR Doc. # 432-0003-60-11) is a double-sided card that shows
the functions executed by the various JCU buttons.
•M-Series Interface Control Document (ICD) (FLIR Doc. # 432-0003-XX-YY) is a set of CAD
drawings with detailed dimensions, wiring schemes, and mounting dimensions.
You may also refer to the Resources Web page for up-to-date documentation:
http://www.flir.com/cvs/americas/en/maritime/resources/

M-Series Overview
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Documentation Conventions
For safety, and to achieve the highest levels of performance from the M-Series system, always
follow the warnings and cautions in this manual when handling and operating the M-Series camera
system.
Warning!
Caution!
Note: Notes call attention to information that is especially significant to understanding and
operating the equipment.
Warnings and Cautions
Warning!
Caution!
Warning notices are used to emphasize that hazardous voltages, currents, temperatures, or
other conditions that could cause personal injury or death exist with this equipment, or may be
associated with its use.
Caution notices are used where equipment might be damaged if care is not taken or an
operation might have an unexpected outcome.
Do not use the M-Series imaging system as the primary navigation system. Use it in conjunction
with other navigation aids and a primary manual navigation system.
Use of insufficient wire gauge can result in fire.
The M-Series system is not designed to operate in an enclosed environment in the presence of
flammable gases. Failure to follow this warning may result in explosion or fire.
The M-Series camera body is a remotely and automatically controlled device. Ensure camera
motion has been disabled before cleaning surfaces that can cause pinch hazards.
Do not open the M-Series camera unit for any reason. Disassembly of the camera (including
removal of the cover) can cause permanent damage and will void the warranty.
Be careful not to leave fingerprints on the M-Series camera optics.
The M-Series requires a power supply of 12 Vdc to 24 Vdc nominal, 50 watt maximum. Absolute
voltage range: 10 Vdc to 32 Vdc. Operating the camera outside of the specified input voltage
range or the specified operating temperature range [–25 °C to +55 °C (–13 °F to +131 °F) per
IEC 60945] can cause permanent damage.
Ensure power is removed before accessing power wires during installation or removal of system
components. DO NOT HOT SWAP components (such as the JCU). Damage to equipment or
injury to personnel may result.
Ensure the camera is installed in a location that will allow it to be accessed for regular periodic
cleaning (fresh water rinse), inspection of mounting point integrity and mechanical soundness,
and preventative maintenance.

M-Series Overview
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System Description
M-Series is a maritime thermal imaging system for use on most
types of vessels. The system is available in two configurations:
• The single payload models have a single thermal imaging
camera.
• The dual payload models are equipped with both a thermal
imaging camera and a color visible-light (DLTV) camera with
low-light capability.
The infrared (IR) thermal camera provides night-time imagery,
even in total darkness, based on temperature differences. The
thermal camera provides a clear video image even under
completely dark conditions because it is sensitive to thermal infrared energy. The infrared camera
supports continuous zoom to 4X.
On dual payload models, the integrated DLTV camera options provide black and white imagery in
low-light conditions or color imagery. The DLTV cameras provide enhanced navigational abilities in
a variety of conditions, for example, during twilight hours or when operating along intercoastal
waterways and near harbor entrances.
All M-Series models include a mechanical stabilization feature that improves image stability. The
stabilization feature compensates for the motion of the vessel and improves the utility of the
camera video output when operating in rough seas or swell conditions.
For a complete list of models and a comparison of key features, see Feature Comparison of
M-Series Models, pg. 53. The differences in camera operation are noted in relevant locations in
the manual.
The M-Series consists of two main components:
• The gimbal assembly, also known as the pan/tilt camera unit. A gimbal is a pivoted support that
allows the rotation of an object such as a ship’s compass about a single axis.
• The joystick control unit (JCU).
The M-Series gimbal and JCU are network devices. In some installations, additional cameras and
JCUs will also be used, and networking equipment such as Power over Ethernet (PoE) switches
may be used to interconnect these components.
Thermal Image at Night

M-Series Overview
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M-Series Gimbal Assembly
The gimbal assembly has a pan/tilt mechanism that allows
the camera to rotate continuously 360° in azimuth, and to tilt
plus or minus 90° in elevation. The M-Series imaging sensors
are contained in the ball of the gimbal assembly.
The thermal infrared camera uses an uncooled vanadium
oxide (VOx) detector sensitive to long-wave infrared (LWIR)
thermal energy.
Video Options
The M-Series gimbal assembly has either one or two video
cables:
• The cable labeled IR is for the composite—also known as
analog—video signal from the thermal (infrared) camera.
This is the only cable on single payload cameras.
• On dual payload models, the cable labeled VIS/IR is for
video from either the thermal camera or the visible
camera. Use the JCU to select the output. The cable
labeled IR is also available for viewing only the IR video.
Ball-Up and Ball-Down Installation
In most installations, the M-Series is mounted upright on top of a
mounting surface, with the pan/tilt base below the camera; this is
known as the ball-up orientation. Optionally, the unit can be hung
upside down or ball down (see page 27 for details on configuring
this setting).
Joystick Control Unit (JCU)
The JCU is your primary method of controlling the camera. The
JCU is used to power up the camera or put it in a standby state,
to operate the pan (rotation) and tilt movement of the camera, to
zoom the IR camera (and on dual payload models, the color
visible camera), and to configure the camera settings by means
of on-screen menus. The JCU connects to the camera using an
Ethernet network connection, and that same connection provides
power to the JCU.
Gimbal Assembly
Ball
Side
cover
Bezel
Yoke
Base
Upright
(ball up)
Upside down
(ball down)

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The JCU has various buttons, an LCD display, and a joystick puck that
is used to control the pan/tilt movement of the camera and to navigate
through the on-screen display (OSD) menus. The puck can be rotated
in either direction, moved left and right or forward and back, and
pushed in and pulled up.
The M-Series uses OSD symbols to indicate the camera position
(azimuth) and system settings that are enabled. These symbols are
introduced in Video Display, pg. 11 and are further explained
throughout this manual in the discussion of related functions.
Multiple Cameras, JCUs, and Other Devices
The system may include additional cameras or JCUs, video equipment,
or network equipment. More than one JCU can be used to control the
camera, and more than one display can be used to view the video. Also
a single JCU can be used to control more than one camera and
optionally you can also use a PC to control the camera.
Typically, the JCU and the video monitor are mounted in close physical proximity, as a pair, so you
can immediately see the changes on the video screen when you use the JCU to change the
camera position (pan or tilt).
In a simple installation, the JCU can be directly connected to the camera with the supplied double-
shielded Ethernet cable. In this case, the JCU draws its power from the camera. In more complex
installations, the camera and JCU can be interconnected using a network switch. If the network
switch does not have Power over Ethernet (PoE) capability, a PoE injector can be used to provide
power to the JCU. FLIR PoE injectors are available from your FLIR authorized dealer or integrator.
Contact FLIR for more information regarding available accessories including JCUs, PoE
equipment, video distribution amplifiers, cables, connectors, mounting hardware, and so on.
Joystick Control Unit

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Video Display
The M-Series thermal imager does not produce images from visible light like an ordinary camera
does or like the human eye does. Rather, it uses energy contained in the infrared band to produce
images by sensing subtle differences in temperature and generating images based on those
differences.
Thermal Imaging
The thermal imaging camera relies on the fact that all objects, even very cold objects like ice, emit
thermal energy in the portion of the infrared spectrum that this camera can see, the long wave
infrared (LWIR). Therefore, unlike an illuminated infrared camera, the thermal imaging camera
does not need an additional active illumination source and images are based on directly radiated
rather than reflected energy.
When the thermal camera is in white-hot mode, the warm objects
in the scene display as white, or lighter shades of gray, and cold
objects display as black or darker shades of gray. When you switch
the video polarity, this is reversed.
Hot objects such as parts on an outboard motor that appear white
(or black, or red depending on the video image mode selected),
while the puddles of water and other cold objects appear dark (or
cool). The camera automatically optimizes the image to provide
you with the best contrast in most conditions.
FLIR Systems, Inc. offers a comprehensive selection of training courses to help you to get the best
performance and value from your thermal imaging camera. You can find out more at the FLIR
training Web page:
http://www.flir.com/training
Video Screen Icons
Some of these icons always display on the screen, and some appear momentarily or only when
certain functions are enabled or executed.
Note: The icons and OSD menus only display on the thermal image.
The display of icons can be modified using several configuration settings. See Set Symbology, pg.
26 for a description of menu options relation to symbol display.
The following image of a screen illustrates some of the possible icons displayed by the system, as
well as an example of the OSD menu that displays when you press the MENU button. Using the
menus is described in M-Series System Configuration, pg. 24.
A complete list of all of the icons used in the system and a brief description of how they are used
can be found in List of Icons, pg. 51.

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OSD Menu
The OSD menu appears when the MENU button is pressed. Menu entries are selected using the
joystick puck. Pressing the MENU button again removes the menu from the screen.
Position Icon
The position indication shows the azimuth (direction) of the camera relative to the
vessel. The shaded triangle shows the approximate camera field of view (FOV).
SCENE Icons
Pressing the SCENE button cycles through four preset automatic gain control (AGC) settings,
which change the image gain and level settings. Regardless of the scene setting, the thermal
camera automatically adjusts to the scene to provide a balanced, high-quality image. However,
you may prefer an image that has more or less contrast than the default one provided, and the
SCENE button provides that type of fine adjustment.
Which setting you use depends on personal preference and environmental conditions; you may
like the way the Man Overboard setting looks, even though you are running on open water during
the daytime.
Rearview Icon
The rearview icon indicates the rearview mode option has been selected in the System
Settings menu. The rearview setting flips the video image horizontally left to right. The
image on the display provides the same perspective as a rear view mirror in a vehicle;
objects off the stern on the starboard side of the vessel are displayed on the right hand
side of the video. See page 28 for details on configuring this setting.
Enable Only Vertical Stab
Enable Vert & Horizontal Stab
Video Setup
Set Symbology
User Programmable Button
System Setup
About/Help
Exit
<Press Puck to Select>
Night Running Night Docking
Man OverboardDay Running

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Home Icon
The home icon appears momentarily to indicate the camera is in the home position. The
icon flashes when a new home position is set.
Zoom (to 4X)
Pressing and holding the puck causes the thermal camera to digitally zoom in
continuously to 4X magnification. Pull and hold the puck to zoom out.
On dual payload models, the color daylight camera zooms correspondingly with
the changes to the thermal camera.

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2M-Series Joystick Control Unit
JCU Introduction
The JCU is the primary method of controlling the
M-Series camera: move the camera (pan or tilt),
zoom the camera, switch between IR and DLTV
camera, adjust image settings, and access the
OSD menus.
This chapter describes using the JCU buttons to
operate the camera. The various configuration
settings and how they affect operation are all
discussed in M-Series System Configuration, pg.
24. When specific settings affect a particular button,
you can refer to that chapter for additional details.
JCU Buttons
Buttons on the JCU perform multiple functions. In most cases, each performs one function when
pressed briefly (short press) and a different function when pressed and held (long press).
Table 2.1 on page 17 summarizes the actions for each button.
Power/DIM Button
Short Press
A short press of the Power/DIM button cycles through the four levels of brightness
for the JCU display. The JCU controls are backlit to make them easier to see at
night. Use this button to adjust the brightness of the JCU backlighting for your comfort.
Long Press
Pressing and holding the Power/DIM button is used to “wake up” the camera, causing it to go from
standby mode to powered on. It is also used to put the camera back in standby mode as well as
complete other system functions such as calibrating the JCU and associating the JCU with a
camera. These functions are described in more detail on page 19.
MENU Button
Use the MENU button to turn the OSD menus on or off. In most cases, the factory
default configuration does not need changing. However, some options may be
tailored to personal preferences.
When the OSD menu is displayed, use the puck to navigate through the menus and
select menu entries. Refer to M-Series System Configuration, pg. 24.
Color
Scene
Menu
Power/DIM
Display
User
Home
Puck

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USER Button
The USER button is a programmable one-touch button to quickly access common or
favorite settings or functions. Refer to User Programmable Button, pg. 26.
Short Press
A short press of the USER button is initially configured to start Surveillance Mode.
You can choose from a number of other options.
Long Press
Pressing and holding the USER button displays the OSD menu for programming the
button. The menu can also be accessed by pressing the MENU button and then
scrolling down to the User Programmable Button entry.
SCENE Button
Short Press
A short press of the SCENE button cycles through four preset
automatic gain control (AGC) settings, which change the image
gain and levels:
The M-Series automatically adjusts to changing scene conditions
to provide a high-contrast image that is optimized for most
conditions. The preset AGC settings for each scene have been
optimized to offer the most balance and high quality image for
specific conditions. Which setting to use depends on personal
preference and environmental conditions.
Long Press
On dual payload models, pressing and holding the SCENE button switches between the thermal
and visible-light cameras for the video signal on the VIS/IR cable.
COLOR Button
Short Press
Pressing the COLOR button switches the thermal camera color palette.
Refer to Enable (Disable) Color Thermal Video, pg. 25.
• When Color Thermal Video is enabled, pressing the COLOR button cycles
through four color palettes.
• When Color Thermal Video is disabled, pressing the COLOR button switches
between the white/black and red/black color palettes.
Long Press
Press and hold the COLOR button to invert the polarity of the thermal camera. For example, white
hot becomes black hot.
Night Running Night Docking
Man OverboardDay Running

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HOME Button
Short Press
A short press of the HOME button moves the camera to its home position. The home
position is a programmable preset position—by default, straight ahead and level with
the horizon—that operators can use as a reference. Home is the position the camera
will most likely be in when it is in use.
Long Press
Pressing and holding the HOME button sets the home position. First use the puck to point the
camera’s line of sight to the position you want to set as home. Press and hold the HOME button for
3 seconds; the home symbol will flash on the screen when the new home position is set.
Special Button Functions
You can use combinations of buttons to perform a few additional less common functions.
JCU Reset
Occasionally it may be necessary to reset the JCU. Simultaneously pressing and holding the
MENU and USER buttons causes the JCU to reset. Unplugging and plugging the Ethernet cable
will also cause the JCU to lose power temporarily and reset. When it resets, it will reacquire a
network IP address and display connection progress messages on the display.
Display IP Addresses
Press the COLOR button while pushing the puck, first the IP address of the JCU is shown on the
JCU screen, then the IP address of the camera is shown.

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Button Summary
Table 2.1 summarizes the action of each button on the JCU.
JCU Puck
The JCU puck functions like a joystick and can be moved left/right, forward/
back, and rotated in either direction. It can also be pushed in (like a mouse
click) or pulled out. The puck movement is translated to control the pan/tilt
position of the camera and zoom the camera.
In addition to controlling the camera, use the puck to navigate through the
OSD menus and select available options. Push the puck forward and back
to move up and down in the menus and push the puck in (click) to select.
Note: The puck implements proportional control; therefore, the farther you
rotate it or direct it from center, the faster the camera will move.
Tilting the Camera
Use the puck to tilt the camera up and down by moving the puck forward and backward. By
default, forward causes the camera to tilt up; back causes the camera to tilt down. This is similar to
the way a joystick for video games works.
Setting the JCU to pilot mode reverses the tilt action: moving the joystick forward causes the
camera to tilt down; back causes the camera to tilt up. Refer to Enable (Disable) Pilot Mode, pg.
29.
TABLE 2.1 Summary of Button Actions
Button Action
COLOR Short Cycle through thermal color options
COLOR Long Invert polarity
DIM Short Change JCU illumination level
DIM Long JCU displays Power Menu
HOME Short Return to Home position
HOME Long Set Home value
MENU Short Display or exit menus
SCENE Short Cycle through four preset scenes
SCENE Long Alternate visible and thermal camera output
(dual payload only)
USER Short Surveillance (can be reprogrammed)
USER Long Display User Programmable Button menu entry
MENU + USER Reset the JCU
COLOR + Puck Display IP address of the JCU and camera

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Panning the Camera
Use the puck to pan the camera to the left and right. By default, moving the puck left pans the
camera to the left, moving the puck right pans the camera to the right.
Zooming the Camera
Twist the puck to the right to zoom in, twist the puck to the left to
zoom out. The thermal camera will continuously zoom up to 4X.
JCU Display
The JCU display area generally shows the ID of the camera that the JCU is connected to. It also
shows various JCU status messages, and it shows the countdown (3, 2, 1, 0) to access the
Power Menu when the power button is pressed and held. The Power Menu displays on the LCD so
you can choose various standby modes.
See JCU Power Menu, pg. 21 for details about using this menu.
JCU powered on with backlit
display and buttons

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3M-Series System Startup
System Startup and Shutdown
The M-Series camera does not have an on/off switch. Generally, the camera is never completely
off but in a standby state waiting for a “wake” command from the JCU.
Typically, the M-Series system is connected to its power source through a circuit breaker, which
functions as the primary on/off switch for the system. Should it be necessary for some reason to
completely shut down the system, the circuit breaker is used. In normal operation, however, the
camera will have power and will be in one of three states:
• Bootup, or powering on
• Powered on, or fully functional
• Standby, a low-power state waiting for a wake command
The Bootup Process
The bootup process is slightly different depending on whether the system had been completely
turned off or is being wakened from a standby state. Most of what happens, however, is the same.
If starting from a full shutdown, ensure the monitor is turned on. Then power on the system. When
power from the circuit breaker is initially applied to the system, the camera will perform a short
pan/tilt initialization by rotating back and forth and tilting up and down and then begin a bootup
sequence.
When the JCU receives power, the Power/DIM button lights amber. Hold the Power/DIM button for
about two seconds, the JCU will power up and search for cameras on the network and try to
connect to the last camera it was connected to.
Troubleshooting Tip: If the JCU does not have power, it may be connected to a Power over
Ethernet (PoE) switch that has not been powered on, or it may be connected to a network switch
that does not provide PoE power.
During bootup, a series of screens displays as various components are activated. How the screen
looks will vary depending on the particular configuration settings of your installation. In general, the
following sequence occurs:
1. FLIR splash screens are shown with two important notices.
2. The screen then clears and a message displays:
Loading, please wait
3. Live video is shown using default colors and icons. A dual
payload model initially displays the IR video on both
channels. Then the IR/VIS video channel switches to the
last active camera.
4. If a JCU or PC is not connected to the camera, it will
display its IP address.
Pressing and holding the JCU Power/DIM button will activate the camera.

M-Series System Startup
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Starting, then Searching.. is shown on the JCU LCD screen. When the last-used camera
is found, the message changes to Connecting..., which flashes until the camera is connected.
The first time the JCU is used to connect to a camera, you must first associate the JCU with the
camera. Refer to Assign JCU, pg. 21. Use the Assign function to choose a different camera when
controlling multiple cameras. By default the JCU always connects to the last-used camera.
When the camera is fully connected, the Searching.. message on the JCU display is replaced
by the camera name such as M-617CS A01234. This information blinks briefly to indicate the
connection is final, and then remains on the screen to indicate an active camera/JCU connection.
The camera will now respond to the JCU buttons and puck movements.
The camera initially boots up in white-hot mode, unless you have changed the color default using
the Video Setup OSD menu (Refer to Video Setup, pg. 25). Press the COLOR button on the JCU
to change the color palette.
Standby Mode
After the bootup sequence, the camera is ready to use. Put the camera in standby mode when
finished with the camera to conserve energy.
When in standby mode, the pan/tilt motors can be configured to remain engaged to hold the
camera in place in rough seas. An alternative low-power configuration can disable the pan/tilt
motors, further lowering the low-power mode power consumption. In either case, the camera does
not generate a live video signal.
While in standby mode, the camera is in the stowed position—by default, pointing straight down—
to protect the camera optics. The stow position can be configured with the OSD menus (see Set
Stow Position, pg. 31).
To initiate standby, press and hold the Power/DIM button. A brief countdown (3, 2, 1, 0) is
shown on the JCU display and then Power Menu is shown. The options on the menu are
described in more detail in the following section. When System, or Global Stndby is selected,
Goodbye is shown on the display, the camera moves to the stow position, and goes into standby
state.
If the camera will not be used for an extended period of time, to conserve power, first power down
the camera from the JCU as described here so that the camera is in the stow position. Then switch
the system circuit breaker to off. When the circuit breaker is switched on, the camera will go
through the bootup sequence, as described previously.
Red-Hot ModeWhite-Hot Mode