FLIR Photon User manual

Photon
User’s Manual
FLIR 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: 412-0035-00-10
Version: 110
Issue Date: February 2008
TM

© FLIR Inc., 2008. 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.
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.

412-0035-00-10, version 110 iii
Table of Contents
1 Introduction
1.1 Photon Specifications .......................................................................... 1-2
1.2 Available Photon Configurations ............................................................ 1-3
1.3 Unpacking Your Photon Camera ........................................................... 1-4
2 Optional Photon Accessories
2.1 Hardware accessories ......................................................................... 2-1
2.2 Software accessories .......................................................................... 2-4
3 Basic Operation of the Photon Camera and GUI
3.1 Operation of the Photon camera using the development kit ....................... 3-1
3.2 Remote control of the Photon camera ................................................... 3-2
3.3 Connecting the serial communications interface using the development kit .. 3-2
3.4 Installing the Photon GUI ...................................................................... 3-3
3.5 Connecting the Photon to a PC via the I/O Module .................................. 3-6
3.6 Troubleshooting the Photon GUI ............................................................ 3-7
3.7 Operation of the Photon GUI ................................................................. 3-8
3.8 Camera Tab ....................................................................................... 3-9
3.9 Analog Video Tab .............................................................................. 3-13
3.10 Camera AGC tab ............................................................................ 3-17
3.11 Digital Video Tab ............................................................................. 3-20
3.12 About tab ...................................................................................... 3-21
3.13 Advanced Features ......................................................................... 3-21
4 Installing and Using the Ethernet Adapter Module
4.1 Connecting the Ethernet Module Accessory ............................................ 4-1
4.2 Installing PT1000-IDG for iPORT Ethernet support ................................... 4-2
4.3 Configuring your PC's network interface card (NIC) .................................. 4-4
4.4 Configuring your Ethernet Adapter Module .............................................. 4-5
4.5 Using the Photon GUI with the Ethernet Adapter Module .......................... 4-8
5 Photon Digital Data Channel
5.1 Using the Digital Data Channel .............................................................. 5-2

Table of Contents Photon User’s Manual
iv 412-0035-00-10, version 110
6 Overview of the Photon Electrical Interface
6.1 Samtec 30-Pin Connector .................................................................... 6-1
6.2 D-Sub 15 Pin Connector ...................................................................... 6-3
6.3 Input Power ...................................................................................... 6-4
6.4 Analog Video Output ........................................................................... 6-5
6.5 Command and Control Channel ............................................................ 6-5
6.6 Digital Data Channel ........................................................................... 6-5
6.7 External Synchronization ..................................................................... 6-6
7 Photon Physical Interface
7.1 Dimensioned Drawings ........................................................................ 7-1
7.2 Mounting .......................................................................................... 7-1
Appendix A Pin-out Definitions
A.1 I/O Module ....................................................................................... 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
B.7 Spare Serial Communications Channel ................................................. B-13
B.8 Analog Video Interface ...................................................................... B-13
B.9 Frame Synchronization ..................................................................... B-14
B.10 Digital Data Channels ...................................................................... B-15
C Mechanical ICD Reference

412-0035-00-10, version 110 February 2008 1-1
1 Introduction
The Photon 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 five different lens focal length options:
• 6.3 mm (52° Horizontal Field Of View or HFOV)—only available for Photon 160
• 14.25 mm (46° HFOV)—only available for Photon 320
• 19 mm (36° HFOV)—available for both Photon 320 and Photon 160
• 35 mm (20° HFOV)—only available for Photon 320
• 50 mm (14° HFOV)—only available for Photon 320
• No Lens (Intended for customers who mount their own lens and perform ancillary
Alternate Lens Calibration—See “Software accessories” on page 2-4.)
Figure 1-1: Photon Cameras: L to R: 6.3mm, 14.25mm, 19mm, 35mm, and 50mm lenses
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
Photon camera includes a serial interface (RS-232) for transmitting camera commands and
receiving status. In more demanding situations, the Photon camera also provides a digital data
video output via an LVDS serial connection.
The Photon camera is an export controlled item. In order to increase the Camera’s
exportability, a ‘Slow Video’ version of Photon is available. The frame rate is reduced to
approximately 9 Hz. This change allows Photon to be exported without US export license to
most countries. Please contact FLIR for additional information.

1—Introduction Photon User’s Manual
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1.1 Photon Specifications
• 324 (H) x 256 (V) uncooled microbolometer sensor array, 38 x 38 micron pixels,
also available as a windowed 160 (H) x 120 (V) sensor array
• Input power range: 5.0 – 24.0 VDC
• Power Consumption: 1.65 Watts (nominal at room temperature using 8V input)
• Operating Temperature Range: -40°C to +80°C
• Weight: approximately 97 grams without lens
• Analog video output:
NTSC (320x240)/(160x120) or PAL (320x256)/(160x120)
Slow video output rate (approximately 9Hz) is available for exportability
• Remote camera control RS-232 interface: Photon GUI software available for free
download at www.corebyindigo.com/service/softwareupdates.cfm)
• 2X Digital Zoom with electronic pan/tilt with 324 (H) x 256 (V) sensor array
—digital zoom feature is only available for Photon 320
• Dynamic Digital Detail Enhancement (DDE)
Note: These specifications are subject to change without notice.
The latest information concerning specifications, part numbers, accessories, camera
configurations, and other information can be found in the Photon Thermal Imaging Camera
Core Data Sheet at:
http://www.corebyindigo.com/products/uncooledcores.cfm.

Photon User’s Manual 1—Introduction
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1.2 Available Photon Configurations
The Photon is available with different lenses providing different fields of view and the ‘Slow Video’
or ‘9 Hz’ option for license-free exportability. The part numbers for each lens and video rate
configuration are given in the table below.
Table 1-1: Photon 320 Part Numbers; NTSC (320x240) or PAL (320x256)
Photon
Format No Lens 14.25mm 19mm 35mm 50mm
Field of
View NA (46° HFOV) (36° HFOV) (20° HFOV) (14° HFOV)
NTSC
30Hz 500-0305-01-00 412-0035-14-07 412-0035-09-07 412-0035-17-07 412-0035-18-07
NTSC
9Hz 500-0305-01-00S 412-0035-14-07S 412-0035-09-07S 412-0035-17-07S 412-0035-18-07S
PAL
25Hz 500-0305-02-00 412-0035-56-07 412-0035-52-07 412-0035-57-07 412-0035-58-07
PAL
9Hz 500-0305-02-00S 412-0035-56-07S 412-0035-52-07S 412-0035-57-07S 412-0035-58-07S
Table 1-2: Photon 160 Part Numbers (160x120)
Photon
Format No Lens 6.3mm 19mm
Field of
View NA (52° HFOV) (18° HFOV)
NTSC
30Hz
160x120
500-0305-06-07 412-0035-30-07 412-0035-38-07
NTSC
8Hz
160x120
500-0305-08-07S 412-0035-32-07S 412-0035-40-07S
PAL
25Hz
160x120
500-0305-07-07 412-0035-31-07 412-0035-39-07
PAL
9Hz
160x120
500-0305-09-07S 412-0035-33-07 412-0035-41-07S

1—Introduction Photon User’s Manual
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1.3 Unpacking Your Photon Camera
The Photon camera is typically delivered as a standalone product. Typically, no documentation is
included. Documentation and utilities such as the latest version of this User’s Manual, the
Photon GUI, and Mechanical Interface Control 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 Photon camera is packaged in
foam to prevent damage during shipping. It is also placed in a conductive plastic bag to protect
from electrostatic discharge damage.
Caution!
Other than removal of the rear cover and/or wearsaver device when the camera is
unpowered, 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 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.
This camera contains electrostatic discharge sensitive electronics and should be handled
appropriately.

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2 Optional Photon Accessories
2.1 Hardware accessories
The following are accessories that offer a development environment or extended features for
your Photon camera.
Figure 2-1: Development Kit or Photon Accessory Kit (Part Number: 421-0021-00)
1. Cable, Photon to I/O Module, 6 foot length (Part Number: 308-0076-00-02)
2. Wearsaver (Part Number: 250-0194-00)
3. Power Supply (Part Number: 206-0001-20)
4. IEC Line Cord (Part Number: 208-0004-02)
5. Input/Output (I/O) Module (Part Number: 333-0005-00)
6. Rear Wearsaver Housing/Protective Cover (Part Number: 261-1273-00) with
hardware for robust strain-relieved mount of the Wearsaver inside an aluminum rear
shell
This accessory kit includes a power supply, input/output module (interconnect box), wearsaver
(simplifies connection to Photon), and cables to facilitate AC power in and analog video out for
your Photon. 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 Photon GUI.
This kit is the most important ancillary purchase for those first owning a Photon camera.
Note
The accessory kit does not include video cable, serial cable or any related adapters; these
items must be provided by the user.
6
2
5
1 3 4

2—Optional Photon Accessories Photon User’s Manual
2-2 February 2008 412-0035-00-10, version 110
Figure 2-2: Battery, Charger, and Cable Kit (Part Number: 421-0008-00)
This accessory provides rechargeable (Lithium-Ion) capability for the Photon camera. With fully
charged batteries, your Photon will operate for approximately 6 hours.
Figure 2-3: Digital Data Serial-to-Parallel Module or SIPO (Part Number: 333-0008-00)
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 Photon camera and mirrors it in a
parallel format used with computer-based capture cards.
Contact FLIR CVS Customer Support at 805.964.9797 for information about digital interface
cables which connect to specific computer-based capture cards. These cards require third-
party software not offered or supported by FLIR. Although we can supply camera setup files,
FLIR does not formally support the use of third-party frame grabbers, nor do we claim or
guarantee that these setup files will be suitable for any particular use or application.

Photon User’s Manual 2—Optional Photon Accessories
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Figure 2-4: Ethernet Module Kit (Part Number: 421-0025-00)
This kit allows you to capture the Photon digital video output and transfer it to a viewing device
(typically a PC) via a CAT5 cable using Ethernet Protocol. The Ethernet interface allows 14-bit
digital video data capture (without Automatic Gain Control applied to the data) in both still
images and sequences of images. Details for use of this device are provided in the Ethernet
Module Users Guide. This accessory kit includes:
1. Photon 68 Pin (Ethernet Module) to 15 Pin (Wearsaver) Cable (Part Number 308-
0091-00)
2. Power Supply with Cable Assembly (Part Number 415-0034-00)
3. Ethernet Adapter Module (Part Number: 421-0018-00)
4. IEC Line Cord (Part Number: 208-0004-02)
Note
The Cable P/N 308-0091-00 connects the Ethernet Adapter Module to the Photon camera.
The end of the cable that connects with the Photon camera is a 15-pin D-Sub connector. Your
Photon will need to be purchased in a configuration with appropriate mating 15-pin connector
to adapt the cable to the Photon camera. (See P/N 250-0194-00 in Figure 2-1 or P/N 500-
0312-00 in Figure 2-5.)
4 3
1 2

2—Optional Photon Accessories Photon User’s Manual
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Figure 2-5: EMI Rear Enclosure Assembly (Part Number 500-0312-00)
With appropriate grounding, cable shielding, and power, this enclosure mitigates EMI emissions
to near CE Class A performance levels. The external I/O requires a 15-pin D-Sub connector.
Figure 2-6: Tripod Adapter (Part Number 261-1357-00)
Adapter attaches to Photon camera and provides standard 1/4-20 thread mount common to
most tripod heads.
2.2 Software accessories
• SDK for Windows & Embedded (Part Number 110-0102-46)
The Photon SDK 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
Photon GUI is an example of an application created using the Photon SDK.
Refer to http://www.corebyindigo.com/service/softwareupdates.cfm.
• Alternate Lens Cal Software (Part Number 110-0102-72)
This FLIR designed Windows XP for PC software allows customers that purchase
lens-less cores (500-0305-xx-xx part numbers listed in Table 1-1 on page 3) to
perform a supplementary gain calibration using their own optics. The original factory
calibration data is saved to the local hard drive of the PC for a restore operation if
needed. It should be noted that a work cell with computer, interface hardware, and
two thermal black bodies must be purchased by the customer to complete this
station. FLIR document 110-0102-76, Photon Alternate Lens Calibration User
Guide, is available for more detailed information.
M3 x .125” (2 places)

412-0035-00-10, version 110 February 2008 3-1
3 Basic Operation of the Photon Camera and GUI
3.1 Operation of the Photon camera using the development kit
The Development Kit (or Accessory Kit) is the simplest way to connect to your Photon camera
to provide power and obtain video. It also facilitates serial communication for more advanced
camera command and control via the free downloadable Photon GUI. 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, as shown below. 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. 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. 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.
Photon to I/O Module
cable (308-0076-00-02)
Photon I/O Module
(333-0005-00) To video monitor
To power supply
(206-0001-20)

3—Basic Operation of the Photon Camera and GUI Photon User’s Manual
3-2 February 2008 412-0035-00-10, version 110
3.2 Remote control of the Photon camera
The Photon 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 of the Electrical Interface Control
Document and their own hardware/software interface. This requires programming skills and a
strong technical background. The user can also use the Photon GUI 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 Photon GUI software is compatible with Windows XP
Professional. The PC must have a spare serial communications port.
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 Photon GUI 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 Photon camera using the 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 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.
To PC serial COM port
(RS232)

Photon User’s Manual 3—Basic Operation of the Photon Camera and GUI
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3.4 Installing the Photon GUI
Step 1 If you have another version of the Photon 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 Photon (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 Photon GUI link.
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 “Photon GUI Installable Files” on your desktop, for download. The file
Photon_GUI.zip will be saved.
Step 5 Open the directory
where you saved the zip.
Step 6 Double click the
Photon_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 setup.exe file to begin installation.
Step 9 Click Next> at the installer
welcome screen when the
installer finishes loading. Follow
the prompts.

3—Basic Operation of the Photon Camera and GUI Photon User’s Manual
3-4 February 2008 412-0035-00-10, version 110
Step 10 Select the install options. If you
plan on using the Ethernet
Adapter Module, allowing digital
communications with the Photon
camera, you should select both
options as shown. Then, click
Next>.
Step 11 If you agree with the install
option confirmation screen,
click Next>.
Step 12 Once installation is complete,
click Finish.

Photon User’s Manual 3—Basic Operation of the Photon Camera and GUI
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Step 13 If you selected Ethernet access using
iPORT device in Step 10 above, you will
see this screen. To support
communication through the Ethernet
Adapter Module you need to install
PT1000-IDG iPORT support, click Yes to
install now and refer to paragraph 4.2
“Installing PT1000-IDG for iPORT Ethernet
support” on page 4-2.
Step 14 Installation is complete. You
should find a shortcut to
the application via the
‘Start, Programs, Indigo,
Photon GUI’ path.

3—Basic Operation of the Photon Camera and GUI Photon User’s Manual
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3.5 Connecting the Photon to a PC via the I/O Module
Step 1 Follow the steps shown in paragraph 3.1 “Operation of the Photon camera using the
development kit” on page 3-1 for basic operation of the Photon camera. After verifying
that the camera is producing an image, power-down the camera.
Step 2 You may have done this operation in Section 6. If not, connect one end of a standard
serial cable (user must provide as this is not included with the Photon 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 Photon GUI software is already installed on the
PC (see installation instructions above), launch the software by selecting ‘Start,
Programs, Indigo, Photon GUI.
Step 5 When launched, the software attempts to connect with the camera. If the port
settings are wrong, a pop-up window will appear asking you to enter the proper COM
port. Enter the COM port to which the camera is connected.
Note
When successful connected, the ‘About’ tab of the utility should return data similar to
the following. At the bottom of the application window, you should see the ‘Camera
status request completed’ message.
The Photon User GUI remembers the last COM port that successfully communicated with a
Photon 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: Photon GUI About Tab

Photon User’s Manual 3—Basic Operation of the Photon Camera and GUI
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3.6 Troubleshooting the Photon GUI
If the Photon GUI does not link with the 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 Photon GUI
window on top of the word COM will bring up a dialog box indicating COM port. Also, try
disconnecting and then re-connecting either 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 Photon Camera Control
Program can be instantiated using different ports so be sure the camera you are interested in
controlling is actually connected to the physical
Is the Photon 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 Photon camera is not being powered correctly.
Contact FLIR Customer Support at [phone] if you cannot initiate serial communication
with the camera after verifying these items.

3—Basic Operation of the Photon Camera and GUI Photon User’s Manual
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3.7 Operation of the Photon GUI
When the Photon GUI successfully links to the camera, you will see the window shown below.
The GUI provides five tabs allowing for camera control as described below. It also provides a
text message across the bottom showing status information reported back from the camera
after each command.
Figure 3-2: Photon GUI Digital Video Tab