FLIR Fido X4 User manual

Fido® X4
Handheld Explosives Trace Detector
Operations Manual

COPYRIGHT
Copyright 2020 FLIR Systems, Inc.
April 2020
This documentation is provided as a component part of the Fido® X4 detection system. All
parties or individuals in possession of the documentation accept in full and without exception
or limitation the FLIR Systems, Inc. unrestricted rights of ownership of this material. This doc-
umentation is not available by any other means except license which is only available from
FLIR Systems, Inc. Under no circumstances may any part or the whole of this doc-
umentation be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, transmitted, copied, modified, dis-
tributed, displayed, sold, licensed, published, or derivative works created therefrom in any
form or by any means: electronic, mechanical, recording, or otherwise, without the written
permission of FLIR Systems, Inc. obtained in advance of the requirement.
It is expressly forbidden for the holder of this documentation to use it either in its entirety or
in part or any graphics to provide training or tuition, assistance or knowledge transfer to any
other party whatsoever or for marketing of promotional literature or material of any type
whatsoever without the prior written permission of FLIR Systems, Inc. Use of this doc-
umentation in any manner inconsistent with the user manual and related documentation is
strictly prohibited.Use of the documentation is not transferable.
WARRANTY
The Fido X4 equipment that is the subject of this manual is covered by a standard warranty.
The terms of the warranty are defined by the "Terms and Conditions of Sale" that was in
effect at the time of purchase. A copy of this document can be obtained through your FLIR
Systems sales channel for Detection Products.
TRADEMARKS
Product name and any design elements are trademarks of FLIR Systems, Inc. All other
product and company names may be the property of their respective owners Specifically:
•Windows® is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
•Mac® is a registered trademark of Apple Inc.
•Linux® is a registered trademark of The Linux Foundation.
PATENTS
Protected by one or more patents and patent applications.
Learn more here: www.flir.com/patentnotice.
2 4226044 (Rev. C) © 2020 FLIR Systems, Inc.

EXPORT CONTROL
WARNING: This document contains technology whose export, re-export, or transfer to
Non-U.S. Persons, wherever located, is subject to the Export Administration Regulations
(EAR) (15 C.F.R. Sections 730-774). This document may not be exported, reexported, or
transferred without the prior authorization of the U.S. Department of Commerce.
PROPRIETARY INFORMATION
This documentation contains confidential and proprietary information that must be main-
tained in confidence and used only in a manner consistent with the documentation and may
not be disclosed to any third parties.

4226044 (Rev. C) © 2020 FLIR Systems, Inc. 3

www.flir.com/detection
Tel (Toll-free): +1.877.692.2120


FLIR Detection, Inc.
1024 S. Innovation Way
Stillwater, OK 74074
USA
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

Asia/Pacific
FLIR Detection, Inc.
3 Pickering Street #03-49
Nankin Row
Singapore 048660
Tel: + 65.6822.1595

Europe, Africa, Middle East
FLIR Detection, Inc.
Luxemburgstraat 2
2321 Meer
Belgium
Tel: + 32 (0) 3665.5106
Fax: + 32 (0) 3303.5624
4 4226044 (Rev. C) © 2020 FLIR Systems, Inc.

Table of Contents
1 Introduction 9
1.1 Technical Support 9
2 Safety 11
2.1 Safety Conventions and Labeling 11
2.1.1 Label types 11
2.1.2 Safety symbols 11
2.2 Wireless Capability Compliance Notices 12
2.2.1 FCC Interference Statement (Part 15.105 (a)) 12
2.2.2 FCC Part 15 Clause 15.21 [Do not modify warning] 12
2.2.3 FCC Part 15.19(a) [Interference compliance statement] 12
2.2.4 ISED RSS-Gen Notice 12
3 System Overview 14
3.1 Theory of Operation 14
3.2 Fido X4 System Kit Contents 14
3.3 Fido X4 Unit Overview 16
3.4 Primary Hardware Components 17
3.4.1 Thermal desorption module (TD) 17
3.4.2 Detector inlet 17
3.4.3 Display 18
3.4.4 Keypad 18
3.4.5 USB-C port 18
3.4.6 Battery 18
3.4.6.1 Soft button 18
3.5 Primary consumable components 18
3.5.1 Sensing element 19
3.5.2 Sample swipes 20
3.5.3 Reference standard 20
4 Getting Started 22
4.1 The Keypad 22
4.1.1 Overview 22
4.1.2 Using the Input Keys 22
4.1.2.1 Enter key 22
4.1.2.2 Menu key 23
4.1.2.3 Back key 23
4.1.2.4 Directional pad 23
4.2 Fido X4 Menus 25
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FLIR Fido® X4 Operations Manual

Table of Contents
4.2.1 Sensitivity menu 25
4.2.2 Settings menu 26
4.2.2.1 Scroll bars on menu screens 27
4.2.3 Clean System Menu 27
4.2.4 File Archive Menu 27
4.2.5 Device Status menu 28
4.2.6 Help 29
5 Operating the Fido X4 30
5.1 Fido X4 Power On Sequence 30
5.1.1 Startup 30
5.1.2 Heating Up 30
5.1.2.1 Startup Wizard 31
5.2 Verifying the System 31
5.2.1 Verification Failure 34
5.2.1.1 Reference Presentation Error 35
5.3 Collecting a Particulate Sample 35
5.3.1 Trace detection 35
5.3.2 What to sample 35
5.3.3 How to sample 36
5.4 Collecting a Vapor Sample 39
5.4.1 Vapor Detection Mode 39
5.4.2 Vapor Mode settings 39
5.4.3 Switching to Vapor Mode 40
5.4.4 Verifying the system in Vapor Mode 40
5.4.5 Collecting a vapor sample 42
5.4.5.1 Sample 42
5.4.5.2 Search 42
5.5 Sample Information 43
5.5.1 Sample information: no threat detected 43
5.5.2 Sample information: threat detected 44
5.5.3 DATA command 45
5.5.4 FLAG command 45
5.5.5 IDcommand 46
5.6 Turn Off the Fido X4 46
6 Reviewing Data 47
6.1 Reviewing Sample Data 47
6.1.1 Reviewing individual sample records 47
6.2 Creating Reports 48
6.2.1 Erasing data 50
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7 Connecting to a Computer 51
7.1 USB Connection 51
7.2 Wireless Connection 51
7.3 Updating Firmware 51
7.4 Reports 51
7.5 Digital manuals 52
8 System Maintenance 53
8.1 Replacing the Sensing Element 53
8.1.1 Removing the sensing element 53
8.1.2 Installing the sensing element 56
8.2 Battery Handling 57
8.2.1 Charging the battery 57
8.2.2 Replacing the battery 57
8.2.2.1 Removing the battery 57
8.2.2.2 Installing the battery 57
8.3 Maintenance Kit Contents 57
8.4 Removing and Attaching the Thermal Desorber 58
8.4.1 Removing the thermal desorber 58
8.4.2 Attaching the thermal desorber 58
8.5 Replacing the Detector Inlet 59
8.5.1 Removing the inlet 59
8.5.2 Installing the inlet 59
8.6 Cleaning the System 60
8.6.1 Clean System menu 60
8.6.1.1 Power clean 60
8.6.1.2 Manual cleaning 60
8.6.2 Cleaning the thermal desorber 61
8.6.3 Cleaning a clogged or dirty sensor Inlet 61
8.6.4 Other maintenance tasks 62
8.6.4.1 Inspecting and replacing O-rings 62
8.6.4.2 Checking the system for leaks 62
9 Understanding Alerts 63
9.1 Don’t Panic 63
9.2 Confirm and Investigate 63
9.3 Follow Organizational Protocols 64
10 Specifications 65
Table of Figures 67
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FLIR Fido® X4 Operations Manual

Table of Contents
Index 69
8 4226044 (Rev. C) © 2020 FLIR Systems, Inc.

1  Introduction
This manual describes the proper operation and maintenance of your Fido X4 System.
The FLIR Fido® X4 is a lightweight, hand-held explosives trace detector (ETD), designed for
extended daily use for Entry Control Point (ECP) security screening applications. The system
is ultra-portable, weighing just 3.2 pounds (1.45 kg), and includes two 8-hour rechargeable
and hot-swappable lithium ion (Li-Ion) batteries, making it ideal both for fixed site checkpoints
and for dynamic security environments where trace detection is needed at many changing
locations.
Fido X4's award-winning TrueTrace® technology detects unseen threats with higher sens-
itivity and faster clear-down time compared to similar products. Fido X4 delivers fast, cost-
effective, high throughput screening with sampling time of 10 seconds or less and alarm res-
ults displayed in under 25 seconds from sample presentation. System clear-down is com-
plete in an average of less than 30 seconds from alarm result.
The Fido X4 is available as a complete system kit, to include the Fido X4 handheld ETD, spare
battery, basic accessories, maintenance kit and starting quantities of consumables. For a
detailed description of kit components, see "System Overview" on p. 14.
1.1 Technical Support
This manual is only one of the ways you can learn about the Fido X4. Each Fido X4 kit pur-
chase includes operator training and access to FLIR Detection’s customer service
portal.Register your system at https://flir.link/x4/ for access to:
• Product notifications
• Technical bulletins
• Firmware updates
• Additional consumables and accessories
• Return merchandise authorizations (RMA)
• Technical support
• Training
There are multiple training options, including in-person courses at FLIR’s Stillwater, OK facil-
ity and online training courses.The Fido X4 device also contains instructional videos that can
be viewed on demand.
Use the information in this manual and at FLIR's customer service portal to help your Fido X4
function properly for years to come.
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FLIR Fido® X4 Operations Manual

Introduction
Contact Information

https://detectionsupport.com/explosives/
email: [e-mail]
Tel (Toll-free): +1.877.692.2120
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FLIR Fido® X4 Operations Manual
2 Safety
IMPORTANT:
Before operating the Fido X4, you must read, understand, and follow all instructions, warn-
ings, cautions, and legal disclaimers.
2.1 Safety Conventions and Labeling
This section describes the safety labels and symbols used in this manual. Failure to observe
these safety indicators could result in operator injury or system damage. In addition, the sys-
tem may not operate as intended.
2.1.1 Label types
The following levels of safety labeling may be used in this document:
Warning Indicates an imminently hazardous situation that may result in death or ser-
ious injury.
Caution Indicates a potentially hazardous situation that may result in injury or equip-
ment damage.
Note Directs attention to important information you should review before pro-
ceeding with system operation.
2.1.2 Safety symbols
Symbol Meaning Action to Take
Caution:
Battery Handling
Device contains battery.
Handle batteries appropriately.
•Use specified charger only.
•Do not incinerate or expose to high
temperatures above 140°F / 60°C.
•Do not short-circuit.
•Do not put into fire. Dispose of properly.
Caution:
Burn Hazard -
Hot Surface
The sensing element, detector
inlet, reference standard and
other components inside the
thermal desorber are heated or
may become heated during
operation and may cause burns.
•Avoid direct skin contact to hot surfaces
while the Fido X4 is on and for three
minutes after it is turned off.
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Safety
Symbol Meaning Action to Take
Caution:
Broken Glass
Hazard
The Fido X4 sensing element
(SE) is made of glass and can
break if mishandled while being
removed, installed, transported,
or stored. Breaking a sensing
element will create sharp edges
and glass shards that can cut or
puncture skin.
•Do not store sensing elements in clothing
pockets.
•Do not put a sensing element where
someone might sit or step on it.
•Properly dispose of used or broken
sensing elements with care to avoid
injury.
2.2 Wireless Capability Compliance Notices
2.2.1 FCC Interference Statement (Part 15.105 (a))
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital
device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reas-
onable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a com-
mercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency
energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause
harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential
area is likely to cause harmful interference in which case the user will be required to correct
the interference at his own expense.
2.2.2 FCC Part 15 Clause 15.21 [Do not modify warning]
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance
could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.
2.2.3 FCC Part 15.19(a) [Interference compliance statement]
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two
conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must
accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
2.2.4 ISED RSS-Gen Notice
This device complies with Industry Canada’s licence-exempt RSSs. Operation is subject to
the following two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause interference; and
(2) This device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause
undesired operation of the device.
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FLIR Fido® X4 Operations Manual
Le présent appareil est conforme aux CNR d’Industrie Canada applicables aux appareils radio
exempts de licence. L’exploitation est autorisée aux deux conditions suivantes:
1) l’appareil ne doit pas produire de brouillage;
2) l’appareil doit accepter tout brouillage radioélectrique subi, même si le brouillage est sus-
ceptible d’en compromettre le fonctionnement.
4226044 (Rev. C) © 2020 FLIR Systems, Inc. 13

System Overview
3  System Overview
3.1 Theory of Operation
The primary concept of operation for the Fido X4 Handheld ETD is high throughput screening
for trace explosives residues. The screening process consists of three basic steps:
1. Samples are collected from operational surfaces via reusable sample media (Sampling
Swipes).
2. Samples are processed and analyzed by the Fido X4 through an automated sequence
of sample desorption, sample introduction, and signal processing.
3. After a sample has been processed, the Fido X4 displays easy-to-interpret alarm res-
ults and threat identification information.
3.2 Fido X4 System Kit Contents
The Fido X4 System Kit includes the following:
• Welcome card
• Documentation
• Quick Start Guide
• Safety information document
• Kit contents document
• Fido X4 Handheld ETD with battery installed
• Spare battery ( 1)
• Battery charging adapter
• ACpower supply
• USB-C to USB-A data cable
• Fido X4 sensing elements
• Fido X4 sampling swipes
• Fido X4 reference standard
• Vapor Mode inlet adapter
• Maintenance kit
• Single-point harness
• Storage case
For a description of maintenance kit contents, see "System Maintenance" on p. 53.
Figure 3-1 shows the location of these items in the Fido X4 storage case.
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4226044 (Rev. C) © 2020 FLIR Systems, Inc. 15
FLIR Fido® X4 Operations Manual
Figure 3-1: Fido X4 Kit Contents
AFido X4 Handheld ETD
Battery charging adapter
E Fido maintenance kit
Vapor Mode inlet adapter
X4 reference standard
BSpare battery FQuick Start Guide
CX4 consumables
(Sensing elements and sampling
swipes)
G Single-point harness
DAC power supply
USB-C to USB-A data cable
  

System Overview
3.3 Fido X4 Unit Overview


Figure 3-2: Fido X4 (front)
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4226044 (Rev. C) © 2020 FLIR Systems, Inc. 17
FLIR Fido® X4 Operations Manual
Figure 3-3: Fido X4 (back and right side)
3.4 Primary Hardware Components
3.4.1 Thermal desorption module (TD)
The primary function of the thermal desorption module, or thermal desorber (TD), is to pro-
cess trace particulate samples by heating a sample swipe, which vaporizes particulate mater-
ial that was collected. When a sample swipe is inserted into the TD, the desorber
automatically senses swipe insertion and mechanically positions the effective area of the
swipe in close proximity to the detector inlet (3.4.2).Sample vapor is then drawn into the
detector, where detection events can occur.
3.4.2 Detector inlet
The primary function of the detector inlet is to efficiently draw sample vapor into the system
and across the sensor array.The detector inlet material is silica-treated stainless steel, which
provides efficient heating and sample transport into the detector.

System Overview
3.4.3 Display
The system display is a full color, daylight-readable LCD, which supports viewing and access-
ing all system functions.No additional software programs are required to operate the Fido X4
or to access system data.
3.4.4 Keypad
The system keypad contains the following buttons:
• Power button
• Menu button, for accessing system settings, functions and status
• Multi-directional pad for navigation within system menus
• Back button for reversing navigation
For more information, see "The Keypad" on p. 22.
3.4.5 USB-C port
The Fido X4 has one data port which can be used to connect the device to a PC. USB-C is a
modern standard for Universal Serial Bus and is capable of powering the device and sending
and receiving large amounts of data quickly. When connected to a PC, the Fido X4 behaves
as any standard USB storage device, so data reports generated on the device can be easily
transferred.
3.4.6 Battery
The Fido X4 is equipped with a lithium ion (Li-Ion) battery. The expected battery life under nor-
mal operating conditions is 8 hours. The battery is rechargeable while plugged into the device
or also via an external battery charging adapter. The battery is also hot-swappable, which
allows you to replace the battery during operation without powering the Fido X4 off, greatly
reducing operational downtime.
3.4.6.1 Soft button
The soft button is located underneath the handle/grip of the Fido X4. The function of the soft
button is to capture screenshots from the device display to record detector behavior and
alarm results, or for sharing with FLIR technical support for troubleshooting purposes.
Screenshots are saved on the device and are included in data reports.
3.5 Primary consumable components
Before operation, consumables should be transported and stored inside of the hard-shell
case. During operation, consumables should be stored inside packaging, prior to use. For
long-term storage, FLIR recommends storing consumables inside their packaging, at room
temperature.
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FLIR Fido® X4 Operations Manual
3.5.1 Sensing element
Caution: To avoid burns, when handling the sensing element, take care only
to touch the end of the element that is marked with a dot. See Figure 3-4.

Caution: Breaking a sensing element will create sharp edges and glass shards
that can cut or puncture skin.
• Do not store sensing elements in clothing pockets.
• Do not put a sensing element where someone might sit or step on it.
• Properly dispose of used or broken sensing elements with care to avoid
injury.
Figure 3-4: Sensing element (dot enlarged)
The Fido X4 sensing element contains the highly sensitive and selective fluorescent and
chemiluminescent sensing materials that make-up TrueTrace technology. During operation,
the unmarked end of the sensing element is inserted into the thermal desorber and heated.
The foundation of the sensing element is an optical-grade glass capillary tube. Sensing mater-
ials are applied as thin films, in a linear, 5-channel array, inside of the capillary. Multiple vari-
ations of these novel materials are used to achieve sensitivity and selectivity across a broad
range of threat materials, including:
• nitroaromatics
• nitrate esters
• nitramines
• nitrosamines
• inorganic nitrate
• nitro-volatiles
• peroxides
Periodically, the sensing element must be replaced.During operation of the Fido X4, system
diagnostics continually monitor sensor array performance to determine when replacement is
needed.When the system determines that the sensing element must be replaced, simple
prompts are displayed to inform the user. For more information, see "Replacing the Sensing
Element" on p. 53.

System Overview
Each sensing element lasts approximately 4-8 hours, although in some cases this time will be
shorter or longer, depending on operating environment and sample type.
If sensing elements are stored properly in their packaging, their storage shelf life is guar-
anteed for one year. System diagnostics should always be used to determine the validity of
the Sensing element. sensing elements that have been removed from their packaging and
left open to the environment for extended periods should be discarded.
3.5.2 Sample swipes
Figure 3-5: Sample swipe
Fido X4 Sample swipes are made of thin, thermally stable materials that are designed to effi-
ciently collect particulate samples from operational surfaces, and also effectively allow
desorption of those particles during sample processing.
Sample swipes can be reused. FLIR recommends that under normal operating conditions,
swipes may be reused up to 10 times. However, there are some exceptions. If an alarm is
recorded, which indicates the presence of explosive threat material, the swipe should be dis-
carded or handled according to your alarm resolution protocols. Also, if a sample swipe
becomes damaged during operation or becomes heavily soiled with dirt or debris, it should
be discarded.
As long as they are stored properly in their packaging, sample swipes have an indefinite shelf
life. sample swipes that have been removed from their packaging and left open to the envir-
onment for extended periods should be discarded.
For more information, see "Collecting a Particulate Sample" on p. 35.
3.5.3 Reference standard
Figure 3-6: Reference standard, fully extended
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