FLIR FLIR H Series User manual

H-Series
Thermal Night Vision Camera
30 Hz Operator’s Manual
Document Number: 431-0003-01-10
Revision: 110
November 2009
Your Source for Modern
Thermal Imaging Systems
P.O. BOX 4242
Middletown, New York 10941 USA
Phone: [phone]
Phone Intl: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [email protected]

© 2009 FLIR Commercial Vision Systems, Inc. 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 permissionof FLIR Commercial Vision Systems,
Inc.
Names and marks appearing on the products herein are either registered
trademarks or trademarks of FLIR Commercial Vision Systems, Inc. and/or
its subsidiaries. All other trademar ks, trade names, or company names
referenced herein are used for identication 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 Commercial Vision Systems, Inc. customer support at
805.964.9797 for additional inform ation prior to returning a camera.
This documentation is subject to change without notice.
This equipment must be disposed of as electronic waste.
Contact your nearest FLIR Comm ercial Vision Systems, Inc.
representative for instructions on how to return the product to
FLIR for proper disposal.
This document is controlled to FLIR Technology ITAR Level 2. The information
contained in this document is proprietary and/or restricted and pertains to a
defense article controlled for export by the International Trac in Arms
Regulations (ITAR). This document and data disclosed herein or herewith is
not to be reproduced, used, or disclosedin whole or in part to anyone without
the written permission of FLIR Systems, Inc. Diversion contrary to US law is
prohibited. US Department of State authorization is requiredprior to export or
transfer to foreign persons, partie s, or uses otherwise prohibited.
Your Source for Modern
Thermal Imaging Systems
P.O. BOX 4242
Middletown, New York 10941 USA
Phone: [phone]
Phone Intl: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [email protected]

431-0003-01-10, Revision 110 iii
Table of Contents
Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
H-Series Camera Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Detection Range . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Cautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Getting Started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Shipping Kits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Options and Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Operating Your H-Series Camera . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Camera Features and Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Installing the Batteries and SD Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Charging the Camera . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
H-Series Power Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Buttons and Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Batteries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
SD Card Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Auto-Standby Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
The Hot Shoe. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Bayonet Lens Mounting System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
2× Extender . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Hand Position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Installing Software Upgrades. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Technical Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
H-Series Camera Model Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Environmental . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Physical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Lens Choice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Additional Features: HS-324 Pro (Command version) . . . . . . . 29
Range Detection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
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—H-SeriesOperator’sManual
iv November 2009
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431-0003-01-10, Revision 110 1
1Introduction
The H-Series handheld thermal imaging camera lets law enforcement
officers see clearly in total darkness, giving them the information they
need while making quick decisions, enhancing mission effectiveness,
maximizing operational capabilities, and improving officer safety.
The H-Series camera provides a 320 × 240 resolution Vanadium
Oxide (VOx) microbolometer giving excellent, high-fidelity thermal
imagery with the detail necessary for cutting edge performance. You
will see improved detection and recognition ranges in total darkness,
as well as through smoke, dust, and light fog.
You can see better through camouflage and foliage in any lighting
conditions. Because H-Series cameras see heat, not light, they are not
fooled by suspects wearing dark clothes or hiding in bushes.
You can see more—and see farther—than with other night vision
technologies because H-Series cameras see clearly without any light
whatsoever. You can see farther at night than with technologies that
need ambient light to work and you can see heat sources that these
other cameras could never find.
With a variety of lens options, on-board image and video capture
capability, and optional wireless transmission all built in to the camera,
H-Series cameras are the most potent imaging package available
today.
Image with H-Series CameraImage Intensified Camera
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1—Introduction H-Series Operator’s Manual
2 November 2009
1–1 H-Series Camera Features
• 320×240 micro bolometer sensor for excellent image quality
and clarity
• Hot Shoe—Provides convenient power input and video output.
• Choose the 19 mm lens with 24° field of view or 2× optical
extender.
• Shuttered Eyepiece—Keeps light from coming out of the
viewfinder display, helping you stay covert.
• Two-sided Hand Strap—Accommodates both left-handed and
right-handed users.
• Software upgrades using SD card in the field.
• SD Card Slot—Allows for storing captured still images and video
on the removable SD card.1
• USB 2.0 Connection—Rapid transfer of still images and video files
from the camera to a PC.1
• Four rechargeable AA NiMH batteries—Provides up to 5 hours of
camera operation on a single charge.
• Rugged design—Built to withstand the demands of day-in, day-out
law enforcement operations. It is even submersible.
1. Available only with the HS-324 Pro (Command version).
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H-Series Operator’s Manual 1—Introduction
431-0003-01-10, Revision 110 3
1–2 Detection Range
The illustration below shows the comparative range performance of
the H-Series camera with different lens configurations. The data is
based on detecting and recognizing a man 1.8 meters tall (and one-
half meter wide).
1–3 Cautions
Do not disassemble the camera enclosure. Disassembly can
cause permanent damage and will void the warranty.
Keep the compartment covers closed to avoid exposing the
cameras electronics to water or debris.
It is a good idea to avoid pointing the system directly at extremely
high-intensity radiation sources, such as the sun, lasers, arc
welders, etc.
Use only the supplied power adapters to power or recharge the
camera.
Be careful not to leave fingerprints on the camera’s infrared
optics.
Caution!
19 mm
Lens
19 mm
Lens with
2×
Extender
The camera window has an anti-reflective coating and should only
be cleaned with low pressure fresh water and a lens cloth.
Improper care of the camera window can cause damage to the
anti-reflective coating, degrade the camera’s performance, and
void the camera warranty.
440 m Detection
110 m Recognition
720 m Detection
180 m Recognition
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1—Introduction H-Series Operator’s Manual
4 November 2009
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431-0003-01-10, Revision 110 5
2 Getting Started
The H-Series cameras shown below are available with the features,
options, and accessories described in this manual.
19 mm Lens with 2×Extender
19 mm Lens Configuration
Focus Ring
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2—Getting Started H-Series Operator’s Manual
6 November 2009
2–1 Shipping Kits
Refer to the packing list enclosed with your camera shipment to
determine the actual contents of your camera package.
• HS-324 (Patrol version) Camera Package:
In addition to the camera, Quick Start card, Operator’s manual, and
Documentation/Training CD or DVD; the following items are included
in the HS-324 (Patrol version) camera package:
Neck Lanyard
Hot Shoe
AC Power Adaptor
AA Rechargeable Batteries Video Output Cable
Car Adaptor
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H-Series Operator’s Manual 2—Getting Started
431-0003-01-10, Revision 110 7
• HS-324 Pro (Command version) Camera Package:
In addition to the camera, Quick Start card, Operator’s manual, and
Documentation/Training CD or DVD; the following items are included
in the HS-324 Pro (Command version) camera package:
Neck Lanyard
Carrying Pouch
Hot Shoe
Video Output Cable
USB Cable
AC Power Adaptor
Car Adaptor
1-Gb SD Card
AA Rechargeable Batteries
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2—Getting Started H-Series Operator’s Manual
8 November 2009
2–2 Options and Accessories
2×Optical Extender for 19 mm lens:
The attachable 2× Optical Extender lens doubles the range of
performance when needed, without sacrificing the situational
awareness benefits of the wide field of view lens.
Rear Lens Cover
Manual Focus Ring
Front Lens Cover
Lens Release Lever
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431-0003-01-10, Revision 110 9
3 Operating Your H-Series Camera
3–1 Camera Features and Controls
Power2×zoomWhite hot/Display
Black hot
Adjustable
diopter ±2
Eyepiece
Lens cap
Capture
Brightness
SD Card
door
Battery
door
Hot Shoe/
T
ripod mount
Hot Shoe
power contacts
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3—Operating Your H-Series Camera H-Series Operator’s Manual
10 November 2009
3–2 Installing the Batteries and SD Card
The batteries must be installed and charged before using your
camera. If an SD card is included with your camera package, you can
also install it at this time.
1. Remove the small SD card
door. No tools are required.
This will help later when
removing the battery cover.
2. If included with your camera
package, install the SD card.
3. Loosen the four captive screws
securing the battery cover.
4. Pry off the battery cover by grasping
the front edge exposed when the SD
card cover was removed.
5. Install the batteries as shown.
6. Snap the SD card door back into
place, ensuring that the rubber lanyard
retracts into the camera.
7. Re-install the battery cover—it only fits one way.
8. Tighten the four screws.
If you have installed rechargable batteries, they must be charged
before using the camera. Regular AA batteries will provide about one
and a half hours of camera use.
Grasp SD card door edges and pul
l
Battery
cover
+
–
+
–
–
+
–
+
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H-Series Operator’s Manual 3—Operating Your H-Series Camera
431-0003-01-10, Revision 110 11
3–3 Charging the Camera
The batteries in the camera must be charged prior to their first use.
1. Connect the Hot Shoe to
your camera.
2. Rotate the attachment
wheel in the clockwise direction
until tight.
3. Plug the power adapter provided
with the camera into its power
source and also into the Hot
Shoe. Ensure that the plug is
fully seated in the Hot Shoe.
The initial charge time is
approximately 4 hours.
Only use the auxiliary power
adapters provided with your H-
Series camera (car adapter or AC adapter).
Connecting the camera to an improper power source may damage
the camera and void your warranty.
Plug from power adapter
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3—Operating Your H-Series Camera H-Series Operator’s Manual
12 November 2009
3–4 H-Series Power Management
Your H-Series camera is equipped with a power management system
that provides up to five hours of continuous operation and up to five
days of standby time between battery charges. To make the best use
of the camera and to assure it is always ready when you need it, it is
important to understand the basic power states of the camera.
The H-Series camera is designed to operate much like your cell phone:
• It is rarely turned off unless you do not plan to use it for a few
days or more.
• When near a power source (AC power or a car cigarette lighter)
or when not in use, you keep it on a charger.
• When you turn it on from all the way off, it takes about 90
seconds to become operational.
• In Standby, it is always ready to go. Press the Power button and it
is on in about two seconds.
• It will automatically put itself in Standby to conserve the battery.
A red state LED located next to the display indicates the current power
state and can only be seen when the shuttered eyepiece is opened (for
example, when the camera is held up to the eye) or when the eyepiece
is removed as shown in the photograph below.
State LEDDisplay screen
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H-Series Operator’s Manual 3—Operating Your H-Series Camera
431-0003-01-10, Revision 110 13
Power States
• Three power states: Off, On, and Standby
• The initial power-on Bootup process between the Off state and
the On state takes about 90 seconds (fast flashing red state
LED). During the Bootup process, pressing the Power button
again will turn the camera off. After the camera finishes its
power-on Bootup process, it is in the On state (state LED is off).
After the camera is On, pressing the Power button will put the
camera into Standby (state LED is flashing slowly).
• When battery powered, if Auto-Standby is enabled (see “Auto-
Standby Operation” on page 21), the camera goes to Standby
after three minutes if no buttons are pushed. A warning is shown
in the display.
• From the Standby state, the camera comes back on within about
two seconds when the Power button is pushed.
• The Auto-Standby function is disabled if the camera is powered
with auxiliary power.
During most use scenarios you will cycle between Standby and On.
Only at the end of a shift or when not needed on multi-day field missions
might you consider putting the camera into the OFF state.
Camera
State How do you know?
Off The display and the state LED are off
On
Power-on Bootup—Color bars on the display and the state
LED is flashing quickly
There is a thermal image on the display and the state LED
is off
Standby The display is off and the state LED is flashing slowly
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3—Operating Your H-Series Camera H-Series Operator’s Manual
14 November 2009
3–5 Buttons and Controls
Power Button
Changing between the Off, On, and Standby power states is
controlled by the Power button. The table below describes
how the camera moves between states.
To shut off the camera completely press and hold the Power button
for eight seconds.
After holding the Power button for three
seconds the following message will be
shown in the display and the camera will
enter the Off state if the countdown
finishes.
Release the Power button at any time during this countdown to
terminate Shutdown and resume normal operation.
Note
From
State
To
State Method
Off On Press the Power button for 1 second. (This will put the
camera in power-on bootup for about 90 seconds
before going to On.)
On Standby Momentarily press the Power button
Standby On Momentarily press the Power button
On Off Press and hold the Power button for 8 seconds
Standby Off Press and hold the Power button for 8 seconds
If the camera is in the Standby state and the Power button is held
down for eight seconds, the camera will shutdown without warning.
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H-Series Operator’s Manual 3—Operating Your H-Series Camera
431-0003-01-10, Revision 110 15
Capture Button–HS-324 Pro (Command version)
models only
Use this button to capture snapshots (in JPEG format) or
video clips (in MPEG-4 format). The files are stored on the integrated
SD card.
• Momentarily pressing the button captures a single snapshot.
• Pressing and holding the button will cause the camera to save a
video clip file. The file is written to the SD card when the button is
released.
Twenty-five seconds of video requires about one megabyte (MB) of
storage on the SD card. The image and video files must be transferred
to a computer for viewing.
Note
• If the camera is not an HS-324 Pro
(Command version) model, this
message will be shown in the
display.
• If an SD card is not installed, this
message will be shown in the
display and no image will be stored.
• If the SD card is full, a warning will
be shown in the display and the
image will not be stored.
Note
The images must be transferred to a computer via the USB cable,
or the SD card can be temporarily removed from the camera and
inserted in a card reader.
The stored image will include the thermal image, time and date
information, and the FLIR logo. Other icons seen in the display are
not stored on the saved image.
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3—Operating Your H-Series Camera H-Series Operator’s Manual
16 November 2009
Still Frame Capture and Store—To capture
and store a single still image of what is
currently being shown in the display,
momentarily press the Capture button. The
thermal image will momentarily freeze and
the following icons will appear in the display:
The SD Card Memory Gauge indicates how much memory is left on
the SD card. The camera icon with the green lens indicates that a
single frame was successfully stored to the SD card. Still images are
stored in the JPEG file format at 320 × 240 pixel resolution. Still
images are approximately 90Kb in size.
Video Capture and Store—To capture and store a video sequence of
what is currently being shown in the display, press and hold the
Capture button. Video capture will begin immediately and continue
until the Capture button is released.
During the video store process, real-time
video will be shown and these icons will
appear in the display:
The lens on the camera icon will flash
red/green during recording.
Video is stored in an MPEG-4 format at
approximately 8 seconds per megabyte.
Display Brightness Button
Use this button to cycle through the five levels of display
brightness. Each press of the button advances to the next
level of brightness.
When the highest brightness level is reached, subsequent button
presses advance to the next lower brightness levels. When the lowest
brightness level is reached, subsequent button presses advance to
the next higher brightness levels. One of the following icons is
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