FLIR FLIR H Series User manual

H-Series
Thermal Night Vision Camera
Operator’s Manual
Document Number: 431-0003-01-10
Revision: 100
September 2009
HS_Series_Operators.book Page i Wednesday, October 14, 2009 7:47 PM

HS_Series_Operators.book Page i Wednesday, October 14, 2009 7:47 PM

© 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 permission of 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 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 Commercial Vision Systems, Inc. customer support at
805.964.9797 for additional information 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 Commercial Vision Systems, Inc.
representative for instructions on how to return the product to
FLIR for proper disposal.
This document is controlled to FLIR Technology Level EAR 1. The information
contained in this document is proprietary and/or restricted and pertains to a
dual-use product controlled for export by the Export Administration
Regulations (EAR). This document and data disclosed herein or herewith is not
to be reproduced, used, or disclosed in whole or in part to anyone without the
written permission of FLIR Systems, Inc. Diversion contrary to US law is
prohibited. US Department of Commerce authorization is not required prior to
export or transfer to foreign persons, parties, or uses otherwise prohibited.
FLIR Commercial Vision Systems, Inc.
70 Castilian Drive
Goleta, CA 93117
Phone: 888.747.FLIR (888.747.3547)
International: +1.805.964.9797
www.flir.com
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431-0003-01-10, Revision 100 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
H-Series Power Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Installing the Batteries and SD Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Charging the Camera . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Operating Your H-Series Camera . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Camera Features and Buttons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Batteries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
SD Card Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Auto-Standby Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Shutdown Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
The Hot Shoe. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Bayonet Lens Mounting System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Operation of the lens-cover assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
2× Extender . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Storage Functions: HS-324 Pro (Command version) . . . . . . . . 24
Hand Position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 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 September 2009
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431-0003-01-10, Revision 100 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 September 2009
1–1 H-Series Camera Features
• Shuttered Eyepiece—Keeps light from coming out of the
viewfinder, helping you stay covert.
• Choose the 19 mm lens with 24° field of view or 2× optical
extender.
• Rugged design—Built to withstand the demands of day-in, day-out
law enforcement operations. It is even submersible.
• Hot Shoe—Provides convenient power input and video output.
• Two-sided Hand Strap—Accommodates both left-handed and
right-handed users.
• SD Card Slot—Allows for field upgrades and 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 more than 5
hours of camera operation on a single charge.
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 100 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
880 m Detection
220 m Recognition
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1—Introduction H-Series Operator’s Manual
4 September 2009
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431-0003-01-10, Revision 100 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 September 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, User’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
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• HS-324 Pro (Command version) Camera Package:
In addition to the camera, Quick Start card, User’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
2-Gb SD Card
AA Rechargeable Batteries
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2—Getting Started H-Series Operator’s Manual
8 September 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
Release Lever
Manual Focus Ring
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H-Series Operator’s Manual 2—Getting Started
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2–3 H-Series Power Management
Your H-Series camera is equipped with a power management system
that provides more than five hours of continuous operation and up to
ten 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- Seri es cam era is de sign ed to ope r ate m uch li ke you r c el l p hone :
• 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 an all the way off condition it takes
about 90 seconds to become fully operational.
• In Standby, it is always ready to go. Press the power button and it
is on in a second.
• It will automatically put itself in Standby to conserve the battery.
Power States
• Four power states: Off, On, Bootup, and Standby
• Initial power-on Bootup takes about 90 seconds (fast flashing red
state LED next to the display). While in the Bootup state, pressing
the Power button again will turn the camera off. After the camera
is finished its power-on Bootup, 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.
• When battery powered, the camera goes to Standby after three
minutes if no buttons are pushed. A warning is shown on the
display.
• From the Standby state, the camera comes back on within about
a second when any button is pushed.
• The Auto-Standby function is disabled if the camera is powered
with auxiliary power.
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2—Getting Started H-Series Operator’s Manual
10 September 2009
The table below summarizes the four power states an H-Series
camera can be in. During most use scenarios the operator will cycle
between the Standby and On states. 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.
Note
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.
A red LED located next to the viewfinder indicates the current state
and can only be seen when the shuttered eyepiece is opened (for
example, when the camera is held up to the eye).
Camera
State How do you know?
Off The display and the state LED is off
Power-on
Bootup
Color bars on the display and the state LED is flashing
quickly
On There’s a thermal image on the display and the state LED
is off
Standby The display is off and the state LED is flashing slowly
From
State
To
State Method
Off On Press the Power button for 1 second. (This will put the
camera in the power-on boot process for about 90 sec-
onds before going to the On state.)
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
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H-Series Operator’s Manual 2—Getting Started
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2–4 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.
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 pull
Battery
cover
+
–
+
–
–
+
–
+
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2—Getting Started H-Series Operator’s Manual
12 September 2009
2–5 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.
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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431-0003-01-10, Revision 100 13
3 Operating Your H-Series Camera
3–1 Camera Features and Buttons
The following diagram shows the features and buttons on your
camera.
Power Button–The H-Series Thermal Imager has 3 power modes:
On, Off, and Standby.
• On - The first time the Power Button is pressed, the camera will
turn on and perform its initial boot up. This takes about 90
seconds.
• Standby - After the camera is on, pressing the Power button will
put the camera in the Standby state.
• Off - Push and hold the Power button for eight seconds to turn off
the camera.
Power2×zoomWhite hot/Display
Black hot
Adjustable
diopter ±2
Eyepiece
Lens cap
Camera
Brightness
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3—Operating Your H-Series Camera H-Series Operator’s Manual
14 September 2009
Camera 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
Display Brightness Button–Use this
button to cycle through the five lev-
els 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, subse-
quent button presses advance to
the next higher brightness levels.
One of the following icons is displayed for approximately 3
seconds after the button is pressed indicating the cur-
rent brightness level:
White/Black Hot Button–Use this button to toggle between the two
video options. In the default White Hot mode, hotter objects appear as
white or light grey. In the Black Hot mode, hotter objects appear as
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.
Highest
Lowest
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H-Series Operator’s Manual 3—Operating Your H-Series Camera
431-0003-01-10, Revision 100 15
black or dark grey. While white hot is the most commonly used and
visually intuitive method of viewing thermal imagery, black hot can
often enhance contrast of certain objects or provide better visual
perspective in some conditions.
When switching between modes, the appropriate
icon is displayed for approximately 3 seconds.
Zoom Button–Use this button to switch the
camera between no zoom (full resolution) and 2× zoom. The central
part of the image is magnified twice its normal size when 2× is
selected.
Zoom Indicator–When zoom has been selected
the following icon is continuously displayed on the
display:
Diopter Controls–The diopter adjustment knob allows a ±2 diopter
setting range. When the diopter adjustment knob is pointing straight
away from the camera, it is in the neutral position.
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