FLIR A6000 Series User manual

A6000 and A8500 Series
User’s Manual
This document contains no export-controlled information.
Document Number: 4217984
Version: C
Issue Date: 09/22/2020

A6000 and A8500 Series User’s Manual 2
FLIR Systems, Inc.
9 Townsend West,
Nashua, NH 03063
Support: 1-800-GO-INFRA (800-464-6372)
http://flir.custhelp.com
Service: 1-866-FLIR-911
www.flir.com
©2020 FLIR Systems, Inc.

A6000 and A8500 Series User’s Manual 3
Table of Contents
1REVISION HISTORY ......................................................................................................................................6
2INTRODUCTION.............................................................................................................................................7
2.1 Camera System Components..........................................................................................7
2.2 Camera Models...............................................................................................................7
2.3 System Overview.............................................................................................................9
2.4 Key features of the A6000 and A8500 Series cameras..................................................10
3WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS......................................................................................................................12
4INSTALLATION............................................................................................................................................13
4.1 Basic Connections.........................................................................................................13
4.1.1 Power .........................................................................................................................................15
4.1.2 Video (HD-SDI) [All except A6705] ............................................................................................15
4.1.3 GigE Digital Video ......................................................................................................................15
5CAMERA CONTROLLER.............................................................................................................................16
5.1 “Hamburger Button” Menu .............................................................................................17
5.1.1 Adjust Time Controls..................................................................................................................18
5.1.2 Edit Filter Names (A678x and A858x only) ................................................................................19
5.2 Status Page...................................................................................................................19
5.3 Setup.............................................................................................................................20
5.3.1 General Setup ............................................................................................................................20
5.3.1.1 Sequencing Mode (Limited functionality in A670x)............................................................................21
5.3.1.2 Loading Factory Calibrations:............................................................................................................23
5.3.1.3 Changing Integration Time................................................................................................................24
5.3.1.4 Changing Frame Rate.......................................................................................................................25
5.3.1.5 Changing FPA Gain ..........................................................................................................................25
5.3.1.6 Reduce Noise....................................................................................................................................25
5.3.1.7 High Sensitivity Mode (HSM) ............................................................................................................26
5.3.1.8 Lens Control (A678x and A858x only)...............................................................................................26
5.3.1.9 FPA Window Settings........................................................................................................................29
5.3.1.10 Invert and Revert...............................................................................................................................30
5.3.2 Sync Settings (Limited functionality in A670x) ...........................................................................30
5.3.2.1 Sync Source......................................................................................................................................31
5.3.2.2 Frame Sync Starts.............................................................................................................................33
5.3.2.3 Frame Sync Starts Integration (FSSI) ...............................................................................................34
5.3.2.4 Frame Sync Starts Readout (FSSR).................................................................................................34
5.3.2.5 Trigger Mode.....................................................................................................................................35
5.3.2.6 Sync Options.....................................................................................................................................37

A6000 and A8500 Series User’s Manual 4
5.3.2.7 Sync Out ...........................................................................................................................................38
5.3.3 Filter Wheel Settings [A858x and A678x only]...........................................................................39
5.3.4 Flag Settings...............................................................................................................................40
5.4 Correction Page ............................................................................................................41
5.4.1 NUC Information.........................................................................................................................43
5.4.2 Manage NUCs............................................................................................................................43
5.4.3 Load NUC Options .....................................................................................................................44
5.4.4 Performing a NUC......................................................................................................................45
5.4.5 What is a Non-Uniformity Correction (NUC)? ............................................................................50
5.4.5.1.1 Two-Point Correction Process............................................................................................................. 51
5.4.5.1.2 Offset Update...................................................................................................................................... 51
5.4.5.1.3 Bad Pixel Correction ........................................................................................................................... 52
5.5Video Page (Not available in A6705).............................................................................54
5.5.1 AGC ROI Settings ......................................................................................................................58
5.6 Advanced......................................................................................................................59
5.6.1 Digital Settings............................................................................................................................59
5.6.2 Analog Settings ..........................................................................................................................61
5.6.3 Saturation Settings.....................................................................................................................62
6INTERFACES................................................................................................................................................63
6.1 Mechanical (dimensions in inches)................................................................................63
6.2 Status Lights..................................................................................................................70
6.3 Power Interfaces ...........................................................................................................70
6.3.1 Power Interface [All except A6705]............................................................................................70
6.3.2 Power Interface [A6705 only].....................................................................................................71
6.4 Lens Interfaces..............................................................................................................71
6.4.1 C-Mount (A626x only) ................................................................................................................71
6.4.2 Warm Filter (A670x and A675x Only).........................................................................................72
6.4.3 Warm Filter Holder (A626x Only)...............................................................................................72
6.4.4 FLIR FPO Lens interface [A670x and A675x only] ....................................................................73
6.4.5 FPO-M Motorized Lens Interface [A678x and A858x only]........................................................73
6.5 Other Interfaces.............................................................................................................74
6.5.1 Gigabit Ethernet..........................................................................................................................74
6.5.2 CoaXpress (CXP) [A858x only]..................................................................................................74
6.5.3 HD-SDI Video.............................................................................................................................74
6.5.4 AUX Connector [A626x, A675x, A678x, A858x] ........................................................................74
6.5.5 Sync In [All except A6705 and A858x] .......................................................................................76
6.5.6 Trigger In [A6705 only]...............................................................................................................76
7SPECIFICATIONS ........................................................................................................................................77

A6000 and A8500 Series User’s Manual 5
7.1 Interfaces ......................................................................................................................77
7.1.1 A858x .........................................................................................................................................77
7.1.2 A6000 Series..............................................................................................................................77
7.2 Windowing Capacity......................................................................................................78
7.2.1 A858x .........................................................................................................................................78
7.2.2 A6000 Series..............................................................................................................................78
7.3 Acquisition Modes and Features....................................................................................79
7.3.1 A858x .........................................................................................................................................79
7.3.2 A6000 Series..............................................................................................................................79
7.4 HD-SDI Video................................................................................................................80
7.4.1 A858x and all A6000 models......................................................................................................80
7.5 Performance Characteristics .........................................................................................81
7.5.1 A858x .........................................................................................................................................81
7.5.2 A6000 Series..............................................................................................................................81
7.6 Non-Uniformity Correction.............................................................................................82
7.6.1 A858x and all A6000 models......................................................................................................82
7.7 Detector/FPA.................................................................................................................82
7.7.1 A858x .........................................................................................................................................82
7.7.2 A6000 Series..............................................................................................................................83
7.8 General Characteristics.................................................................................................83
7.8.1 A858x .........................................................................................................................................83
7.8.2 A6000 Series..............................................................................................................................84
8MAINTENANCE............................................................................................................................................85
8.1 Camera and Lens Cleaning...........................................................................................85
8.1.1 Camera Body, Cables and Accessories.....................................................................................85
8.2 Lenses...........................................................................................................................85

1 –Revision History
A6000 and A8500 Series User’s Manual 6
1 Revision History
Version
Date
Initials
Changes
A
07/27/2020
MGH
Initial Release

2 –Introduction
A6000 and A8500 Series User’s Manual 7
2 Introduction
2.1 Camera System Components
The Cooled A-Series infrared camera and its accessories are delivered in a box which typically
contains the items below. There may also be additional items that you have ordered such as lenses,
software, CDs, etc.
Description
FLIR Part Number
Cooled A-Series Infrared Camera
See table below
Power supply, 24V, 4A
4212680
AC line cord
24124-000
Gigabit Ethernet Cat-6 cable, 2m length
23700-000
Bayonet mount plug, 4-tab
4142249
BNC cable
26393-000
AUX connector breakout cable
[A675x, A678x, A858x]
29402-500
Laboratory calibration plate
4223047
Water-resistant transit case
24043-003
CamTools Download Card
N/A
2.2 Camera Models
The A6000 and A8500 series are camera families. There are several different models, ensuring a
wide variety of customer needs can be met.
Family
Model
Description
FLIR Part Number
A626x
A6261
•Variable using lens iris
(lens fixed at f/4 with cal)
•0.9 –1.7 µm
29437-261
A6262
•Variable using lens iris
•0.6 –1.7 µm
29437-262
A670x
A6700
•f/2.5
•1.0 –5.0 µm
29440-200
A6701
•f/2.5
•3.0 –5.0 µm
29440-201
A6702
•f/4.0
•1.0 –5.0 µm
29440-202
A6703
•f/4.0
•3.0 –5.0 µm
29440-203
A675x
A6750
•f/2.5
•1.0 –5.0 µm
29440-250
A6751
•f/2.5
•3.0 –5.0 µm
29440-251

2 –Introduction
A6000 and A8500 Series User’s Manual 8
Family
Model
Description
FLIR Part Number
A6752
•f/4.0
•1.0 –5.0 µm
29440-252
A6753
•f/4.0
•3.0 –5.0 µm
29440-253
A675x SLS
A6751 SLS
•f/2.5
•7.5µm (lower), 10-11µm
(upper)*
29439-251
A6753 SLS
•f/4.0
•7.5µm (lower), 10-11µm
(upper)*
29439-253
A678x
A6780
•f/2.5
•1.0 –5.0 µm
29440-280
A6781
•f/2.5
•3.0 –5.0 µm
29440-281
A6782
•f/4.0
•1.0 –5.0 µm
29440-282
A6783
•f/4.0
•3.0 –5.0 µm
29440-283
A678x SLS
A6781 SLS
•f/2.5
•7.5µm (lower), 10-11µm
(upper)*
29439-281
A6783 SLS
•f/4.0
•7.5µm (lower), 10-11µm
(upper)*
29439-283
A858x
A8580
•f/2.5
•Broadband (InSb: 1.5-
5μm response)
29443-200
A8581
•f/2.5
•InSb: 3-5μm response
29443-201
A8582
•f/4.1
•Broadband (InSb: 1.5-
5μm response)
29443-202
A8583
•f/4.1
•InSb: 3-5μm response
29443-203
A8581 SLS
•f/2.5
•SLS: 7.5-12μm
response*
29444-201
NOTE: SLS upper cutoff tolerance is +/- 0.5μm

2 –Introduction
A6000 and A8500 Series User’s Manual 9
2.3 System Overview
The A6000 and A8500 infrared camera systems have been developed by FLIR to meet the needs of
the commercial R&D user.
The A6000-series can have an InGaAs detector to cover the SWIR band, an InSb detector to cover
the MWIR band, or a T2SLS detector to cover the LWIR band. All A6000-series camera utilizes a
large format, 640 x 512 array with 15μm pixel pitch.
The A8500 series camera makes use of FLIR’s advanced ISC1308 readout integrated circuit (ROIC),
mated to an Indium Antimonide (InSb) detector to cover the midwave infrared band and a Type II
Strained-Layer Superlattice (SLS) for longwave IR operation. The camera utilizes an HD format,
1280x1024 array with 12μm pixel pitch.
The A6000 and A8500 are stand-alone imaging cameras that interface to a host PC, Mac or Linux
system running FLIR Research Studio software using Gigabit Ethernet. An SDK is available, which
makes it possible for the system designer to write their own camera controller and acquire image data
with their own custom application. This camera series is GenIcam compliant and can be controlled
directly with third party GenIcam tools.

2 –Introduction
A6000 and A8500 Series User’s Manual 10
2.4 Key features of the A6000 and A8500 Series cameras
Fully GEV/GenICam compliant
The image stream protocol is GigE Vision 2.0 compliant and the camera is controllable by
GenICam.
Improved Linearity to Zero Well-Fill
Typical direct injection ROIC designs exhibit a non-linear response when the signal drops
below 10% of well-fill. FLIR ROICs provides a linear response even at very low signal levels.
This results in an increased linear dynamic range, much better NUC performance at low signal
levels and makes it easier to perform a user calibration of the camera.
14-Bit Digital Image Data
The camera systems are built around high performance 14-bit A/D converters, preserving the
full dynamic range of the FPA.
Windowing Capability
Higher frame rates are available by windowing down at the Focal Plane Array (FPA) level.
Presets
Up to four presets and their associated parameters such as integration time, frame rate, and
window size are available for instant selection with a single command.
Superframing [A626x, A675x, A678x, and A858x only]
Up to four presets can be cycled continuously. This can be used in conjunction with the
Dynamic Range Extension (DRX) algorithm to provide a single movie with increased dynamic
range.
Independently Adjustable Frame Rates
Frame rate is user selectable from 0.0015Hz up to the maximum allowed for the selected
integration time and window size.
External Sync
The cameras provide a SYNC input that can be used to control the camera frame rate using an
external LVCMOS or TTL input (can handle 5.5V Max).
External Trigger [A626x, A675x, A678x, and A858x only]
An external trigger input can be used to signal ResearchIR or FLIR Research Studio to start
recording or to precisely start the image stream relative to an external event.
Multiple Video Outputs
The A-Series Cameras feature multiple independent and simultaneous video:
▫Digital –Gigabit Ethernet
▫Digital –CoaXpress (Single CXP-3 link) (A858x only)
▫Digital –HD-SDI
Standard Video Color Palettes
The cameras support a selection of standard and user-defined color palettes for the standard
video output.

2 –Introduction
A6000 and A8500 Series User’s Manual 11
Digital Detail Enhancement (DDE)
DDE is an analog video AGC mode that provides a significant improvement to scene detail
and contrast.
On-Camera NUCs with Auto Update
NUCs can be stored in camera memory and can be applied independently to the digital and
analog video outputs. The camera can be configured to automatically update the NUC using
the internal flag based on a change of an internal temperature sensor and/or a timer.
Standard Lens Interface
The A626x-series camera uses a C-mount lens interface. The A678x and A858x camera
series use the FLIR FPO-M (4-tab bayonet, motorized). The A670x and A675x cameras use
the FLIR FPO 4-tab bayonet.

3 –Warnings and Cautions
A6000 and A8500 Series User’s Manual 12
3 Warnings and Cautions
For best results and user safety, the following warnings and precautions should be followed when
handling and operating the camera.
Warnings and Cautions:
➢Do not open the camera body for any reason. Disassembly of the camera (including
removal of the cover) can cause permanent damage and will void the warranty.
➢Great care should be exercised with your camera optics. Refer to Chapter 8 for lens
cleaning.
➢Operating the camera outside of the specified input voltage range or the specified
operating temperature range can cause permanent damage.
➢The camera is not completely 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. Refer to Chapter 7 for detailed environmental requirements.
➢The camera contains static-sensitive electronics and should be handled appropriately.

4 –Installation
A6000 and A8500 Series User’s Manual 13
4 Installation
4.1 Basic Connections
All connections to the A858x are located on the Back Panel.
Item
Name
Description
1
Power Switch
LED will light when power is ON
2
Ready Light
LED will turn on when camera is booted
3
Cold LED
LED will light when FPA temp is <80K
4
Gigabit Ethernet (RJ45)
GigE Vision connection for digital IR image data
5
AUX Connector
See Section 6.5.4 for details
6
DC Power Input
24VDC
7
CoaXpress output
Single Link, CXP-3
8
Video Out
HD-SDI (480i, 576i, 720p at 50/59.9Hz, 1080p at 25/29.9Hz
according to SMPTE 296M)

4 –Installation
A6000 and A8500 Series User’s Manual 14
All connections to the A6000-series are located on the Back Panel.
A67xx A6705
Item
Name
Description
1
Power Switch
LED will light when power is ON
2
Ready Light
LED will turn on when camera is booted
3
Cold LED
LED will light when FPA temp is <80K (<30.5C for A6260)
4
Gigabit Ethernet (RJ45)
GigE Vision connection for digital IR image data
5
AUX Connector
A626x/A675x/A678x only. (See Section 6.5.4 for details)
6
DC Power Input
24VDC
7
Sync Input
External Frame Sync
8
Video Out
HD-SDI (480i, 576i, 720p at 50/59.9Hz, 1080p at 25/29.9Hz
according to SMPTE 296M). [N/A to A6705]

4 –Installation
A6000 and A8500 Series User’s Manual 15
4.1.1 Power
Plug in the AC power supply to a standard outlet. Connect the DC power cable between the power
supply and the power connector located on the rear panel of the camera. Turn on the camera by
pressing the power button on the rear panel. The green power LED will illuminate to indicate that the
unit is ON. The camera will automatically boot up into the last saved state. The boot process takes
about 60 seconds.
4.1.2 Video (HD-SDI) [All except A6705]
To see the HD-SDI video on a monitor, connect the provided BNC cable from the VIDEO port to your
monitor (converter required for HDMI). If you are powering up the camera for the first time, the
camera should produce the max resolution image of the particle model with a Non-Uniformity
Correction (NUC) and bad pixel replacement enabled.
4.1.3 GigE Digital Video
If you have a PC data system running Research Studio, ResearchIR (or your own custom application
based on the SDK or GenICam) you can view the 14-bit digital video over Gigabit Ethernet.
The cameras have a Gigabit Ethernet interface that is GigE Vision (GEV) and GenICam compliant.
Use a regular CAT5e or CAT6 Ethernet patch cable. If a crossover cable is used, the camera
interface will automatically detect and configure itself to work with this kind of cable.
Depending on the NIC hardware in the PC, the attainable frame rates will be between 40-60 Hz for
the A858x and 125Hz for the A6000 Series (A670x –60 Hz) at full resolution.

5 –Camera Controller
A6000 and A8500 Series User’s Manual 16
5 Camera Controller
The camera controller in FLIR Research Studio software has a top ribbon composed of a “hamburger
button” and five control group tabs:
When the camera is in Superframing (Not available in A670x cameras) mode, the total range of
integration times are shown:

5 –Camera Controller
A6000 and A8500 Series User’s Manual 17
5.1 “Hamburger Button” Menu
The hamburger button is in the upper left corner of the Camera Controller window. It brings up a list
of seven control options.
Save State (Name)
Saves the camera state. This state will be reloaded at
power up. Stored in flash memory.
Save State As
Saves the current camera state to a name chosen by
the user. State names other than (name) may be
loaded manually. Stored in flash memory
Load State
Load a state from flash memory.
Manage States
Rename or delete states from camera memory.
Load Factory
Defaults
Loads factory defaults for all camera Settings and
NUCs. The factory defaults cannot be modified by the
user.
Adjust Time
Allows the user to set the time in the camera
Edit Filter Names
Edits the names of the filters in the filter wheel (A678x
and A858x only).

5 –Camera Controller
A6000 and A8500 Series User’s Manual 18
NOTE: Camera states contain information about all configurable camera parameters. They do not
contain the NUC data, but they do contain the filenames of the currently loaded NUCs. These NUCs
will be reloaded with the state, however, if the NUCs are changed, deleted, or renamed, the state may
not be able to load the NUCs.
NOTE: TheCooledA-SeriesCamerashave twointernalclocks:ARealTimeClock(RTC)andatimestamp
clock. TheRTCisalow-resolutionclockusedtokeepsystemtime. TheRTChasabatterybackupandwillretain
timewhilethecameraisoff. Thetimestampclockisahigh-resolutionclock(1us). Thisclockdoesnothavea
batterybackupbutatpowerup the timestampclockisinitializedtothecurrentRTCtimeand willfree-wheel until
the camera is power cycled.
5.1.1 Adjust Time Controls
This dialog is accessed using the Adjust Time menu option under the “hamburger button”. This allows
the user to directly set the camera system’s time. The Sync camera time to PC time button will pull a
time value from the PC clock and set the RTC clock. The Get button displays the current time that the
camera has in its RTC clock. The Set button will set the camera’s RTC clock using the manually-
entered time.

5 –Camera Controller
A6000 and A8500 Series User’s Manual 19
5.2 Edit Filter Names (A678x and A858x only)
This dialog is accessed using the Edit Filter Names menu option under the “hamburger button”. This
allows the user to manually edit the names of the filters associated with each Filter ID. The user can
click “Reset to Default” to reset the Filter Name to the manufacturer default value.
5.3 Status Page
The Status Page gives general information about the camera state including camera model and serial
number, integration time, frame size, frame rate, camera time, FPA type, and internal temperatures.
The FPA temperature turns blue when the camera has reached its setpoint temperature, which is
nominally 77 K. The Time is in Julian Day format, with the number of days since the beginning of the
year, followed by the hour, minute, second and decimal second to 6 places. The Operating Time
display is in HH:MM elapsed since the camera was manufactured, or the timer was reset at the
factory.
The Type entry is the configuration of the integrated detector cooler assembly. In the example below,
the sensor readout IC type is the 1308 which is used in the A858X camera family. “8CH” means 8
digitizer channels. “InSb” is indium antimonide, the detector type. “f/2.5” is the f/number of the
coldshield. “3 to 5” is the wavelength range of the cold filter. “Front Panel” and “Air Gap” are the
temperatures of temperature sensors in the camera’s lens interface. These sensors are used for Tdrift
correction, a type of radiometric compensation for changes in the optics temperature that will affect
radiometric measurements. The factory calibrations are done in an air-conditioned laboratory with a
nominal temperature of 23 °C. If the camera is subsequently operated in a hot ambient environment,
the total radiance reaching the sensor will be higher than it would be if the camera was still at 23 °C.
This produces a radiance offset which leads to a temperature measurement error. The Tdrift
compensation uses the measurements of the two temperature sensors to correct for the radiance
offset in the digital image data.

5 –Camera Controller
A6000 and A8500 Series User’s Manual 20
5.4 Setup
The Setup page allows the user to set up the camera for the desired operation. There are five sub-
menus, including General Setup, Sync Settings, Video Output Settings, Filter Wheel Settings (A858x
and A678x only) and Flag settings.
5.4.1 General Setup
The settings under the General Setup menu include loading factory calibrations, changing integration
time, selecting superframing (Not available in A670x), frame rate, FPA gain, and motorized lens
control (A678x and A858x only).