OPHIR Pyrocam IIIHR User manual

Pyrocam IIIHR User Guide Document No. 50361-001 Rev E 7/18/2017 Page 1
Pyrocam™IIIHR
User Guide
For Sales, Service or Technical Support
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Service Email
[email protected]
Sales Email
[email protected]
Ophir-Spiricon, LLC
3050 North 300 West
N. Logan, Utah 84341
©2017 Ophir-Spiricon, LLC

Pyrocam IIIHR User Guide Document No. 50361-001 Rev E 7/18/2017 Page 2
Notice
BeamGage®is a registered trademark of Ophir-Spiricon, LLC
Ultracal™is a trademark of Ophir-Spiricon, LLC
The Ultracal processing feature is protected under United States Patent
Nos. 5,418,562 and 5,440,338.
GigE Vision®is a registered trademark of Automated Imaging Association
Windows®, Windows 7®, Windows 10®, Visual Basic®, Internet Explorer®, Excel®,
Visual Studio®and .XPS®are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
LabVIEW®and NI-IMAQdx®are registered trademarks of National Instruments Corporation.
© 2015-2017 Ophir-Spiricon, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Ophir-Spiricon, LLC reserves the
right to make improvements in the product described in this User Guide at any time and without
notice.
All rights to the product and any accompanying documents are reserved. While every
precaution has been taken in the preparation of this product, the publisher and author assume
no responsibility for errors, omissions, or any loss of data because of said errors or omissions.

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Table of Contents
Table of Contents....................................................................................................... 3
CHAPTER 1 –GENERAL INFORMATION.................................................................... 5
1.1 Introduction ......................................................................................................... 5
1.2 Models ................................................................................................................. 5
1.3 Included Items ..................................................................................................... 5
1.4 Accessories .......................................................................................................... 6
1.5 How to Use This Manual ........................................................................................ 6
1.6 Safety .................................................................................................................. 6
1.6.1 Optical Radiation Hazards ............................................................................... 6
1.6.2 Electrical Hazards ........................................................................................... 7
1.7 Maintenance and Cleaning ..................................................................................... 7
CHAPTER 2 –CONNECTIONS, CONTROLS AND DISPLAYS ......................................... 8
2.1 System Installation................................................................................................ 8
2.1.1 BeamGage Setup............................................................................................ 8
2.1.2 Connections ................................................................................................... 8
2.1.3 Driver Installation........................................................................................... 9
CHAPTER 3 –SETUP AND OPERATION ...................................................................10
3.1 Introduction ........................................................................................................10
3.2 Overview of Pyrocam Controls...............................................................................10
3.3 Pulsed Operation .................................................................................................15
3.3.1 Pulse Modes..................................................................................................15
3.3.2 Pulse Mode Setup Procedure ..........................................................................16
3.3.3 Mode 1, Single-Shot Operation .......................................................................16
3.3.4 Mode 2, Periodic Operation ............................................................................17
3.3.5 Mode 2, Periodic-Burst Operation....................................................................18
3.3.6 Mode 3, High-Speed Operation.......................................................................19
3.4 Chopped (CW) Operation......................................................................................20
3.4.1 Chopped (CW) Setup Procedure .....................................................................21
3.5 Calibrate and Ultracal Cycles .................................................................................22
3.5.1 Calibrate Cycle ..............................................................................................22
3.5.2 Ultracal Cycle ................................................................................................23
3.5.3 Performing an Ultracal ...................................................................................23

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3.5.4 Ultracal Status Indicator.................................................................................24
CHAPTER 4 –GenICam COMPATIBILITY .................................................................25
4.1 Features..............................................................................................................25
4.2 National Instruments Vision Acquisition Software ....................................................25
APPENDIX A –SPECIFICATIONS ..............................................................................27
Pyrocam IIIHR Specifications ..........................................................................................27
Pyrocam Dimensions ......................................................................................................29
APPENDIX B –PROTECTIVE BEZEL REMOVAL AND WINDOW INSTALLATION .............31
APPENDIX C –BAD PIXEL CORRECTION...................................................................34
Bad Pixel Correction Overview ........................................................................................34
Bad Pixel Correction Procedure .......................................................................................34
APPENDIX D –GAIN CORRECTION ..........................................................................37
Gain Correction Overview ...............................................................................................37
Gain Correction Procedure ..............................................................................................38
APPENDIX E –PYROCAM MODEL NUMBERS AND ACCESSORIES ................................40
Pyrocam IIIHR Models ...................................................................................................40
Optional Pyrocam IIIHR Windows ...................................................................................40
APPENDIX F –TABLE OF FEATURES ........................................................................41

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CHAPTER 1 –GENERAL INFORMATION
1.1 Introduction
The Pyrocam IIIHR is a high performance, solid-state, pyroelectric camera that features a 12mm
imager (160 x 160 pixels) and 16-bit A/D converter. This enables reliable measurement and
analysis of both large signals and low-level signals in the wings of the laser beam. The uniform
infrared response and large dynamic range makes the camera suitable for real-time thermal
imaging of hot sources. 16-bit digitizing also enables accurate signal summing and averaging to
pull weak signals out of noise. The Pyrocam employs an IEEE 802.3ab Gigabit Ethernet
interface that is compliant with the GigE Vision standard. The camera ships with an USB 3.0 to
Ethernet adaptor and a 10’ (3m) Ethernet cable. If a longer or shorter cable is required,
Spiricon recommends using a shielded Cat6A cable.
The Pyrocam ships with BeamGage Professional software. The Pyrocam is also compatible with
National Instruments Vision Image Acquisition Software and any GenICam standard client
(CHAPTER 4).
1.2 Models
Spiricon offers the Pyrocam IIIHR in the following models, all of which include BeamGage
Professional Edition.
Model
Description
PY-III-HR-C-A Pro
Pyrocam IIIHR, CW and Pulsed operation*
PY-III-HR-C-A-MIR Pro
Pyrocam IIIHR, CW and Pulsed operation, MIR
enhanced*
* All Pyrocams are shipped without a window installed. Windows are available with A/R coatings for
specified wavelength ranges. For a list of available windows, see APPENDIX E.
WARNING:
There is no protective window on the Pyrocam and it can be easily damaged
by objects striking the detector, by particles getting inside the package, or by
ESD. Special care must be taken to keep the detector clean.
If a window is purchased, follow the installation instructions in APPENDIX B.
1.3 Included Items
The standard Pyrocam IIIHR comes with the following included items:
USB 3.0 to Ethernet adaptor
Shielded Cat6A Ethernet cable, 10’ (3m)
Wall mount universal power supply with international AC mains adapters
SMA to BNC trigger cable, 36” (0.9m)
Protective dust cover
DVD with BeamGage software

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Getting Started with GigE User Guide
This User Guide
1.4 Accessories
Spiricon offers a complete line of accessory equipment to support the Pyrocam in your
application. These range from Ge lenses to beam attenuation optics and beam
expanders/reducers. Spiricon provides custom accessories to match your specifications. Consult
Spiricon or your local Spiricon representative for current accessory availability and pricing.
1.5 How to Use This Manual
WARNING:
It is STRONGLY advised that you read through this manual before setting up
your Pyrocam. The Pyrocam imager is very costly to replace and is not
covered for damage under Spiricon’s standard warranty.
After this first chapter containing general information, Chapter 2 introduces the controls,
connections, and displays, Chapter 3 explains about setup and operation, Chapter 4 explains
how to design your own GenICam interface to the Pyrocam, Appendix A contains all
specifications and dimensions for the Pyrocam, Appendix B describes the detector window
removal/installation process, Appendix C explains the optional bad pixel correction procedure,
Appendix D explains the optional gain correction procedure, Appendix E contains a complete list
of all Pyrocam models and accessories, and Appendix F contains a table of features included in
the Pyrocam.
NOTICE: It is essential to understand and apply a proper trigger pulse to the
Pyrocam. Therefore, it is strongly recommend that you read and
familiarize yourself with the sections in CHAPTER 2 and CHAPTER 3
that are applicable to pulsed modes of operation. Also, pay close
attention to the damage threshold limits described in APPENDIX A.
1.6 Safety
The Pyrocam does not present the operator with any electrical safety hazards. However, it is
intended for use with laser systems, therefore the operator should be protected from any
hazards that the laser system may present. The major hazards associated with laser systems
are damage to the eyes and skin due to laser radiation.
1.6.1 Optical Radiation Hazards
With most cameras, the optical radiation at the detector is low enough to be considered
relatively harmless. This is not necessarily true with the Pyrocam using a pyroelectric imager.
The Pyrocam’s chopper and imager window (if installed) will reflect laser radiation from the
input laser beam. Take this reflection into consideration when directing a laser into the
camera.

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Usage of this instrument may require the operator to work in the optical path of high power
lasers. Exposure to the radiation from these lasers may be sufficient to warrant the use of
protective equipment.
Unless the optical path is enclosed, the operator should be protected against accidental
exposure. Exposure to personnel other than the operator must also be considered. Exposure
hazards include reflected radiation as well as the direct beam. When working in an
unenclosed beam path, it is advisable to do so with the laser not operating, or operating at
reduced power levels. Whenever there is risk of dangerous exposure, protective eye shields
and clothing should be used.
1.6.2 Electrical Hazards
The Pyrocam universal power supply is intended to operate from a power source that applies
less than 240 Volts AC, 50/60Hz between the supply terminals. The supply output is a
regulated 12Vdc that presents no electrical shock hazard. The power supply has no user
serviceable parts and should not be tampered with.
To avoid explosion, do not operate the Pyrocam in an explosive atmosphere.
WARNING:
To prevent electrical shock, do not remove covers. No user
serviceable parts are inside. Refer servicing to qualified service
personnel.
1.7 Maintenance and Cleaning
Any internal maintenance or repair of the Pyrocam must be done by the factory. The exterior of
the camera may be cleaned with a soft, damp cloth and non-abrasive liquid. Use filtered
compressed air to remove dust particles from the surface of the window (if installed).
If no window is installed and dust has gotten onto the detector, carefully turn the Pyrocam
upside down so no additional dust falls onto the detector and gently blow clean, dry, inert gas
onto the pyroelectric detector at an angle. If you blow the gas too strongly it may ruin the
detector.

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CHAPTER 2 –CONNECTIONS, CONTROLS
AND DISPLAYS
2.1 System Installation
A Pyrocam system consists of the following:
Pyrocam camera with power supply
USB 3.0 to Ethernet adaptor
PC computer running Windows 7 or Windows 10 (32 or 64 bit) and BeamGage
Cat6A cable
Trigger cable with TTL trigger source (for pulsed lasers only)
2.1.1 BeamGage Setup
Before connecting the Pyrocam to the PC, install the edition of BeamGage that is supplied
with the Pyrocam. Follow the instructions on the DVD jacket. BeamGage is supplied with an
electronic User Guide in multiple languages. BeamGage also has a What’s This help feature
that can be used to quickly discover what the various controls do and how to manage the
display features. If not familiar with BeamGage’s operation, it is recommended that some time
is spent learning how to use it with the Pyrocam before applying a laser beam. Read through
the BeamGage User Guide before connecting and attempting to run the Pyrocam.
2.1.2 Connections
Either two or three connections are needed:
the Ethernet cable
the power supply
a TTL trigger source (if required)
See Figure 2.1. An external trigger source is always required when operating with a low rep-
rate pulsed laser. An external trigger is not required if the internal chopper is being used with
a CW laser.

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2.1.2.1 Gigabit Ethernet
Connect the Ethernet cable between the
Pyrocam and the host computer. An
Ethernet to USB 3.0 adaptor is provided if
there is not an available Ethernet port on
the host computer.
2.1.2.2 Power
The Pyrocam is provided with a
12Vdc/24W AC to DC universal power
supply. The power connection is made by
plugging the output power cable into the
camera and connecting the power supply
to a proper AC source.
2.1.2.3 Trigger
For pulsed operations, connect the trigger
source to this SMA connector. An SMA to
BNC adapter cable is supplied. A TTL
trigger pulse can trigger the Pyrocam. The
trigger is rising edge sensitive.
2.1.3 Driver Installation
The eBus Universal Pro driver required to run the Pyrocam is included with BeamGage. The
Spiricon Camera Driver Manager is launched at the end of the BeamGage installation. Select the
Pyrocam IIIHR then click the Install button. You can close the Spiricon Camera Driver
Manager when finished. BeamGage will now automatically connect to the Pyrocam when
powered and connected to the computer.
For more information, consult the Getting Started with Gig-E Camera in BeamGage User Notes
included with the Pyrocam.
Figure 2.1: Typical Cabling
Diagram

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CHAPTER 3 –SETUP AND OPERATION
3.1 Introduction
The Pyrocam can analyze both CW and Pulsed style lasers. Fitted with an appropriate lens, the
Pyrocam can continuously image high temperature thermal objects, or can capture short-pulsed
thermal events. The Pyrocam requires different setups depending on the specific application.
NOTE: This manual describes the operation of the Pyrocam IIIHR with BeamGage . For other
methods of operation, please refer to CHAPTER 4.
3.2 Overview of Pyrocam Controls
All of the features for the Pyrocam IIIHR are found in the BeamGage software. The panels that
are unique to the Pyrocam IIIHR are shown and described below.
Chopped (CW) vs. Pulsed
To operate in Chopped (CW) mode, the Pyrocam employs a rotating chopper that can operate
at one of two different chopping rates, 25Hz and 50Hz. We recommend that you always use
the 50Hz rate in order to obtain a linear response. The 25Hz rate should only be used in
combination with higher gain and frame averaging to extract the very weakest of images.
When operating in pulsed mode, the Pyrocam must be externally triggered. The Delay setting
should be set to 0µs (default) if the laser fires a few microseconds after the trigger’s rising
edge and if the pulse is at least tens of µs in length.
If the laser pulse is very short and/or occurs either simultaneous with the trigger’s rising edge
or before the trigger pulse’s rising edge, set the Delay to a negative value that will insure the
capture of the laser pulse prior to receiving the trigger.
The Rate value will indicate either the current chopper frequency or the input trigger pulse rate
in Hz.
Exposure Control
When operating in Pulsed mode, the Pyrocam must be externally triggered and the Exposure
control must be set to a value slightly larger (10-15%) than the laser’s pulse width. (Not the
trigger pulse length.) The exposure range is from 1 to 40,000µs.
NOTE: The Exposure control has no effect in chopped mode and there is no Auto setup or
Auto-X features for the Pyrocam.
Hint: Always remember to re-Ultracal after changing the Trigger Mode or the Exposure
setting.
Gain Control