visual engineering MFR-TI User manual

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MFR-TI April 2022
MFR-TI
User Manual
User Guide for the MFR-TI
Thermal PTZ Camera

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MFR-TI April 2022
Document History � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 3
Warranty and Support � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 3
Introduction� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 4
Connections � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 5
Conguring the Camera � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 6
• Boot Menu � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 6
• Comm Port Options � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 6
• Motor Options � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 7
• Camera Options� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 7
Software Control� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 8
Camera Communications � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 10
• Additional Commands � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 10
• Flir-Pass-Through� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 11
Specications � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 13
Dimensions � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 14
• Overall Dimensions � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 14
• Base Plate Hole Centres � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 14
Table of Contents

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MFR-TI April 2022
Document History
Warranty and Support
All Visual Engineering products are supplied as standard with a 12 month ‘Return to Base’ warranty�
Please note: Any unauthorised product disassembly, modication or the removal of tamper
proof labels will void the warranty.
In the event of a suspected product failure, users should contact the Visual Engineering support
team on the telephone number [phone] or please email us at:
support@visualengineering�co�uk
Should the fault persist or if the support team are unable to resolve the fault, it may be necessary
to return the equipment�
Equipment should only be returned using the RMA (Returns Management Authorisation) process�
Users should contact the support team on the above number and request an RMA number�
Version Date Change Summary
v1�0 11/04/2022 Initial Release

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MFR-TI April 2022
Introduction
The MFR-TI is a thermal PTZ camera which is housed in a very rugged environmentally sealed casing
making it ideal for use in harsh environments�
The Flir thermal camera incorporates radiometric technology which delivers high precision
temperature monitoring� It supports an 8x digital zoom and spot metering to further optimise the
exposure control for each particular scenario�
Speeds are zoom factor corrected, giving ne control over the entire range of the lens with pan
speeds up to 100º per second�
The MFR-TI has absolute position feedback and therefore has the ability to self correct its actual
position if external forces act upon it. User presets can be saved allowing PTZ framing proles to be
easily recalled�
There is the option to have the video output as an encoded ONVIF compliant stream for use in IP
networks� Remote control of the camera is through VISCA protocol over USB or a RS232/RS485
serial connection�
The output video signal is HD-SDI which is available on the Fischer MiniMax connector on the
camera’s base, which also supports connections to power and data�
The outer casing is manufactured from aluminium� All external mating surfaces are gasket sealed
to maintain its IP67 rating�

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MFR-TI April 2022
Connections
The MFR-TI kit includes a power comms break out cable, part number 110-3562�
The cable assembly connects to the Fischer MiniMax connector on the base of the camera�
All signals are then split out to their relevant connectors� The connections are described below�
*Only active if the MFR-TI
includes an IP encoder�
Connector Signal
Micro USB Comms
EXT 232/485 RS232/485
DC Coax Power
RJ45 *Ethernet
Connector Signal
BNC HD-SDI
MFR-TI communications are supported via the
micro USB and EXT 232/485 connectors�
The EXT 232/485 connector supports RS232 and
RS485 comms, the pinout of the connector is
described on the right�
EXT 232/485 Pinout
RS232 RS485
RX (to cam) B
TX (from cam) A
GND

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MFR-TI April 2022
Conguring the Camera
The MFR-TI can be congured for a specic user prole, to include; communication settings, motor
control, and camera options. Once congured the camera will retain the settings.
The camera is congured using a menu structure on its control interface which is only accessible
at power on� To access the control menu it is necessary to connect the camera to a serial comms
software application, such as TeraTerm set to 9600 baud 8n1�
• Connect the power comms cable to a USB
port on a PC�
• Open the PC serial comms application
• Power on the camera, a > character will
appear and shortly after a ! character�
• As soon as the ! appears type v e in quick
succession�
• The Main Menu shown on the right will then
be displayed�
• Select the required option�
• The function options are described in the
following tables�
Boot Menu
Comm Port Options
Comm Port Options
Sub Menu Description Options
Mode The serial comms standard
RS485, No Parity , RS232, No Parity,
RS485, Odd Parity, RS232, Odd Parity
RS485, Even Parity, RS232, Even Parity
Baud Rate The serial comms baud rate 1200, 2400, 4800, 9600, 19200,
38400, 57600, 115200
Protocol The PTZ control protocol Auto Detect, VISCA,
PelcoD, PelcoP
Unit Address
The camera’s unit address, this allows
several cameras to be connected on the
same comms bus
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
>!
MFR-TI
Software: v2.0.0
MAIN MENU:
1 = Comm Port
2 = Motor
3 = Camera
t = Start Diagnostic Test
x = Exit

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Motor Options
Motor Options
Sub Menu Description Options
Auto Position
Correction
Whether the camera automatically corrects
its actual position if external forces
act upon it
Disabled, Enabled
Stall Detection Detects a stall in the motor drive Disabled, Enabled
Motor Speed The speed at which the motors are driven High, Medium, Low
Hold Torque The torque force which the camera uses to
hold position High, Medium, Low
Camera Options
Video Options
Sub Menu Description Options
Output Mode The output video format
PAL, NTSC, 720p/25, 720p/29�97, 720p/50,
720p/59�94, 1080i/50, 1080i/59�94, 1080p/25,
1080p/29�97, 1080p/50, 1080p/59�94
On Screen
Display The OSD in the camera’s video Disabled, Enabled
Flip on Tilt
The video picture will automatically invert
when the camera head it tilted over the top
of its travel
Disabled, Enabled

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Software Control
The MFR-TI camera’s serial communication supports the Sony VISCA protocol�
The user may choose to use a software controller of their choice or use the VE Camera Controller�
This software application can be downloaded from the Visual Engineering website:
www�visualengineering�co�uk/supportdownload/9
The user should install the Software application on a PC� The screen below shows the software
application�

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MFR-TI April 2022
It is necessary to connect the camera to a USB port on the PC� The operating system of the
computer will allocate this a COM port number� Once this connection has been made the user can
go ahead and connect the application to the COM port� In the example below the port COM3 has
been selected�
Once the software application is connected the functions of the software can be used� In the
example below the pan right command has been selected� Similar commands for pan left, tilt up &
down and zoom functions can also be sent using the intuitive software user interface�

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Camera Communications
To maintain the same control protocol across the MFR range of cameras the adopted control
protocol is Sony VISCA� This standard is used to communicate with the Flir thermal camera and
for PTZ control� Flir camera communications uses a Flir-Pass-Through format, which incorporates
standard Flir protocol commands contained within a VISCA wrapper, as described later�
Additional Commands
Additional commands adopting the VISCA protocol format have been developed by Visual
Engineering for use with the MFR-TI camera� These commands also allow control of a limited set of
parameters in the Flir thermal camera when using standard VISCA controllers�
Commands such as unit type, PTZ control and thermal palette switching are included, as described
in the following tables�
Additional Commands
Cmd Set Command Command Packet Comments
PAN TILT
DRIVE
Move 8x 01 06 01 <aa> <bb> <cc> <dd> FF
<aa> = Pan Speed
(0x01-0x18)
<bb> = Tilt Speed
(0x01-0x14)
<cc> = Pan Direction
(0x01 = Left, 0x02 = Right, 0x03 = Stop)
<dd> = Tilt Direction
(0x01 = Up, 0x02 = Down, 0x03 = Stop)
Absolute
Position
8x 01 06 02 00 00 0p 0p 0p 0p 0t 0t 0t 0t FF
<pppp> = Pan Position
<tttt> = Tilt Position
The value sent is a 16-bit signed
integer calculated as below where <x>
is equal to the required angle
(-180° to +180°)
Value = x*20
THERMAL
COLOUR
PALETTE
Set Palette 81 01 04 63 <xx> 01 FF <xx> = Palette Selection
(0x00 – 0x0D)
THERMAL
IMAGE
FREEZE
On/O 81 01 04 62 <xx> 01 FF
<xx> = On/O
0x02 = On (Freeze Image)
0x03 = O (Real-Time)

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MFR-TI April 2022
Additional Inquiry/Command With Response Data
Cmd Set Command Command Packet Response Packet Comments
FLIR
PASS
THROUGH
Flir Cmd 8x 01 04 24 9F 01
<aa> <payload> FF
y0 51 24 9F 01
<bb> <response> FF
<aa> = Cmd Payload Length
<payload> = FLIR Command
<bb>=Response Payload Length
<response> = FLIR Response
UNIT
TYPE Unit Type 8x 01 04 24 92 00 01 FF Y0 51 24 92 <aa> FF
<aa> = Unit Type
0x11 = MFR-HD
0x12 = MFR-DB
0x13 = MFR-TI
PAN TILT
DRIVE
Absolute
Position 8x 09 06 12 FF y0 50 0p 0p 0p 0p 0t 0t 0t 0t FF
<pppp> = Pan Position
<tttt> = Tilt Position
The value returned is a 16-bit
signed integer, the actual angle
can be calculated as below
where <x> is equal to the value
returned�
Angle = x/20
Flir-Pass-Through
8[x] 0x01 0x04 0x24 0x9F 0x01 <aa> <payload> 0xFF
[x] The Unit Address, which can be set in the Comm Port Options in the boot menu�
<aa> Command Payload Length
<payload> Standard Flir Command Payload
Command Packet
Control of the Flir camera uses standard Flir protocol commands� In order to maintain a single
communications protocol for the MFR range of cameras and to also allow access to the complete
Flir command set the Flir protocol is wrapped within a VISCA style packet�
Standard commands for the Flir thermal camera are detailed in the standard Flir commands
document, available here:
https://www�visualengineering�co�uk/supportdownload/58
The Command Packet invokes a Response Acknowledge followed by a Response Packet, these are
described below, all values are hexadecimal�

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VIDEO_MODE GET
Command Packet
81-01-04-24-9F-01-0A-6E-00-00-0F-00-00-F3-8A-00-00-FF
Response Acknowledge
90-41-FF
Response Packet
90-51-24-9F-01-0C-6E-00-00-0F-00-02-D3-C8-02-00-66-62-FF
VIDEO_MODE SET FREEZE
Command Packet
81-01-04-24-9F-01-0C-6E-00-00-0F-00-02-D3-C8-02-01-76-43-FF
Response Acknowledge
90-41-FF
Response Packet
90-51-24-9F-01-0C-6E-00-00-0F-00-02-D3-C8-02-01-76-43-FF
VIDEO_MODE SET REAL-TIME
Command Packet
81-01-04-24-9F-01-0C-6E-00-00-0F-00-02-D3-C8-02-00-66-62-FF
Response Acknowledge
90-41-FF
Response Packet
90-51-24-9F-01-0C-6E-00-00-0F-00-02-D3-C8-02-00-66-62-FF
[y]0 0x41 0xFF
Response Acknowledge
[y] The Unit Address+8�
<bb> Response Payload Length
<response> Flir Response
Response Packet
[y]0 0x51 0x24 0x9F 0x01 <bb> <response> 0xFF
Examples
By way of example the following illustrates how the Flir-Pass-Through mode format and standard
Flir commands can be combined into a single VISCA style packet for the MFR-TI� The examples
address a Unit ID of 1, all values are hexadecimal�
VIDEO_MODE - ID 15

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MFR-TI April 2022
Specications
Specications
Resolution 640 x 512 Pixel User Presets 8
Lens 9mm Pan Range 360°
Field of View 69° H, 56° V Tilt Range 240°
NEdT < 30mK Connector Fischer MiniMax
Radiometric Technology As Standard Environmental IP67
Thermal Spot Metering Enabled Weight 1�5kg
Serial Comms USB, RS232/485 Dimensions ø115 x 182 mm
Control Protocol VISCA Casing Aluminium

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Kemps Farm
Stanway
Colchester
Essex Tel: [phone]
CO3 8NB Web: www�visualengineering�co�uk
UK Email: sales@visualengineering�co�uk
Product specications subject
to change without notice
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MFR-TI April 2022
Dimensions
182.4
ø 115
43 43
75
50
50
50
Overall Dimensions
Base Plate Hole Centres