Wahl a30 User manual

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a30 and z30
Thermal Imaging Camera
User Manual
Wahl Instruments Inc.
234 Old Weaverville Road
Asheville, NC 28804
Toll ree: 800-421-2853
Phone: 828-658-3131
ax: 828-658-0728
Email: sales@palmerwahl.com
WD1054 Rev E
June 24, 2012

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! Warnings, Cautions and Notes
Definitions
!
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!WARNING Could cause bodily injury or death.
!
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!CAUTION Could cause damage to equipment or permanent loss of data.
!
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!NOTE provides useful information to the operator.
Important Information – Read before using t e Instrument
!
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!WARNING – Laser Radiation is emitted from this device. Do Not stare
into Laser Beam. Class 2 Laser, 635 nm, 0.9mW
!
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!CAUTION - Never point the lens directly toward a strong radiation
source (ie. Sun, direct or reflected laser beam, etc ), with power on or
power off, as damage may result to the thermal detector used inside.
Permanent damage may result!
!
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!CAUTION - The original shipping carton should be kept to use for future
transportation. Do not drop, shake or impact the thermal imager
excessively, in use or during transportation.
!
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!CAUTION - Store the unit in its original case in a cool, dry, well-
ventilated area away from strong electromagnetic fields.
!
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!CAUTION - Protect the surface of the lens from being stained or
damaged by foreign objects such as sludge or chemicals. Please replace
the lens cap after use.
!
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!CAUTION - Please remember to backup image data regularly to avoid
losing important data.
!
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!NOTE - or maximum measurement accuracy, allow 3 to 5 minutes for
camera to stabilize after initial power up.

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!
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!NOTE - Each camera is factory calibrated. It is recommended that
calibration be performed every 12 months.
!
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!CAUTION - Do not open case. Unit does not contain any user
serviceable parts. Repair should be performed by factory authorized
technicians only.
WARRANTY & CALIBRATION
REGISTRATION at
www.palmerwahl.com/register
Registration is fast and easy. In about a minute you
can have your product automatically registered for
Warranty Protection and our Calibration Reminder
service. Let Palmer Wahl help you protect your
investment, and maintain product accuracy and
compliance with ISO and other quality standards.
Questions? Call Customer Service
at 1-800-421-2853 or 828-658-3131

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Contents
! Warnings, Cautions and Notes....................................................................................2
1 Introduction ......................................................................................................................6
1.1 Standard accessories ................................................................................................9
1.2 Optional accessories..................................................................................................9
2 Camera overview..........................................................................................................10
2.1 unction keys.............................................................................................................10
2.2 Interface ......................................................................................................................13
3 Getting started...............................................................................................................14
3.1 Battery Installation and Replacement ..............................................................14
3.1.1 Inserting battery...............................................................................................14
3.1.2 Replacing battery..............................................................................................16
3.2 Battery safety and usage ......................................................................................16
3.3 Quick access...............................................................................................................17
3.3.1 Capture an image.............................................................................................17
3.3.2 Temperature measurement ..........................................................................18
3.3.3 reeze image......................................................................................................19
3.3.4 Viewing stored Images...................................................................................19
3.3.5 Export saved images.......................................................................................19
4 Operation guide.............................................................................................................19
4.1 Graphic interface description ...............................................................................19
4.1.1 Screen graphic interface ..............................................................................19
4.1.2 Main menu...........................................................................................................20
4.1.3 Dialog box ...........................................................................................................21
4.1.4 Prompt box interface.......................................................................................21
4.2 Measurement .............................................................................................................22
4.3 Level/Span ..................................................................................................................23
4.4 Setup menu ................................................................................................................24
4.4.1 Measuring Setup...............................................................................................24
4.4.2 Adjustment..........................................................................................................25
4.4.3 Alarms...................................................................................................................26
4.4.4 Date/Time............................................................................................................27
4.4.5 System Setup.....................................................................................................28
4.4.6 System Info ........................................................................................................29
4.4.7 actory Default ..................................................................................................30
4.5 ile..................................................................................................................................31
5 Tec nical specifications ...........................................................................................31

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Troubles ooting....................................................................................................................33
Appendix A Common material emissivity ..............................................................34
Appendix B ...............................................................................................................................35
actory default parameter setting table......................................................................35
Addendum ................................................................................................................................36
Upgrade Installation Guide

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1Introduction
Thank you for choosing the Wahl Instruments “a30” or “z30” hand-held
infrared thermal imager.
Model Identification
“a” prefix imagers operate with a 9 Hz sample rate
“z” prefix imagers operate at a 30 Hz sample rate.
“30” Series (Detectors) are entry level reduced feature imaging cameras
“50” Series (Inspectors) are full-featured imaging cameras
Features
30 Series Detectors include the following features:
User selectable Auto or manual level and span control
°C, ° or K measurement scale
4 user selectable color palettes
11 user selectable languages
Hot temperature spot measurement
Cold temperature spot measurement
2 User selectable spot measurements
High temperature Alarm setting
T Reflect - Reflected temperature compensation
2X digital zoom
reeze screen for viewing current image
Video Output – NTSC or PAL
50 Series Inspectors include all the above 30 Series features plus:
7 additional color palettes for a total of 11
3 Area measurements
2 line measurements
Image storage via SD card
CMOS Visible image and storage
Audio recording
Isotherm Alarm
T Correct – Measurement Offset correction
Built in Emissivity Table list of common materials

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Upgrades and Options
30 Series Detectors are field upgradeable to 50 Series Inspectors.
30 and 50 Series models are field upgradeable for High Temperature
measurements.
30 and 50 Series models are factory upgradeable for Wide Angle or Telephoto
Lenses.
All imagers use an uncooled focal plane infrared detector, and display the
thermal image as a multi-color image with user selectable color palette,
sensitivity and span. On Inspectors the image may be stored in the SD card
and subsequently transferred to a PC for analysis and report generation as
desired.
Applications:
Preventive maintenance
Power industry: Power line and power facility thermal state
checking; problem and defect diagnosis.
Electrical system: Identify potential circuit overloads.
Mechanical system: Reduce downtime and avoid catastrophic failure.
Construction science
Roof: Quick identification of water penetration problems.
Structure: Commercial and residential energy audits.
Moisture detection: Determine root cause of moisture and mildew.
Verification: Verify if corrective actions are sufficient.
Ot ers:
Iron and steel industry: Inspect steel refining and rolling processes;
diagnose hot-blast stove defects; detect the embryo temperature of armor
plate, etc.
irefighting: orest fire prevention and detection of latent ignition
source. Preventive detection on specific materials of auto-ignition. Detection
of potential spark ignition sources.

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Medical: Human body surface temperature detection and screening.
Petro/Chemical: Oil pipeline status inspection; material surface
temperature detection; insulation inspection; power equipment status, etc.

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1.1 Standard accessories
INSPECTOR infrared thermal image camera w/wrist strap
Carrying case
#12449-15 Video output cable
#12449-07 Lithium ion batteries (2)
#12449-03 Lithium battery charger
#12449-16 Lens cap
User manual
Infrared report and analysis software system CD
#12449-13 SD card
#12449-14 SD card reader
1.2 Optional accessories
#12449-10 External 0.5x wide-angle lens
#12449-11 External 2x telescopic lens

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2Camera overview
2.1 Function keys
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[1] Power key
Press and hold the Power Key for > 3 seconds to power on/off the camera.
! Note: After powering off, please wait ten seconds before powering the
camera on again.
[2] Select/Auto key (Marked “A”)
The “A” or attribute button performs 2 functions.
a) The first function is modification of selected functions. It is obtained
by a quick press and release (less than 2 seconds), that will select
enabled functions to modify their parameters. Subsequent presses will
“scroll” through the available functions. The selected function will be
highlighted in yellow. The functions include:
•Measurement Cursors
Cursors - pressing the arrow keys will move their position. Pressing the
Menu key will display the attribute box. Pressing the C key will delete the
selected parameter.
•Color Palette
Pressing the left or right arrows will scroll through the available color
palettes, displaying their name above the palette. The selected palette
will become active after about 3 seconds of selecting it and will be set as
the default power on palette.
•Level/Span values
Pressing the left or right arrow will reduce or increase the Span and
pressing the up or down arrow will increase or reduce the Level. If the
unit is in Automatic mode, modifying any of these parameters will select
Manual mode.
b) The second function performed is to force an internal calibration cycle.
This is performed by pressing and holding the A key for 5 seconds or

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more. The camera will perform an auto calibration cycle, indicating
“calibrating”, ensuring the most accurate thermal measurement.
[3] Cancel/Clear key (Marked “C”)
•Pressing and releasing the C key cancels the present operation when in
Menu mode.
•Pressing and releasing the C key when an image is frozen will return to
real-time measurement status.
•When a parameter is selected, such as a measurement cursor, pressing
the C key will delete the highlighted measurement.
[4] Freeze/Save key (Marked “S”)
Used for freezing a thermal image for on screen analysis. Press the key
once to freeze the image. Press C key to return to real time measurement.
The save function is only available on 50 Series Inspectors.
[5] Menu/Confirm key (bar)
Includes Up, Down, Left, Rig t and Menu/Confirm (center) keys.
unction varies with operation mode.
In Menu mode, it is used for menu selection. Up and Down keys are
for same level menu operation. Left and Rig t keys are for additional levels
of menu operation. Confirm key (center) is to activate the menu and
confirm the choice.
In Image mode, press Up or Down key to activate X2 digital zoom.
The screen will display “X2” in the upper left corner. Press Up or Down key
to return to the original image.
In Spot Measurement editing mode (activated immediately after
adding a spot or by selecting via the A key), press the Menu key to display
the attribute box. Press four navigation keys to move the spot location.

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[6]Trigger/S ortcut key
The trigger key serves as a shortcut to access the following functions:
Laser – Pulling trigger activates laser sight and releasing deactivates it.
Spot – Pulling and releasing trigger adds a measurement spot. Pulling and
releasing trigger again removes the spot.
2.2 Interface
[1] Video port
Video interface is via the mini-USB plug and supplied video cable,
(50 Series Inspectors Only)
[2] SD Card interface
Accepts standard size SD cards and is used for upgrading the instrument.
Image storage is on 50 Series Inspectors only.
[3] Power interface
External power input interface. Power source should be +12V DC.
Center pin is positive terminal.
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3Getting started
3.1 Battery Installation and Replacement
3.1.1 Inserting battery
Battery compartment is located inside the handle. Turn the cover counter-
clockwise to remove. Remove battery for replacement.
Insert the battery (the battery contacts must face into the battery
compartment).

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Replace cover and screw down in a clockwise direction.
! CAUTION: Use only original manufacturer replacement battery. Use of
incorrect battery may result in physical or electrical damage to the
instrument due to incorrect voltage or physical size difference.

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3.1.2 Replacing battery
When battery has approximately 5% charge remaining, the warning will
be displayed and the instrument will turn off in approximately 3 seconds.
Powering off display
3.2 Battery safety and usage
Batteries should be stored in an ambient temperature of -4° (–20°C) to
67.9° (+20°C). Lithium batteries will self-discharge during storage, so
they should be fully charged before storage. Self-discharge may affect
long term battery performance. urthermore, it is recommended that the
battery should be charged in a set time, as below;

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Ambient temperature of:
-4° (–20°C) to 67.9° (+20°C), once every 6 months
67.9° (+20°C) to 113° (+45°C), once every 3 months
113° (+45°C) to 149° (+60°C), once every month
or optimal Battery Life, the battery should be recharged when it has
greater than 50% charge remaining.
The ambient temperature for charging should be 32° (0°C) to 104°
(+40°C). If under 32° (0°C), the battery capacity will be diminished; if
over 104° (+40°C), the battery may overheat, resulting in permanent
damage.
!
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!WARNING:
!
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!Never disassemble, incinerate or puncture battery
!
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!Never short circuit the battery
!
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!Keep battery dry
!
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!Keep out of reach of children
!
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!Always dispose of battery in accordance with local, state and federal
regulations
3.3 Quick access
3.3.1 Capture an image
After installing the battery, press and hold the power key (≥3
seconds) until the display comes on. After approximately 50 seconds,
the power on routine will finish and the camera will start its
measurements.
Remove the lens cap and aim at the target. Adjust the focus for the
clearest target thermal image. ! NOTE: ailure to properly focus the
camera will result in increased measurement error.

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3.3.2 Temperature measurement
If no measurement cursors are on the screen, add a measurement
spot, by pressing MENU and selecting Measurement. Press
CONFIRM and scroll left or right to select the proper measurement
parameter. Aim the cursor indicator onto the target object on the
screen. The temperature will be displayed in the upper right corner of
the screen. or highest accuracy measurements, force a calibration
cycle by pressing the A key for 5 seconds until “Calibrating” appears
in upper left portion of display.
If you want to measure the current thermal image in detail, press S
key to freeze the image for on-screen analysis.
If the target object’s temperature is lower or higher than the limits of
the camera, it will display <XXX° or >XXX° with XXX being the min
or max temperature of the selected range.
To modify the measurements attributes, select the measurement
parameter, and then press the Confirm key. The screen will display
the settings dialog box. The below figure shows the spot settings
window.
Spot settings include emissivity and reference temperature. When
Set Ref is set as Yes, the displayed values of other measurements
will be their delta from this measurement. Setting a specific
measurement cursor as a reference will change the reference for all
measurements.

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3.3.3 Freeze image
Press S key to freeze the image and press “Cancel” to exit the
operation.
3.3.4 Viewing stored Images
Available on 50 Series Inspectors only.
3.3.5 Export saved images
● Available on 50 Series Inspectors only.
4Operation guide
4.1 Grap ic interface description
4.1.1 Screen grap ic interface
[1] Company logo: WAHL
[2] Operating status: displays the current operational status
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[3] Spot temperature measurement: White crosshair
[4] Selected spot temperature: Yellow crosshair
[5] Emissivity: Indicates Imagers emissivity setting.
[6] Minimum temperature: Indicates minimum value of the palette.
[7] Palette: Palette bar. User can choose from 4 palettes.
[8] Maximum temperature: Indicates maximum value of the palette.
[9] Battery status: Indicates the current battery status.
[10] [11] Result: Indicates the value of the temperature of the target
object. Yellow denotes the value of the temperature of
the selected object for editing.
[12] Temperature unit: Three options: °C, ° or K.
[13] External lens symbol: Displays “0.5x” for wide-angle or “2x” for
telephoto lens.
[14] SD card symbol: Displays “SD” when SD card is installed.
[15] Digital zoom symbol: Displays “X2” when digital zoom is activated.
!
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!NOTE: Not all models ave all functions, so t e working status
screen may not s ow all features.
4.1.2 Main menu
[1] Main menu: Displays four options: Measurement, Level/Span, Setup,
and ile.
[2] Low-level menu: The > indicates a low-level menu is available,
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