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Power Button
Figure 3
Figure 4
Use and operation
Power
To turn on your Bullard T4MAX Thermal Imager, depress and release the large, red power button under
the LCD display
(Figure 2)
. Upon pressing the power button the thermal imager will display the Bullard
logo and initiate a calibration sequence. The thermal image will appear within four seconds. To turn off
power, depress and hold the power button for three seconds and release.
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You will periodically observe a momentary freeze in the image. This is normal and is a function
of the self calibration shutter. The shutter will activate every 30 seconds to three minutes,
depending on the environment.
relative Heat Indicator™ (rHI)
The T4MAX is equipped with temperature measurement capability. The right side of the display will show
a bar graph or Relative Heat Indicator (RHI). The RHI will indicate the approximate temperature of the
object viewed within the “crosshairs” shown in the middle of the screen. The accuracy of the indicators
is dependent on numerous factors including the distance from the object being viewed and its emissivity,
which is the object’s ability to radiate heat. Units are calibrated with a preset emissivity corresponding
with normal construction materials. Objects with emissivities that vary greatly from this, such as metals
and shiny objects, will reduce the accuracy of the temperature indication. Additionally, temperature
measurement accuracy decreases as the distance from the object in the “crosshairs” increases.
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The RHI provides a quick reference to compare objects of similar emissivities to serve as a guide
to pinpoint intense heat sources. Due to the inherent issues with accuracy, use this feature with
caution and verify indicated heat levels through traditional means whenever possible.
Super red Hot™ Feature
The T4MAX features Super Red Hot high heat colorization. With the Super Red Hot feature, heat levels
are identified by various color hues. Starting at 500 degrees, heated objects are tinted yellow and
gradually transition to orange and then solid red as heat levels rise. The Super Red Hot feature identifies
specific heat layers alerting firefighters to areas of intense heat. This feature provides an enhanced visual
awareness of the hottest objects in a scene.
electronic Thermal Throttle™
The T4MAX incorporates a highly useful and unique feature, the Electronic Thermal Throttle. The
Thermal Throttle is ideal for pinpointing hot spots during overhaul, searching for overheated electrical
equipment, or clarifying objects in ambient temperature situations. To activate the Thermal Throttle
option, locate the two black buttons on the top of the T4MAX
(Figure 1
). Press the down button (the
button closer to the front of the imager) to activate the Thermal Throttle. The Electronic Thermal Throttle
will automatically sense the hottest area in the scene and color it blue. Continuing to press the down
button (or holding it down) will further engage the Thermal Throttle and will color more of the scene blue,
eventually coloring even the coolest objects blue.
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As the throttle engages more of the scene, the blue will become lighter in hue to help differentiate
objects in the scene.
As you cycle through the scene, you’ll see the symbol “TT” and a corresponding number in the bottom
left corner of the display. The “TT” indicates “Thermal Throttle” mode. The number (0-100) is a point of
reference to indicate the level of Thermal Throttle engagement; by itself it has no specific meaning. To
lessen the amount of blue in the scene, press (or hold) the up button. Alternatively, pressing both buttons
simultaneously for one second will deactivate the Thermal Throttle.
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The T4MAX Thermal Imager takes approximately eight seconds to calibarate from initial startup.
During this short startup period, the Electronic Thermal Throttle or Digital Zoom will not engage.
Digital Zoom Feature
The T4MAX enables magnification of far away scenes at
both 2x and 4x zoom. With one simple push of the black
“z” button, located next to the power button under the LCD
display, the 2x zoom is enabled
(Figure 2)
. A second
push of the button activates the 4x zoom. A third push of the
button disables the zoom function. The Digital Zoom feature
also works seamlessly with Electronic Thermal Throttle and
Super Red Hot.
Using the Battery Charger
The battery should be charged in the battery charger using
either the AC or DC adapter provided
(Figure 3)
.To charge a battery,
insert it into the charger so that the metal contacts on the battery are
aligned with the metal contacts in the charger. A red light will illuminate
on the charger to indicate that the battery is charging. When the light
on the charger turns to green, the battery is fully charged. You may
leave the battery in the charger indefinitely as the battery will not
overcharge and the charger will initiate a trickle charge to maintain
the battery’s charge. For maximum battery life and performance, you
should remove the battery from the charger and discharge it completely
on a monthly basis.
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If you do not see the red LED illuminate when you place a battery into the charger, the battery is
not charging.
Loading/Unloading the Battery
Loading and unloading the battery on the Bullard T4MAX
is straightforward
(Figure 4)
. To install a battery, slide
the battery into the groove on the bottom of the unit and
ensure that the battery is properly seated. To remove a
battery, depress both battery locking buttons simultaneously
and slide the battery out of the unit. Since it can only be
loaded one way, the battery is easily replaced in the dark.
Additionally, as with all batteries, your Bullard rechargeable
battery will experience a slow drain of its charge during
storage. The amount of drain varies widely based on storage
conditions. For best performance, charge each of your batteries every two weeks.
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Fully charged NiMH batteries will provide a run time of more than three hours. This run time
will be less in extreme heat or extreme cold conditions and/or if the transmitter is in use. To
extend the potential lifespan of your batteries, fully drain and recharge each battery monthly.
To help extend the life of the rechargeable batteries and prevent unexpected instances of
uncharged batteries, develop a clear formalized plan for maintaining, charging, and replacing
your batteries.
Bullard provides an optional AA Alkaline battery case which can be used as an alternative to the standard
10 V NiMH rechargeable batteries. The AA alkaline battery case requires eight AA alkaline batteries.
Once the batteries are installed, the case loads into the unit in the same manner as the standard NiMH
battery. Due to the unique way that alkaline batteries disperse power to the unit, the LED indicators will
report battery levels that are not necessarily indicative of the battery’s actual remaining charge. Fully
charged AA Alkaline batteries will typically operate a Bullard T4MAX Thermal Imager for two hours. Do
not insert the AA Alkaline battery case into any Bullard battery chargers, including the Powerhouse.
Zoom Button
Figure 2
WArNINg
Do not allow the metal contacts on the label side of the battery to come in contact with a
conductive surface, such as a metal table or another battery. This can complete the battery
circuit and cause the battery to overheat or melt. Failure to observe this warning may result in
permanent battery damage, property damage and/or serious injury.
Battery Locking Buttons
