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334-0001-00-10-LE, rev. 100

May ’08

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Warnings and Cautions

1.1 Cautions

Do not operate any function that takes your attention away from safely driving 
your vehicle.

Any function that requires your prolonged attention should only be 
performed after coming to a complete stop. Always stop the vehicle in a 
safe location before performing these functions. Failure to do so may 
result in an accident.

Consult your local and state driving regulations prior to installation.

In many states using active monitors in view of the driver is prohibited. 
Consult your local and state driving regulations for laws and guidelines. 
User assumes all risks and indemnifies the manufacturer from any 
liability.

Minimize display viewing while driving.

Viewing the display may distract the driver from looking ahead and may 
result in an accident. The PathFindIR LE thermal imaging system should 
not be used as a substitution for head lamps or head lamp assisted human 
vision during vehicle operation.

Use this product for mobile 12VDC applications.

Use for other applications may result in excess heat, fire, and equipment 
malfunction.

When installing the PathFindIR LE, do not block the vehicle’s vents or radiator 
panels.

Doing so may result in heat buildup, equipment breakage, and/or fire.

Caution! 

This guide uses the term 

Caution

 to indicate a potentially 

hazardous situation, which, if not avoided, may result in injury, damage 
to the vehicle or PathFindIR LE, or other property damage.

Summary of Contents for PathFindIR LE

Page 1: ...334 0001 00 10 LE rev 100 May 08 i User Manual 334 0001 00 10 LE rev 100 May 08 ...

Page 2: ...0 875 0129 European Office 44 0 870 0111286 FAX 44 0 845 3349142 The Following Countries can use our Toll Free Number 00800 9102 8620 Austria France Germany Holland Italy Spain Sweden Switzerland www atncorp com E mail info atncorp com Sales atncorp com AMERICAN TECHNOLOGIES NETWORK CORP ...

Page 3: ...4 0001 00 10 LE rev 100 May 08 iii Warnings and Cautions Introduction Getting Started Caring for your PathFindIR LE Options and Accessories Technical Data Installation Infrared Technology 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 ...

Page 4: ... iv May 08 334 0001 00 10 LE rev 100 ...

Page 5: ...atic Shutter 8 3 5 In Case of Difficulty 8 3 6 Troubleshooting 9 4 Caring for your PathFindIR LE 4 1 Product Cleaning 11 4 2 Temperature 11 4 3 Maintenance 11 5 Options and Accessories 5 1 Accessories 13 5 1 1 PathFindIR Interface Cable 13 5 1 2 PathFindIR LE Vision Enhancement Kit 14 6 Technical Data 6 1 Performance Specification 15 6 1 1 Side View 16 6 1 2 Side View Additional Dimensions 17 6 1 ...

Page 6: ...vi May 08 334 0001 00 10 LE rev 100 7 6 Mounting Assistance 21 8 Infrared Technology 8 1 History of Infrared 23 8 2 How do Infrared Cameras Work 27 ...

Page 7: ...s all risks and indemnifies the manufacturer from any liability Minimize display viewing while driving Viewing the display may distract the driver from looking ahead and may result in an accident The PathFindIR LE thermal imaging system should not be used as a substitution for head lamps or head lamp assisted human vision during vehicle operation Use this product for mobile 12VDC applications Use ...

Page 8: ...o excessive shock and or vibration Refer to paragraph 6 1 Performance Specification on page 15 for detailed environmental requirements Great care should be used with your camera optics They are delicate and can be damaged by improper cleaning Refer to Chapter 4 Caring for your PathFindIR LE on page 11 Caution The PathFindIR LE thermal imaging system is not intended to be used as the primary naviga...

Page 9: ...ment in adverse weather conditions and better situational awareness than with traditional head lamps Many serious accidents occur at night because the driver is not able to see the cause of the accident in time to prevent the collision PathFindIR LE directly addresses this problem allowing drivers to see farther ahead on nighttime roadways and identify potential problems earlier The majority of tr...

Page 10: ... of typical night time driving compared to using the PathFindIR LE thermal imager The image on the left is from an ordinary digital camera and shows the amount of visible light as illuminated by headlights the image on the right is a thermal image created by the PathFindIR LE thermal imaging camera Note the PathFindIR LE camera is sensitive to warm objects such as the deer and provides visibility ...

Page 11: ...orm of light just beyond the visible spectrum Thermal imagers show subtle differences in temperature warm objects appear white and cooler objects appear black In addition to driver vision enhancement FLIR s thermal imaging cameras are used in a wide variety of applications including fire fighting security maritime industrial and medical applications They continue to be used by militaries worldwide...

Page 12: ...ers The PathFindIR LE kit part number 421 0034 00 contains the standard PathFindIR camera part number 334 0001 00 30Hz NTSC format as well as a monitor bracket and cables required for a complete installation Refer to Chapter 5 Options and Accessories on page 5 13 for more details All thermal imaging systems are subject to export control Standard NTSC 30Hz and PAL 25Hz units are subject to export r...

Page 13: ...matically optimizes the image to provide you with the best contrast in most conditions The thermal imager inside the camera does not sense light like conventional cameras it senses heat or temperature differences As you experiment with the system during nighttime operation you will notice variances in the picture quality this is normal The camera senses small differences in apparent radiation from...

Page 14: ...omatic image correction feature via the internal calibration shutter This shutter will activate every 2 minutes or more frequently during initial start up and large environmental temperature changes During this function the image will be frozen for approximately half a second The frozen image will display a small white box in the left middle portion of the image during this calibration as shown in...

Page 15: ...nections The PathFindIR LE works with most standard NTSC or PAL monitors that have 75 ohm input No Video no clicking If video is not displayed and you do not hear a clicking sound from the PathFindIR LE check the power inputs The PathFindIR LE runs on 6V to 16V power through the optional 20 foot standard cable power leads If this voltage is exceeded the unit will not function and may be damaged Th...

Page 16: ...age may be dim if the camera is connected to an input that requires a different impedance The image is dark and no objects are seen Recycle the power and see if you get the Splash Screen as seen below on the display If you get the Splash Screen but no image afterwards only a black screen check to make sure that the window is clear of all obstructions refer to the maintenance section for informatio...

Page 17: ...pe it with a clean soft cotton cloth dampened with fresh water If the window requires further cleaning use a soft moist cotton based cloth with isopropyl alcohol or dish soap Do not use abrasive materials such as paper or scrub brushes as this will possibly damage the window by scratching it Only clean the window when you can visually see contamination on the surface 4 2 Temperature The PathFindIR...

Page 18: ...ot produce an image check the video connection at the camera and at your display If the connectors appear to be properly engaged but the camera still does not produce an image have an authorized service representative make the appropriate repairs Caution Improper care of the camera window can cause damage to the anti reflective coating degrade the camera s performance and void the camera warranty ...

Page 19: ...arding available accessories such as mounting kits monitor options cables and accessories 5 1 1 PathFindIR Interface Cable Part Number 308 0121 00 The standard 20 foot system cable ensures a sealed connection to the PathFindIR LE a requirement for harsh vehicle environments Cable includes sealed PathFindIR connector at one end and two open power leads and a BNC video connection at the other end Vi...

Page 20: ...0034 00 is made available to facilitate installation in most Law Enforcement vehicle applications The kit contains PathFindIR LE camera Universal Mounting Bracket and hardware PathFindIR Interface Cable 308 0121 00 Safety Vision 7 Monitor with Mounting Bracket and Sun Shield Monitor Interface Cable SV 513 The following diagram shows how to connect the PathFindIR LE using the cables in the kit ...

Page 21: ...for NTSC Video 25 Hz for PAL video 9 Hz Export Compliant Power Power requirements 12 VDC nominal range 6V to 16V Power consumption 2 Watts nominal 8 Watts with heater turned on Environmental Operating temperature 40º C to 80ºC Impact protection High impact resistant window with heating element Weather Resistance Hermetically sealed pressurized enclosure For additional information contact FLIR Dime...

Page 22: ...6 Technical Data 16 May 08 334 0001 00 10 LE rev 100 6 Technical Data 6 1 1 Side View ...

Page 23: ...334 0001 00 10 LE rev 100 May 08 17 6 6 Technical Data 6 Technical Data 6 1 2 Side View Additional Dimensions ...

Page 24: ...6 Technical Data 18 May 08 334 0001 00 10 LE rev 100 6 Technical Data 6 1 3 Front View ...

Page 25: ...system integration The wiring and installation requires special care and integration techniques Improper installation may result in damage to the camera and may void the warranty Some modifications to the vehicle s exterior may be required as well as integration into various display units including factory LCD or aftermarket multi functional display units 7 2 Preparation The PathFindIR LE Standard...

Page 26: ...lines and Precautions Do not splice cables or tap into existing cables for power or video Doing so may result in shock fire or damage to electrical system equipment Power connections should be made to the fused side of the vehicle s power distribution block Do not install in areas where the unit will hinder vehicle operation i e radiator steering head lamps braking systems Doing so may interfere w...

Page 27: ...ere it will distract the driver or adversely affect the driver s vision 7 5 Installation Assistance FLIR offers installation kits which are suitable for many applications Refer to Chapter 5 1 2 PathFindIR LE Vision Enhancement Kit on page 5 14 for more information If your company has applications for a specific vehicle utilizing PathFindIR LE cameras please contact FLIR Systems Inc directly to dis...

Page 28: ...s of your vehicle Mounting should be performed by a FLIR authorized service center or professional installer of automotive aftermarket equipment Many shops familiar with rear vision cameras will be able to assist in the mounting and location of the PathFindIR LE system as well as proper display mounting and integration Caution Contact your vehicle manufacture to assure that your mounting location ...

Page 29: ...esting different samples of colored glass which gave similar reductions in brightness he was intrigued to find that some of the samples passed very little of the sun s heat while others passed so much heat that he risked eye damage after only a few seconds observation Herschel was soon convinced of the necessity of setting up a systematic experiment with the objective of finding a single material ...

Page 30: ...ngths When Herschel revealed his discovery he referred to this new portion of the electromagnetic spectrum as the thermometrical spectrum The radiation itself he sometimes referred to as dark heat or simply the invisible rays Ironically and contrary to popular opinion it wasn t Herschel who originated the term infrared The word only began to appear in print around 75 years later and it is still un...

Page 31: ...ld be read to 0 2 C 0 036 F and later models were able to be read to 0 05 C 0 09 F Then a breakthrough occurred Melloni connected a number of thermocouples in series to form the first thermopile The new device was at least 40 times as sensitive as the best thermometer of the day for detecting heat radiation capable of detecting the heat from a person standing three meters away The first so called ...

Page 32: ...ble to store liquefied gases for entire days The common thermos bottle used for storing hot and cold drinks is based upon his invention Between the years 1900 and 1920 the inventors of the world discovered the infrared Many patents were issued for devices to detect personnel artillery aircraft ships and even icebergs The first operating systems in the modern sense began to be developed during the ...

Page 33: ...rch programs into the possibilities of developing passive no search beam systems around the extremely sensitive photon detector During this period military secrecy regulations completely prevented disclosure of the status of infrared imaging technology This secrecy only began to be lifted in the middle of the 1950 s and from that time adequate thermal imaging devices finally began to be available ...

Page 34: ... by the human eye There are no colors or shades of gray in infrared only varying intensities of radiated energy The infrared imager converts this energy into an image that we can interpret Several detector technologies exist the sensor in the PathFindIR LE is of the latest solid state design offering long life and fully automatic image optimization contrast and gain True thermal imagers should not...

Page 35: ...334 0001 00 10 LE rev 100 May 08 i Document History Table 1 Revision History Revision Date Comment 100 May 15 2008 Initial release ...

Page 36: ...0 875 0129 European Office 44 0 870 0111286 FAX 44 0 845 3349142 The Following Countries can use our Toll Free Number 00800 9102 8620 Austria France Germany Holland Italy Spain Sweden Switzerland www atncorp com E mail info atncorp com Sales atncorp com AMERICAN TECHNOLOGIES NETWORK CORP ...

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