427-0075-01-12 Revision 140
October 2019
53
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Basic Operation and Configuration
On the other hand, the thermal camera detects energy that
is directly
radiated
from objects in the scene. Most objects
in typical surroundings are not hot enough to radiate visible
light, but they easily radiate the type of infrared energy that
the thermal camera can detect. Even very cold objects, like
ice and snow, radiate this type of energy.
The camera is capable of sensing very small temperature
differences, and produces a video image that typically has
dramatic contrast in comparison to daylight cameras. This
high contrast level from the thermal video enables intelligent
video analytic software to perform more reliably.
The performance of the camera varies throughout the day. Right after sunset, objects warmed by the
sun will appear warmest. Early in the morning, many of these objects will appear cooler than their
surroundings, so be sure to look for subtle differences in the scene, as opposed to just hot targets.
While the imagery on the monitor may at first look similar to ordinary black and white daylight video,
experience with the camera in varying conditions and seasons will lead to an appreciation of the
characteristics that make thermal imaging distinct. A few tips on how to interpret some of the
imagery may help to make the most of the system.
The camera senses small differences in apparent radiation from the objects in view, and displays
them as either white (or lighter shades of gray) for warmer objects, and black (or darker shades of
gray) for colder objects. This is why hot objects such as parts on an engines and exhaust pipes
appear white, while the sky, puddles of water and other cold objects appear dark (or cool). Scenes
with familiar objects will be easy to interpret with some experience. The camera automatically
optimizes the image to provide the best contrast in most conditions.
2.6
Troubleshooting Tips
If help is needed during the installation process, contact your local FLIR representative. FLIR
Systems, Inc. offers a selection of training courses to help get the best performance and value from
your thermal imaging camera.
Find out more at the FLIR training web page:
.
No video:
Check the video connection at the camera and at the display. If the connectors appear to
be properly connected but the camera still does not produce an image, ensure that power has been
properly applied to the camera and the circuit breaker is set properly. If a fuse was used, be sure the
fuse is not blown. If the video cabling is suspected as a possible source of the problem, plug a
monitor into the RCA connection inside the camera and determine if it produces an image.
If the camera still does not produce an image, contact the FLIR dealer or reseller who provided the
camera, or contact FLIR directly (contact information is provided on the rear cover of this manual).
Performance varies with time of day:
It may be possible to observe differences in the way the
camera performs at different times of the day, due to the diurnal cycle of the sun. Recall that the
camera produces an image based on temperature differences.
At certain times of the day, such as just before dawn, the objects in the image scene may all be
roughly the same temperature, compared to other times of the day. Compare this to imagery right
after sunset, when objects in the image may be radiating heat energy that has been absorbed during
