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334-0001-00-10-LE, rev. 100

May ’08

7

3

3

Getting Started

The thermal imaging camera inside the PathFindIR LE is completely 
sealed and extremely rugged. The camera has been qualified for operation 
in all types of weather conditions over the specified operating temperature 
range and includes an automatic window heater that will prevent icing 
under most conditions. 

3.1 Using your PathFindIR LE

The PathFindIR LE is easy to use, but you should take a moment to 
carefully read this section so you fully understand what you are seeing on 
your display. While the imagery you will see on the monitor may look like 
black and white daylight video, it isn’t! A few tips on how to interpret some 
of the imagery will help you to make the most of your system. 

The camera automatically adjusts to changing scene conditions so no 
additional camera control is necessary. Scenes with familiar objects will be 
easy to interpret with some experience. The camera automatically 
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 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. 

3.2 Initial System Startup

The PathFindIR LE camera requires power and a connection to an external 
monitor to provide imagery. Make sure to test the system prior to 
installation to assure the system is functioning properly. Be sure to remove 
the protective window sticker prior to test and installation. 

Upon initial power up you will hear a slight clicking sound. This click is 
the internal image correction. This noise is the mechanical shutter 
assembly which will cause the image to momentarily “freeze.” This noise 
and image freezing will occur until the unit has reached a thermally stable 

Содержание PathFindIR LE

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

Страница 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 ...

Страница 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 ...

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

Страница 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 ...

Страница 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 ...

Страница 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 ...

Страница 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...

Страница 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...

Страница 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 ...

Страница 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...

Страница 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...

Страница 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...

Страница 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...

Страница 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...

Страница 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...

Страница 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...

Страница 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 ...

Страница 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...

Страница 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 ...

Страница 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...

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

Страница 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 ...

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

Страница 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...

Страница 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...

Страница 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...

Страница 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 ...

Страница 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 ...

Страница 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...

Страница 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 ...

Страница 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 ...

Страница 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 ...

Страница 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...

Страница 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 ...

Страница 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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