E2V Technologies P4466-T2 Argus® 3 P4466-T2 Thermal Imaging Camera User Manual 702198AA 1 39

E2V Technologies Ltd. Argus® 3 P4466-T2 Thermal Imaging Camera 702198AA 1 39

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P4466 T2 User Manual

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ARGUS13Firefighters’ Solid-StateThrough SmokeVision SystemUser’s Manual and Warranty TermsArgus1- Trademark licensed from Argus Industries, Inc.#e2v technologies limited 2003 DAS702198AA, Issue 2

SAFETY NOTESARGUS13THERMAL IMAGING CAMERAand CHARGER/BATTERY PACKSPlease read before useThis product is an aid to fire and rescue operations in smoke and darkness.It is not intended as a replacement for standard firefighting techniques. Usersmust ensure that all established procedures are followed.This equipment is not certified as intrinsically safe and therefore must notbe operated in flammable or explosive atmospheres.Neglecting the above may result in injury or death.An auto-iris adjusts sensitivity allowing very hot scenes to be viewed. Thiscircuitry also protects the camera from damage.To avoid damage:"The camera should be switched on before entering a fire situation andremain on until after exit."When switched off, the camera should not be directed towards very hotobjects, e.g. the sun. We recommend that it is stored in the supplied case orstorage mount.WARNINGS indicate a hazard. Failure to appreciate the hazard could result inpersonal injury or death. Do not proceed until the hazard is understood.CAUTIONS indicate a hazard. Failure to appreciate the hazard could result insevere damage to the unit. Do not proceed until the hazard is understood.Notes provide useful information.

WARNINGSElectrical hazardsDo not remove the cover of the charger, or disassemble the charger power leador rechargeable pack. There are no user serviceable parts within the charger,charger lead or the rechargeable pack.Charger misuseThe charger must only be used for the charging of rechargeable packs; do notinsert any other item into the charger. The charger must not be used to chargeprimary cells; the charger will not accept the primary cell pack. Do not use adamaged charger. Do not attempt to charge damaged packs.DisposalThe Ni-MH cells contained within the pack must be disposed of in accordancewith local regulations. Do not incinerate. Do not attempt to charge damagedpacks.EnvironmentalThe charger must not be subjected to water spray, rain or immersion.CAUTIONThe Camera and Rechargeable Battery System are despatched from e2vtechnologies in a safe condition. Any unauthorised modifications maycompromise safety and invalidate the warranty. The Camera and RechargeableBattery System are designed to be safe when used in accordance with theinstructions provided.e2v technologies does not accept responsibility for damage or injury resultingfrom failure to follow the instructions provided.All matters arising which relate to the safety of products should be reportedimmediately, in writing, giving full details to The Product Safety Officer at e2vtechnologies.NOTEThe Argus13 BST thermal image camera contains an export-controlledcomponent and may not be shipped to another country without the priorapproval of the US Government, which should be requested from e2vtechnologies.

IntroductionARGUS13Thermal ImagerThe Argus13 thermal imager is brought to you by e2v technologies, the worldleader in through smoke vision systems.e2v technologies, with over 18 years experience in firefighters’ thermal imaging,continues to produce high quality, affordable systems designed exclusively forthe fire and rescue services.Argus13 uses the latest high resolution, solid-state FPA detector ormicrobolometer technology to provide superb quality images under the mostarduous conditions while retaining the class-leading ergonomics of the previousArgus1systems.Through the proper use of this Argus13 system, the user will be able to:.See through dense smoke and darkness..Detect and display the relative temperatures of objects within the scene..Locate the seat and spread of the fire..Move swiftly in search and rescue of casualties..See in zero visibility conditions..Significantly improve safety and mobility.Argus13 is designed to withstand the high temperatures, knocks and drivingspray often encountered in the firefighting environment.1

Argus13 has also been designed with the following features:.Capture of 26 images..Time and date..2x zoom..Ambient temperature measurement..Choice of 8 colour palettes..Spot temperature (optional)..Internal video transmitter (optional).This manual contains information covering operation of the system andoperating techniques, user maintenance and care of the product, complete witha full technical specification.2

ContentsPage1 Camera ....................... 41.1 GETTING STARTED ..................41.2 DISPLAY GRAPHICS ..................61.3 OPERATING NOTES ..................82 Standard Functions .................. 112.1 IMAGE CAPTURE .................. 112.2 ZOOM ...................... 112.3 TIME AND DATE .................. 112.4 AMBIENT TEMPERATURE ............... 123 Optional Functions .................. 133.1 SPOT TEMPERATURE MEASUREMENT .......... 133.2 TRANSMITTER ................... 133.3 RECEIVER KITS ................... 144 Remote Control Functions ............... 165 Software ...................... 186Cleaning, Maintenance and Replacement Parts ........ 267 Specifications .................... 298 Battery and Charger .................. 318.1 BATTERY ..................... 318.2 BATTERY CHARGER ................. 329 Warranty Terms ................... 339.1 EXPRESS WARRANTY ................ 339.2 EXCLUSIVE REMEDY ................ 349.3 EXCLUSION OF CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES ....... 343

1 Camera1.1 GETTING STARTED.In the case with this manual youwill find the camera, a pair ofhandles, a neckstrap, remotecontrol, two rechargeable batterypacks, battery charger with mainsand DC leads, two AA batterypacks, customer software anddata lead..Check that the rechargeablebatteries are fully charged beforeuse and the battery packs containLR6 type batteries (if supplied).Open battery door and insert thebattery pack as shown. It will fit ineither rotation. Close the door.4

.Turn on the unit using the middleRED button on the rear. A REDlight will be illuminated in theposition shown. A long (3 second)press is required to switch thecamera off..After switch-on and forapproximately 10 seconds, asplash screen will be displayedon the camera screen while thesystem performs a self-testroutine. This splash screen iscustomer configurable – seesection 5..After 10 to 20 seconds(depending on ambienttemperature and sensor type) thethermal image, with battery statusdisplay, time and date andambient temperature, willappear. If spot temperatureoption is included, the samplewindow and spot temperaturewill also appear.5

1.2 DISPLAY GRAPHICSThe camera is equipped with an advanced microprocessor based control anduser warning system. In addition to controlling the automatic operation of thecamera to ensure the best possible picture at all times, the control systemprovides graphics on the display to alert the user to certain conditions as follows:.Battery StatusThe battery status indicator is always visible at the lower left side of the display,except during the start up/self-test routine. See Charger and Battery section foroperation details..Over-temperature WarningAs the circuitry within the camera approaches its maximum designed operatingtemperature, a warning symbol in the shape of a thermometer will appear to theright of the battery status indicator. The camera will continue to operate at thistemperature but the user may see some degradation of the image quality.If the user ignores this warning and continues to operate the camera in very hightemperatures, a flashing temperature warning statement will appear on thescreen.When the temperature warning statement is present, the camera is veryclose to its absolute operating limit and the image will start to degradeconsiderably. The user must remove the unit from the high ambienttemperature at this time; failure to comply may result in permanentdamage to the unit.6

.General System Failure WarningAs part of the operation of the system, the microprocessor monitors certainfunctions and displays an internationally recognised warning symbol if it detectsa fault. The warning, which takes the form of an exclamation mark within atriangle, will appear to the right of the battery status indicator (and to the rightof the temperature warning if this is active). The warning will appear if any of thefollowing faults are detected:High humidity within the sealed case assembly.This will occur if the plastics or the case seal are damaged and allowingmoisture into the camera.Failure of the lens iris assemblyThis warning symbol may appear briefly during normal operation, but thecamera must be returned to an authorised service centre or the factory if thewarning symbol remains on.Failure to act upon this level of warning may result in serious damage to thesystem and may invalidate the warranty..Zoom SymbolThe zoom symbol indicates when the 2x zoom function is activated. This willappear to the right of the battery status indicator..Image Capture SymbolThe image capture symbol appears for a short time over the battery statusindicator after the image capture button has been pressed. The screen will alsoshow which image number out of 26 has been captured..Transmitter ON/Channel Number SymbolWhen the transmitter is turned on (if fitted), the transmitter ON/channel numbersymbol will appear to the right of the battery status indicator.7

1.3 OPERATING NOTES.Interpreting The Image - Relative TemperaturesThe image displayed is simply a black and white picture of the infrared energyentering the lens. The camera displays relative temperature differences betweenindividual objects and their surroundings, irrespective of overall ambienttemperature.The camera is set up to display objects at various shades, from black for cooleritems to white for hotter bodies, i.e. in a room at 20 8C a cold drink wouldappear black whilst a hot radiator would appear white. In a room at 250 8C,however, it is possible that the same hot radiator may appear darker than, forexample, burning materials..Identification of Fire and HotspotsThe camera will represent zones of very high temperature as white zones withinthe picture. Very small fires or smouldering material will cause the automatic iristo close down slightly, but the image of surrounding objects will remain clearlyvisible..Hidden FiresIt is possible that fires may be burning or smouldering behind doors, in ductingor indeed in wall or floor cavities. In such circumstances, the operator shouldlook for areas which appear whiter when compared with the surroundings. Forexample, a fire behind a door will cause the door to appear whiter against thebackground. Similarly, a white area on an otherwise dark wall could indicate thearea of fire behind the masonry.8

.Search for Persons and ObjectsThe camera is not restricted to locating fires. In many cases, the firefighter will beusing the camera in a search for casualties, to seek out dangerous items such asfuel tanks or gas cylinders and also as an aid to navigation through unknownpremises..Image ClarityThe sharpness and clarity of the image provided is related to the temperature ofthe scene and objects in view. A cold room provides little infrared energy andless detail is detected than in a warm environment where objects give offsignificant energy. In general, the warmer the scene, the more thermal contrastand hence greater detail in the picture..Heat Layers in Closed SpacesIn a major fire, a layer of hot gases may build up in the upper region of theclosed space. Attempting to use the camera in this hot layer will cause the imageto become featureless. By bringing the camera down beneath this layer, the unitis able to provide the firefighter with a clearer picture of the scene ahead..Windows and Polished SurfacesGlass is not transparent to long wavelength infrared energy and it is not possiblefor the operator to use the camera to look through a window. A white windowwould indicate that the window itself is relatively warm and may be beingheated by a fire behind it. Just as we see reflections in glass under normalcircumstances, it is possible that the camera can detect infrared reflections inglass, mirrors and polished or painted surfaces. Care must be taken to ensurethat the image seen is not simply a reflection. Experience will give the operatoradded confidence.9

.Control of Water Streams/JetsWhen viewed through the camera, water streams from hose reels will appearblack against the background scene. The control and aim of water flow can bemonitored by viewing the flow and its effect on the fire through the camera. Itmay be necessary, if employing a water wall, to drop the wall momentarily toview the effects of the extinguishing stream..Smoke TypesThe camera will provide vision through all types of smoke and steam..Lens Cleaning During OperationThe camera lens, like the BA visor, may become obscured during use. The lensmay be cleaned with a glove or cloth if necessary.10

2 Standard Functions2.1 IMAGE CAPTURE.Up to 26 images can be captured and stored in the camera. These imagescan then be viewed or deleted using the remote control or softwareprovided (see section 4 for details of remote control). Using the softwareprovided, captured images can be downloaded to a suitable laptop/PC in.bmp format..To capture an image press the left-hand button. The image capture symbolwill appear over the battery status indicator and the number of the imageout of 26 will be displayed on the screen..If the image capture button is pressed and the camera has 26 images stored,a warning ‘FULL’ will appear. Before further images can be stored, imageswill have to be saved to a laptop/PC or deleted using the remote control orsoftware provided.2.2 ZOOM.The zoom function is operated by a short press on the right-hand buttonand is indicated by the magnifying glass icon on the screen..Where the temperature measurement option is combined with zoom, thesample window is also expanded to suit.2.3 TIME AND DATE.Time and date is displayed at the top of the screen in the format:hh:mm dd/mm/yy.This is also present on the external video feed for recording directly or via theVideo Transmission systems and will be shown on any image captured..The date and time can be adjusted using the remote control or softwareprovided.11

2.4 AMBIENT TEMPERATURE.The ambient temperature sensor is fitted to the front of the camera and theambient temperature is displayed on the video..The range for ambient temperature measurement is 717 8C (1.4 8F) to150 8C (302 8F). If ambient temperature measurement is not required, it canbe turned off using the software and the readout display will be removedfrom the video.12

3 Optional Functions3.1 SPOT TEMPERATURE MEASUREMENT.The addition of a sensor to thecamera allows the operator toview the average scenetemperature (within a definedarea). The temperature isdisplayed as an overlay on thecamera video..This system is intended to give theoperator the ability to detectpossible hazards such as hot gasbottles or tanks. The camera can be configured to give a reading in 8Cor8Fby using the user software (see section 5)..Scene temperatures between 0 8C (32 8F) and 500 8C (932 8F) can bedisplayed. If the temperature lies outside this range a 4or 5symbolappears before the reading indicating that it is outside the possible range.Note: If the object in the scene does not fully fill the sample window, then a falsereading may be obtained. Care should be taken not to cover up the sensorwindow (with a hand for example) when using this system.3.2 TRANSMITTERThe transmitter is housed inside the camera and is powered by the camerabattery. It is designed to allow remote viewing of a thermal image from thecamera. To switch on the transmitter, press and hold the transmitter ON buttonat the rear of the camera. When the transmitter is turned on, the transmitter on/channel number symbol will appear to the right of the battery status indicator.13

The performance of the system will allow a transmitting range of greater than1 km (0.6 mile) line of sight. This will be reduced when used inside buildings andwill vary depending on the construction of the building and how many walls etc.are between the camera and the receiver.Due to the relatively low power of the system and the high frequency used (1.4or 2.4 GHz) it is normal for the received picture to break up momentarily whenthe camera is moved. This break-up is caused by multi-pathing of the signal as itbounces off objects and people between the camera and the receiver.The transmitter is available in two frequencies, 1.4 GHz and 2.4 GHz, dependingon the local licensing regulations of the country of use..1.4 GHz TransmitterThe transmitter is supplied as a single-channel 200 mW system and isMPT1349 approved for use in the UK only. The transmitter should be used inconjunction with the Receiver Kit DAS548076AA or the Receiver Case..2.4 GHz TransmitterThe transmitter is supplied as a two-channel 300 mW system and is FCC part90 approved for use in the US. The transmitter should be used inconjunction with the Receiver Kit DAS547874AA or the Receiver Case.3.3 RECEIVER KITSBoth the receiver kits provide a standard 1.0 V video output and are designed foruse with a separate video monitor (not supplied). The receiver requires 12 V dcpower, either from a vehicle supply or the mains adaptor supplied. The antennacan be mounted on a pole if required and is connected to the receiver by a 3 m(10 ft) long cable.14

Mount the antenna in a suitable location, so that the front of the unit is directedtowards the camera is deployed. Connect the antenna to the receiver using thecable provided. Connect the DC power to the receiver using the mains adaptorprovided. Connect the receiver to a suitable video monitor using the phono orBNC connector located on the rear of the unit..Receiver kits for 1.4GHz transmitters (DAS548076AA)The stand-alone receiver is single-channel and is supplied complete withhigh gain antenna (DAS549406AA). Also supllied is an antenna to receivercable (DAS548241AA) and mains adaptor unit (DAS548235AA)..Receiver kits for 2.4GHz transmitters (DAS547874AA)The stand-alone receiver has two channels and is supplied complete withhigh gain antenna (DAS547875AA). Also supplied is an antenna to receivercable (DAS548236AA) and mains adaptor unit (DAS548235AA).15

4 Remote Control FunctionsTo access the remote control functions, press the RED button on the remote. Thescreen will show the first of the list of 8 options. These are:Brightness Adjustment,Contrast Adjustment,Colour Adjustment,Transmitter Channel,Colour Options,White Hot or Black Hot,Stored Image: Review and Deletion,Time and Date Setting.To access any of these functions pressthe menu ~or menu !buttonsuntil the desired option is displayed.Once the desired option has beenselected, each option has furtheraction (see below). Pressing the REDbutton again will set any changesrequired and leave the option list or,pressing the menu ~or menu !buttons, another option can beselected..Brightness, Contrast and ColourAdjustmentBy pressing the + or 7buttons,the brightness, contrast and colour of the LCD screen is increased orreduced..Transmitter ChannelBy pressing the + or 7buttons, the transmitter channel is selected.16

.Colour OptionsBy pressing the + or 7buttons, the colour options can be scrolled through.These are:Grey Scale Half ColourGreen Scale Full Colour 1Red Spot Full Colour 2Soft Red Spot Full Colour 3.White Hot or Black HotBy pressing the + or 7buttons, white hot or black hot can be selected..Stored Image: Review and DeletionReviewBy pressing the + or 7buttons, the stored images can be scrolled through.DeletionBy pressing the + or 7buttons, the stored images can be scrolled throughuntil image required to be deleted is selected. Press the delete button twiceto delete image..Time and Date SettingPress the OK button to enter the time and date settings. Using the menu ~or menu !buttons, scroll through the hours, minutes, days, months andyears. Adjust each setting as required by using the + or 7buttons. Oncethe desired setting has been achieved, scroll to save time and date and pressOK.17

$5 SoftwareUsing the camera data port and cable provided, a number of the camerafunctions can be set, enabled and adjusted by the user from a standard laptop/PC. The software is supplied on CD-ROM in the back of this manual. Thesoftware allows the user to:Download stored images.Upload splash screens.Set, enable or disable time and date.Use, enable or disable the zoom function.Set, enable or disable temperature display and units.Set white or black hot and colour options.Enable or disable the transmitter and select channel (if option is fitted).To change the camera settings, connect the interface lead 9-way D socket to thelaptop/PC serial port. If the PC serial port has 25 pins, an adaptor will berequired. Plug the interface lead 5-pin round plug into the camera data port..Operating SystemsThe Argus13 customer software supports the following operating systems:Windows1NT (all versions).Windows12000 service pack 3 or newer.Windows1XP (all versions).If the laptop/PC is running Windows195, 98 or ME, the Argus13 software willrun and install but can have some problems with older versions. As Microsoft nolonger supports these operating systems, e2v technologies cannot provide fullsupport for them.If the laptop/PC is running Windows12000 with an unsupported service pack,visit the Windows1update web page at http://v4.windowsupdate.microsoft.com/en/default.asp. Click on the search button and insert the service pack updaterequired. Follow the on-screen information..Installing the SoftwareInsert the Argus13 Information CD into the CD drive of the laptop/PC. After ashort time the CD will autostart and open up the main page of the Argus13Information CD. If the CD does not autostart, the main page can be viewed byopening local file D:\index.htm in a web browser (replace ’D’ with the drive letterof the CD-ROM drive if necessary).18$

$To install the software, click ’Install Software’ on the main page. This will openthe software page; click ’install software’. A box will appear, asking to copy or torun the software from its current location. Click ‘run from current location’, thenclick ‘OK’. Another box will appear; click ‘Yes’ to install the software. A box willnow appear to update the systems files. When the box disappears, another willpop up; click ‘OK’ to the installation. Immediately after, there will be a prompt torestart the system before starting a full installation. Click ‘Yes’ to restart system.Once the restart has been completed, install the software again.After clicking ‘install software’ for the second time, click ‘OK’ to the installation.If the installation is an older version than the current one on the laptop/PC, theremay be a prompt to keep any .OCK or .DLL files; click ‘Yes’. Click ‘OK’ to thesuccessful completion to the installation.The software should now be correctly installed. To run the Argus13 software,click on ‘Start’, find the Argus13 software title under Programs, then click theArgus13 customer software.The software can be installed by running D:\setup.exe (replace ’D’ with the driveletter for the CD-ROM drive if necessary). Follow the on-screen commands andthe above procedure..Using the SoftwarePower up the camera and waituntil a thermal image hasappeared on the camera screen.Connect the data cable betweenthe camera and laptop/PC. Startthe customer sofware and waituntil the test software front screenopens. Click connect to camera.If the connection to the camerahas been successful, connect tocamera will disappear and threeoptions will be available:Set Time and Date.Stored Images.Advanced Software.19$