Pulsar Axion Compact XM30F Manual

Specifications

*Actual operating time will depend to what extent the Wi-Fi and built-in video recorder
is used.
**Reception range may vary depending on various factors: obstacles, other Wi-Fi networks

About the device

Description

Axion F thermal imaging monoculars are designed for use both at night-time and during the day in difficult weather conditions (fog, smog, rain), as well as where obstacles are present that impede the detection of a target (branches, tall grass, dense shrubs etc.).
Unlike night-vision devices that are based on electron-optical converters, thermal vision monoculars do not require an external light source and are resistant to the effects of bright light.
Axion F monoculars can be used for night-time hunting, observation and terrain orientation, and carrying out rescue operations.

Package Contents

• Axion F Thermal Imager
• APS 3 rechargeable battery
• Power Adapter
• USB Cable
• Carrying case
• Hand strap
• Quick User Manual
• Lens-cleaning cloth
• Warranty sheet

Features

• Microbolometer pixel size is 12 microns
• 640 400 AMOLED display resolution Compact size and light weight
• Functional and ergonomic design
• Eight color modes
• Three calibration modes: Manual, Semi-Automatic, Automatic
• Three levels of sensitivity enhancement: Normal, High, Ultra
• Stadiametric Rangefinder
• Display Off function
• Defective pixel repair function
• Updatable firmware
• Wide operating temperature range 25°С to 40°С / 13°F to 104°F Fully waterproof IPX7 rated)

Video/Audio Recording

• Built-in video and sound recorder
• Integration with iOS and Android devices
• Wi-Fi remote control and viewing using a smartphone
• Storing photos and videos in Cloud when using the Stream Vision 2 App

Battery Pack

• Quick Change Li-Ion Battery Pack APS 3
• Charging from USB Power Bank

Components and Controls

1. Eyepiece focus ring
2. DOWN/REC button
3. MENU button
4. UP/ZOOM button
5. Power ON/OFF/CALIBRATION button
6. Lens focus ring
7. Lens cover
8. MicroUSB connector
9. Battery release button

LED indicator displays the current status of the device:

Power supply

Precautions

• Always use the APS charger to charge APS 3 batteries. Using an unsuitable charger can cause irreparable damage to the battery and fire.
• Do not charge the battery immediately after bringing it from cold to warm. Wait at least 30 minutes for the battery to warm up.
• It is not recommended to charge the batteries with a charger connected to the USB port of a computer or laptop. It can damage the computer.
• Do not leave the battery unattended while charging.
• Do not use the charger if it has been modified or damaged.
• Do not leave the battery in a charger connected to the mains after charging is complete.
• Do not expose the battery to high temperatures or naked flames.
• Do not use the battery as a power source for devices that do not support APS 3 batteries.
• Do not disassemble or deform the battery or charger.
• Do not drop or strike the battery or charger.
• The battery and charger must not be immersed in water.
• Keep the battery out of the reach of children.

Recommendations for Battery Use

• The battery should be partially charged 50 to 80% for long-term storage.
• The battery is to be charged at an ambient temperature of 0°C to 35°C or the lifespan of the battery will decrease significantly.
• When using the battery at sub-zero ambient temperatures, the battery capacity decreases. This is normal and not a defect.
• Do not use the battery at temperatures outside the range of 25°C to 40°C or it may reduce battery life.
• The battery is short circuit protected. However, any situation that may cause shortcircuiting should be avoided.

Battery Charging

The Axion F thermal imager comes with an APS 3 rechargeable Lithium-ion battery. Before first use, make sure the battery is fully charged.
The icon in the status bar will flash when the battery is low. The battery needs to be charged.

Option 1

1. Install the battery 10 into its slot on the device case 14 by aligning the icons to form a 'dotʼ on the unit and the battery.
2. Attach a USB cable 15 to the microUSB connector 8 on the device.
3. Connect the other end of the USB cable 15 to the power adapter 16 or to a USB socket connected to another power sources with rated output of 5V or less.
4. Connect the power adapter 16 to the mains power supply 17.
5. Wait until the battery is fully charged (indication in the status bar: )
   Note: The PB8I Power Bank may be used as a charger.

Option 2

1. Insert the battery 10 fully along the guide rail into the APS charger* 11 slot as far as it will go.
2. Point A on the battery and Point B on the charger should be aligned.
3. Two batteries* can be charged at the same time – a second slot is provided for this.
4. Attach the microUSB plug on the USB cable 15 to the microUSB connector on the power adapter 16. Plug the device into a 100 240V power outlet 17.
5. Attach the second plug of the microUSB cable to the socket 12 of the charger 11.
6. The LED indicator 13 will light up battery charge status (see table). Wait until the battery is fully charged LED indication 13:).

* Available separately
**The indicator displays the current level of charge of the battery for 30 seconds when the APS charger is not plugged in. When the power is connected, the display shows the current status of the battery constantly, the LEDs additionally flickering to indicate the battery charging process.

Battery Installation

Attention! Before installing the battery, make sure that there is an undamaged rubber insulating ring on the battery. The ring is designed to protect your device from moisture getting inside. Damage to the device due to a missing ring is not covered by the warranty. To replace or purchase a ring, contact your localdistributor.

1. Insert the battery 10 into the assigned slot on the deviceʼs casing 14, aligning the images to form a 'dotʼ on the device C and the battery A.
2. When properly installed, the battery is locked into the slot with a special clip.
3. To remove the battery from the device, press the Battery Release button 9.

External Power Supply

Power can be supplied from an external source such as a 5 V power bank.

1. Attach the external power source to the deviceʼs USB connector 8.
2. The device will switch to operation from the external power source, while the APS3 battery will be gradually recharged.
3. An icon of a battery will appear on the display showing its charge as a percentage.
4. If the device is operated from an external power source and the APS3 battery is not connected, an icon is displayed.
5. When the external power supply is disconnected, the device switches to the internal power supply without the device powering off.

Power Bank must be connected to the device with the battery installed.
Attention! Charging the built-in battery and the APS3 battery from the power bank at an external temperature below 0°C 32°F can reduce the battery life. When using external power, connect the Power Bank to the device after it has been turned on and working for several minutes.

Getting Started

Powering on and Image Settings

1. Remove the lens cover 7. Secure the cover to the strap using the magnet built into the cover.
2. Turn the device on with a short press of the ON/OFF 5
3. Adjust the resolution of the icons on the display by rotating the diopter adjustment ring on the eyepiece 1.
4. To focus on the object under observation, rotate the lens focus ring 6.
5. Select the desired calibrationmode in the main menu: Manual M, Semiautomatic SA or Automatic A.Calibrate the image with a short press of the ON/OFF 5 button (where calibration mode SA or M has been selected). Close the lens cap before manual calibration. Select the required amplificationlevel ("Normal" , "High" , "Ultra" ) by briefly pressing the UP 4 button.
6. Activate the quick menu by briefly pressing the MENU 3 button to adjust the brightness, contrastandsmoothdigitalzoom(formoredetailsseetheQuick Menusection).
7. Turn the device off with a long press of the ON/OFF 5.

Observation conditions: time of day, weather, different observation objects affect the image quality. Custom settings for brightness, display contrast as well as the function of adjusting the microbolometer sensitivity level will help to achieve the desired quality in a particular situation.
Attention! It is forbidden to point the riflescope lens at intensive energy sources, such as laser radiation emitting devices or the sun. It can disable the riflescope electronic components. Warranty does not cover damage arising from failure to comply with the operating rules.

Button Operation

Interface

Status Bar

The status bar is at the bottom of the display and displays information on the actual operating status of the device, including:

• Color Mode:
  
  • White hot
    
  • Black hot
• Amplification level
• Smoothing Filter (displayed when the function is on)
• Calibration Mode (in Automatic calibration mode a countdown timer will appear instead of the calibration mode icon 3 seconds before automatic calibration begins).
• Microphone
• Magnification
• Wi-Fi Connection Time
• Power Indication:
  
  • charge level if the device is powered by a battery
    
  • charge level if the device is charging and powered by a battery
    
  • no battery, the device is connected to an external power supply

Quick Menu

The basic settings (adjusting brightness and contrast, using the Stadiametric Rangefinder function) can be changed using the quick access menu.

• Enter the menu by briefly pressing the MENU 3.
• A short press of the МENU 3 button enables you to toggle between functions, as described below.

Brightness

• press the UP 4 /DOWN 2 buttons to change display brightness from 0 to 20.

Contrast

• press the UP 4 /DOWN 2 buttons to change image contrast from 0 to 20.

Stadiometric Rangefinder

• change the position of special marker lines to determine the distance to the object being observed by pressing the UP 4 /DOWN 2 buttons (for more details see the StadiametricRangefinder section).

Smooth Digital Zoom

• press the UP 4 /DOWN 2 button to change the value of the digital zoom from 3 to 12. The digital zoom changes in 0.1 increments.
  Note: the magnification value is reset to the base value when the device is switched off
  • Press and hold the MENU 3 button to exit the menu or wait for 10 seconds to exit automatically.

Functions

Video Recording and Photography

Axion F thermal imagers are capable of video recording and photography. Videos and images are saved on the built-in memory card.
Before using this feature please set the date and time (see GeneralSettings section).
For information on how to watch recorded photos and videos, see the Stream Vision 2 user manual: Android, iOS.
The built-in recorder operates in two modes – Video and Photo.

Video mode. Video recording

1. Switch to Video mode by pressing and holding the DOWN/REC 2 button.
2. The icon and the remaining recording time in HH MM Hours: Minutes) format are displayed in the upper left corner, for example 4 20.
3. Press the DOWN/REC 2 button briefly to start video recording.
4. When the video recording starts, the icon will disappear and the REC icon and timer in MM SS Minutes: Seconds) format will appear.
   
5. Pause and resume recording video with a short press of the DOWN/REC 2 button.
6. Stop recording video with a long press of the DOWN/REC 2 button.
7. Video files are saved to the built-in memory card after the video recording has been stopped.
8. Press and hold the DOWN/REC 2 button to switch between the Video and Photo modes Video Photo Video...)

Photo Mode. Capturing an image

1. Switch to the Photo mode by pressing and holding the DOWN/REC 2 button.
2. Press the DOWN/REC 2 button briefly to take a photo. The icon flashes – the photo file is being saved to the built-in SD card.

Notes:

• You can enter and operate the menu during video recording.
• Recorded videos and photos are saved to the internal memory card in the format img_xxx.jpg (photos), video_xxx.mp4 (videos).
• Videos are recorded in clips with a maximum duration of 5 minutes. The number of recorded files is limited by the capacity of unitʼs internal memory.
• Regularly check the free capacity of the internal memory and move recorded footage to other storage media to free up space on the internal memory card.
• In case of a memory card error, you can use the format function in the General Settings section of the main menu.
• When the Display Off function is activated, video recording continues to run in the background.

Discrete Digital Zoom

The device functionality allows you to quickly increase the base magnification
(see Optical Magnification line in the table of TechnicalSpecifications) by 2 or 4 times as well as return to the base magnification.
Note: the magnification value is reset to the base value when the device is switched off
Press and hold the UP/ZOOM 4 button to change the digital zoom.

PiP Function

The PiP Picture-in-Picture) function allows you to see both the main image and a magnified image in a dedicated window.

• To turn on and off the PiP function see the PiP Mode section.
• Press and hold the UP 4 button to change the magnification ratio in the PiP window.
• The zoomed image is displayed in a dedicated window, while the image in the rest of the screen is displayed at base magnification 3x.
• When the PiP is turned on you can control both the discrete and smooth digital zoom. In this case the zoom value changes only take place in the dedicated window.
• When the PiP function is turned off, the screen will display at the magnification that was set in PiP mode.

Display-O Function

This function darkens the screen, which aids the userʼs concealment. However, the device stays on.
When this function is in use, the device switches to the standby mode, which allows it to be switched on quickly if necessary.

1. When the device is on, press and hold the ON/OFF 5 button. The display will turn off, the current time and the "Display off" icon will appear.
2. Turn the display back on with a short press of the ON/OFF 5 button.
3. When you press and hold the ON/OFF 5 button, the display shows the "Display off" icon with a countdown. Pressing & holding the button down for the duration of the countdown will power the device off completely.

Wi-Fi Function

The device has a function enabling wireless communication with external devices (smartphone or tablet) via Wi-Fi.

• Turn on the wireless module in the WI Fi Activation menu option.
• Wi-Fi is displayed in the status bar as follows:
  
• The device is recognized by an external device as AXION_XXXX where XXXX are the four last digits of the serial number.
• After entering the password on a mobile device (see Password Setup subsection of the Wi-FiSettings section for more information on setting a password) and setting up a connection, the icon in the status bar will change to .
• The Wi-Fi function will turn off automatically if there is not enough battery power for Wi-Fi. The battery icon will turn red and flash. To use the Wi-Fi function again, you need to charge the battery.

Stadiametric Rangefinder

Axion F thermal imagers are equipped with a stadiametric rangefinder which allows the user to determine the approximate distance to an object of a known size with reasonable accuracy.

1. Select the Stadiametric Rangefinder function with short presses of the MENU 3 button until the icon is selected.
2. You will see on the display: measurement bars, icons of three reference objects and respective distances for the three objects.
3. Position the lower fixed bar under the object being ranged.
4. By pressing the UP 4 /DOWN 2 buttons, move the upper horizontal bar relative to the lower fixed bar until the object fits entirely between the two bars. The distance to the object is automatically recalculated as you move the upper line.
5. Exit the rangefinder mode with a long press of the MENU 3 button or wait 10 seconds to exit automatically.

Notes:

• There are three predefined values for the reference objects: Hare – 0.3 m height, Boar – 0.7 m height, Deer – 1.7 m height.
• Before it appears on the display, a measured distance value is rounded up to 5m for larger values and rounded down to 1m for smaller values.
• To select the unit of measurement Meters or Yards), go to the General Settings menu item Units of Measure submenu.

USB Connection

1. Connect one end of the USB cable to the Micro-USB 9 port of your device and the other end to the USB port of your PC / laptop.
2. Turn the device on with a short press of the ON/OFF 5 button (a device that has been turned off cannot be detected by your computer).
3. Your device will be detected by the computer automatically; no drivers need to be installed.
4. Two connection modes will appear on the display: Power and Memory Card (external storage device).
5. Select the connection mode with the UP 4 /DOWN 2 buttons.
6. Confirm the selection with a short press of the MENU 3 button.

Power

• In this mode, a PC/laptop is used as an external power supply. The status bar shows the icon
• The device continues operating and all functions are available.
• The Battery Pack installed in the device is not being charged.
• When the USB is disconnected from the device when in the Power mode, the device keeps operating with the Battery Pack if it is available and sufficiently charged.

Memory Card

• In this mode the device is detected by the computer as a flash card. This mode is designed for work with the files saved in the deviceʼs memory. The deviceʼs functions are not available in this mode; the device turns off automatically.
• If video recording was in progress when the connection was made, recording stops and the video is saved.
• If the device is in Memory Card mode and is disconnected from USB, the device will remain on.

Software

Stream Vision 2

Install the Stream Vision 2 application to download files, update firmware, control the device by remote control and broadcast images from your device to a smartphone or a tablet via WiFi.
We recommend using the latest version – Stream Vision 2.

You can find further guidelines on Stream Vision 2 here.
Download from Google Play
Download from App Store
Find answers to frequently asked questions about using Stream Vision 2 here.
Android iOS

Firmware Update

• Download the free Stream Vision 2 App in Google Play or AppStore.
  
  
• Connect your Pulsar device to your mobile device (smartphone or tablet).
• Launch Stream Vision 2 and go to section "Settings".
• Select your Pulsar device and press "Check firmware update".
• Wait for the update to download and install. Pulsar device will reboot and will be ready to operate.

• if your Pulsar device is connected to a phone or mobile device, please turn on mobile data transfer GPRS/3G/4G to download update;
• if your Pulsar device is not connected to your phone or mobile device but is already listed in "Settings" > "My devices" section, you may use Wi-Fi to download update.
  Find answers to frequently asked questions about using Stream Vision 2 here.

Is your firmware up to date?
Click here to check the latest firmware for your device.

Maintenance

Technical Maintenance and Storage

Maintenance should be carried out at least twice a year and should include the following steps:

• Wipe the exterior surfaces of metal and plastic parts with a cotton cloth. Do not use chemically active substances, solvents, etc. as these will damage the paint.
• Clean the electric contacts of the Battery Pack and the deviceʼs battery slot using a non-greasy organic solvent.
• Check the objective and eyepiece lenses and if required, remove dust and sand from the optics (it is preferable to use a non-contact method). Cleaning of the exterior surfaces of the optics should be done with cleaners designed especially for this purpose.
• Store the device in a carrying case. Remove the Battery Pack for long-term storage.

Technical Inspection

It is recommended to inspect your device before each use. Check the following:

• The device should be free of any cracks or deformations.
• The lenses should be free of cracks, grease, dirt or debris.
• The battery level of the device should be full. Electrical sockets should be free of salts, oxidation, or other debris.
• All controls should be responsive.

Troubleshooting

For technical support please contact support@pulsar-vision.com.
Answers to frequently asked questions about the devices can also be found in the FAQ section.

The device does not turn on

Possible cause
Battery Pack is discharged.
Solution
Charge the Battery Pack.

Device malfunction

Solution
In case of any malfunctions during operation, try resetting the device by long pressing the ON/OFF button for 10 seconds.

The device does not operate from an external power source
Possible cause
The USB cable is damaged.
Solution
Replace the USB cable.
Possible cause
The external power supply is discharged.
Solution
Charge the external power supply (if necessary).

The image is blurry, with vertical stripes or an uneven background
Possible cause
Calibration is required.
Solution
Perform the calibration according to Calibration Mode section.

Black screen after calibration

Solution
If the image does not clear after calibration, you need to recalibrate.

When the device is turned on, the calibration frequency is at rst higher, then decreases (if the automatic calibration mode is enabled)
Possible cause
After turning on the device, it takes some time for the sensor temperature to stabilize. This is normal and is not a defect.

The image is too dark

Possible cause
Brightness or contrast level is too low.

Solution
Adjust the brightness or contrast level in the Quick Menu.

Poor image quality / Detection range reduced

Possible cause
These problems may occur during observation in adverse weather conditions (snow, rain, fog, etc.).

Smartphone or tablet PC cannot be connected to the device
Possible cause
Device password has been changed.
Solution
Delete the network and connect again using the password saved in the device.
Possible cause
The device is in an area with too many Wi-Fi networks that may be causing signal interference.
Solution
To ensure a stable Wi-Fi connection, relocate the device to an area with fewer or no WiFi networks.
Possible cause
The device has a 5 GHz network enabled, but the smartphone only supports 2.4 GHz.
Solution
Switch the deviceʼs Wi-Fi bandwidth to 2.4 GHz.
More information on solving problems with connection to Stream Vision 2 by following the link.

Wi-Fi signal is missing or interrupted

Possible cause
Smartphone or tablet is out of range of a strong Wi-Fi signal. There are obstacles between the device and the smartphone or tablet (e.g., concrete walls).
Solution
Relocate smartphone or tablet into the Wi-Fi signal line of sight.
More information on solving problems with connection to Stream Vision 2 by following the link.

Color bars appear on the display or the image disappears
Possible cause
The device was exposed to static electricity during operation.
Solution
After exposure to static electricity, the device may either reboot automatically or require turning off and on again.

The image quality during the device operation at below zero temperatures is worse than at positive temperatures
Possible cause
In warm climates, objects in the background of a thermal image heat up differently because of thermal conductivity, generating a high temperature contrast and a sharper thermal image.
In cold climates, objects in the background of a thermal image will cool down to roughly the same temperature, which leads to a greatly reduced temperature contrast and a degraded image quality. This is normal for all thermal imaging devices.

The image of the object being observed is missing

Possible cause
The object is behind glass, which obstructs thermal vision.
Solution
Remove the glass.

The supplied USB cable is broken

Solution
To replace the USB cable, contact your local distributor.
Self-repair of the cable is prohibited.
The ability to use a USB cable from other manufacturers with the device may be limited.

Documents / Resources

References

• Where to buy | Pulsar Vision
• Manuals | Pulsar
• Manuals | Pulsar
• Manuals | Pulsar
• Manuals | Pulsar
• Manuals | Pulsar
• Manuals | Pulsar
• Manuals | Pulsar
• Stream Vision 2 | Pulsar Vision
• Google Play
• ‎Stream Vision 2 on the App Store
• FAQ | Pulsar Vision
• Stream Vision 2 User Manuals | Pulsar Vision
• Stream Vision 2 User Manuals | Pulsar Vision
• Check your firmware | Pulsar Vision
• FAQ | Pulsar Vision

Download manual

Here you can download full pdf version of manual, it may contain additional safety instructions, warranty information, FCC rules, etc.

Download Pulsar Axion Compact XM30F Manual