Connecting To The Camera; Flir Camera Controller Gui; Physical Connection; Figure 3: Bnc To Rca Adapter - FLIR Tau Quick Start Manual

4.0 Connecting to the Camera

This section describes installation of necessary software, physical camera connections, and software
connection to the camera.

4.1 FLIR Camera Controller GUI

The FLIR Camera Controller GUI provides communication between a PC and a Tau camera using either
the USB interface or some other means of serial communication.
1. If you have an older version of the FLIR Camera Controller GUI loaded on your PC, you should
first uninstall it using the Windows Uninstall utility via the Windows Control Panel before
proceeding with this installation.
2. The newest version of the FLIR Camera Controller GUI can be found at the following URL:
http://www.flir.com/cvs/cores/resources/software/tau/
3. Click on the link to download the GUI and save it to your computer.
4. Extract the file using WinZip or other software. This can typically be done by right-clicking on
the zip file and selecting "Extract".
5. Open the directory where you saved the file and double-click "setup.exe".
6. Walk through the installation steps.
7. When the primary installation is completed, you will be prompted to install Silicon Laboratories
drivers. This portion of the installation is necessary for using a USB connection to the camera.
8. The program will install to

4.2 Physical Connection

This section describes physical connections to the camera and assumes that you have either the VPC or
Camera Link Accessory Module.
1. Plug the accessory directly into the rear of the camera. There is a white 50-pin connector that will
mate. Use the included socket head cap screws to secure the expansion board to the camera.
These will insert on either side of the 50-pin connector. The VPC module uses M1.6 × 0.35 × 6
mm screws and the Camera Link module uses M1.6 × 0.35 × 8 mm screws. Using longer screws
could damage the camera.
2. Connect the analog video cable to the VPC or Camera Link Module on the back of the Tau
Camera. There is an MCX mini coaxial connector on the back of the accessories. The opposite
end of the cable has a standard coaxial connector. Connect this to the video input of an analog
monitor. It may be necessary to use a BNC Female to Phono Plug (RCA) Adapter. These are
readily available at electronics stores and allow the camera to be connected to the standard yellow
video input on a monitor.
102_PS242-01 Rev100
Start→All Programs→FLIR Systems→Camera Controller GUI
Figure 2: BNC to RCA Adapter
October 2011
Tau Quick Start Guide
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