Warnings & cautions Important note about this manual Welcome! Packing list System overview Connecting system components Introduction to thermographic inspections of electrical installations Tutorials Camera overview Camera program Folder and file structure Electrical power system A note on LEMO connectors Maintenance &...
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Technical specifications & dimensional drawings Glossary Thermographic measurement techniques History of infrared technology Theory of thermography The measurement formula Emissivity tables...
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ThermaCAM™ P25 User’s manual Publ. No. 1557978 Rev. a155 – ENGLISH (EN) – February 6, 2006...
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FLIR Systems or this warranty will not apply. FLIR Systems will, at its option, repair or replace any such defective product free of charge if, upon inspection, it proves to be defective in material or workmanship and provided that it is returned to FLIR Systems within the said one-year period.
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Designation Status Reg. No. Germany Patent 60004227.8 Great Britain Design Patent 106017 Great Britain Design Patent 3006596 Great Britain Design Patent 3006597 Great Britain Patent 1188086 International Design Patent DM/057692 International Design Patent DM/061609 Japan Application 2000-620406 Japan Application 2002-588123 Japan Application 2002-588070...
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Designation Status Reg. No. U.S. Pending 29/233,400 Publ. No. 1557978 Rev. a155 – ENGLISH (EN) – February 6, 2006...
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Table of contents Warnings & cautions ........................Important note about this manual ....................Welcome! ............................About FLIR Systems ......................3.1.1 A few images from our facilities ................Comments & questions ......................Packing list ............................System overview ..........................Connecting system components ....................
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7.7.4 Reflected apparent temperature ................7.7.5 Object too far away ....................Tutorials ............................Switching on & switching off the camera ................Working with images & folders ..................... 8.2.1 Acquiring an image ....................8.2.2 Opening an image ....................8.2.3 Deleting one or several images ................8.2.4 Navigating in folders .....................
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10.2.3 Analysis menu ....................... 10.2.3.1 Edit mode ..................10.2.3.2 Changing the settings for the fixed spot ........... 10.2.3.3 Add isotherm ..................10.2.3.4 Remove all ..................10.2.3.5 Obj par ....................10.2.3.6 Deactivate local par................10.2.4 Image menu ......................10.2.4.1 Freeze/Live ..................10.2.4.2 Range ....................
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16.11.3 Power connector ....................16.11.4 CVBS connector ....................16.12 Relationship between fields of view and distance ............... 16.13 Basic dimensions – battery charger ..................16.14 Basic dimensions – battery ....................16.15 Basic dimensions – camera ....................16.16 Basic dimensions – camera ....................17 Glossary ............................
Important note about this manual As far as it is practically possible, FLIR Systems configures each manual to reflect each customer’s particular camera configuration. However, please note the following exceptions: The packing list is subject to specific customer configuration and may contain more ■...
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CompactFlash card. The images can be analyzed either in the field by using the real-time measurement markers built into the camera software, or in a PC by using FLIR Systems's software for infrared analysis and reporting. This makes it very easy to create complete survey reports (containing numerous infrared images, photos, tables etc.) from the inspections.
Figure 3.2 Indigo Operations, Niceville, USA, and Indigo Operations, Santa Barbara, USA. Indigo Operations is a division of FLIR Systems. As pioneers in the IR industry, FLIR Systems has a long list of ‘firsts’ the world of in- frared thermography: 1965: 1st thermal imaging system for predictive maintenance (Model 650).
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10 L (2.6 US gallon) jar with liquid nitrogen. To the left of the oscilloscope the Polaroid attachment (6 kg/13 lb) can be seen. RIGHT: FLIR Systems ThermaCAM Model E2 from 2002 – weight: 0.7 kg (1.54 lb), including battery.
3 – Welcome! 3.1.1 A few images from our facilities 10401303;a1 Figure 3.4 LEFT: Development of system electronics; RIGHT: Testing of an FPA detector 10401403;a1 Figure 3.5 LEFT: Diamond turning machine; RIGHT: Lens polishing Publ. No. 1557978 Rev. a155 – ENGLISH (EN) – February 6, 2006...
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3 – Welcome! 10401503;a1 Figure 3.6 LEFT: Testing of IR cameras in the climatic chamber; RIGHT: Robot for camera testing and calibration Publ. No. 1557978 Rev. a155 – ENGLISH (EN) – February 6, 2006...
3 – Welcome! Comments & questions FLIR Systems is committed to a policy of continuous development, and although we have tested and verified the information in this manual to the best of our ability, you may find that features and specifications have changed since the time of printing.
The ThermaCAM™ P25 and its accessories are delivered in a hard transport case which typically contains the items below. On receipt of the transport case, inspect all items and check them against the delivery note. Any damaged items must be reported to the local FLIR Systems representative immediately. Description Part number...
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System overview This system overview shows all accessories that are possible to order for a Therma- CAM™ P25. 10570703;a3 Figure 5.1 System overview Publ. No. 1557978 Rev. a155 – ENGLISH (EN) – February 6, 2006...
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5 – System overview Figure 5.2 Explanations of callouts Callout Part No. Description of part 194 560 Protective plastic window 1 194 977 Protective window 194 579 124 mm IR lens 194 176 72 mm IR lens 194 401 18 mm IR lens 194 702 9.0 mm IR lens 194 533...
Connecting system components Front connectors 10438803;a2 Figure 6.1 How to connect system components: Front connectors Figure 6.2 Explanations of callouts Callout Explanation USB or RS-232 cable. Not implemented. Publ. No. 1557978 Rev. a155 – ENGLISH (EN) – February 6, 2006...
Introduction to thermographic inspections of electrical installations Important note All camera functions and features that are described in this section may not be sup- ported by your particular camera configuration. Electrical regulations differ from country to country. For that reason, the electrical procedures described in this section may not be the standard of procedure in your particular country.
7 – Introduction to thermographic inspections of electrical installations and for the climatic zones. The measurement periods may also differ depending on the type of plant to be inspected, whether they are hydroelectric, nuclear, coal-based or oil-based plants. In the industry the inspections are—at least in Nordic countries with clear seasonal differences—carried out during spring or autumn or before longer stops in the oper- ation.
7 – Introduction to thermographic inspections of electrical installations The more the IR camera operator knows about the equipment that he or she is about to inspect, the higher the quality of the inspection. But it is virtually impossible for an IR thermographer to have detailed knowledge about all the different types of equipment that can be controlled.
7 – Introduction to thermographic inspections of electrical installations The classification of the defects gives a more detailed meaning that not only takes into account the situation at the time of inspection (which is certainly of great impor- tance), but also the possibility to normalize the over-temperature to standard load and ambient temperature conditions.
7 – Introduction to thermographic inspections of electrical installations However, the most common result of the identification and classification of the detected faults is a recommendation to repair immediately or as soon as it is practically possible. It is important that the repair crew is aware of the physical principles for the identifica- tion of defects.
7 – Introduction to thermographic inspections of electrical installations Measurement technique for thermographic inspection of electrical installations 7.3.1 How to correctly set the equipment A thermal image may show high temperature variations: 10712803;a4 Figure 7.2 Temperature variations in a fusebox In the images above, the fuse to the right has a maximum temperature of +61°C (+142°F), whereas the one to the left is maximum +32°C (+90°F) and the one in the middle somewhere in between.
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7 – Introduction to thermographic inspections of electrical installations to be in for the moment. It might be so that you measure heat, which has been con- ducted over some distance, whereas the ‘real’ hot spot is hidden from you. An example is shown in the image below.
7 – Introduction to thermographic inspections of electrical installations 7.3.3 Comparative measurement For thermographic inspections of electrical installations a special method is used, which is based on comparison of different objects, so-called measurement with a reference. This simply means that you compare the three phases with each other. This method needs systematic scanning of the three phases in parallel in order to assess whether a point differs from the normal temperature pattern.
7 – Introduction to thermographic inspections of electrical installations 10713303;a4 Figure 7.7 A profile (line) in an infrared image and a graph displaying the increasing temperature 7.3.4 Normal operating temperature Temperature measurement with thermography usually gives the absolute temperature of the object. In order to correctly assess whether the component is too hot, it is necessary to know its operating temperature, that is, its normal temperature if we consider the load and the temperature of its environment.
7 – Introduction to thermographic inspections of electrical installations 10713503;a4 Figure 7.9 An infrared image of indoor electrical equipment (2) The two left phases are considered as normal, whereas the right phase shows a very clear excess temperature. Actually, the operating temperature of the left phase is +68°C (+154°F), that is, quite a substantial temperature, whereas the faulty phase to the right shows a temperature of +86°C (+187°F).
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7 – Introduction to thermographic inspections of electrical installations < 5°C (9°F) The start of the overheat condi- tion. This must be carefully monitored. 5–30°C (9–54°F) Developed overheating. It must be repaired as soon as possible (but think about the load situa- tion before a decision is made).
The program, which has been used for creating the report page shown below, is called ThermaCAM™ Reporter. It is adapted to several types of infrared cameras from FLIR Systems. A professional report is often divided into two sections: Front pages, with facts about the inspection, such as: ■...
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7 – Introduction to thermographic inspections of electrical installations 10713603;a3 Figure 7.10 A report example Publ. No. 1557978 Rev. a155 – ENGLISH (EN) – February 6, 2006...
7 – Introduction to thermographic inspections of electrical installations Different types of hot spots in electrical installations 7.5.1 Reflections The thermographic camera sees any radiation that enters the lens, not only originating from the object that you are looking at, but also radiation that comes from other sources and has been reflected by the target.
7 – Introduction to thermographic inspections of electrical installations 10713803;a3 Figure 7.12 An infrared image of a circuit breaker 7.5.3 Inductive heating 10713903;a3 Figure 7.13 An infrared image of hot stabilizing weights Eddy currents can cause a hot spot in the current path. In cases of very high currents and close proximity of other metals, this has in some cases caused serious fires.
7 – Introduction to thermographic inspections of electrical installations 10714003;a3 Figure 7.14 Examples of infrared images of load variations The image to the left shows three cables next to each other. They are so far apart that they can be regarded as thermally insulated from each other. The one in the middle is colder than the others.
7 – Introduction to thermographic inspections of electrical installations 7.5.6 Resistance variations Overheating can have many origins. Some common reasons are described below. Low contact pressure can occur when mounting a joint, or through wear of the mate- rial, for example, decreasing spring tension, worn threads in nuts and bolts, even too much force applied at mounting.
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7 – Introduction to thermographic inspections of electrical installations 10714303;a3 Figure 7.17 Overheating in a circuit breaker The overheating of this circuit breaker is most probably caused by bad contact in the near finger of the contactor. Thus, the far finger carries more current and gets hotter. The component in the infrared image and in the photo is not the same, however, it is similar).
7 – Introduction to thermographic inspections of electrical installations Disturbance factors at thermographic inspection of electrical installations During thermographic inspections of different types of electrical installations, distur- bance factors such as wind, distance to object, rain or snow often influence the measurement result.
7 – Introduction to thermographic inspections of electrical installations snow or rain and reliable measurement is no longer possible. This is mainly because a heavy snowfall as well as heavy rain is impenetrable to infrared radiation and it is rather the temperature of the snowflakes or raindrops that will be measured. 7.6.3 Distance to object This image is taken from a helicopter 20 meters (66 ft.) away from this faulty connec-...
The reason for this effect is that there is a smallest object size, which gives correct temperature measurement. This smallest size is indicated to the user in all FLIR Sys- tems cameras. The image below shows what you see in the viewfinder of camera model 695.
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7 – Introduction to thermographic inspections of electrical installations 10714703;a3 Figure 7.21 Image from the viewfinder of a ThermaCAM 695 This effect is due to imperfections in the optics and to the size of the detector elements. It is typical for all infrared cameras and can not be avoided. Publ.
7 – Introduction to thermographic inspections of electrical installations Practical advice for the thermographer Working in a practical way with a camera, you will discover small things that make your job easier. Here are ten of them to start with. 7.7.1 From cold to hot You have been out with the camera at +5°C (+41°F).
7 – Introduction to thermographic inspections of electrical installations 7.7.4 Reflected apparent temperature You are in a measurement situation where there are several hot sources that influence your measurement. You need to have the right value for the reflected apparent tem- perature to input into the camera and thus get the best possible correction.
Tutorials Switching on & switching off the camera Step Action Insert a battery into the battery compartment. For information about inserting a battery, see section 8.6.6 – Inserting & removing the battery on page 50. Briefly press the green ON/OFF button to switch on the camera. Press and hold down the green on/off button for a few seconds to switch off the camera.
8 – Tutorials Working with images & folders 8.2.1 Acquiring an image Step Action Briefly press the green ON/OFF button to switch on the camera. Point the camera at a warm object, like a face or a hand. Press and hold down the A button for one second to adjust the focus. Briefly press the A button to autoadjust the camera.
8 – Tutorials Step Action Do one of the following: To go up on level, select the symbol to the left below, and press the joystick. ■ To go down one level, select the symbol to the right below, and press the joy- ■...
8 – Tutorials Step Action Do one of the following: Press and hold down the S button for a few seconds to save the image ■ Point to Save on the File menu and press the joystick ■ For more information about saving images, see section 10.2.2.2 – Save on page 69. Working with measurements 8.3.1 Creating &...
8 – Tutorials Changing level & span 8.4.1 Changing the level Step Action Press the joystick to display the horizontal menu bar. If the camera is in continuous adjust mode, point to Manual adjust on the Image menu and press the joystick. Change the level by moving the joystick up/down.
8 – Tutorials Changing system settings 8.5.1 Changing the language Step Action Press the joystick to display the horizontal menu bar. Point to Local settings on the Setup menu and press the joystick. Move the joystick up/down to select Language. Move the joystick left/right to change the language.
8 – Tutorials Step Action Move the joystick left/right to change the time format. Press the joystick to confirm your changes and leave the dialog box. 8.5.5 Changing date & time Step Action Press the joystick to display the horizontal menu bar. Point to Date/time on the Setup menu and press the joystick.
8 – Tutorials Working with the camera 8.6.1 Mounting an additional lens ➲ Before trying to remove fingerprints or other marks on the lens elements, see section 14.2 – Lenses on page 93. 10592203;a1 Figure 8.2 Mounting an additional lens Step Action Make sure the index mark on the IR lens is lined up with the index mark on the...
Enter a transmission value of 0.83 in the Optics transmission text box by moving the joystick left/right. This value has been measured at FLIR Systems AB, Sweden. Enter an external temperature for the lens in the Optics temperature text box by moving the joystick left/right.
8 – Tutorials Step Action Adjust the zoom factor by moving the joystick left/right. An indicator will be dis- played on the left side of the screen when zooming. 8.6.6 Inserting & removing the battery ➲ The camera is shipped with charged batteries. To increase battery life, the battery should be fully discharged and charged a couple of times.
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8 – Tutorials Step Action Open the lid of the battery compartment by pressing its locking mechanism. The battery release spring will push out the battery from the battery compartment. Close the lid of the battery compartment. For more information about the battery system, see section 12 – Electrical power system on page 85.
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Camera overview Camera parts 10592503;a1 Figure 9.1 Camera parts, 1 Callout Description of part +/– buttons For more information about the functionality of this button, see section 9.2 – Keypad buttons & functions on page 60. F1 button For more information about the functionality of this button, see section 9.2 – Keypad buttons &...
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9 – Camera overview Callout Description of part F2 button For more information about the functionality of this button, see section 9.2 – Keypad buttons & functions on page 60. Camera status LCD For more information about the LCD, see section 9.4 – Camera status LCD on page 62.
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9 – Camera overview 10592703;a1 Figure 9.2 Camera parts, 2 Callout Description of part C button For more information about the C button, see section 9.2 – Keypad buttons & functions on page 60. Lid of the battery compartment S button For more information about the S button, see section 9.2 –...
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9 – Camera overview Callout Description of part Not implemented. Lens Publ. No. 1557978 Rev. a155 – ENGLISH (EN) – February 6, 2006...
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9 – Camera overview 10592803;a1 Figure 9.3 Camera parts, 3 Callout Description of part Cover for additional connectors Joystick For more information about the joystick, see section 9.2 – Keypad buttons & functions on page 60. ON/OFF button (green) For more information about the ON/OFF button, see section 9.2 – Keypad buttons &...
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9 – Camera overview 10394603;a4 Figure 9.4 Camera parts, 4 Callout Description of part Spring-loaded locking latch for the remote control Publ. No. 1557978 Rev. a155 – ENGLISH (EN) – February 6, 2006...
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9 – Camera overview Callout Description of part Laser LocatIR with lens cap ➲ Please note the following: A laser icon appears on the screen when the Laser LocatIR is switched on. ■ Since the distance between the laser beam and the image center will vary by ■...
9 – Camera overview Keypad buttons & functions Figure 9.5 Camera buttons – explanations Button Comments ON/OFF Press briefly to switch on the camera ■ Press and hold down for a few seconds to switch off the camera ■ Press briefly to autoadjust the camera ■...
9 – Camera overview Autofocus To focus the camera using the autofocus feature, press and hold down the A button for one second. ➲ Please note the following: The area that the camera uses when autofocusing is a 80 × 60 pixel box, centered ■...
9 – Camera overview Camera status LCD The camera status LCD on the left side of the camera displays information about battery status, communication status, memory status etc. 10346003;a3 Figure 9.6 Camera status LCD Figure 9.7 Camera status LCD – explanations Callout Comments Battery status bar.
9 – Camera overview Laser LocatIR The ThermaCAM™ P25 infrared camera features a laser pointer located at the front of the camera handle. To display the laser dot, press the Laser LocatIR button on left side of the handle. The laser dot will appear approx. 91 mm/3.6" above the target. ➲...
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Camera program 10.1 Screen objects 10.1.1 Result table The results of measurement markers are displayed in a result table in the top right- hand corner of the screen. Figure 10.1 Explanation of measurement markers appearing in the result table Icon Explanation Spot Isotherm 1, above...
10 – Camera program 10.1.3 Temperature scale 10388503;a2 Figure 10.3 Temperature scale The temperature scale is displayed on the right-hand side of the screen. The scale shows how the colors are distributed along the various temperatures in the image, with high temperatures at the upper end and low temperatures at the lower end. 10.1.4 System messages 10.1.4.1...
10 – Camera program 10.2 Menu system 10.2.1 Navigating in the menu system Press the joystick to display the horizontal menu bar ■ Press the joystick to confirm selections in menus and dialog boxes ■ Press the C button to exit the menu system ■...
10 – Camera program 10.2.2 File menu 10.2.2.1 Images 10565503;a1 Figure 10.6 Images folder Point to Images and press the joystick to display a thumbnail view of the files on the CompactFlash® card. The following files are displayed: infrared images ■...
10 – Camera program Open an image by selecting the image using the joystick, then pressing the joystick. ■ For more information, see see section 8.2.2 – Opening an image on page 42. Create a new folder by selecting an image, then pressing and holding down the ■...
10 – Camera program 10.2.3 Analysis menu 10.2.3.1 Edit mode Point to Edit mode and press the joystick to enter the edit mode of the camera. When the camera is in edit mode you can select the fixed spot or the isotherm and change the settings for these measurement markers.
10 – Camera program Label Value Comments Emissivity User-defined You can set the Emissivity if Local is enabled. If (0.01–1.00) not, this option will be shaded. ➲ If you enter an emissivity value less than 0.30 the emissivity box will begin flashing to remind you that this value is unusually low.
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10 – Camera program 10391203;a3 Figure 10.13 Shortcut menu for Isotherm Figure 10.14 Explanations of the Isotherm shortcut menu Command Explanation Delete Point to Delete and press the joystick to delete the isotherm. Exit edit mode Point to Exit edit mode and press the joystick to exit the edit mode. Set as ref temp Point to Set as ref temp and press the joystick to use the isotherm temperature as the reference temperature.
10 – Camera program 10397403;a3 Figure 10.15 Isotherm dialog box Figure 10.16 Explanations of the Isotherm dialog box Label Value Comments Type Interval For an explanation of isotherm types, see above. ■ Above ■ Below ■ Level User-defined The temperature level in degrees Celsius (°C) or degrees Fahrenheit (°F).
10 – Camera program 10.2.3.5 Obj par 10439303;a2 Figure 10.17 Object Parameters dialog box You use this command to set the object parameters Emissivity, Distance, T Reflected, T Atmosphere, Rel humidity, External optics, Optics transmission, and Optics temperature. The parameters are selected by moving the joystick up/down and set by moving the joystick left/right.
10 – Camera program 10.2.4 Image menu 10.2.4.1 Freeze/Live Point to Freeze/Live and press the joystick to switch between freeze image mode and live image mode. It has the same effect as if you briefly press the S button. 10.2.4.2 Range 10391903;a6 Figure 10.18 Range dialog box...
■ Custom palettes (*.pal) can be used by the camera. For more information about how to create custom palettes, contact FLIR Systems. 10.2.4.6 Hide graphics Point to Hide graphics and press the joystick to hide all on-screen graphics (e.g. result table, status bar etc.).
10 – Camera program 10.2.5 Setup menu ➲ Depending on camera configuration, some menu items on the Setup menu may be displayed in a different order, or on a submenu. 10.2.5.1 Image 10568503;a2 Figure 10.22 Image Setup dialog box Figure 10.23 Explanations of the Image Setup dialog box Label Value Comments...
10 – Camera program Label Value Comments Noise reduction Move the joystick left/right to enable or disable ■ noise reduction. ■ When Noise reduction is set to On, the image noise decreases and the image appears more stable. However, when the camera or the object moves, and Noise reduction set to On, this may create some image smearing.
10 – Camera program Comment The counter will be reset when exceeding 9999, or when you point to Factory default on the Setup menu and press the joystick. Figure 10.27 Naming based on current date – explanations Typical syntax: IR_YYMMDD_nnn.jpg IR = infrared image ■...
10 – Camera program ➲ For protective reasons, the LCD will be switched off if the detector temperature exceeds +60 °C (+149 °F) and the camera will be switched off if the detector temper- ature exceeds +68 °C (+154.4 °F) 10.2.5.4 Status bar 10392903;a3...
10 – Camera program 10.2.5.5 Date/time 10393803;a3 Figure 10.33 Date/Time dialog box Figure 10.34 Explanations of the Date/Time dialog box Label Value Year 1970–2036 Month 1–12 1 –31 Hour 12 a.m.–12 p.m. ■ 1–24 ■ The format depends on the settings in the Local settings dialog box. Minute 00–59 Second...
10 – Camera program Label Value Video output NTSC ■ ■ Temp unit °C ■ °F ■ Distance unit Feet ■ Meters ■ Date format YYYY-MM-DD ■ YY-MM-DD ■ MM/DD/YY ■ DD/MM/YY ■ Time format 24 hour ■ AM/PM ■ 10.2.5.7 Camera info The Camera info dialog box shows information about memory usage, battery status,...
Folder and file structure The figure below shows the typical folder and file structure on the CompactFlash™ card, as it is appears using Windows® Explorer. 10726803;a1 Publ. No. 1557978 Rev. a155 – ENGLISH (EN) – February 6, 2006...
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Electrical power system The camera’s electrical power system consists of the following parts: a removable battery ■ a power supply ■ an internal battery charger ■ a stand-alone, external battery charger ■ The camera may powered either by using the battery, or by using the power supply. When using the power supply, the battery will –...
12 – Electrical power system 12.1 Internal battery charging To charge the battery internally, follow the instructions below. Step Action Make sure that the battery is correctly inserted into the camera. Connect the power supply cable to the camera. The message Charging battery will appear on the screen. While charging, the battery status symbol will pulse until the battery is fully charged.
12 – Electrical power system 12.2 External battery charging The battery status while charging is indicated by a number of LEDs. See the figure below. 10346203;a4 Figure 12.1 LED indicators on the stand-alone battery charger. Figure 12.2 LED indicators – explanations Situation Indicator # Color &...
12 – Electrical power system 12.3 Battery safety warnings Do not place the battery in fire or heat the battery. ■ Do not install the battery backwards so that the polarity is reversed. ■ Do not connect the positive terminal and the negative terminal of the battery to ■...
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12 – Electrical power system The temperature range over which the battery can be discharged is -15–+45 °C ■ (+18.8–+113 °F). Use of the battery outside of this temperature range may damage the performance of the battery or may reduce its life expectancy. Publ.
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A note on LEMO connectors 13.1 How to connect & disconnect LEMO connectors The male LEMO connectors used on the camera cables are designed to lock securely to the female connectors on the camera body. A connector consists of a fixed inner tube and a sliding outer tube.
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13 – A note on LEMO connectors 10403003;a1 Figure 13.2 Unlocking a LEMO connector Publ. No. 1557978 Rev. a155 – ENGLISH (EN) – February 6, 2006...
Maintenance & cleaning 14.1 Camera body, cables & accessories The camera body, cables and accessories may be cleaned by wiping with a soft cloth. To remove stains, wipe with a soft cloth moistened with a mild detergent solution and wrung dry, then wipe with a dry soft cloth. ➲...
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Troubleshooting Problem Possible reason Solution The LCD on the remote The camera may have been switched off Press ON/OFF to switch on control, or the viewfinder, automatically due the settings in the Power the camera. displays no image at all. setup dialog box.
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15 – Troubleshooting Problem Possible reason Solution The LCD/viewfinder dis- The target may be out of focus. Focus the camera by plays an infrared image, but pressing and holding down it is blurry. the A button for a few sec- onds.
Technical specifications & dimensional drawings ➲ FLIR Systems reserves the right to discontinue models, parts and accessories, and other items, or change specifications at any time without prior notice. 16.1 Imaging performance Spatial resolution 1.3 mrad Accuracy ± 2 °C/± 3.6 °F or ± 2 % of reading...
16 – Technical specifications & dimensional drawings Connector type: LEMO 1B, 6 pins Signal name Type Pin number RS232_TX1 RS232_RX1 16.11.2 Remote control connector 10402803;a1 Figure 16.2 Pin configuration for remote control connector (on camera – operator’s side) Connector type: LEMO 1B, 8 pins Signal name Type...
16 – Technical specifications & dimensional drawings Connector type: 2.5 mm DC Signal name Type Pin number +12V POWER CENTER PIN POWER CHASSIS 16.11.4 CVBS connector 10402503;a1 Figure 16.4 Pin configuration for CVBS connector (on camera – operator’s side). A: Center pin; B: Chassis Connector type: RCA/PHONO Signal name...
16 – Technical specifications & dimensional drawings 16.12 Relationship between fields of view and distance 10401803;a1 Figure 16.5 Relationship between fields of view and distance. 1: Distance to target; 2: VFOV = vertical field of view; 3: HFOV = horizontal field of view, 4: IFOV = instantaneous field of view (size of one detector element).
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16 – Technical specifications & dimensional drawings 10586503;a2 Figure 16.7 Horizontal, vertical and instantaneous fields of view for certain distances to targets. 124 mm lens / camera type 234. Publ. No. 1557978 Rev. a155 – ENGLISH (EN) – February 6, 2006...
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16 – Technical specifications & dimensional drawings 10586603;a2 Figure 16.8 Horizontal, vertical and instantaneous fields of view for certain distances to targets. 124 mm lens / camera type 253. Publ. No. 1557978 Rev. a155 – ENGLISH (EN) – February 6, 2006...
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16 – Technical specifications & dimensional drawings 10586703;a2 Figure 16.9 Horizontal, vertical and instantaneous fields of view for certain distances to targets. 72 mm lens / camera type 218. Publ. No. 1557978 Rev. a155 – ENGLISH (EN) – February 6, 2006...
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16 – Technical specifications & dimensional drawings 10586803;a2 Figure 16.10 Horizontal, vertical and instantaneous fields of view for certain distances to targets. 72 mm lens / camera type 234. Publ. No. 1557978 Rev. a155 – ENGLISH (EN) – February 6, 2006...
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16 – Technical specifications & dimensional drawings 10586903;a2 Figure 16.11 Horizontal, vertical and instantaneous fields of view for certain distances to targets. 72 mm lens / camera type 253. Publ. No. 1557978 Rev. a155 – ENGLISH (EN) – February 6, 2006...
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16 – Technical specifications & dimensional drawings 10587003;a2 Figure 16.12 Horizontal, vertical and instantaneous fields of view for certain distances to targets. 36 mm lens / camera type 218. Publ. No. 1557978 Rev. a155 – ENGLISH (EN) – February 6, 2006...
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16 – Technical specifications & dimensional drawings 10587103;a3 Figure 16.13 Horizontal, vertical and instantaneous fields of view for certain distances to targets. 36 mm lens / camera type 234 & 281. Publ. No. 1557978 Rev. a155 – ENGLISH (EN) – February 6, 2006...
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16 – Technical specifications & dimensional drawings 10587203;a2 Figure 16.14 Horizontal, vertical and instantaneous fields of view for certain distances to targets. 36 mm lens / camera type 253. Publ. No. 1557978 Rev. a155 – ENGLISH (EN) – February 6, 2006...
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16 – Technical specifications & dimensional drawings 10587303;a2 Figure 16.15 Horizontal, vertical and instantaneous fields of view for certain distances to targets. 18 mm lens / camera type 218. Publ. No. 1557978 Rev. a155 – ENGLISH (EN) – February 6, 2006...
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16 – Technical specifications & dimensional drawings 10587403;a2 Figure 16.16 Horizontal, vertical and instantaneous fields of view for certain distances to targets. 18 mm lens / camera type 234. Publ. No. 1557978 Rev. a155 – ENGLISH (EN) – February 6, 2006...
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16 – Technical specifications & dimensional drawings 10587503;a2 Figure 16.17 Horizontal, vertical and instantaneous fields of view for certain distances to targets. 18 mm lens / camera type 253. Publ. No. 1557978 Rev. a155 – ENGLISH (EN) – February 6, 2006...
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16 – Technical specifications & dimensional drawings 10587603;a2 Figure 16.18 Horizontal, vertical and instantaneous fields of view for certain distances to targets. 9 mm lens / camera type 218. Publ. No. 1557978 Rev. a155 – ENGLISH (EN) – February 6, 2006...
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16 – Technical specifications & dimensional drawings 10587703;a2 Figure 16.19 Horizontal, vertical and instantaneous fields of view for certain distances to targets. 9 mm lens / camera type 234. Publ. No. 1557978 Rev. a155 – ENGLISH (EN) – February 6, 2006...
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16 – Technical specifications & dimensional drawings 10587803;a2 Figure 16.20 Horizontal, vertical and instantaneous fields of view for certain distances to targets. 9 mm lens / camera type 253. Figure 16.21 F-number and close focus limits for various lenses Lens → 124 mm 72 mm 36 mm...
16 – Technical specifications & dimensional drawings 16.15 Basic dimensions – camera ➲ The handle may be an extra option. 10346503;a4 Figure 16.24 Overall dimensions of the camera. For camera type 253, replace 234 mm / 9.21" with 241 mm / 9.49". Three-digit camera type number is stated on configuration label. Publ.
16 – Technical specifications & dimensional drawings 16.16 Basic dimensions – camera 10352203;a4 Figure 16.25 Location of the standard tripod mount (1/4"-20). For camera type 253, replace 100 mm / 3.94" with 107 mm / 4.21". Three-digit camera type number is stated on configuration label. Publ.
Glossary Term or expression Explanation absorption (absorption factor) The amount of radiation absorbed by an object relative to the received radiation. A number between 0 and 1. ambient Objects and gases that emit radiation towards the object being measured. atmosphere The gases between the object being measured and the camera, normally air.
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17 – Glossary Term or expression Explanation estimated atmospheric transmission A transmission value, supplied by a user, replacing a calculated external optics Extra lenses, filters, heat shields etc. that can be put between the camera and the object being measured. filter A material transparent only to some of the infrared wavelengths.
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17 – Glossary Term or expression Explanation object signal A non-calibrated value related to the amount of radiation re- ceived by the camera from the object. palette The set of colors used to display an IR image. pixel Stands for picture element. One single spot in an image. radiance Amount of energy emitted from an object per unit of time, area and angle (W/m...
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17 – Glossary Term or expression Explanation transmission (or transmittance) factor Gases and materials can be more or less transparent. Transmis- sion is the amount of IR radiation passing through them. A number between 0 and 1. transparent isotherm An isotherm showing a linear spread of colors, instead of cover- ing the highlighted parts of the image.
Thermographic measurement techniques 18.1 Introduction An infrared camera measures and images the emitted infrared radiation from an object. The fact that radiation is a function of object surface temperature makes it possible for the camera to calculate and display this temperature. However, the radiation measured by the camera does not only depend on the tem- perature of the object but is also a function of the emissivity.
18 – Thermographic measurement techniques 18.2.1 Finding the emissivity of a sample 18.2.1.1 Step 1: Determining reflected apparent temperature Use one of the following two methods to determine reflected apparent temperature: 18.2.1.1.1 Method 1: Direct method Step Action Look for possible reflection sources, considering that the incident angle = reflection angle (a = b).
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18 – Thermographic measurement techniques Step Action Measure the radiation intensity (= apparent temperature) from the reflecting source using the following settings: Emissivity: 1.0 ■ ■ You can measure the radiation intensity using one of the following two methods: 10589003;a2 Figure 18.3 1 = Reflection source ➲...
18 – Thermographic measurement techniques Step Action Measure the apparent temperature of the aluminum foil and write it down. 10727003;a2 Figure 18.4 Measuring the apparent temperature of the aluminum foil 18.2.1.2 Step 2: Determining the emissivity Step Action Select a place to put the sample. Determine and set reflected apparent temperature according to the previous pro- cedure.
50 %. 18.6 Other parameters In addition, some cameras and analysis programs from FLIR Systems allow you to compensate for the following parameters: Atmospheric temperature – i.e. the temperature of the atmosphere between the ■...
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History of infrared technology Less than 200 years ago the existence of the infrared portion of the electromagnetic spectrum wasn’t even suspected. The original significance of the infrared spectrum, or simply ‘the infrared’ as it is often called, as a form of heat radiation is perhaps less obvious today than it was at the time of its discovery by Herschel in 1800.
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19 – History of infrared technology however, who was the first to recognize that there must be a point where the heating effect reaches a maximum, and that measurements confined to the visible portion of the spectrum failed to locate this point. 10398903;a1 Figure 19.2 Marsilio Landriani (1746–1815) Moving the thermometer into the dark region beyond the red end of the spectrum,...
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19 – History of infrared technology 10399103;a1 Figure 19.3 Macedonio Melloni (1798–1854) Thermometers, as radiation detectors, remained unchallenged until 1829, the year Nobili invented the thermocouple. (Herschel’s own thermometer could 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;...
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19 – History of infrared technology The improvement of infrared-detector sensitivity progressed slowly. Another major breakthrough, made by Langley in 1880, was the invention of the bolometer. This consisted of a thin blackened strip of platinum connected in one arm of a Wheatstone bridge circuit upon which the infrared radiation was focused and to which a sensitive galvanometer responded.
Theory of thermography 20.1 Introduction The subjects of infrared radiation and the related technique of thermography are still new to many who will use an infrared camera. In this section the theory behind ther- mography will be given. 20.2 The electromagnetic spectrum The electromagnetic spectrum is divided arbitrarily into a number of wavelength re- gions, called bands, distinguished by the methods used to produce and detect the radiation.
Such cavity radiators are commonly used as sources of radiation in temperature reference standards in the laboratory for calibrating thermo- graphic instruments, such as a FLIR Systems camera for example. Publ. No. 1557978 Rev. a155 – ENGLISH (EN) – February 6, 2006...
20 – Theory of thermography If the temperature of blackbody radiation increases to more than 525 °C (977 °F), the source begins to be visible so that it appears to the eye no longer black. This is the incipient red heat temperature of the radiator, which then becomes orange or yellow as the temperature increases further.
20 – Theory of thermography Planck’s formula, when plotted graphically for various temperatures, produces a family of curves. Following any particular Planck curve, the spectral emittance is zero at λ = 0, then increases rapidly to a maximum at a wavelength λ and after passing it approaches zero again at very long wavelengths.
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20 – Theory of thermography 10399403;a1 Figure 20.5 Wilhelm Wien (1864–1928) The sun (approx. 6 000 K) emits yellow light, peaking at about 0.5 μm in the middle of the visible light spectrum. At room temperature (300 K) the peak of radiant emittance lies at 9.7 μm, in the far infrared, while at the temperature of liquid nitrogen (77 K) the maximum of the almost insignificant amount of radiant emittance occurs at 38 μm, in the extreme infrared wavelengths.
20 – Theory of thermography 20.3.3 Stefan-Boltzmann's law By integrating Planck’s formula from λ = 0 to λ = ∞, we obtain the total radiant emittance (W ) of a blackbody: This is the Stefan-Boltzmann formula (after Josef Stefan, 1835–1893, and Ludwig Boltzmann, 1844–1906), which states that the total emissive power of a blackbody is proportional to the fourth power of its absolute temperature.
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20 – Theory of thermography There are three processes which can occur that prevent a real object from acting like a blackbody: a fraction of the incident radiation α may be absorbed, a fraction ρ may be reflected, and a fraction τ may be transmitted. Since all of these factors are more or less wavelength dependent, the subscript λ...
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20 – Theory of thermography For highly polished materials ε approaches zero, so that for a perfectly reflecting λ material (i.e. a perfect mirror) we have: For a graybody radiator, the Stefan-Boltzmann formula becomes: This states that the total emissive power of a graybody is the same as a blackbody at the same temperature reduced in proportion to the value of ε...
20 – Theory of thermography 10327303;a3 Figure 20.9 Spectral emissivity of three types of radiators. 1: Spectral emissivity; 2: Wavelength; 3: Blackbody; 4: Graybody; 5: Selective radiator. 20.4 Infrared semi-transparent materials Consider now a non-metallic, semi-transparent body – let us say, in the form of a thick flat plate of plastic material.
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The measurement formula As already mentioned, when viewing an object, the camera receives radiation not only from the object itself. It also collects radiation from the surroundings reflected via the object surface. Both these radiation contributions become attenuated to some extent by the atmosphere in the measurement path.
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21 – The measurement formula or, with simplified notation: where C is a constant. Should the source be a graybody with emittance ε, the received radiation would consequently be εW source We are now ready to write the three collected radiation power terms: 1 –...
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21 – The measurement formula This is the general measurement formula used in all the FLIR Systems thermographic equipment. The voltages of the formula are: Figure 21.2 Voltages Calculated camera output voltage for a blackbody of temperature i.e. a voltage that can be directly converted into true requested object temperature.
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5 volts, the resulting curve would have been very much the same as our real curve extrapolated beyond 4.1 volts, pro- vided the calibration algorithm is based on radiation physics, like the FLIR Systems algorithm. Of course there must be a limit to such extrapolations.
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21 – The measurement formula 10400603;a2 Figure 21.3 Relative magnitudes of radiation sources under varying measurement conditions (SW camera). 1: Object temperature; 2: Emittance; Obj: Object radiation; Refl: Reflected radiation; Atm: atmosphere radiation. Fixed parameters: τ = 0.88; T = 20 °C (+68 °F); T = 20 °C (+68 °F).
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21 – The measurement formula 10400703;a2 Figure 21.4 Relative magnitudes of radiation sources under varying measurement conditions (LW camera). 1: Object temperature; 2: Emittance; Obj: Object radiation; Refl: Reflected radiation; Atm: atmosphere radiation. Fixed parameters: τ = 0.88; T = 20 °C (+68 °F); T = 20 °C (+68 °F).
Emissivity tables This section presents a compilation of emissivity data from the infrared literature and measurements made by FLIR Systems. 22.1 References Mikaél A. Bramson: Infrared Radiation, A Handbook for Applications, Plenum press, N.Y. William L. Wolfe, George J. Zissis: The Infrared Handbook, Office of Naval Research, Department of Navy, Washington, D.C.
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22 – Emissivity tables Iron, cast oxidized at 600 °C 200–600 0.64–0.78 Iron, cast polished 0.21 Iron, cast polished 0.21 Iron, cast polished 0.21 Iron, cast unworked 900–1100 0.87–0.95 Iron and steel cold rolled 0.09 Iron and steel cold rolled 0.20 Iron and steel covered with red...
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22 – Emissivity tables Iron and steel polished 400–1000 0.14–0.38 Iron and steel polished sheet 750–1050 0.52–0.56 Iron and steel rolled, freshly 0.24 Iron and steel rolled sheet 0.56 Iron and steel rough, plane sur- 0.95–0.98 face Iron and steel rusted, heavily 0.96 Iron and steel...
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22 – Emissivity tables Lacquer heat–resistant 0.92 Lacquer white 40–100 0.8–0.95 Lacquer white 0.92 Lead oxidized, gray 0.28 Lead oxidized, gray 0.28 Lead oxidized at 200 °C 0.63 Lead shiny 0.08 Lead unoxidized, pol- 0.05 ished Lead red 0.93 Lead red, powder 0.93 Leather tanned...
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22 – Emissivity tables Wallpaper slight pattern, light 0.85 gray Wallpaper slight pattern, red 0.90 Water distilled 0.96 Water frost crystals –10 0.98 Water ice, covered with 0.98 heavy frost Water ice, smooth –10 0.96 Water ice, smooth 0.97 Water layer >0.1 mm 0–100 0.95–0.98...
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Index – C Camera info changing (continued) command: 82 system settings (continued) dialog box: 82 time format: 46 camera overview: 53 temperature unit: 46 camera parts time format: 46 +/– button: 53 charging, battery camera status LCD: 54 externally: 87 connectors internally: 86 remote control: 54...
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Index – D control: 21 cooling conditions: 32 Edit mode copyright: viii command: 70 correct assessment: 18 electrical power system: 85 creating power management: 98 folder: 43 specifications: 98 isotherm: 44 voltage: 98 electromagnetic spectrum: 135 emissivity: 39 data: 151 Date/Time explanation: 125 command: 81...
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79 solar: 30 current directory: 79 heat picture: 133 unique counter: 78 Herschel, William: 131 file structure: 83 Hide graphics FLIR Systems command: 76 about: 6 history: 6 copyright: viii E series: 7 history: 6 first thermo-electrically cooled: 6...
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Index – T storage temperature range: 98 tutorials (continued) switching off camera: 41 changing (continued) switching on camera: 41 date format: 46 system messages focus: 49 status messages: 66 isotherm: 44 warning messages: 66 language: 46 system settings level: 45 changing span: 45 date &...
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Index – W warning messages: 66 warnings battery: 88 intensive energy sources: 1 interference: 1 radio frequency energy: 1 warranty: viii weight: 98 Wien, Wilhelm: 138 Wilhelm Wien: 138 William Herschel: 131 wind: 35 wind speed: 19 working with level: 45 span: 45 working with camera adjusting...
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A note on the technical production of this manual This manual was produced using XML – eXtensible Markup Language. For more information about XML, point your browser to: http://www.w3.org/XML/ Readers interested in the history & theory of markup languages may also want to visit the following sites: ▪...
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■ BELGIUM ■ CHINA ■ ITALY FLIR Systems FLIR Systems FLIR Systems Uitbreidingstraat 60–62 Guangzhou Representative Office Via L. Manara, 2 B-2600 Berchem 1105 Main Tower, Guang Dong 20051 Limbiate (MI) BELGIUM International Hotel ITALY Phone: +32 (0)3 287 87 11...
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