T3
Congratulations
Congratulations on the purchase of your new advanced Bullard T3 Series Thermal
Imager. The new Bullard T3 Series combines advanced thermal imaging technology
with our expertise in high heat, impact resistant engineered polymers to bring you the
most durable thermal imager on the market. The T3’s innovative, compact design and
logical, easy-to-use interface presents a truly personalized thermal imaging tool to
today’s firefighters.
The benefits of using thermal imaging technology as a firefighting tool encompass
nearly every aspect of a firefighter’s job. Thermal imaging is not, however, a technology
designed to replace current firefighting tactics. Rather, it is a tool that allows the
firefighter to be more effective and make better decisions. Some of the many uses for
your Bullard T3 Series Thermal Imager include:
• Search and rescue
• Scene assessment
• Locating the seat of the fire
• Determining the spread of the fire
• Locating hot spots
• Identifying potential flashover situations
• Determining ventilation points
• Determining entry and exit points
• Overhaul
• Hazmat
• Wildland firefighting
• Incident investigating
• Training
Bullard T3 Series Thermal Imager
User Manual
NOTE
To ensure that we are able to reach you with any product or software updates,
please fill out the warranty card enclosed with your Bullard T3 Series Thermal
Imager.
WARNING
Read all instructions and warnings before using this product.
Your thermal imager is like any other tool. It must be used properly and safely. All
users should be trained on the proper and safe use of thermal imaging prior to using
the T3 Series Thermal Imager. This is especially important for users who may use
the T3 Series Thermal Imager in hazardous or IDLH (immediately dangerous to life
and health) environments.
Failure to follow this information could result in death or serious injury.
Bullard T3 Series
Polycarbonate
Display Cover
LCD Screen
Power Button
Rear Boot
Electronic Thermal Throttle
(optional)
Lens Bezel
Lens
Side Strap
Battery
Figure 1
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Use and Operation
Power
To turn on your Bullard T3 Series Thermal Imager, depress
and release the large, dark gray power button under the
LCD display (Figure 2). Upon pressing the power button
the thermal imager will display the Bullard logo and initiate
a calibration sequence. The thermal image will appear in
approximately 5 seconds. To turn off power, depress and
release the power button again.
NOTE
You will periodically observe a momentary freeze in the image. This is normal and is a function of
the self calibration shutter. The shutter will activate every 30 seconds to three minutes, depending
on the environment.
Relative Heat Indicator (RHI)
The T3 Series is equipped with temperature measurement capability. The right side of the display will
show a bar graph or Relative Heat Indicator (RHI). The RHI will indicate the approximate temperature
of the object viewed within the “crosshairs” shown in the middle of the screen. The accuracy of the
indicators is dependent on numerous factors including the distance from the object being viewed and
its emissivity, which is the object’s ability to radiate heat. Units are calibrated with a preset emissivity
corresponding with normal construction materials. Objects with emissivities that vary greatly from this,
such as metals and shiny objects, will reduce the accuracy of the temperature indication. Additionally,
temperature measurement accuracy decreases as the distance from the object in the “crosshairs”
increases.
NOTE
The RHI provides a quick reference to compare objects of similar emissivities to serve as a guide
to pinpoint intense heat sources. Due to the inherent issues with accuracy, use this feature with
caution and verify indicated heat levels through traditional means whenever possible.
Super Red Hot Feature (optional)
The T3 Series features Super Red Hot high heat colorization. With the Super Red Hot feature, heat
levels are identified by various color hues. Starting at 250°Celsius , heated objects are tinted yellow and
gradually transition to orange and then solid red as heat levels rise. The Super Red Hot feature identifies
specific heat layers alerting firefighters to areas of intense heat. This feature provides an enhanced visual
awareness of the hottest objects in a scene.
NOTE
The T3MAX and T3MAX Plus cameras come standard with the Red Hot feature which colors in
red heated objects above 500° Celsius.
Electronic Thermal Throttle® (optional)
Your T3 Series Thermal Imager may be equipped with
Electronic Thermal Throttle (ETT), a highly useful and
unique feature available on Bullard firefighting Thermal
Imagers. The ETT is ideal for pinpointing hot spots during
overhaul, searching for overheated electrical equipment,
or clarifying objects in ambient temperature situations. To
activate the ETT option, locate the two black buttons on
top of the unit. Press the down button (the button closer to
the front of the imager) to activate the ETT (Figure 3).
The ETT will automatically sense the hottest area in the scene and color it blue. Continuing to press the
down button (or holding it down) will further engage ETT and will color more of the scene blue, eventually
coloring even the coolest objects blue.
NOTE
As the throttle engages more of the scene, the blue will become lighter in hue to help differentiate
objects in the scene.
As you cycle through the scene, you’ll see the symbol “TT” and a corresponding number in the bottom left
hand corner of the display. The “TT” indicates “Thermal Throttle” mode. The number (0-100) is a point
of reference to indicate the level of Thermal Throttle engagement; by itself it has no specific meaning.
Most of the benefits of the ETT are accomplished with the first few presses of the button. To deactivate
the ETT or lessen the amount of blue in the scene, press (or hold) the right side of the cover, which is the
right button on the throttle. Alternatively, you can quickly deactivate the ETT, by pressing both buttons
simultaneously for one second or turning off the Eclipse and turning it back on.
Power Button
Figure 3
Figure 2
NOTE
The Electronic Thermal Throttle takes approximately eight seconds to calibrate from the initial
startup of the thermal imager. During this short period, the ETT will not engage.
Using the Battery Charger
The battery should be charged in the battery charger using either the
AC or DC adapter provided (Figure 4).To charge a battery, insert it
into the charger so that the metal contacts on the battery are aligned
with the metal contacts in the charger. A red light will illuminate on the
charger to indicate that the battery is charging. When the light on the
charger turns to green, the battery is fully charged. You may leave the
battery in the charger indefinitely as the battery will not overcharge and
the charger will initiate a trickle charge to maintain the battery’s charge.
For maximum battery life and performance, you should remove the
battery from the charger and discharge it completely on a monthly basis.
NOTE
If you do not see the red LED illuminate when you place a battery into the charger, the battery is
not charging.
Loading/Unloading the Battery
Loading and unloading the battery on the Bullard T3 Series
is straightforward (Figure 5). To install a battery, slide
the battery into the groove on the bottom of the unit and
ensure that the battery is properly seated. To remove a
battery, depress both battery locking buttons simultaneously
and slide the battery out of the unit. Since it can only be
loaded one way, the battery is easily replaced in the dark.
Additionally, as with all batteries, your Bullard rechargeable
battery will experience a slow drain of its charge during
storage. The amount of drain varies widely based on storage
conditions. For best performance, charge each of your
batteries every two weeks.
Battery Locking Buttons
Figure 4
Figure 5
WARNING
Do not allow the metal contacts on the label side of the battery to come in contact with a
conductive surface, such as a metal table or another battery. This can complete the battery
circuit and cause the battery to overheat or melt. Failure to observe this warning may result in
permanent battery damage, property damage and/or serious injury.
NOTE
Fully charged NiMH batteries will provide a run time of 2 1⁄2 hours. This run time will be less
in extreme heat or extreme cold conditions and/or if the transmitter is in use. To extend the
potential lifespan of your batteries, fully drain and recharge each battery monthly. To help extend
the life of the rechargeable batteries and prevent unexpected instances of uncharged batteries,
develop a clear formalized plan for maintaining, charging, and replacing your batteries.
Bullard provides an optional AA Alkaline battery case which can be used as an alternative to the standard
10 V NiMH rechargeable batteries. The AA alkaline battery case requires eight AA alkaline batteries.
Once the batteries are installed, the case loads into the unit in the same manner as the standard NiMH
battery. Due to the unique way that alkaline batteries disperse power to the unit, the LED indicators will
report battery levels that are not necessarily indicative of the battery’s actual remaining charge. Fully
charged AA Alkaline batteries will typically operate a Bullard T3 Series Thermal Imager for 2 hours.
Do not insert the AA Alkaline battery case into any Bullard T3 Series battery chargers, including the
Powerhouse.
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