FLIR X8400sc User Manual
User Manual X8400 sc 1
X8400sc
User Manual
Document Number: DC085U
Version: C
Issue Date: 08/03/2013
User Manual X8400 sc 2
Table of Contents
1 REVISION HISTORY ................................................................................................................................................. 4
2 INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................................................................... 5
2.1 C
AMERA SYSTEM COMPONENTS
................................................................................................................................... 5
2.2 S
YSTEM OVERVIEW
.................................................................................................................................................... 6
2.3 K
EY FEATURES OF THE
X8400
SC CAMERA
....................................................................................................................... 8
3 WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS ................................................................................................................................. 10
4 INSTALLING THE X8400SC ON THE EXPERIMENT .................................................................................................. 11
4.1 M
OUNTING THE CAMERA
.......................................................................................................................................... 11
4.2 P
OWERING THE CAMERA
........................................................................................................................................... 11
4.2.1 Power supply 11
4.2.2 Power button 11
4.2.3 Camera boot-up and Cooling down 12
4.3 A
DJUSTING FIELD OF VIEW
......................................................................................................................................... 12
4.3.1 LCD Screen 12
4.3.2 Lens 14
4.4 S
ETTING THE CAMERA PARAMETERS
............................................................................................................................ 16
4.4.1 Connection to Computer 16
4.4.2 Connection to FLIR ResearchIR Max 16
4.4.3 Image size adjustment 17
4.4.4 Measurement configuration 18
4.4.5 Temperature Range adjustment 19
4.4.6 Frame frequency 20
4.4.7 Synchronizing the camera to an external signal 20
4.4.8 Advanced camera controls 21
4.4.9 Extended Camera Information 22
5 X8400SC OPERATIONS ......................................................................................................................................... 23
5.1 F
ILTER WHEEL
........................................................................................................................................................ 23
5.1.1 Removing an optical filter holder 23
5.1.2 Installing an optical filter holder 23
5.1.3 Filter holder identification 24
5.1.4 Creating custom filter holder 24
5.1.5 Adding a custom filter parameter into the camera 25
5.1.6 Filter definition file description 26
5.2 C
AMERA CONFIGURATION FILE MANAGEMENT
............................................................................................................... 27
5.2.1 CNUC file management 27
5.3 C
AMERA WI-FI APPLICATION
..................................................................................................................................... 27
5.4 I
NFRARED REMOTE
.................................................................................................................................................. 28
6 RADIOMETRIC MEASUREMENT WITH THE X8400SC ............................................................................................. 29
6.1 N
ON UNIFORMITY CORRECTION
................................................................................................................................. 29
6.1.1 CNUC™ 29
6.1.2 Two-Point Correction Process 29
6.1.3 One point Correction (offset correction) 30
6.2 T
EMPERATURE CALIBRATION
...................................................................................................................................... 30
6.2.1 Hypercal™ 30
6.2.2 AutoExposure 30
6.3 30
6.4 B
AD PIXEL REPLACEMENT
.......................................................................................................................................... 31
6.5 F
RAME RATE AND INTEGRATION MODES
...................................................................................................................... 31
6.5.1 Integrate Then Read 31
6.5.2 Integrate While Read 34
6.5.3 Selecting detector integration mode 35
6.6 D
YNAMIC RANGE EXTENSION “SUPERFRAMING
” ........................................................................................................... 36
6.7 C
AMERA SYNCHRONIZATION
...................................................................................................................................... 36
6.7.1 Sync In 37
6.7.2 Sync Out 38
6.8 T
RIGGER
IN ............................................................................................................................................................ 39
6.9 L
OCKIN
.................................................................................................................................................................. 40
7 INTERFACES ......................................................................................................................................................... 41
7.1 WI-F
I CONNECTION
................................................................................................................................................. 41
7.2 USB
CONNECTION
................................................................................................................................................... 43
7.2.1 USB Driver Installation 43
User Manual X8400 sc 3
7.2.2
Accessing the camera files with Windows Explorer 47
7.3 M
ECHANICAL
.......................................................................................................................................................... 48
8 SPECIFICATIONS ................................................................................................................................................... 50
8.1 D
IMENSIONS
.......................................................................................................................................................... 50
8.2 I
NTERFACES
............................................................................................................................................................ 50
8.3 W
INDOWING CAPACITY
............................................................................................................................................ 50
8.4 P
OWER
.................................................................................................................................................................. 50
8.5 P
ERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTICS
............................................................................................................................... 51
8.6 D
ETECTOR
/FPA ...................................................................................................................................................... 51
8.7 C
AMERA LINK
......................................................................................................................................................... 51
8.8 E
XTENSION CONNECTOR
............................................................................................................................................ 51
9 MAINTENANCE AND SERVICE ............................................................................................................................... 52
9.1 C
AMERA AND LENS CLEANING
.................................................................................................................................... 52
9.1.1 Camera Body, Cables and Accessories 52
9.1.2 Lens 52
9.2 C
OOLER
................................................................................................................................................................. 52
9.3 FLIR C
USTOMER SUPPORT
........................................................................................................................................ 53
9.3.1 Technical Support 53
9.3.2 FLIR Knowledgebase (FAQ) 53
9.3.3 Repair Services 53
10 QUALITY............................................................................................................................................................... 54
10.1 F
OR US MARKET
..................................................................................................................................................... 54
10.2 F
OR CANADIAN MARKET
........................................................................................................................................... 54
10.3 F
OR THE WHOLE WORLD
........................................................................................................................................... 54
11 LEGAL DISCLAIMER .............................................................................................................................................. 55
12 COPYRIGHTS ........................................................................................................................................................ 56
User Manual X8400 sc 4
1 REVISION HISTORY
Version
Date
Author
Changes
A 14/05/2012 E.VANNEAU Creation
B 19/12/2012 E.VANNEAU Modification for new version
C 19/02/2013 E.VANNEAU Modification for V2013
User Manual X8400 sc 5
2 INTRODUCTION
2.1 Camera System Components
The X8400sc infrared camera and its accessories are delivered in a transport case which
typically contains the items below.
• X8400sc camera with removable LCD touchscreen.
• Portfolio containing important information on the camera
o Packing list
o Factory acceptance report
o Calibration curves (if applicable)
o Camera files on a CD-ROM
o Optical cleaning tissue
o Filter holding tool
o Micro SD card with SD adapter
• Camera Power supply
• Camera cables
o Power Supply
o Ethernet GigE with locks
o 50 Ohms Coaxial cable for sync (Yellow colored)
o 50 Ohms Coaxial cable for triggering (Orange colored)
o 50 Ohms Coaxial cable for lockin (Green colored)
o 75 Ohms Coaxial cable for general purposes (Blue colored)
o LCD extender cable (with right angle USB connectors)
• LCD connector protective cap
There may also be additional items that you have ordered such as software or CDs.
User Manual X8400 sc 6
2.2 System Overview
The X8400sc infrared camera system has been developed by FLIR to meet the needs of the
research communities. The camera makes use of an advanced 1280x1024 digital readout
circuit (ROIC), mated to an Indium Antimonide (InSb) detector to cover the 1.5-5.5µm
Midwave infrared band.
The X8400sc is a stand-alone imaging camera that interfaces to host PCs using standard
interfaces, including Gigabit Ethernet and Cameral Link® medium.
Figure 1: Camera general description
1
Removable touchscreen
LCD
5 Global Status LED
2 External cooling intake 6 Lens Bayonet Interface
3 External cooling exhaust 7 Lens release latch
4 Wi-Fi antenna
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
User Manual X8400 sc 7
Figure 2: Camera back panel description
1 Power Button 9 Trigger IN
2 Status LED 10 Auxilliary Port
3 IR Remote Sensor 11 GigEVision
4 Sync IN 12 Camera Link Base
5 Sync OUT 13 Camera Link Medium
6 Power IN 14 Digital Video Interface
7 Lockin IN 15 USB
8 General Purpose IO 16 Micro SD-Card
1
2
3
7
4
6
5
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
User Manual X8400 sc 8
2.3 Key features of the X8400sc camera
• 1.3 million pixels – 1280x1024
The X8400sc provides 1.3 million pixels per image, allowing enlarging the area under
inspection with same instantaneous field of view (IFOV) lenses or increasing the spatial
resolution with the same field of view (FOV). The snapshot integration ensures that all pixels
are temporally coherent.
• Fast Frame Rate
The FLIR X8400sc Series have an adjustable frame rate of up to 106 Hz full frame and more
than 3 kHz at 48x4. Windowing allows a subset of the total image to be selectively read out
with user adjustable window size. The sub-sample windows can be arbitrarily chosen and are
easily defined.
• 14-Bit Digital Image Data
The X8400sc camera detector is digital. The A/D conversion is performed directly into the
ROIC in 14-bit depth. The embedded digitalization improves noise and linearity performances
to an outstanding standard.
• Outstanding measurement accuracy
High accuracy of +/- 1ºC or +/- 1% produces sensitive thermal images. The FLIR X8400sc
can measure temperatures up to +3,000º C. The FLIR X8400sc detects temperature
differences smaller than 25mK (18mK typically).
• CNUC™ Calibration
CNUC™ is a proprietary calibration process that provides beautiful imagery and
measurement stability. CNUC™ allows for flexible integration time adjustments without the
need to perform non-uniformity corrections. CNUC™ calibration also produces accurate
measurement stability regardless of camera exposure to ambient temperature variations.
• Hypercal™
Hypercal™ ensures the best measurement range with the highest sensitivity. Simply set the
desired lower and upper temperature limits and the camera will automatically adjust to the
appropriate integration (exposure) time.
• Auto exposure
The camera automatically adjusts its temperature range to best fit the thermal scene.
• Presets
Up to eight presets and their associated parameters, such as integration time, frame rate,
window size and window location, are available for instant selection with a single command.
These presets can be used in Dynamic Range Extension (DRX) mode (also called
Superframing”) which allows the acquisition of thermal data from up to four user-defined
temperature ranges simultaneously, then merges those streams into a single real-time data
stream that spans all four temperature ranges, effectively extending dynamic range from 14
bit to 16 bit.
• Multiple Triggering Modes and Synchronizing Interfaces
The X8400sc camera provides different interfaces to support maximum flexibility for
synchronizing the camera to external events, as well as synchronizing external events to the
camera.
o Sync In (TTL)
o Sync Out
o Trigger In
• Multiple Video Outputs
The X8400sc camera features multiple independent and simultaneous videos:
o Digital 14-bit video – CameraLink® Base or Medium
o Digital 14-bit video – Gigabit Ethernet – GigEVision Compliant
o Digital 8-bit Video – DVI format 1080p30 digital output
• Wide range of interchangeable lenses
The FLIR X8400sc comes with an advanced high performance optical design with lens
recognition and automatic measurement adjustments. It is also possible to manually adjust
the focus directly on the camera. A temperature probe is integrated in the lens for improved
measurement accuracy and drift compensation.
A wide range of lenses and various extension rings are available.
• Motorized filter wheel
The FLIR X8400sc contains a 4 slot motorized filter wheel with automatic filter recognition
and measurement parameter adjustment. The removable filter holders contain an integrated
temperature probe for improved measurement accuracy.
User Manual X8400 sc 9
• Removable Touchscreen LCD
The detachable touchscreen LCD provides you with on-site image feedback and camera
configuration parameters. The camera can easily be adjusted to the needs. One touch on the
screen controls the acquisition on the computer.
The LCD touchscreen can be removed from the camera when the FLIR X8400sc needs to be
installed in a hard to reach position. Just position the camera and control it from a distance.
• Wi-Fi
The camera embeds a Wi-Fi interface which enables to control it via a smart phone (iPhone)
or a tablet PC (iPad).
• Video Color Palettes
The X8400sc camera supports a selection of standard and user-defined color palettes (or
grayscale) for the DVI video.
• Configuration management
Save your camera configuration to the SD-Card when loaning your camera to your colleague.
Once back, just insert your SD-card and get the camera up and running with exactly your
configuration. Stop wasting time to reconfigure your thermal measurement system.
• Global Status LED
Located on the top of the camera, the global status LED provides instant system status,
including ResearchIR Max status. When green, no doubt your experiment will be fully
acquired. The back panel LEDs instantly informs you about the camera status.
User Manual X8400 sc 10
3 Warnings and Cautions
For best results and user safety, the following warnings and precautions should be followed
when handling and operating the camera.
Warnings and Cautions:
o Do not open the camera body for any reason. Disassembly of the camera (including
removal of the cover) can cause permanent damage and will void the warranty.
o Great care should be exercised with your camera optics. Refer to Chapter 9.1.2 for lens
cleaning.
o Operating the camera outside of the specified input voltage range or the specified operating
temperature range can cause permanent damage.
o Do not image extremely high intensity radiation sources, such as the sun, lasers, arc
welders, etc.
o The camera is a precision optical instrument and should not be exposed to excessive shock
and/or vibration.
o The camera contains static-sensitive electronics and should be handled appropriately
o Though the camera laser is a class I laser, avoid looking directly at it when activated
o Do not put any item on the external cooling intake (#2 on Figure 1 Camera general
description) to maintain the cooling of the camera
User Manual X8400 sc 11
4 INSTALLING THE X8400sc ON THE EXPERIMENT
4.1 Mounting the camera
The camera can be operated installed either on a workbench or mounted on a tripod or
custom mount. Standard photo mount interface (1/4” UNC-20 or 3xM5 on camera bottom as
well as 3xM5 on left side of the camera) are available.
1 ¼ UNC – 20
2 Camera base plate M5 threads
3 Camera left side M5 threads
4.2 Powering the camera
4.2.1 Power supply
The camera is powered through the red power connector (#6 on Figure 1: Camera back
panel description) on the back panel. Connect the 24VDC power supply provided with the
camera (PN X1159).
The power button (#1 on Figure 1: Camera back panel description) now blinks slowly,
indicating power is received at the camera level.
Please refer to chapter 9.5 for power supply technical data.
4.2.2 Power button
The power button (#1 on Figure 2: Camera back panel description) is located behind the
touchscreen LCD. Open the touchscreen LCD to its maximal extension to access the button.
Note
Keep the LCD screen opened or detach it when the camera is under operation not to block
the external cooling exhaust
1
2
2
2
User Manual X8400 sc 12
Press the power button shortly to start the camera.
When the camera is running,
o A short press on the power button starts the camera shutdown procedure.
The camera is switched off some seconds later.
o A long press on the power button forces the camera to stop immediately,
bypassing the shutdown procedure.
4.2.3 Camera boot-up and Cooling down
When starting up, the embedded Stirling cooler starts first. Stirling coolers produce noise
which is typical to advanced cooled science cameras. A high volume of noise is normal.
The camera requires up to 7 minutes reaching the detector temperature of 77K. In parallel,
the camera performs a built-in test of its components and initializes the internal software and
interfaces.
The camera is ready to use when the all status LEDs on back panel are green (#2 on Figure
2: Camera back panel description).
4.3 Adjusting Field of view
Once the camera is installed and running, the field of view of the camera is adjusted to match
the thermal scene under experiment. This adjustment is done by selecting the best lens for
the field of view to achieve, and then by fine tuning the camera position to the scene.
The LCD described hereby is a useful tool during that process.
4.3.1 LCD Screen
The X8400sc embeds a detachable touchscreen LCD which provides instant thermal image
feedback. The LCD screen also presents camera information, adjustment controls and
ResearchIR Max acquisition control.
In the LCD screenshot example hereby, the camera measurement configuration and
temperature range is adapted to the thermal scene. If the camera is not correctly set up for
the scene, the image displayed can then be either black or white.
User Manual X8400 sc 13
The temperature range of the camera can be automatically adjusted using the autoexposure
button on the touchscreen. Please refer to §6.2.2 for more information on autoexposure.
If the thermal scene does not match the configuration measurement (spectral filter on filter
wheel), it is required to select the correct configuration measurement in ResearchIR Max.
Please refer to §4.4.4)
Figure 3 : LCD Touchscreen Description
1 Image Statistics 4
Start Acquisition in
ResearchIR Max
2
Camera configuration
information
5 Auto-exposure
3
Synchronisation
information
6 Change Color palette
Detaching the touchscreen LCD
4.3.1.1
The LCD screen can be detached from the camera and used remotely when the camera is
mounted on hard to reach position.
Note
• The camera can still be operated without any LCD screen connected.
• The screen can be detached and attached while the camera is in operation
Procedure Follow the procedure to install and detach the LCD screen from the camera
1
Unscrew the LCD screw using a flat screwdriver or a simple coin
2 Gently lift up the screen to disconnect it from the camera
3
Set in place the protective cap provided with the camera to avoid dust or water to
enter in the camera
4
5
2
3
6
1
User Manual X8400 sc 14
General When detached, the LCD screen can be connected to the camera using a provided right
angled USB extender cable. Any additional USB extender cable can be added to extend the
length. Performances are then strongly depending on the quality of the used cable and the
environment in which the camera is used.
The screen has been designed to be easily used on a workbench, as shown in next figure
The screen detects automatically its orientation and flips the interface accordingly. The
orientation can be locked in the ResearchIR Max camera user interface (see §4.4.8)
4.3.2 Lens
A large range of lenses is available for the X8400sc. Lenses feature a professional bayonet
mount with lock. Each lens is identified through the bayonet connector. A temperature probe
is also integrated into the lens. This probe is used by the camera to compensate for thermal
drifts.
Note
• FLIR is continuously extending the range of available optics. Contact your FLIR
sales representative for more information on the newly available optics.
Installing an infrared lens
4.3.2.1
Note
• The detector is a very sensitive sensor. It must not be directed towards strong visible
or sun light.
• Do not touch the lens surface when you install the lens. If this happens, clean the
lens accordingly to the instructions in section 9.1.2 on page 52.
• Do not touch the filter surface when you install the lens. If this happens, clean the
filter accordingly to the instructions in section 9.1.2 on page 52
Procedure Follow the procedure to install an infrared lens
1
If any, remove the previous lens or the protection that was in front of the detector/filter
wheel
2 Align the red index mark on the lens with the red index mark on the bayonet ring
3 Carefully push the infrared lens into the bayonet ring
4 Rotate the infrared lens 30° clockwise (looking a t the front of the lens)
User Manual X8400 sc 15
Removing an infrared lens
4.3.2.2
Note
• The detector is a very sensitive sensor. It must not be directed towards strong visible
or sun light.
• Do not touch the lens surface when you install the lens. If this happens, clean the
lens accordingly to the instructions in section 9.1.2 on page 52.
• Lenses can be heavy. Some lenses weight several hundred grams. Be careful not to
be surprised by its weight.
• When you have removed the infrared lens, put the lens caps on the lens to protect it
from dust and fingerprints.
Procedure
Follow the procedure to remove an infrared lens
1
Push forward the release button for the infrared lens (#8 on Figure 1: Camera general
description).
2 Rotate the infrared lens 30° counter-clockwise (l ooking at the front of the lens)
3 Carefully pull out the infrared lens from the bayonet ring
4
Install the protective cap or a new optic on the camera to avoid visible light to be
directed to the detector.
Lens identification
4.3.2.3
X8400sc lenses integrate a unique identifier. The camera reads the lens identifier and
automatically adapts the measurement ranges to the connected lens.
The lens connected to the camera is displayed in ResearchIR Max and on the LCD interface.
Adjusting the camera focus
4.3.2.4
Note
• Do not touch the lens surface when you install the lens. If this happens, clean the
lens accordingly to the instructions in section 9.1.2 on page 52.
Camera focus can be done manually by rotating the focus ring on the lens.
Procedure
• For far focus, rotate the focus ring counterclockwise (looking at the front of the
lens)
• For near focus, rotate the focus ring clockwise (looking at the front of the lens)
Using an Extension ring
4.3.2.5
Note
• The detector is a very sensitive sensor. It must not be directed towards strong visible
or sun light.
• Do not touch the lens surface when you install the lens. If this happens, clean the
lens accordingly to the instructions in section 9.1.2 on page 52.
• Using an extension ring requires the user to have strong understanding of the
radiometric consequences and induced measurement errors. Infrared Training
Center (ITC) offers courses and training. For more information about obtaining the
training you require, contact your FLIR sales representative or ITC at
www.infraredtraining.com
Extension rings can be introduced between the camera and the infrared lens in order to
change the minimum focus distance and thus the field of view of the camera. It is possible to
add several extension rings at the same time.
Please refer to the specification sheet of your infrared lens for available extension ring
dimensions and corresponding performances.
When an extension ring is used, the identification of the measurement configuration to be
used by the camera is done manually. Please refer to §4.4.4.
User Manual X8400 sc 16
4.4 Setting the camera parameters
4.4.1 Connection to Computer
Connect the camera to the computer. It can be connected either with CameraLink® or GigE.
Although it is possible to use both interfaces in parallel, only one of these should send
commands to the camera. The second PC shall be used only to retrieve images.
Connection through camera link interface
4.4.1.1
CameraLink® is a standard data interface for high end visible and IR cameras. The X8400sc
uses a CameraLink® Medium interface in a single tap, 16-bit configuration. In terms of ports,
the A and B ports are used with bit A0 being the LSB and bit B7 being the MSB of the
transferred data. The header row uses the entire 16-bit value while the pixel data has a 14-bit
range with the upper MSB’s masked to “0”.
In base mode, the camera is connected to the computer using one camera link cable (Refer
to §8.7 for cable reference and CameraLink® information). Connect the cable to connector
#12 on Figure 2: Camera back panel description. The maximum frame frequency is limited in
base mode.
In medium mode, the camera is connected to the computer using two camera link cables
(Refer to §8.7 for cable reference and CameraLink® information). Connect the cables to
connector #12 and #13 on Figure 2: Camera back panel description. This configuration
allows reaching the maximum frame frequency of the camera.
The CameraLink® mode is selected with the ResearchIR Max camera control panel interface.
Please refer to §4.4.8
). It should be always set to BASE for X8400sc cameras.
Note
• Various connector notations can be found on CameraLink® medium frame grabbers
(0&1, 1&2, A&B), make sure to connect the camera connector #12 with the first port
of the frame grabber.
• ResearchIR Max software supports a variety of frame grabbers. Contact your FLIR
sales representative for more information on compatibility.
Connection through Gigabit Ethernet interface
4.4.1.2
The X8400sc camera features a Gigabit Ethernet connection. The GigE interface can be
used for image acquisition and/or camera control. The GigE interface uses a Pleora NTXmini
interface. The GigE interface is GigE Vision compliant.
Gigabit Ethernet is available when the camera is in BASE mode. Please refer to §4.4.8 for
mode selection.
Note
• Use only the high quality Ethernet cable provided with the camera or a CAT 6
equivalent cable.
• The GigE driver installation procedure requires to be thoroughly followed. Please
contact your FLIR local support if required.
4.4.2 Connection to FLIR ResearchIR Max
Note
• Refer to 4.4.1 Connection to Computer to make sure the camera is correctly
connected to the computer.
User Manual X8400 sc 17
General The X8400sc camera is interfaced with FLIR ResearchIR Max software. FLIR ResearchIR
Max is a powerful image acquisition and analysis tool. Please refer to ResearchIR Max user
manual for operating instructions. X8400sc specific camera control is described in this
document.
Procedure
Follow the procedure to select and connect the camera
1 Click the select camera button
2
Select the X8400sc camera.
The camera’s IP address is displayed when connected with GigE connection.
The CameraLink® port is displayed when connected with CameraLink®.
3 Click Connect button to activate the camera connection.
Once connected, the camera control interface is populated with camera parameters and the
live image is displayed on the current tab.
4.4.3 Image size adjustment
General The X8400sc camera can be set up to use a subpart of the detector. As a consequence, the
camera can be operated at higher frame rates. The selection is done through the upper part
of the camera control panel.
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