We would like to congratulate you on purchasing your new VarioCAM
Please carefully read this user manual before initial start-up. This is the only way to ensure that you are
able to fully leverage the performance capability of your thermography system. Please particularly
observe the notes on device safety in accordance with chapter 2 in order to avoid damages to the
thermography system.
All information provided within the framework of this user manual describes a completely equipped
VarioCAM
individual customisation, technical data, scope of functions and supplied accessories of your
thermography system may deviate from the version described herein. Equipment-dependent features are
identified accordingly by means of an * within this user manual.
As a matter of principle, the descriptions of the technical data and the specific scopes of functions and
delivery in the corresponding shipping documents are decisive (order confirmation/bill of delivery).
This product is subject to further developments within the scope of technical progress.
HD thermography system of the “head” series. Depending on the selected model and the
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HD head thermography system.
Note:
Without the written consent of Jenoptik and InfraTec GmbH, no part of this user manual must be
reproduced or edited, copied or distributed using electronic systems in any form (print, copy, microfilm, or
any other procedure). This user manual was developed applying due diligence. No liability shall be
assumed for any damages caused by the non-observance of the information contained in this user
manual.
All mentioned product names and trademarks shall remain the property of their respective owners.
The VarioCAM® HD head is a state-of-the-art thermography system designed for precise, quick and noncontact measurements of the surface temperature of objects..
VarioCAM
transmitting temperature values. The compact and resilient design and a very high degree of protection
allow for industrial application even in unfavourable external conditions.
High measurement accuracy, precision optics with extraordinary image quality as well as the universal
interface concept for digital real-time thermography data collection using GigE Vision* allow for using the
VarioCAM
Diverse accessories and different software packages for preprocessing and further processing the
recordings turn the VarioCAM
applications.
Typical fields of application of the thermography system are, amongst other things:
■ Research and development
■ Optimization of components and assemblies
■ Material inspections
■ Control of process temperatures
■ Quality assurance
■ Stationary micro-thermography
■ Security technology and early fire detection
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HD head was designed for stationary application and can be used for measuring and
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HD head in the most varied fields of application.
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HD head into a universal thermography system for a broad range of
The VarioCAM® HD head is a high-quality, carefully calibrated optical measurement device. Please
handle it with the corresponding care. Avoid contaminations, particularly in the lens areas.
Depending on the version of the lens interface, the device is equipped with degree of protection IP54
(bayonet) and IP67 (screw thread).
Please observe the conditions for use, storage and transportation of the device mentioned within the
framework of the technical data (see chapter 3.3, Technical data – page 9).
Only use the supplied transport box* and/or the supplied transport packaging* in order to transport the
VarioCAM
Only the manufacturer is allowed to open the camera housing. Any intervention performed by other
persons is inadmissible and will result in the forfeiture of any warranty claims.
Only use accessories or spare parts expressly recommended by the manufacturer regarding the
VarioCAM
for such damages.
Standards, directives
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HD head.
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HD head. Otherwise, malfunctions or damages may occur. Any warranty claims are excluded
The VarioCAM® HD head meets the requirements of the following standards:
■ EN 60950-1:2006 + Einrichtungen der Informationstechnik – Sicherheit – Teil 1: Allgemeine
The VarioCAM
object radiations occurring in thermographic practice do not induce any changes to the detector.
However, overloads exceeding a black body radiation of 1,000°C in the measuring ranges 1 and 2*, as
well as 2,000°C in measuring range 3* may result in irrevocable damages and must therefore be
avoided.
The VarioCAM
lasers) neither during operation nor when switched off, because this may result in irrevocable
changes to the microbolometer detector, the origins of which can be clearly demonstrated. The
manufacturer does not assume any warranty for damages caused this way.
HD head is equipped with a highly sensitive uncooled microbolometer detector. The
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HD head must not be pointed directly into the sun or other high-radiation sources (e.g.
It is also absolutely necessary to prevent the sun or other high-energy radiation sources from
indirectly coming into the field of view of the VarioCAM
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When the VarioCAM
times.
The lens should not be replaced in rooms with high amounts of dust or moisture, because the degree
of protection is not provided for when the lens is removed.
HD head is not in use, the supplied protective lens cap must be attached at all
The VarioCAM® HD head is a thermography system designed for the long-wave infrared spectral range
(LWIR) of (7.5 ... 14) µm. The lens reproduces the object scene to a microbolometer array with
(1,024 x 768) and/or (640 x 480) pixels. The electrical signal of the detector array is processed further by
the internal electronics. In this, the electronics comprises all functions required for camera operation, such
as actuation of the microbolometer array, A/D conversion, offset and gain correction, pixel correction as
well as actuation of the interfaces differing according to the equipment.
Operation is performed using the digital interfaces presented depending on the equipment. RS232*,
Ethernet* (GigE Vision)*, WLAN (IEEE802.11 a/b/g)*, Bluetooth 2.1/3.0 (IEEE802.15.1 class2)*, and
USB2.0* are available as interfaces. Specific software packages are required in order to use these
interfaces. You will find more information on the aforementioned in the description of the corresponding
user manuals.
3.2Description of the functional units
Lens
The camera lens collects the IR radiation in the field of view emitted by the measuring object and
reproduces this IR radiation on the detector array. Field of view (FOV, Field of View) and
resolution/measuring spot size (IFOV, Instantaneous Field of View) are determined at the same distance
to the focal distance f of the used lens.
The following standard lenses are available:
Thermography system with resolution of (1,024 x 768) IR pixels
Lens Focal distance (mm) Min. focus (m)IFOV (mrad) FOV (°)
Super wide-angle lens 7.50.22.3 (98.5 x 82.1)
Wide-angle lens 150.21.1 (60.3 x 47.0)
Normal lens 300.30.57 (32.4 x 24.6)
Telephoto lens 602.00.28 (16.5 x 12.4)
Super telephoto lens 1204.00.14 (8.3 x 6.2)
Macro Focal distance (mm)Focus (mm)
Close-up 0.2x for 30 max. 137(85 x 63) 81
min. 70 (54 x 40) 51
Close-up 0.5x for 30max. 47(34 x 25) 32
min. 33(30 x 22) 29
Close-up 0.5x for 60max. 100(35 x 27) 35
Thermography system with resolution of (640 x 480) IR pixels
Lens Focal distance (mm) Min. focus (m)IFOV (mrad) FOV (°)
Super wide-angle lens 7.50.23.3 (93.7 x 77.3)
Wide-angle lens 150.21.7 (56.1 x 43.6)
Normal lens 300.30.83 (29.9 x 22.6)
Telephoto lens 602.00.42 (15.2 x 11.4)
Super telephoto lens 1204.00.21 (7.6 x 5.7)
Macro Focal distance (mm)Focus (mm)
Close-up 0.2x for 30max. 137(78 x 58) 119
min. 70 (49 x 37) 75
Close-up 0.5x for 30max. 47(31 x 23) 47
min. 33 (27 x 21) 42
Close-up 0.5x for 60max. 100(32 x 24) 50
min. 78(26 x 20) 42
Detector
Field of view (mm²)
Resolution (μm)
The VarioCAM® HD head is equipped with an uncooled microbolometer FPA detector (uncooled Focal
Plane Array) with a resolution of (1,024 x 768) or (640 x 480) IR pixels. The individual elements of the
detector are microscopically small, thin-film resistors on extremely thin diaphragms arranged a few
micrometers above the silicon read-out circuit in an unsupported manner. The lens of the thermography
system reproduces the thermal radiation from the scene onto these detector elements and these detector
elements absorb this radiation. The temperature change of the detector elements resulting thereof results
in signals that can be analysed electronically, read-out line-by-line and column-by-column using a readout circuit.
The use of an uncooled detector ensures the quick availability of the camera function upon start-up
(starting time < 30 seconds) and continuous operation.
Detector electronics
The detector electronics supplies the BIAS voltages and further actuation signals required for detector
operation and ensures that the analogue output signal of the detector is pre-processed and digitalised.
Image processing electronics
With the help of an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) and up to two* processors, real-time image
processing with the following essential functions (depending on the equipment) is implemented:
With the help of an optomechanic assembly, the following functions are implemented:
■ Focus (motor focus)
■ Measuring range switch-over (apertures)*
■ Internal NUC (Non Uniformity Correction) with shutter
Furthermore, this assembly optionally comprises a module for hardware-based increase of the geometric
resolution of the thermography system to (2,048 x 1,536) IR pixels (detector with [1,024 x 768] pixels) and
(1,280 x 960) IR pixels (detector with [640 x 480] pixels) in the “Resolution Enhancement”* mode.
Interfaces and controls
The VarioCAM
WLAN interfaces by means of commands. Operation is explained in the manuals of the corresponding
software.
Power supply
®
HD head can be controlled remotely using the optional RS232, GigE-Vision, Bluetooth or
Optionally,
■ an external 15V wall plug transformer (accessories)* or
■ power over Ethernet* (48 V; IEEE 802.3at standard for a type 1 PD)
can be used to supply the VarioCAM
The wall plug transformer is connected to the 14-pin (right-hand side) LEMO socket on the reverse of the
housing.
Interfaces
The thermography system is equipped with the following interfaces:
■ RS232* (LEMO 14-pin)
■ DVI-D (HDMI connector) behind the cover on the reverse of the camera, composite video (LEMO 14-
pin)
■ 2 x digital I/O (5V) for external trigger input/trigger output* (LEMO 14-pin)
■ 2 x analog output* 0-5V (LEMO 14-pin)
■ GigE-Vision* (LEMO 8-pin)
■ USB2.0* (mini-AB, behind the cover on the reverse of the camera)
■ WLAN*
■ Bluetooth*
■ Process interface*
Simultaneously using several interfaces on the 14-pin LEMO socket is allowed for by means of a
breakout box*. When using a breakout box*, the breakout box* is also used for external power supply.
As an alternative to the digital high-resolution DVI-D image data on the HDMI socket, the analog image
data (4:3 PAL/NTSC) is available as a FBAS signal (composite) on the 14-pin LEMO socket. The HDMI
socket can be used to connect screens processing a resolution of (1,280 x 768) or (1,280 x 800) pixels in
accordance with the VESA standard.
In connection with the software packages IRBIS
interface* allows for remotely controlling the thermography system, as well as for transmitting digital
image information to a PC in real time*.
®
3 remote* and IRBIS® 3 online*, the GigE-Vision
3.3Technical data
Spectral range (7.5 ... 14) µm
Temperature measuring range (-40 ... 1.200) °C, optionally > 2.000°C
Temperature resolution @ 30 °C Better than 0.05 K, optionally 0.03 K according to camera/detector
type
Measurement accuracy ± 1.5 K or ± 1.5 %
Emissivity Adjustable between 0.1 and 1.0 in increments of 0.01
Image format (pixels) (1,024 x 768), Resolution Enhancement* to (2,048 x 1,536)
(640 x 480), Resolution Enhancement* to (1,280 x 960)
The dimensions specified in the following are applicable to the VarioCAM® HD head with normal lens with
a focal distance of 30 mm (bayonet interface). When using other lenses, the total dimensions will change
accordingly.
The procedure described below is intended to make your first operation of the VarioCAM
easier. In order to achieve professional results, we recommend meticulous reading of the entire manual.
6.1Preparation
You will need the following equipment:
■ VarioCAM
■ Wall plug transformer* with LEMO connector
■ Ethernet cable* with 8-pin LEMO connector
■ IRBIS
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HD head
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3 software*
6.2Start
■ Provide for power supply for the VarioCAM® HD head by
■ inserting the power supply cable of the wall plug transformer* – 14-pin LEMO connector (red dot
pointing to the top) – into the right LEMO socket on the reverse of the camera
or
■inserting the Ethernet cable (when using PoE power supply) – 8-pin LEMO connector – into the
left LEMO socket. In order to avoid confusions, the Ethernet cable is marked blue.
■ Establish the Ethernet connection to the computer:
■ Insert the Ethernet cable with the 8-pin LEMO connector (red dot pointing to the top) into the left
LEMO socket.
■ Remove the protective cap from the lens.
■ Push the Power button
power-on LED initially flashing green. The power-on LED then illuminated permanently in green
indicates that the VarioCAM
In order to switch off the device, the Power button must be pressed for 5 seconds or the power
supply must be disconnected.
When using an optional “ever on” wall plug transformer or an “ever on” breakout box, the
VarioCAM® HD head can only be switched off by disconnecting the power supply.
and the device is switched on. System initialization is indicated by the
For this, the thermography camera is equipped with a 1/4" photo thread connection (DIN 4503) on the
bottom of the device. In order to achieve rigid camera images, it is recommendable to fix the VarioCAM
HD head to a tripod (optional accessories).
Please observe the maximum penetration depth of the photo thread of 4.5 mm (DIN 4503).
4 additional fastening points (threaded bores M5, maximum penetration depth 5mm) are located on the
left side of the camera (see Fig. 2 View from the left side – page 10), as well as on the bottom of the
camera under the rubber feet (see Fig. 5 View from below – page 11).
When using the M5 fastening bores on the bottom of the camera, the tripod thread attachment plate
must be removed or a corresponding recess for this plate must be designed before installing the
VarioCAM® HD head on a level surface.
®
7.2Connecting a power supply
7.2.1 Power supply using a wall plug transformer 14 VDC
■Connect the power supply to the VarioCAM® HD head by inserting the power supply cable of the wall
plug transformer* with its 14-pin LEMO connector (red dot pointing to the top) into the right LEMO
socket on the reverse of the camera.
■Alternatively, a modified wall plug transformer* is available switching on the camera immediately upon
connection (e.g. for starting cameras installed in protective housings, the Power button of which is
inaccessible).
■When using a breakout box, the 14-pin connector of the wall plug transformer must be connected to
the breakout box (see Fig. 15 Breakout box reverse – page 19).
7.2.2 Power supply using Power over Ethernet (PoE)
■In the event of power supply using Power over Ethernet*, the power is supplied via the Ethernet
cable. Insert the 8-pin LEMO connector of the Ethernet cable (red dot to the top) into the left LEMO
socket. In order to avoid confusions, the Ethernet cable is marked in a blue color, just like the left
LEMO socket.
■The Power over Ethernet interface supports supply devices in accordance with IEEE 802.3at
standard for type 1 (corresponds to the 13 W standard according to IEEE 8022.3-2008).
Only replace the lenses in dry and low-dust conditions. When the lens is removed, the degree of
protection of the system is no longer guaranteed!
7.3.1 Bayonet lens interface
Position the VarioCAM® HD head on a solid, level underground so that the lens is directed towards you.
Rotate the lens on the thermography system counterclockwise as far as it will go and/or until the two red
dots are aligned. Then, remove the lens to the front.
In order to attach the lens, the red marking spots on lens and camera must be aligned. In this position,
the lens must be pressed slightly against the camera corpus and turned clockwise until the red dot of the
lens is aligned with the white dot of the camera.
7.3.2 Screw thread lens interface
Regarding the VarioCAM® HD head version with alternative screw thread lens interface*, the lenses are
replaced in analogy to the bayonet: The lens is removed by turning it counterclockwise and the lens is
attached by turning it clockwise.
7.4Operation using the Ethernet interface* IEEE802.3
The following connection options make sure that the VarioCAM® HD head can be connected to the
PC/notebook. The accessories described are contained in the scope of delivery as an option*.
1) Connect the RJ 45 connector of the Ethernet cable
to the Ethernet interface of the PC.
Fig. 10 RJ45 connector of the Ethernet cable
2) Insert the 8-pin LEMO connector with the blue mark
into the left LEMO socket.
Fig. 11 8-pin LEMO connector of the Ethernet cable
VarioCAM® HD head with Ethernet cable and wall
VarioCAM®
HD head
LEMO
plug transformer
The Ethernet cable is used in order to connect the
thermography camera to the 8-pin LEMO socket (lefthand side, blue mark). The wall plug connector is
connected to the right 14-pin LEMO socket.
Please find information on how to further proceed regarding the installation of the Ethernet driver for
the VarioCAM® HD head in chapter 8, Software installation, starting on page 21.
Connecting the wall plug transformer
In order to operate the VarioCAM
connection without PoE), the 14-pin LEMO connector of
the wall plug transformer is inserted into the right LEMO
socket.
Fig. 13 Wall plug transformer with
connector
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HD head (Ethernet
7.5Operation using breakout box (RS232*, video output FBAS*,
trigger I/O*, analog out*)
Using the breakout box will expand the connection options of the VarioCAM® HD head. The interfaces 2 x
analog output, 2 x trigger I/O, PAL/NTSC-FBAS, as well as the digital RS232 interface are accessible via
the breakout box.
Please follow the specified steps on how to establish the required connections.
1. Initially, the connection between thermography camera and breakout box must be established. For
this, insert the 14-pin LEMO connector of the breakout box connecting cable into the right LEMO
socket on the reverse of the VarioCAM
2. Now, the supplied wall plug transformer must be connected to the breakout box. The 14-pin LEMO
socket required for the aforementioned can be found next to the connecting cable. If the VarioCAM
HD head is supplied with power using PoE*, the wall plug transformer must not be connected to the
breakout box.
3. RS232* must be connected to the breakout box using the 9-pin Sub-D plug-and-socket connector,
video output FBAS* and trigger I/O* must be connected using standard BNC sockets.
4. 2 x analog outputs* are available via the optional terminal strip.
After having established the connections to the breakout box, the Power button
camera can be pushed and the VarioCAM
As an alternative, a breakout box with “ever on” function is available. If the VarioCAM
connected to this breakout box, it automatically activates as soon as the power supply is established.
LEMO socket, 14-pin for connection to
the wall plug transformer
Cable to the VarioCAM
14-pin LEMO connector)
Fig. 15 Breakout box reverse
7.6Trigger channels VarioCAM® HD head
7.6.1 Trigger function
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HD head (with
Triggering uses the Ethernet to affect the 16bit IRB data transmission. The trigger signal (5 V) is fed in via
the BNC sockets of the breakout box identified with T1 and T2 from where it is forwarded to the
VarioCAM
Commercially available BNC cables can be used in order to connect the trigger signal sources to the
breakout box.
■ T1 Trigger channel 1 is used by the IRBIS
■ T2 Trigger channel 2 is reserved for the SDK and further specific applications.
HD head (right socket) using the connecting cable with 14-pin LEMO connector.
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3 software.
VarioCAM® HD head
InfraTec
7. Start-up
The voltage level of the trigger signals from the VarioCAM® HD to the input and the output is 5 V.
The VarioCAM
marking in the header of the following frame (IR image). Within the IRBIS
analysed by the IRBGRAB.DLL implemented there and results in the corresponding data being saved.
The minimum width of a trigger pulse should be 10 µs.
7.6.2 SyncOut
In order to synchronize other cameras and processes and for active thermography applications, the
Framesync signal of the VarioCAM
is activated by the corresponding software command. Framesync (low-high edge) indicates the process
of recording the first image line. The synchronisation pulse has a length of approx. 600 µs.
The voltage level on the output is 5 V. The signal should be uncoupled with a high impedance.
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HD head reacts to a low-high trigger edge. The trigger event causes simultaneous
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3 software, this mark is
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HD head can be generated. The generation of the Framesync signal
In order to operate the VarioCAM® HD head using the GigE interface, the driver software “WinPcap” must
be installed first. We recommend using a GigE network card – independent of the company’s network – in
order to actuate the VarioCAM
configuration options will be available after the Ethernet adapter is installed.
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HD head. Depending on the used Ethernet adapter, different
We recommend using the internal GigE network card at all times for camera connection.
For the installation described below, you must dispose of the access rights of the user group
“Administrators”.
8.2Installation of WinPcap
Upon execution of the file “WinPcap_4_1_2.exe“, please follow the setup wizard by always clicking
“Next >“.
Upon opening the “Network and Sharing Center”, the “Change adapter settings” menu item can be
selected. In this menu item, the network card to be used must be highlighted and its properties must be
opened by using the right mouse button.
8.3.1 Setting the IP address
Before configuring the network card for being used in connection with the camera, the properties of the
interface card to be used must be checked. In this, releasing non essential functionalities and assigning a
fixed IP address are important. The screenshots shown below provide an overview:
Fig. 22 Properties of the LAN connection
Please note that you only need the components described above in order to establish an Ethernet
connection to the VarioCAM® HD head. Therefore, we recommend deactivating any further
components contained in the input mask.
If the option “Internet protocol (TCP/IP)” is selected, you can use the “Properties” button in order to
set the IP address of the GigE network card. This IP address can be freely defined in accordance with the
specifications made by your network in the “Use the following IP address” menu item.
During the further progress of the installation you will need two free network addresses. Should you have
any questions regarding this, please contact your network administrator directly.
The “Retrieve IP address automatically” option must not be selected. If this option is however
activated, the computer will try to retrieve a dynamic network address from the camera system, which
is indicated by the corresponding network symbol in the tool bar. In this case, no connection can be
established to the
You can use the “Configure…” button in the “Properties of LAN connections” window in order to define
the properties of the network card.
We strongly recommend activating the “Jumbo Packet” property in order to achieve a trouble-free
Ethernet connection to the VarioCAM
the network and allows for loss-free data transmission even at high frame rates.
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HD head. This function significantly reduces the occupancy rate of
9. Establishing a connection to the IRBIS® 3* software
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Fig. 26 "Camera" menu of the IRBIS
The following "Select camera" dialog must be used to select the camera type "VarioCAM HD". Clicking
the "Accept" button will start the establishment of the connection to the thermography system.
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Fig. 27 IRBIS
All further functions of the program are described in detail in the manuals "RBIS
thermography software".
The surfaces of lenses and protective windows are susceptible to scratching. Improper cleaning can
cause damage.
Lenses generally shall be treated so that cleaning is not required. Avoid smudging lenses by only
handling while wearing protective gloves, preferably made of cotton.
Do not clean the lenses and windows unnecessarily. If cleaning is unavoidable, clean the surfaces
only as intensely as necessary.
At the beginning of cleaning, first remove dust and loose particles by blowing with filtered oil-free
compressed air (for example with a small bellow or canned, compressed air) or with a camel hair
brush.
For easier cleaning of adhering particles, please only use a clean, lint- and fibre-free cloth (unused
lens cleaning or microfibre cloth, wood-free pulp cloth). If necessary, add a drop of cleaning
solution (see below) to the centre of the cloth. Run the cloth slowly over the lens surface without
applying pressure. After wiping, both the cloth and the surface of the lens should be nearly dry,
meaning that no smearing or smudges should remain.
For strongly adhering dirt or fingerprints, if necessary, a gentle uniform pressure may be applied.
For such instances, surgical cotton or cotton swabs may be suitable for use, in addition to the types
of cloths listed above. These can be moistened with a few drops of cleaning solution. Excess
solution should be shaken off before use by shaking the cloth, cotton or cotton swabs.
Wipe extremely slowly and only in one direction. Rapid wiping in multiple directions can cause
scratches. Use a new cloth, cotton or cotton swab for each cleaning.
The only suitable cleaning solutions are ethanol or methanol.
If smudges persist even after following these steps, please contact InfraTec service.
10.2Calibration
The VarioCAM® HD head system was calibrated very carefully to the official normal with the
manufacturer, maintaining the measure connection in doing so.
We recommend having the calibration checked by the manufacturer or by another certified authority at
intervals of two years. This check should be performed in combination with the general maintenance of
the device with the manufacturer.
The VarioCAM
printed circuit boards. These components must be disposed of specifically when the device is at the end
of its use.
The manufacturer offers to take back the VarioCAM
ensure that the device is disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner when the device is at the end
of its use.
In this case, please return the device to the address mentioned in chapter 12 Service – page 32.
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HD head is an optoelectronic device containing specific infrared lenses and electronic
According to the manufacturer’s recommendation, the VarioCAM
by customer services at an interval of two years.
The manufacturer guarantees the implementation of the service on the VarioCAM
Should you experience any failures or require the performance of technical maintenance works, please
contact your dealer or customer services using the following address:
InfraTec GmbH
Infrarotsensorik und Messtechnik
Gostritzer Straße 61 - 63
01217 Dresden
GERMANY