L-3 Communications Thermal-Eye X-50 User Manual

User Manual

Page 2 X-50 User Manual

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the
limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the
FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable
protection against harmful interference in a residential
installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate
radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in
accordance with the instructions, ma y cause harmful
interference to radio communications. However, there is no
guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular
installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference
to radio or television reception, which can be determined by
turning the equipment on and off, the user is encouraged to try
to correct the interference by one or more of the following
measures:

− Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

− Increase separation between equipment and receiver.

− Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different

from that to which the receiver is connected.

− Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician

for help.

− Changes or modifications not expressly approved by L-3

Communications Infrared Products could void the user’s
authority to operate this equipment.

− For continued FCC Compliance, use only accessories

approved by L-3 Communications Infrared Products

User Manual P/N 1000385-1

©2007 L-3 Communications Infrared Products.
All Rights Reserved

Registered Trademarks of
L-3 Communications Infrared Products

Patents

This product is covered by one or more of the following patents: U.S. Patent Nos.: 5,288,649;
5,367,167; 6,267,501; 6,586,831; 6,521,477; 6,690,014; 6,479,320 and under license to
5,196,703. Euro.Pat.Appln. 1159591.
Additional Patents Pending.

Export

This technical data is controlled under the Export Administration Regulations ECCN EAR99,
and may not be exported to a Foreign Person, either in the U.S. or abroad, without the proper
authorization of the U.S. Department of Commerce.

CE Manufacturers Declaration of Conformity

Product Identification: Thermal Infrared Camera
Model/Type: X-50 Camera / (X2)
Version: 7070410 (7070415)

Manufacturer: L-3 Communications Infrared Products
13532 North Central Expressway, MS 37
Dallas, TX. 75243
USA (800-990-3275)

Tested by: Nemko Dallas, Inc.
802 North Kealy Road
Lewisville, TX. 75057

EU Representative

BFi OPTiLAS INTERNATIONAL SA
Z. I. La Petite Montagne Sud
4 allée du Cantal – 91018, EVRY CEDEX. FRANCE (33 - (0) 1 60 79 59 55)

A sample of this product has been tested:

To demonstrate compliance with: EN61000-6-1 & EN61000-6-3
Using the following test standards: EN61000-4-2, EN61000-4-3,
EN61000-4-4, EN61000-4-5, EN61000-4-6, EN61000-4-11

Means of conformity:

The product is in conformance with the above standards according to 89/336/EEC

Page 3 X-50 User Manual

Table of Contents

1. Introduction...............................................................6

Welcome to Infrared...................................................6

Handling & Precautions ........................................9

Contacting L-3 Communications Infrared Products..10

2. Operation.................................................................11

X-50 Features............................................................11

Holding the Camera..................................................13

Loading the Batteries................................................15

Opening the Battery Compartment Door ..........15

Installing 2 AA Batteries...................................16

Closing the Battery Compartment Door............17

Acceptable Battery Types.................................17

Replacing Batteries...........................................18

Turning on the Power................................................19

Camera Warm-Up.............................................19

Automatic Ca mera Shutter................................19

Automatic Contrast...........................................20

Determining Remaining Battery Power ............21

Adjusting the Display Brightness..............................22

Focusing for Close-up Operation..............................23

Cleaning....................................................................24

3. Accessories...............................................................25

Accessory Video and Power Cables .........................25

Operating with Video and Power Cables..................26

Page 4 X-50 User Manual

Page 5 X-50 User Manual

AC/DC Power Adapter .....................................26

Power Cable......................................................27

Video Cable ......................................................27

4. Specifications...........................................................28

5. Frequently Asked Que stions ..................................31

6. Troubleshooting Guide...........................................32

7. Warranty.................................................................33

Warranty Registration Card......................................34

How To Return Products For Warranty Repair.........35

Page 6 X-50 User Manual

1. Introduction

Thank you for choosing the X-50 Thermal Imaging
Camera. With its small size, rugged design, and
simplicity, you can now focus on the job at hand, rather
than the camera in your hand.

Before using this camera, please read these instructions
carefully, and retain them for future reference.

Welcome to Infrared

L-3 Infrared Products (L-3 IP) has long been a leader in
the production and development of military products
based on infrared thermal imaging. In an effort to make
this technology more widely available, L-3 IP’s engineers
and scientists developed many unique ways of translating
infrared energy into visible imagery. Now L-3 IP is
providing affordable thermal imaging solutions for fire,
law enforcement, marine, security, and other commercial
uses.

Page 7 X-50 User Manual

Infrared energy, often referred to as infrared or IR, is
electromagnetic radiation that travels in a straight line
through space, similar to visible light. Although infrared
shares some of the properties of visible light, its different
wavelength has several unique characteristics. For
instance, materials that are opaque to visible light may be
transparent to infrared, and vice–versa.

Also, unlike visible light, which is given off by ordinary
objects only at very high temperatures (e.g. light bulbs),

long wavelength infrared (7–14 μm) is emitted by all
objects at ordinary temperatures. This means infrared is all
around us all the time, even in the dark. Different objects
give off varying amounts of infrared, depending on the
temperature of the object.

The X-50 was designed to sense differing amounts of long
wavelength infrared coming from the various areas of a
scene and to convert them to corresponding intensities of
visible light on a display. This allows true see–in–the–dark
capability, as well as the ability to discern additional
information—differences in temperature—by observing
the thermal properties of objects in any light condition.

Infrared energy is emitted proportionally to the temperature
of an object . The warmer the object, the more energy it
emits. The infrared energy from the objects is focused by
the optics , onto an infrared detector . The information
from the infrared detector is passed to electronics for
image processing. The signal processing circuitry transl ates
the infrared detector data into an image that can be
viewed on the b uilt-in video mo nitor.

A

B

C

D

E

HOT

COLD

WARM

A

B

C

D

E

Page 8 X-50 User Manual

Handling & Precautions

All batteries can cause property damage or bodily
injury if a conductive material such as jewelry or
keys touch exposed terminals. Exercis e car e when
placing batteries inside a pocket, case, or other
container with metal objects.

Do not replace batteries in a potentially explosive
atmosphere, such as a gas station or any place where
you might normally be advised to turn off your
vehicle engine. Contact sparking may occur and
cause an explosion.

Do not remove power – removing batteries or
disconnecting optional external power supply –
without first turning the camera off using the on/off
switch.

Do not permanently attach this camera to dynamic–
mount applications, such as on vehicles or heavy
machinery, in which transmitted vibration is
continuously sustained.

Never point this camera directly into the sun, welding
arcs, or any other extreme intensity objects that you
would not view with your eyes. Doing so will damage
the camera.

Page 9 X-50 User Manual

Page 10 X-50 User Manual

Contacting L-3 Communications Infrared Products

The Customer Service Department is available to assist
with questions about this product. When you contact us,
please have the following information available:

⇒ Camera part number
⇒ Camera serial number

Part and serial numbers are located under the rear

L-3 Communications Infrared Products Customer Service

door/plug.

Department: 800-990-3275 (US) or 972-528-1528 (Int’l)

2. Operation

X-50 Features

Rubber

armored

construction

Submersible to
3 meters

Floats in

water

Standard AA
batteries

Viewing range – 15ft to infinity.
Rotate lens for close range
(4ft -15ft).

Page 11 X-50 User Manual

Single
button
operation

Variable

brightness

display

Long eye-relief – supports use
w/ glas ses and fa ce shi eld s

Connect external power or external
vi d eo (requir es op tion al c ables )

Model & serial number behind the external connections plug

Tripod mount (1/4-20 thread)

Bat t ery icon

Indicates

charge

Page 12 X-50 User Manual

Holding the Camera

The camera can be mounted to a tripod using the 1/4-20
insert.

Tripod Mount

The camera can be held either right-, or left-handed.

Page 13 X-50 User Manual

To avoid dropping the camera, attach the strap provided.
Both a neck strap, and a wrist strap are provided for your
convenience. Attach the strap to the camera by looping it
through the attachment point as shown below.

The camera can be held in any orientation and the image
in the LCD display will remain upright .

Page 14 X-50 User Manual

Loading the Batteries

Opening the Battery Compartment Door

Unscrew battery compartment door knob
counterclockwise.

Open the door to install batteries.

Page 15 X-50 User Manual

Installing 2 AA Batteries

+ & – symbols inside the battery compartment indicate

the direction to install batteries.

Notice the raised tab next to the + sign, and the

sunken tab next to the - sign. Use these to install the
batteries in complete darkness by feel without having
to see the battery symbols.

.

Sunken Tab - Insert battery

with positive end down.

Raised Tab - Insert battery with

positive end up.

Page 16 X-50 User Manual

Closing the Battery Compartment Door

Close the battery compartment door by screwing the knob
clockwise.

Acceptable Battery Types

The camera will operate from the following types as long
as they are AA size:

⇒ Alkaline
⇒ Nickel-Metal-Hydride (NiMh) rechargeable
⇒ Lithium

The camera does not have an internal battery charger. If
using rechargeable batteries, they must be charged with a
separate external charger.

Page 17 X-50 User Manual

Page 18 X-50 User Manual

Replacing Batteries

When replacing batteries, always replace BOTH

batteries. Mixing a fresh battery with a partially
discharged battery is potentially hazardous.

Never mix battery types (alkaline, rechargeable,

lithium, etc). Both batteries must be of the same type.

Remove batteries if the camera is to be stored for

extended periods (2 weeks or more).

Always follow the battery manufacturers’ directions

for proper disposal of batteries.

Before removing/replacing batteries, always ensure

the camera is first turned off. Failure to first turn the
camera off may result in a flickering or ghost-image
display the next time the camera is turned on. The
display will correct itself after a 5-10 minute waiting
period. This waiting period can be with the camera
either on (operating) or off (stored).

Turning on the Power

Rotate the power knob clockwise to turn on the camera.

Camera Warm-Up

The camera requires approximately three seconds of
warm-up time during which a logo appears on the camera
display. After three seconds, the logo is replaced by the
thermal image.

Automatic Camera Shutter

The X-50 uses an automatic shutter to optimize the
amount of IR energy reaching the detector. While the
shutter is adjusting (at 30 to 90 second intervals), the
display freezes for approximately ½ second and a faint

click may be heard inside the camera.

Page 19 X-50 User Manual

Page 20 X-50 User Manual

Automatic Contrast

The X-50 constantly adjusts video contrast based upon the
informational content in the scene.

When viewing people, automobiles, boats, and other warm
objects at close range, the video gain is automati cally
decreased resulting in more detail on facial features and
flat surfaces.

When viewing a scene with low informational content,
such as a park, field, or roadway, the video gain is
automatically increased to provide more detail in the
background of the scene for objects such as trees, bushes
and roadway edges.

Determining Remaining Battery Power

A battery icon is displayed in the LCD display indicating
the approximate amount of charge remaining in the
batteries. New alkaline batteries generally provide enough
charge for approximately 2 hours of operation, while new
lithium batteries typically provide enough charge for
approximately 5 hours of operation.

FULL EMPTY

The length of time the X-50 will operate on a set of

batteries is based on setting the camera’s display to
minimum brightness (night-time setting) for a camera
operating at room temperature. Very low or high
temperatures with the camera display operating at
maximum brightness can reduce the expected time of
operation by as much as 50%.

The battery icon is most accurate when using

alkaline batteries, and slightly less accurate when
using NiMh or lithium batteries.

Page 21 X-50 User Manual

Adjusting the Display Brightness

Turn the on/off knob clockwise past the on/off detent to
increase the LCD display brightness. Turn
counterclockwise to decrease the brightness.

O

n

Off

Dim

Bright

To maximize battery life, set the LCD display to the

minimum practical brightness setting.

Page 22 X-50 User Manual

Focusing for Close-Up Operation

The X-50 has overall viewing range from 4 feet to infinity.
In the far focus position, objects from 15 feet to infinity
are in focus. By rotating the lens, objects as close as 4 feet
can be brought into focus.

Far Focus

Near Focus

The lens may feel difficult to turn. This is normal, and

is due to the tight seal required to make the camera
waterproof.

Page 23 X-50 User Manual

Page 24 X-50 User Manual

Cleaning

Do not apply any chemicals to the camera.

Clean as follows:
⇒ Clean the body of the camera using a water-

moistened cloth.

⇒ Clean the lens with a cleaner/cloth that has been

specially formulated for cleaning camera lenses (one
is provided). If additional cloths are needed, they
may be purchased from any camera retailer.

Page 25 X-50 User Manual

3. Accessories

Contact L-3 Communications Infrared Products, for
accessories that are approved for use with your X-50
camera.

Accessory Video and Power Cables

Common accessories for the X-50 camera are:

⇒ AC/DC power adapter
⇒ Power cable
⇒ Video cable
⇒ Hard shell carry case

The power and video cables may appear to be the

same as those which are commonly available,
however, they are actually unique for the X-50
camera. DO NOT attempt to use other similar cables
as they will not operate the X-50 camera, and may
cause damage!

Operating with Video and Power Cables

The X-50 external connections are located beneath the
rear-plug cover.

Lift Tab to OpenPush to Close

Powe

r

Video

AC/DC Power Adapter

Connect the AC/DC power adapter to the X-50 connector
labeled

Power, and the other side an AC power wall

outlet.

Connecting the AC/DC power adapter will disable

the batteries, and the X-50 will receive its power
from this outlet.

The AC/DC power adapter will provide power to the

camera, however, it will not recharge batteries
installed in the camera.

Page 26 X-50 User Manual

Page 27 X-50 User Manual

Power Cable

Connect the power cable to the X-50 connector labeled

Power, and to any 12 volt DC power source. Operation of

the X-50 will be the same as described in the section
AC/DC Power Adapter.

The power supply must be capable of supplying at

least 500ma.

The supply voltage should be nominal 12VDC,

however, it can range from 8-16VDC without causing
harm to the camera.

Video Cable

Connect one end of the video cable to the X-50 connector
labeled

Video, and the other end to a video monitor.

When the video cable is connected to the camera, the
video automatically switches from the internal LCD
display to the external video monitor. When disconnected,
the video switches back to the camera’s LCD display.

The X-50 may require 3-4 seconds for the video to

stabilize when switching between an external video
monitor and the internal LCD display.

The X-50 camera cannot simultaneously display

external video and the internal LCD display.

Page 28 X-50 User Manual

4. Specifications

Detector

Type

Amorphous-Silicon
Microbolometer

Spectral Response 7 to 14 microns

Thermal Performance

Time to Operation ~ 3 seconds
Contrast/Level

Automatic (Electronic Image

Control)
Image Touch-up Automatic (mechanical shutter)
Infrared Polarity White-Hot Black-Cold
Range to Detect Human

Activity

1000 feet (305 meters)

Optics

Field of View 110 x 8

0

Focus Range 4 feet to infinity

Video

Viewfinder Display Monochrome LCD
Viewfinder Brightness

Adjustable (integral to on/off

switch)
Auxiliary Video Out

Output jack on rear. NTSC or PAL

(depending on Model)

Power

Power 2 AA Batteries
Operating Time

2 hrs (alkaline batteries)

5 hrs (lithium batteries)
Auxiliary Power In 12VDC (input jack on rear)

Page 29 X-50 User Manual

Physical Specifications

Size

5 ¼ x 4 ½ x 2 (inches)

13.4 x 11.4 x 5.1 (cm)
Weight 13oz. (381g) with batteries
Eye Cup Integral to camera; with 2” eye relief

Environmental

Operating
Temperature

140F to 1220F (-100C to +500C)

Storage Temperature

-40F to 1760F* (-200C to +800C*)

Storage temperature does not

include batteries. Always follow
battery manufacturers’
recommendations for battery
storage.

Waterproof

Yes, 3 meter submersion with both

doors closed
Buoyant Yes, floats in water
Shockproof Yes, 2 meter drop

EMC Compliance

FCC: part 15, class B

CE Mark: EN61000-6-1 &

EN61000-6-3

Page 30 X-50 User Manual

Features:

• Enhanced DSP image processing

• On-screen battery-level indicator

• Left- or right-hand operation with rugged slip-resistant

grip

• Tactile battery loading feature for night-time

installations

• Long eye-relief viewfinder for easy use w/glasses, face

shields

Standard Equipment:

• 2AA alkaline batteries

• Neck strap & wrist strap

• Lens cleaning cloth

Specifications are subject to change without notice.

Page 31 X-50 User Manual

5. Frequently Asked Questions

Q1 Can different battery types be used?

A1 You may use alkaline, Nickel-Metal-Hydride (NiMh)

rechargeable, or lithium batteries as long as they are size
AA. With any of these types, when the batteries fully
discharge, erratic camera shutdown may occur (i.e. video
flashing, power cycles on & off, etc), however, this
behavior is more prevalent with the non-alkaline battery
types. If erratic shutdown occurs, allowing the camera to
sit in a powered-down mode for 15 minutes will resolve
the problem.

Q2 Why does my camera sometimes behave erratically?

A2 When batteries become very low, the camera may behave

erratically (i.e. video flashing, power cycles on & off, etc).
Replacing batteries is the most common cure to erratic
operations. Also, using the camera outside of the
operational temperature range may cause erratic behavior.
Returning the camera back within the approved
operational temperature range and then turning it on and
off will restore normal operation.

Q3 Is the lens normally difficult to turn?

A3 Yes, the camera is manufactured with tight seals to make

it waterproof, causing the lens to be difficult to turn. This
is normal.

Page 32 X-50 User Manual

6. Troubleshooting Guide

Problem Possible Cause Possible

Remedy

After waiting the 3
seconds of warm
up, the video does
not appear, but the
logo keeps flashing

Low battery
power

Replace batteries

The LCD
display
brightness is too
low

Adjust the
display
brightness by
turning the
on/switch
clockwise

Batteries are
completely
discharged

Replace batteries

No image in the
LCD display (no
logo, no battery
icon, and no video)

The optional
video cable is
connected

Disconnect the
optional video
cable

The internal display
is flickering/

flashing, has a
ghost-image, or has

horizontal lines.

Batteries were
replaced before
first turning the
camera off.

Always turn off
the camera
before replacing
batteries.

Wait 5-10
minutes and the
display will clear
itself.

Page 33 X-50 User Manual

7. Warranty

L-3 Communications Infrared Products Warranty

Product(s) will conform to L-3 IP’s current drawings and
specifications at the time of delivery and be free from defects
in material and workmanship under normal use and service
for twelve (12) months, beginning on the date the product is
delivered to the customer, or beginning on the date product is
placed into service; collectively whichever is the shorter
period of time, but in no event shall the period become greater
than eighteen months (the “warranty”). L-3 IP’s sole
obligation, buyer’s exclusive remedy, under the warranty is
for L-3 IP, at its option, to repair or replace any part of the
product which fails to meet the warranty or refund buyer’s
purchase price, in the form of credit. For warranty
repairs/replacements, at L-3 IP’s cost for shipping, buyer shall
return product(s) to L-3 IP’s facility designated by L-3 IP,
with a written explanation of failure. The warranty shall not
apply to products; (i) used for purposes for which they are not
designated or intended, or (ii) which have been repaired or
altered without L-3 IP’s prior written consent, or (iii) which
have been subjected to misuse, negligence, accident or
improper maintenance or installation, or (iv) upon L-3 IP’s
examination, do not disclose to L-3 IP’s satisfaction
nonconformance to the warranty. In the event the product
‘warranty card” is not submitted to L-3 IP, proof of purchase
shall be required to effectuate the warranty provisions stated
herein above.

Page 34 X-50 User Manual

NO OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED,
ARE MADE WITH RESPECT TO THE PRODUCT(S)
INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ANY IMPLIED
WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY, NON­INFRINGENT OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR
PURPOSE.

IN NO EVENT SHALL L-3 IP OR ITS LICENSORS BE
LIABLE FOR INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL OR
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, LOSS OF PROFITS,
LOSS OF USE OR DATA OR INTERRUPTION OF
BUSINESS, WHETHER UNDER THEORIES IN TORT,
CONTRACT OR OTHERWISE, EVEN IF L-3 IP OR ITS
LICENSORS HAVE BEEN ADVISED OF THE
POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.

Warranty Registration Card

Complete warranty registration online at www.thermal-

eye.com, select Support and select Thermal-Eye

Product Warranty Card

.

Page 35 X-50 User Manual

How To Return Products For Warranty Repair

1. Return the product to your Authorized Dealer. The

Dealer will notify the service department by
telephone at 800–990–3275 (US) or 972-528-1528
(Int’l) before returning any product.

2. A Return Authorization (RA) number will be

assigned by the service department. This number
must be marked clearly on the outside of the package
being returned.

3. Service department will provide a shipping address.

4. The following information must be included on the

packing slip:

a. Camera model number
b. Camera serial number
c. Reason for return
d. Date and place of purchase
e. Description of problem
f. Return Authorization number

Camera model and serial numbers are clearly

marked on the camera. Refer to the section titled X-

50 Features on page 11 for the location.

Proof of purchase may be required.

L-3 Communications Infrared Products

Customer Service D epart ment

13532 North Central Expressway, MS 37
Dallas, Texas 75243

800-990-3275 (U.S.)
972-528-1528 (International)

1000385-1 Rev B