Table of Contents ............................................................................................................................................. 3
1 General Information ................................................................................................................................. 8
2 Technical Data ........................................................................................................................................ 14
2.1 General Specifications ................................................................................................................... 14
5.3 Sensing head Calibration Code ..................................................................................................... 34
6 Outputs and Inputs ................................................................................................................................ 35
6.1 Analog Output ................................................................................................................................ 35
6.2 Digital Interface .............................................................................................................................. 36
The CTvideo sensing head is a sensitive optical system. Please use only the thread for
mechanical installation.
Avoid abrupt changes of the ambient temperature.
Avoid mechanical violence on the head – this may destroy the system (expiry of warranty).
If you have any problems or questions, please contact our service department.
Read the manual carefully before the initial start-up. The producer reserves the right to change
the herein described specifications in case of technical advance of the product.
1 General Information
1.1 Description
Thank you for choosing the optris® CTvideo infrared thermometer.
The sensors of the optris CTvideo series are noncontact infrared temperature sensors.
They calculate the surface temperature based on the emitted infrared energy of objects [►10 Basics of Infrared Thermometry]. The alignment of the sensor can be done with the integrated video sighting and
crosshair laser aiming.
The sensor housing of the CTvideo head is made of stainless steel (IP65/ NEMA-4 rating) – the sensor
electronics is placed in a separate box made of die casting zinc.
► All accessories can be ordered according to the referred part numbers in brackets [ ].
1.2 Warranty
Each single product passes through a quality process. Nevertheless, if failures occur please contact the
customer service at once. The warranty period covers 24 months starting on the delivery date. After the
warranty is expired the manufacturer guarantees additional 6 months warranty for all repaired or substituted
product components. Warranty does not apply to damages, which result from misuse or neglect. The
warranty also expires if you open the product. The manufacturer is not liable for consequential damage or in
case of a non-intended use of the product.
If a failure occurs during the warranty period the product will be replaced, calibrated or repaired without
further charges. The freight costs will be paid by the sender. The manufacturer reserves the right to
exchange components of the product instead of repairing it. If the failure results from misuse or neglect the
user has to pay for the repair. In that case you may ask for a cost estimate beforehand.
Never use cleaning compounds which contain solvents (neither for the lens nor for the housing).
1.3 Scope of Supply
CTvideo sensing head with connection cable and electronic box
Mounting nut and mounting bracket (fixed)
5 m USB cable
Software CompactConnect
Operators manual
1.4 Maintenance
Lens cleaning: Blow off loose particles using clean compressed air. The lens surface can be cleaned with a
soft, humid tissue (moistened with water) or a lens cleaner (e.g. Purosol or B+W Lens Cleaner).
The sensors of the CTvideo series are available in the following basic versions:
In the following chapters of this manual you will find only the short model codes.
On the 1M, 2M, 3M models the whole measurement range is split into several sub ranges (L, H, H1 etc.).
The size of the measuring object and the optical resolution of the infrared thermometer
determine the maximum distance between sensing head and measuring object.
In order to prevent measuring errors the object should fill out the field of view of the optics
completely.
Consequently, the spot should at all times have at least the same size like the object or should
be smaller than that.
2.6 Optical Charts
The vario optics of the CTvideo allows a smooth focusing of the optics to the desired distance. The sensors
are available in two optic versions:
The following tables show the diameter of the measuring spot for some selected distances. The spot size
refers to 90 % of the radiation energy.
The distance is always measured from the front edge of the sensing head.
As an alternative to the optical diagrams, the spot size calculator can also be used on the Optris website
or via the Optris calculator app. The app can be downloaded for free from the Google Play Store (see QR
code).
Make sure to keep the optical path clear of any obstacles.
3 Mechanical Installation
The CTvideo is equipped with a metric M48x1,5 thread and can be installed either directly via the sensor
thread or with help of the supplied mounting nut (standard) and fixed mounting bracket (standard) to a
mounting device available.
Air purge collar [ACCTLAP]
Hose connection: 6x8 mm
Thread (fitting): G 1/8 inch
The needed amount of air (approx.
2...10 l/min.) depends on the application and
the installation conditions on-site.
4 Accessories
4.1 Air Purge Collar
The lens must be kept clean at all times from dust, smoke, fumes and other contaminants in order to avoid
reading errors. These effects can be reduced by using an air purge collar. Make sure to use oil-free,
technically clean air, only.
Water cooled housing [ACCTLW]
Hose connection: 6x8 mm
Thread (fitting): G 1/8 inch
Water flow rate: approx. 2 l/ min
(Cooling water temperature should not exceed
30 °C)
To avoid condensation on the optics an air
purge collar is recommended.
4.3 Water Cooled Housing
The sensing head can be used at ambient temperatures up to 70 °C without cooling. For applications, where
the ambient temperature can reach higher values, the usage of the optional water cooled housing is
recommended (operating temperature up to 175 °C). The sensor should be equipped with the optional high
temperature cables (operating temperature up to 180 °C).
The standard version of the CTvideo has a 12-pin connector
which is integrated in the sensors backplane. The connection to
the electronics is done by the blue sensor cable. Cable lengths
of 3 m, 5 m and 10 m are available.
5.1.2 High temperature version
The high temperature version of the CTvideo has two
connectors (7-pin and 5-pin) which are integrated in the sensor
backplane. The connection sensing head – electronics will be
done in this case via: a 7-core high temperature cable (sensor
signals, laser) and a 4-core high temperature cable (video
signal). Cable lengths of 3 m, 5 m and 10 m are available.
5 Electrical Installation
5.1 Cable Connections
The CTvideo sensing heads are equipped with connectors in the backplane. Therefore an opening of the
sensing head for assembling or disassembling is not necessary. An USB cable (5 m) is already connected
on the electronics and can be used for linking to a computer.
Use shielded cables only. The sensor shield has to be grounded.
5.1.5 Cable Assembling
The cable gland M12x1,5 allows the use of cables with a diameter of 3 to 5 mm.
Remove the isolation from the cable (40 mm power supply, 50 mm signal outputs, 60 mm functional inputs).
Cut the shield down to approximately 5 mm and spread the strands out. Extract about 4 mm of the wire
isolation and tin the wire ends.
Place the pressing screw, the rubber washer and the metal washers of the cable gland one after the other
onto the prepared cable end. Spread the strands and fix the shield between two of the metal washers. Insert
the cable into the cable gland until the limit stop. Screw the cap tight.
Every single wire may be connected to the according screw clamps according to their colors.
At the bottom side of the mainboard PCB you will find a connector
(jumper) which has been placed from factory side as shown in the
picture [bottom and middle pin connected]. In this position the ground
connections (GND power supply/ outputs) are connected with the
ground of the electronics housing.
To avoid ground loops and related signal interferences in industrial
environments it might be necessary to interrupt this connection. To do
this please put the jumper in the opposite position [middle and top pin
connected].
If the thermocouple output is used the connection GND – housing
should be interrupted generally.
After you have modified the head code a reset is necessary to activate the change.
[►7 Operating]
You will find the calibration code on a label fixed on the
head. Please do not remove this label or make sure the
code is noted anywhere.
5.3 Sensing head Calibration Code
Every head has a specific calibration code, which is printed on the head. For a correct temperature
measurement and functionality of the sensor this calibration code must be stored into the electronic box.
The calibration code consists of five blocks with 4 characters each.
For entering the code please press the Up and Down key (keep pressed) and then the Mode key.
The display shows HCODE and then the 4 signs of the first block. With Up and Down each sign can be
changed, Mode switches to the next sign or next block.
According to the chosen output signal there are different connection pins on the mainboard
(OUT-mV/mA or OUT-TC).
6 Outputs and Inputs
6.1 Analog Output
This output is used for the object temperature. The selection of the output signal can be done via the
programming keys [►7Operating]. The CompactConnect software allows the programming of output
channel 1 as an alarm output.
The CTvideo sensors are equipped with an USB interface. The
interface board is located beside the LCD display. To uninstall the
board please disconnect both of the M3x5 screws. Please pay
attention to the correct positioning of the pin strip if you install the
board.
F1 (digital):
trigger (a 0 V level on F1 resets the hold functions)
F2 (analog):
external emissivity adjustment [0–10 V: 0 V ►=0,1; 9 V ►=1; 10 V ►=1,1]
F3 (analog):
external compensation of ambient temperature/ the range is scalable via software
[0–10 V ► -40–900 °C / preset range: -20–200 °C]
F1-F3 (digital):
emissivity (digital choice via table)
6.2 Digital Interface
6.3 Functional Inputs
The three functional inputs F1 – F3 can be programmed with the CompactConnect software, only.
A non connected input represents:
F1=High | F2, F3=Low.
The CTvideo has the following Alarm features:
From factory side the alarms are defined as follows:
Alarm 1
Norm. closed/ Low-Alarm
Alarm 2
Norm. open/ High-Alarm
Both of these alarms will have effect
on the LCD color:
BLUE: alarm 1 active
RED: alarm 2 active
GREEN: no alarm active
All alarms (alarm 1, alarm 2, output channel 1 and 2 if
used as alarm output) have a fixed hysterese of 2 K.
6.4 Alarms
6.4.1 Output channel 1
To activate the alarm function the output channel has to be switched into digital mode. For this purpose the
software CompactConnect is required.
6.4.2 Visual Alarms
These alarms will cause a change of the color of the LCD display and will also change the status of the
optional relays interface. In addition the Alarm 2 can be used as open collector output at pin AL2 on the
mainboard [24 V/ 50 mA].
Extended setup like definition as low or high alarm [via change of normally open/ closed], selection of the
signal source [T
The transistor acts as a switch. In case of alarm, the contact is closed.
A load/consumer (Relay, LED or a resistor) must always be connected.
The alarm voltage (here 24V) must not be connected directly to the alarm output (short
To set the CTvideo back to the factory default settings, please
press at first the Down-key and then the Mode-key and keep
both pressed for approx. 3 seconds.
The display will show RESET for confirmation.
Pressing the Mode button again recalls the last called function on
the display. The signal processing features Peak hold and
Valley hold cannot be selected simultaneously.
7 Operating
After power up the unit the sensor starts an initializing routine for some seconds. During this time the display
will show INIT. After this procedure the object temperature is shown in the display. The display backlight
color changes according to the alarm settings [►6.4 Alarms].
7.1 Sensor Setup
The programming keys Mode, Up and Down enable the user to set the sensor on-site. The current
measuring value or the chosen feature is displayed. With Mode the operator obtains the chosen feature, with
Up and Down the functional parameters can be selected – a change of parameters will have immediate
effect. If no key is pressed for more than 10 seconds the display automatically shows the calculated object
depending on model/ inactive at TCJ- and TCK-output
n 500.0
Upper limit temperature range [500 °C]
depending on model/ inactive at TCJ- and TCK-output
[ 0.00
Lower limit signal output [0 V]
according to the range of the selected output signal
] 5.00
Upper limit signal output [5 V]
according to the range of the selected output signal
U °C
Temperature unit [°C]
°C/ °F
| 30.0
Lower alarm limit [30 °C]
depending on model
|| 100.0
Upper alarm limit [100 °C] AL2
depending on model
XHEAD
Ambient temperature compensation [head temperature]
XHEAD = head temperature/ -40,0 … 900,0 °C (for LT)
as fixed value for compensation/ returning to XHEAD
(head temperature) by pressing Up and Down together
Selection of the Output signal. By pressing Up or Down the different output signals can
be selected (see table).
S ON
Activating (ON) and Deactivating (OFF) of the Sighting Laser. By pressing Up or Down
the laser can be switched on and off.
E0.970
Setup of Emissivity. Pressing Up increases the value, Down decreases the value (also
valid for all further functions). The emissivity is a material constant factor to describe the
ability of the body to emit infrared energy [►11 Emissivity].
T1.000
Setup of Transmissivity. This function is used if an optical component (protective
window, additional optics e.g.) is mounted between sensor and object. The standard
setting is 1.000 = 100 % (if no protective window etc. is used).
A 0.2
Setup of Average time. In this mode an arithmetic algorithm will be performed to
smoothen the signal. The set time is the time constant. This function can be combined
with all other post processing functions. On 1M/ 2M/ 3M models the shortest value is
0,001 s (other models: 0,1 s) and can be increased/ decreased only by values of the
power series of 2 (0,002, 0,004, 0,008, 0,016, 0,032, ...).
If the value is set to 0.0 the display will show --- (function deactivated).
P----
Setup of Peak hold. In this mode the sensor is waiting for descending signals. If the
signal descends the algorithm maintains the previous signal peak for the specified time.
After the hold time the signal will drop down to the second highest value or will descend
by 1/8 of the difference between the previous peak and the minimum value during the
hold time. This value will be held again for the specified time. After this the signal will drop
down with slow time constant and will follow the current object temperature.
If the value is set to 0.0 the display will show --- (function deactivated).
V----
Setup of Valley hold. In this mode the sensor waits for ascending signals. The definition
Setup of the Lower limit of temperature range. The minimum difference between lower
and upper limit is 20 K. If you set the lower limit to a value ≥ upper limit the upper limit will
be adjusted to [lower limit + 20 K] automatically.
n 500.0
Setup of the Upper limit of the temperature range. The minimum difference between
upper and lower limit is 20 K. The upper limit can only be set to a value = lower limit + 20 K.
[ 0.00
Setup of the Lower limit of the signal output. This setting allows an assignment of a
certain signal output level to the lower limit of the temperature range. The adjustment range
corresponds to the selected output mode (e.g. 0-5 V).
] 5.00
Setup of the Upper limit of the signal output. This setting allows an assignment of a
certain signal output level to the upper limit of the temperature range. The adjustment range
corresponds to the selected output mode (e.g. 0-5 V).
U °C
Setup of the Temperature unit [°C or °F].
| 30.0
Setup of the Lower alarm limit. This value corresponds to Alarm 1 [►6.4 Alarms] and is
also used as threshold value for relay 1 (if the optional relay board is used).
|| 100.0
Setup of the Upper alarm limit. This value corresponds to Alarm 2 [►6.4 Alarms] and is
also used as threshold value for relay 2 (if the optional relay board is used).
XHEAD
Setup of the Ambient temperature compensation. In dependence on the emissivity value
of the object a certain amount of ambient radiation will be reflected from the object surface.
To compensate this impact, this function allows the setup of a fixed value which represents
the ambient radiation.
Especially if there is a big difference between the ambient temperature at the object and the
head temperature the use of Ambient temperature compensation is recommended.
The CTvideo has an integrated video camera which
is using the same optical channel than the IR
detector. In addition the sensor has a cross laser
aiming which marks the center of the measurement
spot at any distance. The combination of video and
laser sighting enables a perfect alignment of the
sensor to the object.
Do not point the laser directly at the eyes of persons or animals! Do not stare into the laser
beam. Avoid indirect exposure via reflective surfaces!
The laser should only be used for sighting and positioning of the sensor. A permanent use of the
laser can reduce the lifetime of the laser diodes and also the measurement accuracy can be
affected.
7.2 Sighting
The laser can be activated/ deactivated via the programming keys on the unit or via the software. If the laser
is activated a yellow LED will shine (beside temperature display).
At ambient temperatures >50 °C the laser will be switched off automatically.
On the back plane of the sensor you will find a rotary button for focusing of
the optics.
To set the focus to the desired measurement distance you have to connect
the sensor with a PC using the USB cable. Please start the CompactConnect
software. You will see the video beside the temperature-time diagram. The
position of the measurement spot is indicated by a circle inside the video
picture. The size of this circle is equivalent to the IR spot size.
After a successful focusing please enter the
measurement distance (distance sensor front
– object) in the according field in the software
(underneath the video picture).
You will find a detailed description of the video
settings in the software description which you
can call via the menu [?/ Help...].
7.3 Focusing and Video Sighting
By turning the rotary button clockwise you will change the focus in direction far. By turning
counterclockwise you will change the focus in direction close.
The CTvideo sensor has a direct connection to an Android smartphone or tablet. All you
have to do is download the IRmobile app for free in the Google Play store. This can also be
done via the QR code.
With IRmobile you are able to monitor and analyse your infrared temperature measurement on a connected
smartphone or tablet. This app works on most Android devices running 5.0 or higher with a micro USB or
USB-C port supporting USB-OTG (On The Go). It is easy to operate: after you plug your CTvideo device to
your phone or tablet, the app will start automatically. The device is powered by your phone. Different digital
temperature values can be displayed in the temperature time diagram. You can easily zoom-in the diagram
to see more details and small signal changes.
Temperature time diagram with zoom function
Aligning the sensor via live video with integrated simultaneous temperature
display (CTvideo)
Setup of emissivity, transmissivity and other parameters
Scaling of the analog output and setting of the alarm output
Change of temperature unit: Celsius or Fahrenheit
Saving/loading of configurations and T/t diagrams
Restore factory default sensor settings
Integrated simulator
Supported for:
Optris pyrometers: Compact series, high performance series and video thermometers
Optris IR cameras: PI and Xi series
For android devices running 5.0 or higher with a micro USB or USB-C port supporting USB-OTG (On
Insert the installation CD into the according drive on
your computer. If the autorun option is activated the
installation wizard will start automatically.
Otherwise please start CDsetup.exe from the CD-
ROM. Follow the instructions of the wizard until the
installation is finished.
Alternatively, the software can also be downloaded via the Optris website under the following
You will find a detailed software manual on the CD.
Min. system requirements:
Windows 7, 8, 10
USB interface
Hard disc with at least 30 MByte free space
At least 128 MByte RAM
CD-ROM drive
9 Software CompactConnect
9.1 Installation
The installation wizard will place a launch icon on the desktop and in the start menu:
[Start]\Programs\CompactConnect.
If you want to uninstall the software from your system please use the uninstall icon in the start menu.
9,6...115,2 kBaud (adjustable on the unit or via software)
Data bits:
8
Parity:
none
Stop bits:
1
Flow control:
off
Decimal:
131
HEX:
0x83
Data, Answer:
byte 1
Result:
0 – Binary protocol
1 – ASCII protocol
9.2 Communication Settings
9.2.1 Serial Interface
9.2.2 Protocol
All sensors of the CTvideo series are using a binary protocol. Alternatively they can be switched to an ASCII
protocol. To get a fast communication the protocol has no additional overhead with CR, LR or ACK bytes.
9.2.3 ASCII protocol
To switch to the ASCII protocol please use the following command:
0 – Data will be written into the flash memory
1 – Data will not be written into the flash memory
9.2.4 Saving of parameter settings
After power on of the CTvideo sensor the flash mode is active. It means, changed parameter settings will be
saved in the internal Flash-EEPROM and will be kept also after the sensor is switched off.
In case settings should be changed quite often or continuously the flash mode can be switched off by using
the following command:
If the flash mode is deactivated, all settings will only be kept as long as the unit is powered. If the unit is
switched off and powered on again all previous settings are lost.
The command 0x71 will poll the current status.
You will find a detailed protocol and command description on the software CD CompactConnect in the
directory: \Commands.
Depending on the temperature each object emits a certain amount of infrared radiation. A change in the
temperature of the object is accompanied by a change in the intensity of the radiation. For the measurement
of “thermal radiation” infrared thermometry uses a wave-length ranging between 1 µm and 20 µm.
The intensity of the emitted radiation depends on the material. This material contingent constant is described
with the help of the emissivity which is a known value for most materials (►11 Emissivity).
Infrared thermometers are optoelectronic sensors. They calculate the surface temperature on the basis of
the emitted infrared radiation from an object. The most important feature of infrared thermometers is that
they enable the user to measure objects contactless. Consequently, these products help to measure the
temperature of inaccessible or moving objects without difficulties. Infrared thermometers basically consist of
the following components:
The specifications of the lens decisively determine the optical path of the infrared thermometer, which is
characterized by the ratio Distance to Spot size.
The spectral filter selects the wavelength range, which is relevant for the temperature measurement. The
detector in cooperation with the processing electronics transforms the emitted infrared radiation into electrical
signals.
The intensity of infrared radiation, which is emitted by each body, depends on the temperature as well as on
the radiation features of the surface material of the measuring object. The emissivity (ε – Epsilon) is used as
a material constant factor to describe the ability of the body to emit infrared energy. It can range between 0
and 100 %. A “blackbody” is the ideal radiation source with an emissivity of 1,0 whereas a mirror shows an
emissivity of 0,1.
If the emissivity chosen is too high, the infrared thermometer may display a temperature value which is much
lower than the real temperature – assuming the measuring object is warmer than its surroundings. A low
emissivity (reflective surfaces) carries the risk of inaccurate measuring results by interfering infrared radiation
emitted by background objects (flames, heating systems, chamottes). To minimize measuring errors in such
cases, the handling should be performed very carefully and the unit should be protected against reflecting
radiation sources.
11.2 Determination of unknown Emissivities
► First, determine the actual temperature of the measuring object with a thermocouple or contact sensor.
Second, measure the temperature with the infrared thermometer and modify the emissivity until the
displayed result corresponds to the actual temperature.
► If you monitor temperatures of up to 380 °C you may place a special plastic sticker (emissivity dots – part
number: ACLSED) onto the measuring object, which covers it completely. Now set the emissivity to 0,95
-56and take the temperature of the sticker. Afterwards, determine the temperature of the adjacent area on
the measuring object and adjust the emissivity according to the value of the temperature of the sticker.
► Cove a part of the surface of the measuring object with a black, flat paint with an emissivity of 0,98. Adjust
the emissivity of your infrared thermometer to 0,98 and take the temperature of the colored surface.
Afterwards, determine the temperature of a directly adjacent area and modify the emissivity until the
measured value corresponds to the temperature of the colored surface.
CAUTION: On all three methods the object temperature must be different from ambient temperature.
11.3 Characteristic Emissivities
In case none of the methods mentioned above help to determine the emissivity you may use the emissivity
tables ►Appendix A – Emissivity Table Metals and Appendix B – Emissivity Table Non Metals. These
are average values only. The actual emissivity of a material depends on the following factors:
temperature
measuring angle
geometry of the surface
thickness of the material
constitution of the surface (polished, oxidized, rough, sandblast)
spectral range of the measurement
transmissivity (e.g. with thin films)
The average function is generally used to smoothen the output signal. With the adjustable parameter time
this function can be optimal adjusted to the respective application. One disadvantage of the average function
is that fast temperature peaks which are caused by dynamic events are subjected to the same averaging
time. Therefore those peaks can only be seen with a delay on the signal output.
The function Smart Averaging eliminates this disadvantage by passing those fast events without averaging
directly through to the signal output.