Flir ThermovisionMSeries Installation Guide

							M-Series
432-0003-00-12
Revision 140
January 2012
Installation Guide 
						

							© FLIR Systems, Inc., 2012. All rights reserved worldwide. No parts of this manual, in whole or in part, may be copied, 
photocopied, translated, or transmitted to any electronic medium or machine readable form without the prior written 
permission of FLIR Systems, Inc.
Names and marks appearing on the products herein are either registered trademarks or trademarks of FLIR Systems, Inc. 
and/or its subsidiaries. All other trademarks, trade names, or company names referenced herein are used for identification 
only and are the property of their respective owners.
This product is covered by one or more of US Patent Nos: 7470904; 7034301; 6812465; 7470902; 6929410 and other 
patents pending or design patents pending. 
The M-Series thermal imaging system is controlled by US export laws. There are special versions of this system that are 
approved for international distribution and travel. Please contact FLIR Systems if you have any questions.
FLIR Systems, Inc.
70 Castilian Drive
Goleta, CA 93117
Phone: +1.888.747.FLIR (+1.888.747.3547)
www.flir.com/maritime
Document Number: 432-0003-00-12, Revision 140
Document History
This document is controlled to FLIR Technology Level 1. The information contained in this document pertains to a dual use 
product controlled for export by the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). FLIR trade secrets contained herein are 
subject to disclosure restrictions as a matter of law. Diversion contrary to US law is prohibited. US Department of 
Commerce authorization is not required prior to export or transfer to foreign persons or parties unless otherwise prohibited.
Revision Date Comment
100 June 2009 Initial release
110 February 2010 Release of M-320L and M-324XP and minor changes
120 December 2010 Release of M-625XP, M-324L, and M-625L
Replacement of M-320L and M-626L
130 January 2011 Minor corrections
140 January 2012 Release of M-618CS
Minor corrections and style changes 
						

							432-0003-00-12 Rev 140 — M-Series Installation Guide 1
CHAPTER 1 Installing M-Series Systems........................................................ 3
Additional References.................................................................................................................... 4
Documentation Conventions.......................................................................................................... 4
Warnings and Cautions............................................................................................... 5
Installation Overview................................................................................................... 6
Installation Planning.................................................................................................... 7
General Location Considerations................................................................................................... 7
Camera Location Considerations................................................................................................... 7
Camera Mounting Options............................................................................................................. 8
Camera Video Options................................................................................................................... 9
Joystick Control Unit (JCU)............................................................................................................ 9
Multiple JCU/Camera Installations............................................................................................... 10
Physical Installation....................................................................................................11
Installing the Camera Unit.............................................................................................................11
Installing the Joystick Control Unit (JCU)..................................................................................... 12
Electrical Connections............................................................................................... 14
Proper Grounding......................................................................................................................... 15
Connecting Power........................................................................................................................ 15
Video Connections....................................................................................................................... 16
Ethernet Connections................................................................................................................... 16
CHAPTER 2 M-Series Reference.................................................................. 17
Introduction............................................................................................................... 17
M-Series Maintenance.............................................................................................. 17
Cleaning the JCU......................................................................................................................... 17
Cleaning the Camera Optics........................................................................................................ 17
Cleaning the Camera Body.......................................................................................................... 18
Specifications............................................................................................................ 18
External Standards.................................................................................................... 19
Acronyms.................................................................................................................. 20
Feature Comparison of M-Series Models................................................................. 22
Contents 
						

							 Contents
2432-0003-00-12 Rev 140 — M-Series Installation Guide 
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							432-0003-00-12 Rev 140 M-Series Installation Guide 3
CHAPTER 1Installing M-Series 
Systems
This manual describes the installation of the M-Series camera. If you need help or 
have additional questions, please call to speak with our support experts; see the 
phone numbers on the back cover of this manual. 
M-Series is a maritime thermal imaging system for use on most types of vessels. 
The system is available in two configurations:
• The single payload models have a single thermal imaging camera.
• The dual payload models are equipped with both a thermal imaging camera 
and a visible-light (DLTV) camera, either low-light or color. 
The infrared (IR) thermal camera provides night-time imagery, even in total 
darkness, based on temperature differences. The thermal camera provides a 
clear video image even under completely dark conditions because it is sensitive 
to thermal infrared energy. The infrared camera supports either 2X or both 2X and 
4X zoom, depending on the model.
On dual payload models, the two integrated DLTV camera options provide either 
black and white imagery in low-light conditions or color imagery. The DLTV 
cameras provide enhanced navigational abilities in a variety of conditions, for 
example, during twilight hours or when operating along intercoastal waterways 
and near harbor entrances. The color camera dual payload model supports 
continuous zoom.
One M-Series model (indicated by an S suffix) includes a mechanical stabilization 
feature that improves image stability. The stabilization feature compensates for 
the motion of the vessel and improves the utility of the camera video output when 
operating in rough seas or swell conditions. 
For a complete list of models and a comparison of key features, see “Feature 
Comparison of M-Series Models” on page 22.  
						

							 Installing M-Series Systems
4432-0003-00-12 Rev 140 — M-Series Installation Guide 
This manual includes information about the following topics:
• Installation overview
• Mounting the camera and its components 
• Connecting the electronics
• Maintaining the camera
• Parts list and other reference information 
Additional References
Your M-Series camera comes with a complete documentation set on a CD (FLIR 
Doc. # 432-0003-00-16) that includes this manual as well as others. All 
documents are in PDF format and can be viewed with Adobe Acrobat Reader:
•M-Series Operator’s Manual (FLIR Doc. # 432-0003-00-10) contains 
information about how to configure, use, and operate the camera.
•M-Series Quick Start Guide (FLIR Doc. # 432-0003-00-11) is a double-sided 
card that shows the functions executed by the various JCU buttons.
•M-Series Interface Control Document (ICD) (FLIR Doc. # 432-0003-00) is an 
extensive set of CAD drawings with detailed component dimensions, wiring 
schemes, mounting dimensions, and several possible system configurations 
using more than one JCU. 
This manual frequently refers to the ICD drawings for details during the 
installation steps. You should ensure that you have these drawings available 
before beginning the install.
The ICD drawings are also available from the FLIR Web site:
http://www.flir.com/cvs/americas/en/maritime/ae/
You may also refer to the Resources Web page for up-to-date documentation:
http://www.flir.com/cvs/americas/en/maritime/resources/
Documentation Conventions
For safety, and to achieve the highest levels of performance from the M-Series 
system, always follow the warnings and cautions in this manual when handling 
and operating the M-Series camera system.
Warning: Warning notices are used to emphasize that hazardous voltages, 
currents, temperatures, or other conditions that could cause personal injury or 
death exist with this equipment, or may be associated with its use. 
Caution: Caution notices are used where equipment might be damaged if care is 
not taken or an operation might have an unexpected outcome. 
						

							432-0003-00-12 Rev 140 — M-Series Installation Guide 5
 Installing M-Series Systems
Note:Notes call attention to information that is especially significant to 
understanding and operating the equipment.
Warnings and Cautions
Warning: Do not use the M-Series imaging system as the primary navigation 
system. Use it in conjunction with other navigation aids and a primary manual 
navigation system.
Warning: Use of insufficient wire gauge can result in fire. 
Caution: Do not open the M-Series camera unit for any reason. Disassembly of 
the camera (including removal of the cover) can cause permanent damage and 
will void the warranty.
Caution: Be careful not to leave fingerprints on the M-Series camera optics. 
Caution: The M-Series requires a power supply of 12 – 24V DC nominal, 5 Amp 
maximum. Absolute voltage range: 10 – 32V DC. Operating the camera outside of 
the specified input voltage range or the specified operating temperature range 
can cause permanent damage.
Caution: During installation, ensure the cables exiting the bottom of the camera 
are not in contact with sharp edges, do not bend at sharp angles, and are not 
pinched between the bottom of the camera and the mounting surface. Do not pull 
on the cables with excessive force. 
Proper Disposal of Electrical and Electronic Equipment (EEE): The European 
Union (EU) has enacted Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive 
2002/96/EC (WEEE), which aims to prevent EEE waste from arising, to 
encourage reuse, recycling, and recovery of EEE waste, and to promote 
environmental responsibility. 
In accordance with these regulations, all EEE products labeled with the “crossed 
out wheeled bin” either on the product itself or in the product literature must not be 
disposed of in regular rubbish bins, mixed with regular household or other 
commercial waste, or by other regular municipal waste collection means. Instead, 
and in order to prevent possible harm to the environment or human health, all 
EEE products (including any cables that came with the product) should be 
responsibly discarded or recycled.
To identify a responsible disposal method where you live, please contact your 
local waste collection or recycling service, your original place of purchase or 
product supplier, or the responsible government authority in your area. Business 
users should contact their supplier or refer to their purchase contract. 
						

							 Installing M-Series Systems
6432-0003-00-12 Rev 140 — M-Series Installation Guide 
Installation Overview
The M-Series includes these standard components:
• Pan/tilt camera unit
• Joystick control unit (JCU) and JCU cover 
• M-Series documentation package 
• 7.7 meter (25-foot) double-shielded Ethernet cable
• Weathertight Ethernet coupler
• Mounting hardware and connectors
You will need to supply the following items; required lengths vary depending on 
your boats configuration. These items are available in standard lengths through 
FLIR.
• Electrical wire, for system power; up to 30.5 meters (100 feet), 3-conductor, 
gauge determined by cable length and supply voltage; see “Electrical 
Connections” on page 14 for details.
• Camera grounding strap.
• Up to 2 coaxial RG59/U video cables (with F-style connector at the camera 
end).
• Ethernet cables, if required, up to 100 meters (328 feet).
• Miscellaneous electrical hardware, connectors, and tools.
The mounting hardware included with the camera includes the following. For 
installations with special requirements, you may need to substitute other 
mounting hardware:
• Six M6 x 60 stainless steel-threaded studs with washers and nylock nuts or 
acorn nuts, for attaching the M-Series camera body. The length required 
depends on the mounting platform thickness. See “Camera Mounting 
Options” on page 8 for more details.
• Four captive screws for attaching the JCU.
Optional configurations have additional requirements: 
• For a top-down installation, you may need an optional Top-Down Installation 
Kit. See “Camera Mounting Options” on page 8 for more information about 
mounting kits.
• If you plan to install more than one JCU or additional cameras, additional 
network hardware (a PoE switch or a non-PoE switch with a PoE injector) is 
required. See “Multiple JCU/Camera Installations” on page 10 for more 
details.
Dual Payload 
Pan/Tilt Camera Joystick 
Control Unit
Top-down installation using 
mounting plate 
						

							432-0003-00-12 Rev 140 — M-Series Installation Guide 7
 Installing M-Series Systems
Contact FLIR (phone numbers listed on the back cover of this manual) for more 
information regarding available accessories including JCUs, PoE equipment, 
video distribution amplifiers, cables, connectors, and mounting hardware.
Installation Planning
You should consider a number of factors in planning the installation of the 
M-Series camera and JCU.
General Location Considerations
First determine a good location for mounting the M-Series camera unit and the 
JCU. The camera requires at least three connections:
• One for power
• One network connection to the JCU or a PC
• One or two for the video display or displays
Optionally, more than one JCU can be used to control the camera and more than 
one display can be used to view the video. Also a single JCU can be used to 
control more than one camera. Most often, the JCU and the video monitor are 
mounted close together, as a pair, so the video can be viewed when the camera 
position (pan or tilt) is changed with the JCU. 
When determining the component locations, consider how the system may be 
expanded in the future. For example, you may want to add an additional monitor, 
or perhaps a JCU and monitor pair. 
Camera Location Considerations
Consider the following points when determining the camera location:
• Mount the IP66-rated M-Series camera body as high as practical, but without 
interfering with any radar, navigational, or communications electronics. and 
minimizing the degree to which vessel structures block the camera’s 360° 
view. The camera’s continuous-pan design lets it rotate and point in all 
directions. It is good practice to test the unit at the planned installation location 
with typical vessel electronics active prior to mounting the camera. 
• Mount the camera as close to the vessel’s center line as possible so you will 
have a symmetrical view of on-coming traffic, obstacles, and other navigational 
hazards.
• An appropriate camera mount suited for the camera mass and potential 
vibration and mechanical shock is important for proper camera functioning. 
The camera is tested to hold position for mechanical shock up to 9g transverse 
and 15g vertical. Improper mounts that are loose and/or resonate can magnify  
						

							 Installing M-Series Systems
8432-0003-00-12 Rev 140 — M-Series Installation Guide 
vessel impacts causing the camera to be unable to maintain pointing 
direction.
• A final location consideration is the camera’s relation to other navigation 
devices. If you are relying on a magnetic compass for navigation and 
direction, you should establish a “compass safe distance” for any object 
placed in its vicinity, especially any electronic equipment. The magnetic 
compass safe distance for the camera is 20 cm (7.9 in). 
Camera Mounting Options
Your M-Series camera—except for the M-618CS model—can be installed in an 
upright or upside down position.
Warning: The M-618CS model, which is a mechanically stabilized system, must 
be installed in the ball-up orientation. 
Upright Installation
In most installations, the M-Series is mounted upright on top of a mounting 
surface, with the pan/tilt base below the camera; this is known as the ball up 
orientation. Optionally, the unit (unless it is the M-618CS model) can be hung 
upside down or ball down. Unless otherwise noted, these mounting instructions 
assume an upright installation; refer to “Mounting Upside Down” on page 12 for 
information about ball down installations. 
Once the mounting location has been selected, verify that both sides of the 
mounting surface are accessible. With the supplied hardware, the camera can be 
mounted to a platform that is up to 41 mm (1.6”) thick. Depending on the 
thickness of the mounting platform, the installer can choose to provide other 
mounting hardware, rather than using the supplied threaded studs and nylock/
acorn nuts. The camera mounting surface must be at least as large as the 
footprint of the camera itself to ensure an adequate seal with the O-ring.
You do not need to remove the screws in the base of the camera or disassemble 
the camera unit. The camera unit is sealed at the factory. Disassembling the 
camera will compromise the seals and will void the warranty. 
Top-Down Installation Kits
Generally the M-Series camera is secured directly to a surface using threaded 
studs that extend from the base through the mounting platform and are secured 
from below. If it is not possible to access the space below the mounting platform, 
you can mount the camera from above the surface with one of the top-down 
mounting accessory kits. This type of installation makes use of either a mounting 
plate or mounting riser; these optional accessories are available from FLIR. 
To install, the camera is first mounted to the accessory plate or riser, then the 
plate or riser is secured to the surface with screws from above. The mounting 
riser allows space between the camera base and the mounting surface for the 
cable connections. With the mounting plate, the cables pass through the plate 
and the connections are below the mounting surface. 
Upright 
(ball up) Upside down 
(ball down)
Top-down installation 
using riser