Flir ThermovisionPathFindIR LE User Manual

							334-0001-00-10-LE, rev. 100 May ’085
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2 – Introduction2 – Introduction
Although adverse conditions such as heavy fog will affect any driver vision 
enhancement system, thermal imaging cameras such as the PathFindIR 
LE have been shown to continue to provide useful information in 
conditions of reduced visibility, such as haze and smoke. While the 
PathFindIR LE can assist drivers with detection of obstructions in the 
vehicle’s path, thermal imagers should not be used as the sole vision 
method of the driver.
PathFindIR LE is specifically designed to withstand a harsh environment, 
with a hermetically-sealed external housing resistant to rocks, sand, salt, 
and under-hood contaminants. Additionally, the wide operating 
temperature range allows the PathFindIR LE to maintain high performance 
in severe weather conditions.
2.3 What is Thermal Imaging?
With our eyes, we see visible light. With a thermal imager, we can see 
infrared - a form of light just beyond the visible spectrum. Thermal 
imagers show subtle differences in temperature; warm objects appear 
white and cooler objects appear black. 
In addition to driver vision enhancement, FLIR's thermal imaging cameras 
are used in a wide variety of applications, including fire fighting, security, 
maritime, industrial and medical applications. They continue to be used 
by militaries worldwide to navigate at night and in battlefield conditions. 
Over the last few years, volume production of these systems has allowed 
FLIR to offer the same high performance cameras designed for military use 
to the commercial market.
2.4 Vehicles that use PathFindIR LE
PathFindIR LE can increase the detection time for hazards and reduce the 
probability of an accident - providing confidence and saving lives and 
property. PathFindIR LE provides improved situational awareness often 
necessary when performing investigations and when responding to 
emergencies.
Emergency vehicles - Emergency vehicles' high speeds and degraded 
stopping distances increase the chance of an accident - PathFindIR LE 
improves hazard detection at high speeds. 
						

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6May ’08 334-0001-00-10-LE, rev. 1002 – Introduction
Open rural roads - PathFindIR LE can reveal people, animals and 
obstructions at long ranges in complete darkness. This early detection 
capability can significantly increase reaction time.
Hard-to-see conditions - PathFindIR LE improves awareness in conditions 
that render eyesight and daylight cameras useless. The PathFindIR LE can 
see clearly through dust and smoke, increasing safety for everyone on the 
job site.
2.5 Part Numbers
The PathFindIR LE kit (part number 421-0034-00) contains the standard 
PathFindIR camera (part number 334-0001-00, 30Hz, NTSC format) as 
well as a monitor, bracket, and cables required for a complete installation. 
Refer to Chapter 5 “Options and Accessories” on page 5-13 for more 
details.
All thermal imaging systems are subject to export control. 
Standard NTSC (30Hz) and PAL (25Hz) units are subject to 
export restrictions and licensing by the United States 
Government. Models with video frame rates at or below 9Hz do 
not require licensing but do require compliance with other export 
requirements. Please contact FLIR for details concerning export 
compliance for your application or geographic area. 
						

							334-0001-00-10-LE, rev. 100 May ’087
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3 Getting Started
The thermal imaging camera inside the PathFindIR LE is completely 
sealed and extremely rugged. The camera has been qualified for operation 
in all types of weather conditions over the specified operating temperature 
range and includes an automatic window heater that will prevent icing 
under most conditions. 
3.1 Using your PathFindIR LE
The PathFindIR LE is easy to use, but you should take a moment to 
carefully read this section so you fully understand what you are seeing on 
your display. While the imagery you will see on the monitor may look like 
black and white daylight video, it isn’t! A few tips on how to interpret some 
of the imagery will help you to make the most of your system. 
The camera automatically adjusts to changing scene conditions so no 
additional camera control is necessary. Scenes with familiar objects will be 
easy to interpret with some experience. The camera automatically 
optimizes the image to provide you with the best contrast in most 
conditions.
The thermal imager inside the camera does not sense light like 
conventional cameras; it senses heat or temperature differences. As you 
experiment with the system during nighttime operation, you will notice 
variances in the “picture quality”; this is normal. The camera senses small 
“differences” in apparent radiation from the objects in view, and displays 
them as either white (or lighter shades of gray) for warmer objects, and 
black (or darker shades of gray) for colder objects. 
3.2 Initial System Startup
The PathFindIR LE camera requires power and a connection to an external 
monitor to provide imagery. Make sure to test the system prior to 
installation to assure the system is functioning properly. Be sure to remove 
the protective window sticker prior to test and installation. 
Upon initial power up you will hear a slight clicking sound. This click is 
the internal image correction. This noise is the mechanical shutter 
assembly which will cause the image to momentarily “freeze.” This noise 
and image freezing will occur until the unit has reached a thermally stable  
						

							3 – Getting Started
8May ’08 334-0001-00-10-LE, rev. 1003 – Getting Started
temperature and periodically thereafter. See “Automatic Shutter” on 
page 8.
3.3 Heater Element
The PathFindIR LE has a built-in heating element to stabilize the window 
and prevent ice build-up in cold weather conditions. The heating element 
is automatically turned on when the temperature of the window falls below 
4ºC and is tuned off when the temperature reaches 6ºC.
3.4 Automatic Shutter 
The PathFindIR LE incorporates an automatic image correction feature via 
the internal calibration shutter. This shutter will activate every 2 minutes 
or more frequently during initial start up and large environmental 
temperature changes. During this function the image will be “frozen” for 
approximately half a second.
The frozen image will display a small white box in the left middle portion 
of the image during this calibration, as shown in the image below.
3.5 In Case of Difficulty
The PathFindIR LE comes with a 12 month limited warranty from the date 
of purchase. DO NOT OPEN, MODIFY, or ALTER the PathFindIR LE unit or 
accessories. Doing so will void any warranty and may cause system 
malfunction, loss of performance, fire, or bodily harm. 
						

							334-0001-00-10-LE, rev. 100 May ’089
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3 – Getting Started3 – Getting Started
The PathFindIR LE is a highly sophisticated electronic imaging system. 
Should the system fail for any reason do not attempt to fix the system or 
wiring cables yourself. Check wiring connections, power input, video 
output. If system is not performing please contact the manufacture at           
+1.888.747.3547 or +1.805.964.9797 and ask to speak to the service 
department. You will need the serial number of the unit to obtain a Return 
Material Authorization.
3.6 Troubleshooting
No Video but the system is running and has power supplied to it.
Place your ear next to the PathFindIR LE unit. If you hear the mechanical 
shutter (clicking noise, see section 3.2 “Initial System Startup” on page 
7) but you are not getting an image, check the video connections. The 
PathFindIR LE works with most standard NTSC or PAL monitors that have 
75 ohm input.
No Video, no clicking.
If video is not displayed and you do not hear a "clicking" sound from the 
PathFindIR LE, check the power inputs. The PathFindIR LE runs on 6V to 
16V power through the optional 20 foot standard cable power leads. If this 
voltage is exceeded the unit will not function and may be damaged.
The image is cloudy or hazy, or the window has fog or ice built up.
The PathFindIR LE is equipped with an automatic heating element which 
turns on at cold temperatures. The heater requires a few moments to 
stabilize the window. Once the window is thermally stabilized the heating 
element will turn off automatically.
The image has "lines" or screen door appearance.
Check to see if the image "freezes" or if you hear a mechanical "clicking 
noise" from the PathFindIR LE unit. If you do not see the image freeze 
momentarily (this may take a few minutes), the internal shutter may be 
damaged. Contact the manufacturer.  
						

							3 – Getting Started
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The image is shaky.
Check your mounting. The PathFindIR LE does not incorporate image 
stabilization and must be mounted soundly and securely.
Image is dim.
Check your monitor and video connections. It is recommended that you 
use separate power supplies for the PathFindIR LE and the local display to 
make sure you have clean uninterrupted power. Also, verify the PathFindIR 
LE is connected to the 75 ohm input on the monitor. The image may be 
dim if the camera is connected to an input that requires a different 
impedance.
The image is dark and no objects are seen.
Recycle the power and see if you get the "Splash Screen" (as seen below) 
on the display. If you get the Splash Screen but no image afterwards (only 
a black screen), check to make sure that the window is clear of all 
obstructions (refer to the maintenance section for information on window 
cleaning). If you do not see the Splash Screen, check the power input and 
video output.
If you see the Splash Screen but no image afterwards, it is possible the 
mechanical shutter is stuck in the on position. Contact FLIR customer 
service for additional help.
Figure 3-1: Startup Splash Screen 
						

							334-0001-00-10-LE, rev. 100 May ’0811
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4 Caring for your PathFindIR LE
4.1 Product Cleaning
Your PathFindIR LE camera images through an infrared transparent 
window. This window is designed for the harsh automotive environment of 
normal driving, but may require occasional cleaning. FLIR Systems Inc. 
suggests that you clean the window of the PathFindIR LE when image 
quality degradation is noticed or excessive contaminant build-up is seen 
on the window. 
The camera housing has a durable coating and the rugged protective 
window is designed to withstand normal cleaning. Rinse the camera 
housing with low pressure fresh water to keep it clean. If the front window 
of the PathFindIR LE gets water spots, wipe it with a clean soft cotton 
cloth dampened with fresh water. If the window requires further cleaning, 
use a soft moist cotton-based cloth with isopropyl alcohol or dish soap. 
Do not use abrasive materials, such as paper or scrub brushes as this will 
possibly damage the window by scratching it. Only clean the window when 
you can visually see contamination on the surface. 
4.2 Temperature
The PathFindIR LE camera has an operating temperature range of -40 to 
80oC. Choose an installation location so that the PathFindIR LE is not 
subject to temperature extremes that exceed this range. 
4.3 Maintenance
If you have problems do not attempt to repair the PathFindIR LE unit 
yourself. The PathFindIR LE camera is a water-tight sealed unit and can Caution!  Do not open the camera body for any reason. Disassembly of the 
camera (including removal of the cover) can cause permanent damage 
and will void the warranty. 
						

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not be opened or serviced in the field. Consult your installation dealer or 
FLIR Systems Inc. for repair information. 
If the camera will not produce an image, check the video connection at the 
camera and at your display. If the connectors appear to be properly 
engaged but the camera still does not produce an image, have an 
authorized service representative make the appropriate repairs.
Caution! Improper care of the camera window can cause damage to the 
anti-reflective coating, degrade the camera’s performance, and void the 
camera warranty.
Figure 4-1: Front Window Front
Window 
						

							334-0001-00-10-LE, rev. 100 May ’0813
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5 Options and Accessories
5.1 Accessories
Camera options and accessories are subject to change. Refer to the FLIR 
web site http://www.flir.com or contact your local dealer to obtain up-to-
date information regarding available accessories such as mounting kits, 
monitor options, cables and accessories.
5.1.1 PathFindIR Interface Cable
Part Number: 308-0121-00
The standard 20 foot system cable ensures a sealed connection to the 
PathFindIR LE, a requirement for harsh vehicle environments. Cable 
includes sealed PathFindIR connector at one end and two open power 
leads and a BNC video connection at the other end.
Video output Power Leads
Connect to 
PathFindIR 
						

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5.1.2 PathFindIR LE Vision Enhancement Kit
The FLIR PathFindIR LE Vision Enhancement Kit, part number 421-
0034-00, is made available to facilitate installation in most Law 
Enforcement vehicle applications. The kit contains:
ƒPathFindIR LE camera
ƒUniversal Mounting Bracket and hardware
ƒPathFindIR Interface Cable 308-0121-00
ƒSafety Vision 7” Monitor with Mounting Bracket and Sun Shield
ƒMonitor Interface Cable SV-513
The following diagram shows how to connect the PathFindIR LE using the 
cables in the kit.