Author Topic: FLIR E4 - The useful information thread  (Read 135228 times)

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Online FraserTopic starter

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Re: FLIR E4 - The useful information thread
« Reply #25 on: November 24, 2013, 11:10:22 pm »
Tripod Adapter for Ex series

Forum member Georges80 has created an STL 3D printing file for a tripod adapter to hold the Ex series.

Details may be found here:

Messages 1653 and 1630

https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/flir-e4-thermal-imaging-camera-teardown/1650/


UPDATE:  Georges80 has designed an improved tripod bracket that has both front and bottom tripod mount holes. You Can find the new version here:

Message 1994

https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/flir-e4-thermal-imaging-camera-teardown/1980/

New bracket file set is attached.
« Last Edit: November 30, 2013, 09:48:47 pm by Aurora »
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Online FraserTopic starter

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Re: FLIR E4 - The useful information thread
« Reply #26 on: November 24, 2013, 11:19:51 pm »
E4 3D parts STL file repository

For ease of finding, I am attaching the current STL files for the following parts

1. Focus Tool by Taucher
2. Focus Tool by Georges80
3. Lens Holder by Georges80
4. Tripod Bracket by Georges80

These are all the work of others and not myself.
« Last Edit: November 24, 2013, 11:31:35 pm by Aurora »
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Re: FLIR E4 - The useful information thread
« Reply #27 on: November 25, 2013, 12:44:03 pm »
I have just received a quote from Dale at Lunevalley3D for the additional parts that I am ordering. He has also responded to comments in another thread I posted on 3D printing providers in the UK.

His comments:

------------------------
"I do try to produce prints that 'I' would find acceptable as a paying customer. One comment on the forum was 'it's good, but not perfect'. This of course is one of the constraints of modern low cost 3D printing. I could in fact turn up the resolution considerably more that I did for your lens tool, but it takes longer to print and as a 'tool' is less critical than say 'something that you might wear - or put on show'. However, it is always possible - please ask if you ever require that level of finish and I'll always try to accommodate"
-----------------------------

A good chap to deal with I thinks.

The 3D parts cost quote from Dale :

-----------------------------

20mm Lens Holder GBP4.62

E4 Holder GBP11.30 (if cost is an issue here - could be reduced slightly if strength is not an issue here - by reducing the 'cavity fill' percentage)

New Lens Tool GBP2.79

All subject to Royal Mail post charges at cost. (0.69 if it goes through the 'large Letter' slot or 2.60 if it doesn't!)
-------------------------------------------

In my view, very reasonable, and far cheaper than buying a 3D printer with all that such entails before obtaining a decent print   ;D

I have asked for a Hi-Res print of the lens holder.
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Offline georges80

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Re: FLIR E4 - The useful information thread
« Reply #28 on: November 26, 2013, 01:58:51 am »
The holder I made was set to 10% fill factor. Still PLENTY strong and reduces internal plastic content to 10% - uses a honeycomb structure versus filling all the nooks and crannies. It's a value you enter into the Makerbot software when your run the slicer program to create the actual file that the Makerbot reads to print with.

Basically the 3D printer creates a "shell" that's a few layers thick and then switches to a honeycomb pattern for large volumes. Works just fine, uses less plastic, speeds up the printing process and saves the seals :)

cheers,
george.
 

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Re: FLIR E4 - The useful information thread
« Reply #29 on: November 26, 2013, 01:20:29 pm »
Thanks for the information George  :)
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Re: FLIR E4 - The useful information thread
« Reply #30 on: November 26, 2013, 01:22:35 pm »
UK SUPPLIER RECOMMENDATION

UPDATE @ 26 November. I have spoken with David at PASS today. They have stock at the moment. Please contact David direct for more information.

Details of PASS are included from a previous posting, below, for your information.



I have just spoken to David Atkins at PASS, who are supplying my E4. I was just checking on the latest delivery of these cameras and have been advised that 30 are due in today or tomorrow  :) Good news for all those waiting. PASS appear to have a very well stocked and reliable supply chain.

I was also advised that if members of the EEVBlog  wish to contact David directly, he is a Level 1 Thermographer and will be happy to discuss providing the same discount as provided to me on my E4 purchase. Speak with David if you have any questions. His direct telephone number is : 01642 626142   

PASS have dealt with me in a very efficient and professional manner so if you are in the UK and thinking of buying an E4 ,I can certainly recommend them.

From PASS's point of view this increase in sales does them no harm and they are keen to help anyone who wishes to become the proud owner of an E4 without long delivery times !

I do not work for PASS or have any association with them, I am just a very content customer.
I am providing David's Details here as he is the best point of contact if you wish to discuss an E4 purchase and any discounts that he can offer you as an EEVBlog member ;)  Just tell him you are a member of EEVBlog and can you have the same discount as Fraser.

Contact details for PASS:

-----------------------
Fraser

Should you require any more information, please do not hesitate to contact me. Tel: 01642 626142 (Direct)

Many thanks

David Atkins – Senior Account Manager
Certified Level 1 Infrared Thermographer

 
Test Equipment & Thermal Camera Sales
Tel: 01642 626142 (Direct Line)
Fax: 0870 143 1869
Mobile: 07792 742265

Email: dave@tester.co.uk

Please take a second to see what other services PASS can offer and remember we aim to beat any like for like quote:

www.pass.co.uk

Pass Ltd, 1 Alberto Street, Stockton-on-Tees TS18 2BQ
Registered Company in England and Wales - Reg No 4457106
VAT Registration Number 779714081

----------------------------
 
I hope this information is useful. When companies wish to offer special rates to EEVBlog members I believe in supporting them.

Note: PASS are an authorised Distributor for FLIR products and may be found on the FLIR official distributor list under their full name of : Portable Appliance Safety Services (PASS) Ltd.  here:

http://projects.flircs.com/distributors/?app=Building

Fraser
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Online FraserTopic starter

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Re: FLIR E4 - The useful information thread
« Reply #31 on: November 26, 2013, 02:39:40 pm »
Lens Care

UPDATE: I have been pointed towards the FLIR manual as it has advice regarding lens cleaning on page 21:

http://support.flir.com/DocDownload/Assets/92/English/T559828-en-US$AB.pdf

(This may need to be pasted into your browser)

I have read the guidance and bow to FLIR's greater knowledge (they made the camera after all) but the use of solvents like acetone make me very nervous. Acetone attacks many plastics. Please read the FLIR guidance and that which I have provided below and make your own decision on which carries the least risk. I have checked and IPA is a very safe fluid for cleaning lenses but it can leave a slight residue that should be carefully wiped off.

UPDATE ENDS


Thermal camera lenses are particularly sensitive to damage by incorrect cleaning methods.

The coating on the lens directly effects the lenses performance and removal of such causes degradation of the image.

A Germanium lens should be cleaned with non solvent based fluids. I recommend the use of the standard eye glass cleaner that contains no IPA or solvents. Such cleaners are safe on plastic lenses and TIC lenses. IMHO you should not use the little packets of  lens tissue type glasses cleaners as these can be abrasive. Use a Microfibre cloth.

Manufacturers recommend that only an air duster is used to prevent scratching of the lens coating. I read of one poor chap who religiously wiped his lens with a lens cloth after each use to keep it clean. He wrote off a very expensive camera lens as a result ! Friction from regular rubbing of the lens with a cloth will cause damage to the coating. Try cleaning the lens very carefully with the spray on spectacles cleaner on a soft microfiber lens cloth. There may be a residue from your previous attempt causing the thermal effect that you are seeing.

Be aware that the Ex series uses a new(ish) lens manufacturing technology that is not pure Germanium. It is s a composite 'glass' that may be moulded to shape rather than diamond cut. I am not aware of this lenses vulnerabilities.

For those unaware. It is not necessary to keep your thermal lens completely dust free on this camera. You are unlikely to see any degradation in the image. Dust on the FPA detector is a very different matter though, so take care if removing the lens from the camera at any time. The detectors window is also quite delicate and should only be cleaned with clean compressed air.

Please also note the 'air in a can' and 'computer duster' types of air cleaner do not contain air at all. They use substances that expand quickly when exposed to the atmosphere. Butane is such a substance ! The contents of some cheap air dusters can cause damage to optics, especially if the fluid escapes the can and hits the lens  :scared:  Always use an air duster that is designed for optical use and is totally inert and residue free. I have used 'DRUKLUFT 67' Its expensive, but then so is the lens ! I now use an airbrush compressor that is fitted with two water vapour traps and is oil-less in operation. I use it for airbrushing as well so it was well worth the GBP60 I paid.

DRUCKLUFT is stocked by Farnell.

http://uk.farnell.com/kontakt-chemie/druckluft-67-100-ml/air-duster/dp/1004228?CMP=KNC-GUK-FUK-GEN-KWL&gclid=CNno_JnWgrsCFasfwwodZiUAYQ

My compressor is an AS186 kit that came with air brushes. I bought from here:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/AS-186-Complete-Airbrush-Kit-Compressor-With-Tank-/200600974912?pt=UK_Crafts_DrawingSupplies_EH&hash=item2eb4bff640

Its a decent and quiet bit of kit. I advise you avoid units that do not have an air reservoir and regulator.

I also purchased a secondary water vapour separator

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1PCS-Airbrush-Mini-Air-Spray-Copper-Pen-Filter-Moisture-Water-Trap-Spray-New-/370678148219?pt=UK_Crafts_DrawingSupplies_EH&hash=item564e23ac7b

The CREATEX miniature air duster nozzle is excellent as it also takes a hypodermic needle for working deep inside equipment. I like it a lot. I will add a link when I find it again

Here is the link:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Airbrush-Accessories-Mini-Blow-Gun-Blow-Out-Adapter-/161144807571?pt=UK_Crafts_DrawingSupplies_EH&hash=item2584faa093

It comes with a standard quick release fitting and I recommend users buy a quick release adapter anyway, so this will plug straight in.

Very cheap and I advise you buy the quick release that has the adjustable air valve as this can be useful:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1-8-Quick-Release-Airbrush-Disconnect-Coupler-Air-Flow-Control-Coupler-Release-/200929745484?pt=UK_Air_Tools_and_Compressors&hash=item2ec8589a4c



« Last Edit: November 27, 2013, 02:10:56 pm by Aurora »
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Online FraserTopic starter

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Re: FLIR E4 - The useful information thread
« Reply #32 on: November 29, 2013, 03:16:01 pm »
3D printed parts fresh from Lunevalley3D - Impressed.

The 3D printed parts that I ordered from Lunevalley3D in the UK have just arrived.

I am very pleased with the finish on them and will be using this company for my future 3D printing needs. I will post pictures under the name of each part.

This company has done justice to Georges80's hard work designing the parts.

Thanks again George  :)
« Last Edit: December 06, 2013, 05:08:01 pm by Aurora »
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Re: FLIR E4 - The useful information thread
« Reply #33 on: November 29, 2013, 03:19:19 pm »
Lens Focus adjustment Tool

This tool was designed by Georges80.

The quality of the 3D print is good and works perfectly. The detail around the 'star' shaped head is complex for the printer to do but Lunevalley3D have managed it well.

Update:

Comment from Dale (Lunevalley 3D) on this 3D model:

"the new lens tool did print a little strangely. I checked and it's the .stl file - the way it has been designed on the CAD - a combo of cylinders - whoever designed it must be pretty capable on the CAD software, it's a difficult shaped item to reproduce but remain printable - but if it works well 'hey-ho' "
« Last Edit: November 29, 2013, 10:04:33 pm by Aurora »
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Re: FLIR E4 - The useful information thread
« Reply #34 on: November 29, 2013, 03:27:17 pm »
Auxiliary Lens Holder

This is an excellent design by Georges80.

It was printed by Lunevalley3D and is a high resolution print. This takes longer to print but has a finer finish.

The 3D print is very good indeed and the friction fit into the rubberised aperture of the E4 is PERFECT  :-+

The lens mounting flange is very well formed and the funnel shaped interior is nice and smooth.

Pictures 2985 , 2986 and 2990 show a side by side comparison with the efforts of UK-3D that did not impress me. The difference in quality is obvious.

You will not have any trouble spotting the quality part from Lunevalley3D  ;)

The fitted adapter looks very good on the E4 as it has a matt and slightly stippled face that is curved. Very nice work George.
 
« Last Edit: November 29, 2013, 04:38:08 pm by Aurora »
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Re: FLIR E4 - The useful information thread
« Reply #35 on: November 29, 2013, 03:39:25 pm »
Ex Series Tripod Mount

This is an excellent design by Georges80.

It was printed by Lunevalley3D and I believe it is a high resolution print. This takes longer to print but has a finer finish.

Georges80 needed a method to hold the E4 above a PCB so that its temperature profile could be captured. The resulting bracket is designed to meet this need but may also be used as part of a standard vertical mounting adapter  using an 'L' bracket like that used for mounting Binoculars on a Tripod.

This bracket holds the E4 nice and securely and has the slot for a Velcro strap that holds the E4 in place. A great design that fits the E4 very nicely. No wobble at all !

I elected for a high fill when making this part and it cost around GBP11 as a result. George indicated that he used a 10% fill without any strength issues. 10% fill would reduce the production cost. I wanted a high fill as I may tap the bracket fro machine screws and need plenty of plastic. And I like such adapters to be nice and solid  :)

The bracket has an unthreaded hole for a standard tripod screw socket that George had in stock. There is the option to adapt the mounting method to a users needs and available parts.

My thanks to Georges80 for such a neat design.

« Last Edit: November 29, 2013, 04:40:41 pm by Aurora »
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Re: FLIR E4 - The useful information thread
« Reply #36 on: November 30, 2013, 01:09:26 am »
An interesting article on removing the layer lines from 3D printed parts using an acetone vapour bath  >:D

I may have to experiment with this on the poorly finished UK-3D parts to see if they can be improved. I already have a nice large can of acetone and a PCB preheater  :)

http://hackaday.com/2013/02/26/giving-3d-printed-parts-a-shiny-smooth-finish/

http://hackaday.com/2013/02/26/giving-3d-printed-parts-a-shiny-smooth-finish/






UPDATE: The method only works with ABS plastic and not PLA  :'(
« Last Edit: November 30, 2013, 01:31:21 am by Aurora »
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Re: FLIR E4 - The useful information thread
« Reply #37 on: November 30, 2013, 01:28:16 pm »
FREE training material and e-leaning courses from FLIR

For those wishing to learn about thermography I offer the following links from FLIR.

1. FLIR are offering a free book that helps with building surveys. You have to register but I have not received any marketing as a result :) The book is available as a download, in paper format or both. I went for both and it is an interesting publication. As has been stated, there are pitfalls for newbies....such as corner effect.

http://www.flir.com/cs/emea/en/view/?id=49380

2. Various free books on different topics may be downloaded here:

http://www.flir.com/cs/emea/en/view/?id=42241

3. The FLIR ITC training centre offers courses in thermography for both newbies and advanced users. Some courses are at the centre whilst others are free on-line e-training. I recommend taking the free courses as they will help users to understand the world of thermography and to get the most out of your camera. The courses are about an hour each and as they are free you have nothing to lose. There are no catches to these free courses.

http://www.flir.com/cs/emea/en/view/?id=41758

Most courses are on the US site:

http://irtraining.inquisiqr3.com/

UPDATE:

Just found the FLIR Thermography Primer e-book. For those who might like to read it, I attach it here.

UPDATE:

"SIPO75" has highlighted that FLIR also have a YouTube channel that contains some interesting video's:

https://www.youtube.com/user/infraredtraining/videos
« Last Edit: December 01, 2013, 06:33:39 pm by Aurora »
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Online FraserTopic starter

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Re: FLIR E4 - The useful information thread
« Reply #38 on: November 30, 2013, 05:32:02 pm »
Experimenting with thermal camera lenses

For those with an interest in adding auxiliary lenses to their thermal camera for close-up or telephoto adaptions, I have found the following on-line simulator to be education in determining what different types of lens have to offer in various applications.

http://www.arachnoid.com/OpticalRayTracer/

From my previous postings, readers may be aware that I have been using ZnSe Bi-convex lenses for quite some time with my industrial FLIR PM series thermal cameras. these lenses provide a close-up capability. It may also be seen that Planar convex can also work well in the application.

I have considered building a telephoto adapter for my cameras to provide better distance vision. The requirement for such is similar to a standard telescope. I have recently purchased a planar CONCAVE lens for this application and I am still hunting for a large FL Bi-convex or planar convex lens to place in front of it. That lens is proving to be a challenge as it will set the magnification factor through its focal length and I presently only have 20mm diameter 100mm FL lenses which when married to a planar concave 20mm lens with a 50mm FL provides X2 magnification and the first lens diameter should really be at least twice that of the second.

Anyway, have a play with the simulator and have some fun  :)

I attach a simulation of the E4's standard (primary) lens and the theory of some auxiliary lenses for interest.

Note: in the close-up lens plots, the object is on the right side and the camera primary lens is on the left.

Note also that my industrial Inframetrics close-up lens is a positive Meniscus type with the concave side facing the object and the convex facing the cameras primary lens. It looks unusual but works well.

UPDATE: After more testing, it appears that the meniscus lens works better in the E4 application if its convex side faces the target. This is likely due to the specific scenario of a small fixed focus lens in the E4. There is some minor loss of focus but the edge distortion will be reduced greatly in this revised operating orientation.

UPDATE 2

Please see this post regarding Bi-Convex Vs Plamo Convex lenses for this application:

https://www.eevblog.com/forum/reviews/flir-e4-the-useful-information-thread/msg383035/#msg383035
« Last Edit: February 07, 2014, 11:37:29 am by Aurora »
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Online FraserTopic starter

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Re: FLIR E4 - The useful information thread
« Reply #39 on: November 30, 2013, 08:08:06 pm »
Active Vs Passive Thermography

For those unaware, I thought I would mention Active thermography as opposed to the passive type commonly used.

Passive thermography looks at a scene and captures an image of the thermal energy emitted towards the camera. In this mode no attempt is made to stimulate the target in order to change its thermal profile.

Active thermography is when the Thermographer does not just rely on the natural thermal radiation coming from a target. The target may actually appear very 'flat' in its normal state and the heat energy naturally radiated does not provide enough thermal contrast in the scene. In order to learn more about the target material, surface or object, the Thermographer hears the target with a hot air source to drive heat into its surface. Common sources of such heat are paint stripper air guns and infra-red heat lamps. Halogen lamps may also be used. Care must be taken to not overheat the target as damage can occur. There is a fire risk associated with heat lamps so these should not be left unsupervised.

Once the heat has been driven into the target, the Thermographer monitors the thermal profile of the target using the TIC. As the target cools, it will reveal material differences, cracks and differences in thermal properties the materials present. If you want to find steel nails in a wal,l and they are not easily seen in passive mode, heat the wall and watch then stand out like a sore thumb !

Other more specialised forms of active thermography use directed RF energy or inductively coupled energy stimulation to cause localised heating in defects so that they show up on the thermal image.

An experienced Thermographer can learn al lot about a target by using a mix of passive and active thermography techniques.

For more information on Active Thermography, just Google the term and there is plenty of information in the public domain. Don't limit yourself to the passive thermography domain  ;)

http://www.visiooimage.com/en/products_ir_ndt_thermography_tutorial.htm

http://www.infraredvision.co.uk/pulse-active-irt-inspections/

http://www.automationtechnology.de/cms/en/thermography/ndt/universal-ndt-systems-for-customized-solutions.html

http://www.netcomposites.com/ikb/browse/default.asp?ST=1&SC=1&S=7&T=737&P=..%2FTopics%2FBasics%2FTT+Types+of+Thermography%2FDefault.html



« Last Edit: November 30, 2013, 08:36:13 pm by Aurora »
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Online FraserTopic starter

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Re: FLIR E4 - The useful information thread
« Reply #40 on: December 03, 2013, 11:45:31 pm »
Observing the Moon and Sky with a thermal camera

I have been asked about using a thermal camera to view the Moon.

I took some pictures outside a few weeks ago so have attached them here.
The pictures were taken with a FLIR PM695 camera and not an E4. The 695 is equipped with a 320x240 pixel micro-bolometer and a 24 Degree Lens. It also has a X4 electronic zoom facility.

In order to get a useable image of the Moon I had to set the electronic zoom to X2 which effectively gave me a 12 degree field of view. At X4 zoom it was hard to hold the camera steady enough to take a reading so I aborted that test. From the image you will see that the Moon is still very small, even with a 12 degree lens (equivalent). The E4 has a 45 degree lens and this makes it unsuitable for any kind of moon observation unless an auxiliary telephoto lens is attached. Such a lens would be very expensive due to the size of the required optical elements. A reflector telescope design could be used if the mirrors are all surface coated and no glass lies between the optical input and output. I have bought a cheap reflector telescope to experiment with so may try my thermal cameras on it one day.

The temperature measurement for the Moon is actually the Suns energy being reflected off of its surface. The reading will NOT be accurate due to path losses through the earths atmosphere. There may be some clever mathematical compensation value available but I am not an astronomer.

The sky temperature shown in the second picture was just for fun. My camera is specified to read accurately down to -40 Degrees Celsius. The reading from the sky is almost at the lower limit of the camera and I know that the temperature at 33,000 feet is around -50 Degrees Celsius. the lower atmosphere likely messes up the reading combined with other physical factors.

So, can a thermal camera be used to observe the Moon ? Yes, Is it a detailed image? No.

For anyone intending to use the E4 for astronomy related exercises, I fear you will need to build quite a substantial reflector telescope to create a useable image for the E4's 45 degree lens. It was fun having a look at the sky though. Clouds show up well. It will be interesting in the Summer to see if thermal layering may be observed.
« Last Edit: December 03, 2013, 11:53:37 pm by Aurora »
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Online FraserTopic starter

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Re: FLIR E4 - The useful information thread
« Reply #41 on: December 04, 2013, 12:18:08 am »
Battery Charging options for the FLIR Ex series

The Ex series uses an easily removable Lithium-Ion battery pack, unlike the older 'i' series.

It is obvious that FLIR intend the user to be able to change batteries easily in order to maintain productivity. This is an excellent idea but there is a 'fly in the soup'. The E4, 5 and 6 are supplied with a power pack that charges the battery via the cameras internal electronics. Whilst this should not be a major issue, FLIR's decision to use the Micro USB as a shared data and charging port is.

The perceived fragility of the Micro USB socket leaves me cold. Connecting the data and charging plugs involves careful alignment and a bit of luck ! I have grown to hate the Micro connector over the past weeks of use. I am already working on a very compact adapter that will convert the Micro connector to a more friendly Mini USB socket that fits in the limited height recess of the top port surround.

This week I decided that enough was enough and pursued the official FLIR External Charger. The cost is eye watering but when charging Lithium-Ion batteries I am less inclined to risk making my own charger or adapting one designed for another battery. A fire would be an expensive cost saving exercise !

I shall review the charger when it arrives.

For those with an interest, and for ease of reference, I am providing details of the battery used in the E4.

E4 Battery
Pt No. T198423  VKB 56621 702 097
Li-Ion
3.6V
2.6AH
3 Terminal
By Nordic Energy  SRL.-No: NELI 1S1PFS08
Made in China

From what I could see Nordic Energy do not list this battery on their web site. I also looked for camera batteries of similar design in the hope of modifying a cheaper camera battery charger. The vital information that I was lacking related to the charge management IC that the FLIR battery uses. Using another brand of charger without ensuring management circuit compatibility is risky.

Sorry I cannot offer a cheaper alternative to the OEM charger but safety comes first with Li-Ion cells.


The battery may be charged in the camera using the Utility mains supply (110V to 240V) or a Car charging adapter that FLIR offer. In the case of the chargers that plug into the camera, these are pretty standard in their design and a quality power supply that is terminated in a micro USB connector will work fine. I say 'quality power supply' because some cheap units have the potential to be poor quality and possibly fry your camera through over-volting or noise spikes.

Interestingly, I have not seen any mention of powering the External charger from a car supply. I am wondering if the external charger 'pod' uses a micro USB socket and a standard Ex series power supply. The unit comes with a power pack but no pictures show it or detail the connector used. I will confirm when I receive the unit.

Another forum member has commented on the similarity of the external charger (with battery inserted) to a Dr WHO Dalek. As its the 50th anniversary of Dr Who, that is very appropriate ! Mine will henceforth be known as the 'Dalek'  ;D   
« Last Edit: December 04, 2013, 12:37:09 am by Aurora »
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Online FraserTopic starter

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Re: FLIR E4 - The useful information thread
« Reply #42 on: December 04, 2013, 03:46:05 pm »
Read the flippin Manual !

I have just learnt a valuable lesson and I am over 40 so its never too late ;)

I sent feedback to FLIR on their E4 and the Tools software.

Amongst my comments was a criticism that I could not edit an image in the Tools program and then save it as a jpg file rather than create a report using it.

I received a very nice email from a FLIR chap in Sweden. He wanted to help me.

I spent some time playing with the tools software to ensure that I had not missed the 'save' option. Nope, I couldn't find it. Then I read the flippin manual and my error became crystal clear    :palm:   ....read on.....

Here is what I have had to send to him today:

-----------------------------------------
Dear Tintin,

An apology from me is in order. I am feeling very silly right now !

I have been running the FLIR Tools program on my Sony Vaio netbook (Atom 1.86GHz / 2Gb Ram). It runs fine but there is a problem with using a 16:9 Netbook. The screen resolution is 1024x600 rather than the required 1024x768.

I was not seeing the save option as it had disappeared off of the bottom of the screen. For some reason I expected to see the save option on the top toolbar or to be able to right click on the edited image for a save menu to appear.

My mistake. I can now clearly see the save option as I am using a conventional 1024x768 4:3 aspect ratio laptop (Dell X300).

Thank you for contacting me with an offer to assist. Netbooks are great for portability but they do have their drawbacks !

Please will you advise Mr Teich that this was a simple case of customer non-compliance with the software's minimum display requirements !

Kindest Regards
---------------------------------------------


Note that the save option only appears if you open the image and then activate any of the edit command. Logical but a little unusual all the same. The Save and close option appears on the BOTTOM menu bar.

The moral of the tale.... if in doubt  RTFM

UPDATE:

I received a very nice response from Tintin at FLIR:

------------------------------------------
Dear Mr. xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Thanks so much that you took the time to provide feedback to us. It was greatly appreciated, and so much positive feedback certainly helps to keep us inspired.

There is no apology necessary. We are actually looking on ways that it would work fine even on smaller screens for future releases. We will keep working hard to make your FLIR experience even better.

EDITED DUE  TO PERSONAL CONTENT
------------------------------------------

Tintin gave me a very kind gift as well  :)  Sometimes good companies reward honest and helpful feedback. FLIR is such a company  :-+  Mike received a free soft case for his E4 and I received... well something that would have cost me $400 !
« Last Edit: December 04, 2013, 05:06:01 pm by Aurora »
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Online FraserTopic starter

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Re: FLIR E4 - The useful information thread
« Reply #43 on: December 04, 2013, 06:32:49 pm »
FLIR E4 Camera tripod Bracket Version 2

Georges80 has designed a new tripod bracket for the E4. This version (V2) incorporated tripod socket holes for horizontal and vertical mounting options.

I had the bracket printed by my favourite 3D printing service, Lunevalley3D. Dale gave me a pleasant surprise by advising that he had used my job as a test piece on a brand new printer that he had just installed. It was free of charge but he advised that it was not up to his usual standard, as it was a test piece after all. He also warned that it would make me giggle when I opened it. No worries I thought.

The bracket arrived this morning and it was a very nice surprise. It looked to be an excellent print so I think Dale has very high standards if this is considered by him to be sub standard ! The reason for his comment about my response to seeing it....... well take a look at the pictures. You certainly will not lose it easily ! It matches my Cullmann pole mount  :)

The finish is excellent. Nice and smooth, with no defects that I can see.
I am very pleased with this print.
« Last Edit: December 06, 2013, 05:12:09 pm by Aurora »
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Online FraserTopic starter

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Re: FLIR E4 - The useful information thread
« Reply #44 on: December 06, 2013, 07:59:28 pm »
FLIR E4 Official accessory Datasheets
« Last Edit: December 06, 2013, 08:08:47 pm by Aurora »
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Offline bernroth

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Re: FLIR E4 - The useful information thread
« Reply #45 on: December 07, 2013, 02:30:40 pm »
Here are some pictures of the lens holder and adjustment tool (by Georges80) printed by www.beta-prototypes.com
They use a laser sintering method for 3D printing with PA2200 material.
The print service is not cheap (15€ for the adjustment tool and 21€ for the lens holder, net prices without shipping) but superb quality and robustness of the items.

BTW: It seems there is a small problem with the data file of the adjustment tool as already been noticed by someone else. It has absolute no negative influence, except for the eye ;)
 

Offline georges80

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Re: FLIR E4 - The useful information thread
« Reply #46 on: December 07, 2013, 08:17:57 pm »
Is the lens adjustment 'small problem' the little recess/dimple in the 5 o'clock cylinder (the one with the 'recess') in your picture above?

If so, that's not in the STL file so I'd put it down to a 3D printing flaw unless the service you used indeed claims it's an STL issue. The STL file (or original sketchup file) does indeed have 2 artifact flutes on in the lower main sloped body, but no artifacts or flaws (that I can see) in the lens engagement area.

The laser sintering results do look awesome!

cheers,
george.
 

Online FraserTopic starter

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Re: FLIR E4 - The useful information thread
« Reply #47 on: December 12, 2013, 09:54:52 pm »
Time line and detail of the FLIR I Series

Not specifically the new Ex series, but an interesting time line for the FLIR I series Gen 1 & 2 that preceded it. I found it interesting so decided to share:

http://www.optimumenergy.com/the-new-flir-i-series/

An interesting comment repeated here:

"The FLIR i-Series was designed by the FLIR Thermography division in Stockholm, Sweden, while FLIR’s high performance sensors are produced at the manufacturing facility in Tallinn, Estonia."
« Last Edit: December 12, 2013, 10:04:11 pm by Aurora »
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Offline pomonabill221

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Re: FLIR E4 - The useful information thread
« Reply #48 on: December 14, 2013, 05:34:16 am »
Serial Number recorded against calibration date and firmware

Serial Number   Calibration Date   Firmware

6390 27xx              20 Sep            1.17.7 Note: Hardware Version is E4 1.0
6390 2xxx              20 Sep            1.18.7
6390 3xxx                  ?                 1.18.7
6390 3xxx              30 Sep                ?
6390 3xxx              30 Sep             1.18.8
6390 3xxx              01 Oct             1.18.8
6390 37xx              02 Oct             1.18.7
6390 3xxx              03 Oct             1.18.7
6390 48xx              25 Oct             1.18.8
6390 5xxx              23 Oct             1.18.8
6390 5xxx              28 Oct             1.18.8
6390 5xxx              28 Oct             1.19.8
6390 55xx              30 Oct             1.19.8
6390 63xx              07 Nov            1.19.8
6390 65xx              09 Nov            1.19.8
6390 6xxx              13 Nov            1.19.8
6390 ?                   19 Nov            1.19.8
6390 ?                   22 Nov            1.19.8
6890 77xx              22 Nov            1.19.8
6390 7xxx              25 Nov            1.19.8
6390 84xx              28 Nov            1.19.8
6390 86xx              29 Nov            1.19.8
6390 89xx              03 Dec            1.19.8 Note: Version E4 V1.1 hardware - CONFIRMED
6390 9xxx              04 Dec            1.19.8 E4 V1.1
                                                                           

As can be seen, there are four Firmware versions known to exist

1.17.7
1.18.7
1.18.8
1.19.8

A Fifth Firmware is rumoured to exist (1.20.3) but this has not been independently verified.
Update: As the report of a 'countermeasured' fimware 1.20.3 is now old, and 1.19.8 is still being deployed by the factory as at 25 29 Nov, the report must be considered bogus. A possible Trolling attempt on the part of a michievious person.
It would appear that the latest confirmed Firmware Version, 1.19.8, was released on 28 October 2013 if the calibration date is used as the date reference. 1.19.8 is not available to download from FLIR at the time of writing.

I will continue to update this list as and when new details are submitted by owners.

UPDATE 11 Dec 13

It is now confirmed that two E4 versions exist. E4 V1.0 and E4 V1.1. The differences have yet to be identified and investigated. Both versions are currently using the 1.19.8 firmware and remain open to user 'enhancement'.  (as at 03 Dec 2013)

Just to add my E4 (8) that I just received today 12/13...
Sn 6309 76xx   E4 1.0  cal date 11/12/13
 

Offline junktronix

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Re: FLIR E4 - The useful information thread
« Reply #49 on: December 14, 2013, 07:08:55 pm »
And mine, also received yesterday - SN: 6390 88xx  Cal date: 2-Dec-2013  Firmware: 1.19.8  Model: E4 1.1 - seems to be working fine as an E8.

Just to add my E4 (8) that I just received today 12/13...
Sn 6309 76xx   E4 1.0  cal date 11/12/13
 


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