Anyone have experience with Argus 4 P7130?

[Logan]

The information is too few upon search.
Anyone can tell what core/sensor it use, and it's performance comparing to other cameras?

[Fraser]

The designer of that cameras electronics package is a member of this forum 

I will let him describe his "baby" 

I own three Argus 4 cameras, the 160, 320 and 320HR versions. I like them a lot but do remember that they are carefully designed for fire fighting and so a little different to a generic camera design. They use a custom electronics package that drives a good quality ULIS A-Si microbolometer. I like the fact that the battery bay in the top offers the option of different battery "modules" that can provide Wi-Fi, Ethernet, DVR, External power or external composite video. I own most of the optional modules and a good selection of battery packs    The battery pack uses six AA Ni-Mh cells and is relatively easy to rebuild, thanks to its sensible design. The battery case is held together with screws.

Fraser

[Fraser]

http://www.fire-tics.co.uk/A4.htm

Manual:

https://assets.tequipment.net/assets/1/26/Argus4-User-Manual1.pdf

Datasheet:

http://www.hempfieldfireequip.com/downloads/argus4_english.pdf

https://www.aepint.nl/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/Argus-4-HR320.pdf

Fraser

[Logan]

Thank you Fraser.

The designer of that cameras electronics package is a member of this forum 

Ahhh Bill W!

They use a custom electronics package that drives a good quality ULIS A-Si microbolometer.

What do you feel about the performance of it? I have bad experiences with A-Si sensors, but I've heard ULIS sensors are really good.
How does your Argus perform under "flat" scenes, compare to other VOX/BST cameras?

[ArsenioDev]

ULIS sensors are downright incredible, the three units I have handily make the best images from any of my cameras, full stop.
Even beating out newer VOx (though chinese made).

[Bill W]

OK... adding to the manual / fire-tics links Fraser has given ...
Sensor
Ulis 0319, 320x240, peltier setpoint controlled.
'Core':
e2v own design,  DSP based.
Direct driven LCD
P7130 is 30Hz image rate, there is a 9Hz export free version - the P7109.
Sensor run at 60Hz and averaged.
'Ambient' range mode to 150°C with MDTD around 50mK. 
Will image up to 1000°C in 3 gain modes, with worsening MDTD.

As good an image as any around.  Much better than the earlier P7030.  While VOx is a better material, VOx cameras use that advantage to have cheaper lenses, less gain modes and so on.  Result - no better images.

Built like the proverbial brick *********.  No problem with 2m drops, throwing against walls etc,  except damage to the wall.

As with all bolometers, eventually will show some column nonuniformity between shutter NUC operations on a flat scene.  However the peltier control helps there a lot, and shutter NUC is set to 5 minutes.  Also the mimimum range span is 8°C so it does not show.
User control is just images and setting up colours, see manual.  You are stuck with my choice of gain / minimum range and so on.
Images saved as proprietary format and output as bmp/jpg from customer software (freely available), images attached are straight off the camera.

Limitations:
Does not do measurement across the scene.  Fixed centre temperature measurement.
No ready access to raw image data (ie I cannot find, remember or reverse engineer the format  ).
Video recording / stream / analogue out via accessories only, although analogue is a simple hack to a battery.
Network streaming is also a battery hack, if somewhat odd in setup.  Again your friendly global support centre will assist 


Bill

[dalittle]

I always thought you boys in Chelmsford did a brilliant job with Argus.

[Fraser]

I love my Argus 4 cameras. Designed to be versatile through use of its optional Battery Pods 

I know that the image quality is not quite as good as the Argus 4, but I also love the MiTic 320 that I have. I wonder if it was available in Blue? (my favourite colour  ) It is a compact, very solid, personal thermal camera that feels good in the hand and produces very nice images    Again it is a fire fighting camera so it is a different beast to something designed for generic use, such as the FLIR E8 or similar. The MiTic is a beautiful piece of design. For balance, I also love the Bullard Eclipse and still actively hunt for a nice example on eBay. I kick myself every day for not buying a very nice navy blue coloured Bullard Eclipse 320 some years ago on ebay.de. One of my greatest regrets when it comes to missed eBay purchases. I am also a fan of the ISG-Infrasys E380. I love the case design and it appears almost "organic" in shape. The Bullard Eclipse is a similar "Organic" case design. They are both a little like a gourd in shape as they have a waist 

[Logan]

Thank you everyone!

[Lankygoku]

We're can I get a new computer cable or how should I rewire one?

[Bill W]

Ask me, which you have done  , www.fire-tics.co.uk is my website.  That said post UK to AUS might not be cheap.
Will reply later.

Making your own depends on getting that 4 way Fischer connector for a reasonable price.
S102-A-053-130 is what you need.

regards
Bill