Got this VGA 30Hz thermal imager myself for christmas. In comparison to other thermal imagers there are some
pros: Weatherproof, streaming of the image via ethernet and record on a µSD-card.
cons: No raw sensor data, non radiometric*, no analog video, big (35x15cm) and heavy (2kg).
*maybe there is something possible with the AXIS API.
This particular unit is equipped with a 35mm lens. They were sold between 2014 to 2017 for ~7000€.
Datasheet:
https://www.axis.com/files/datasheet/ds_q1932e_1493447_en_1702.pdfOf course after the Q1932 arrived I spotted some faults: At least four dead pixels, a unsharp or blurry image on the left and a continously working heater.
Regarding the dead pixel and focussing I couldn't find any information online. The heater seems to be activated because the temperature sensor indicates -22°C when cold (should be 20°C) and -13°C when hot (should be 50°C).
So now it is...
Teardown time!
The outer ring can be unscrewed, the inner part with the window does not rotate. Between these two there is some sticky grease, probably to aid sealing.
The heater is on a round PCB which is coupled via thermal pads to the front. The PCB is connected with a 3pin plug for heater (7Ohm), common and temperature sensor (NTC 100kOhm).
A die cast frame holds the themal imager and is also connected to a stainless steel frame which holds the other PCBs.
The themal imager or sensor module can be further unscrewed, it is connected via cables to the main board. These cables can be disconnected (4pin plug for the FCC actuator and a multi pin connector for the sensor data).
I was unable to remove the main board, something didn't allow the PCB mounting frame to slide forward. Because I din't want do destroy anything I continued with the sensor part.
The sensor module consists of a black anodized front part which has the thread for the lens and a milled aluminium part which holds the microbolometer, FCC flag and the interfacing PCB.
The FFC flag is moved by a stepper motor (Stegia 15S40B100X), there is no special feedback for the flag. The Lens (35mm. F1.2) is from Umicore (G4217, probably custom made). The lens is secured with a small screw on the side, when loosing it the lens can be adjusted.
Because I wanted to know which microbolometer is used I disassembled it further and spotted a fingerprint on the sensor window. The aluminium was dirty as well, maybe it was never cleaned after milling.
The most challenging part during disassembly was getting the stepper motor with the flag out of the frame without damaging the flag or the sensor. The sensor is mounted with a aluminium plate and thermal pad, the pins are connected with a pinheaders to the PCB.
The sensor was cleaned, see
https://www.eevblog.com/forum/thermal-imaging/how-best-to-clean-a-sensor/msg2843580/#msg2843580. After everything was cleaned I reassembled it and it still works!
The microbolometer is a Pico 640P from ULIS, part# UL04272-032. Specifications: a-Si, 640x480 pixels, 17µm pitch, <75mK NETD.
Why AXIS is claiming <70mK NETD
Thermal images will follow soon
Happy holidays!