Dear Reader
I was fortunate enough to stumble upon a FLIR A40 for sale recently. It was in unknown, untested condition and so I expected the worst. I saw an A20 some years back that had suffered water submersion damage .....It sold for silly high money considering it was likely scrap. These cameras can have a hard and hazardous life.
The A40 design dates back to around 2004 and is best classed as a professional use Industrial and scientific camera. Various models were available, some configured for security and observation duties and others fully loaded with features for research and development/science duties. The 'lite' version has a 'V' Suffix and the fully loaded version carries the 'M' suffix. Both versions provide 320 x 240 pixel resolution from a quality VOx microbolometer. The cameras video output is running at 60fps
Both cameras are autonomous in that they do not require a host computer to operate them. They provide 'on camera' control via a top mounted keypad and remote control via RS232 and Firewire. Video is output as composite NTSC/PAL or digital formats that differ between models. The 'M' version offers both 8 and 16 bit digital radiometric video via its Firewire port
Local image storage is also provided and images may be downloaded via Firewire.
The 'M' version of the camera is designed to integrate fully into a PC Hosted system running FLIR's Researcher Software. I happen to have a licensed copy of that software
OK, back to my camera. Did I get the 'V' or 'M' version ? The seller did not know what he had so he could not help. I considered the risks and value of what was on offer. I bought it expecting a non working A40 V model.
When I unpacked the camera, there were no indicators of which version of the A40 I had in my hands.... thanks FLIR !
It was time to plug it in and see if the magic smoke had already been let out
Upon connecting my CCTV test monitor and a 12V power pack I was rewarded with the sound of the motorized focus servo checking its end points..... phew, that was a good sign. Then the camera emitted the re-assuring CLUNK! of the FFC solenoid operating the FFC flag..... more good news for me. These two sounds in such a camera are indicators of a completed boot sequence. The display then came to life with a splash screen and colour bars. These were followed with a beautiful thermal image.
She lives !
What did the Splash Screen show ? ........ I have myself a FLIR A40 'M' version .... to say I was chuffed to see the 'M' suffix is an understatement.
I activated the auto ranging and auto focus modes...... the A40 immediately produced a well balanced and focused image. A quick check of all menus followed by a factory reset proved the unit to be in fine condition. It was put into service in 2008 and has not been used very much. No wonder it is in great shape. I am only doing some initial testing as I have more important tasks drawing on my time at the moment. Initial impressions of the camera are very good. The keypad takes some getting used to but this camera is really designed to be controlled from the Researcher or similar software, so this is understandable.
I quickly set up the camera in the conservatory and aimed it at the open cat flap to image the wire mesh of the cat run that sits opposite as a very crude test target. The auto focus is pretty good but not infallible. I was able to obtain sharper focus at times using manual setting, but AF does work most of the time. The pictures I have captures are crude to say the least as I photographed my CCTV monitor. It is all I had time for tonight. My cat, billy made an appearance but he is fast moving so tends to blur a little even with 60fps imaging !
I attached the telephoto and wide angle lenses to the camera to show the differing fields of view offered by such. The information legend at the bottom of the screen shows the FOV as the lenses are automatically recognized by the cameras lens mount.
I will not go into the many menus and capabilities of the camera now as time is short. Suffice to say, the A40 'M' comes equipped with all manner of analogue and digital I/O ports, temperature Alarms and camera configuration options. I was pleased to see that the FFC period may be set and even switched to OFF
Great for video recording.
OK to the A40 M and V datasheets, then some pictures.........
Fraser