Products > Thermal Imaging

RS232 protocol / software for older thermal imaging modules

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nidlaX:
Does anyone happen to have documentation or software for the RS232 control protocol for thermal imaging modules made by DIOP, Axsys, or BAE? I am attempting to configure a DIOP branded thermal imaging module from a Cairns Viper TIC. Thanks in advance!

Bill W:
Hi,

Can you post some pictures ?
Might help identify the actual module, as well as this being an era of thermal imaging that is very poorly documented and I'm sure a lot of people would like to see it.

I'll dig out a Viper brochure to go with the thread.

BAE 200 / 205 modules were RS422, recommended data converter
B&B Electronics model:   422LP9TB

signal wiring         signal name         converter
VSP4 (J3)   

      30      VSP_RS422_TX_L\I         RD(A)

      31      VSP_RS422_TX_H\I         RD(B)

      32      VSP_RS422_RX_L\I         TX(A)

      33      VSP_RS422_RX_H\I         TX(B)

      46      Ground         GND



regards
Bill

nidlaX:
Thanks Bill. Here are some low quality images of the thermal imaging core. Unfortunately, I didn't take the time to document the full teardown of the Cairns Viper.

Processor board:



Microbolometer and board:


Lens and shutter are mounted on a support structure:


The power supply and processor boards are both mounted to the support bracket behind the sensor:


There are some damaged areas on the FPA window, almost reminds me of moldy camera lenses:


The sensor PCB is branded DIOP:


The microbolometer is a DRS part that shares the same cage ID as the Tamarisk:

Fraser:
It is a pity that  the sensor window has suffered corrosion of its face. This may, or may not be in the FOV. Do not try to polish the corrosion off as that could cause more damage to the AR coating.

As Bill has stated, these cameras come from an era when documentation on the cores was deliberately limited under ITAR and Dual use technology regulations, often the OEM would provide the Camera manufacturer with the bare minimum data needed to use the camera in their product. NDA's were often enforced and configuration software, whilst made available to manufacturers was protected under those NDA's and could not be provided to the public.

Over the years I have had reason to contact several manufacturers of older thermal cameras and asked them for any technical information that they are willing or able to provide to assist me in restoring one of their old obsolete platforms. The responses I have received are summarised below.....

1. No response to enquiry
2. Sorry our policy is not to release such data to non official agents.
3. Sorry the data is protected under Dual Use Technology regulations
4. Sorry the data is protected under an OEM NDA
5. Sorry the information was lost during a site relocation
6. Sorry the product is obsolete and all documentation was destroyed
7. Yes we can provide limited information not covered by a NDA or ITAR
8. Yes we can provide all non sensitive or commercial confidential data
9. We have no data but we are forwarding your request to the designer

As you can see, obtaining information, even on very old cameras is often met with a polite "cannot help" from the manufacturer. They are constrained by their internal regulations, those of the OEM for modules used, and international regulations governing  Dual Use Technology.

Is it any wonder that searches of the internet find little information on these early cameras technical aspects or configuration software. No one will have been willing to upload such information, including me, for fear of breaching some regulation or NDA.

I have been provided with detailed information on certain thermal cameras on condition I do not share such. I consider it a great favour to have been trusted with that information and would not breach that trust. I understand your need for data but even if I had it, I would likely refer you to my original source so that they retain control over their data.

I know this does not help you, but I hope it helps to explain why you are finding it so difficult to find the information and data on the internet.

Fraser

nidlaX:

--- Quote from: Fraser on May 12, 2017, 11:40:39 am ---I know this does not help you, but I hope it helps to explain why you are finding it so difficult to find the information and data on the internet.

Fraser

--- End quote ---
Thanks for your replay Fraser, it's helpful to hear your insights about the matter. I was hoping an owner or seller of the DIOP / Cairns / Axsys line could send me a copy of the remote control software, but I can see why they might be unable to do so even if they were still in possession of it.

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