Fraser's latest acquisition - The FLIR A40 M - an impressive beast :) - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 26, 2017, 09:11:22 pm
content: Dear ReaderI 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 60fpsBoth 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 portLocal 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 softwareOK, 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 outUpon 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 OFFGreat for video recording.OK to the A40 M and V datasheets, then some pictures.........Fraser

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 26, 2017, 09:13:12 pm
content: Pictures.......

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 26, 2017, 09:14:14 pm
content: Pictures.......

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 26, 2017, 09:16:19 pm
content: Pictures.........

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 26, 2017, 09:17:24 pm
content: Pictures........

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 26, 2017, 09:20:33 pm
content: I will provide more on the FLIR A40, including a look under her clothes when time permits.I hope to get it connected up to a Firewire equipped laptop running FLIR Researcher to obtain better images for this thread. The images that the camera produces appear every bit as good as my best PM695 autofocus camera.Fraser

author: Bicurico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 26, 2017, 09:47:17 pm
content: Fraser - thank you for your wonderfull insights on this technology.Also, it makes me feel comfortable that my hobby of collecting field meters is suddenly not that weird, when I see you collect thermal cameras!Hopefully one day I will be able to afford one - for no particular reason, except for them being cool. Sure, I can use it to see my cats at night or to "measure" the thermal efficieny of my house, but truely the main reason would be the sheer coolness of just owning such a wonderfull device. For years we use to have a booth on an industrial exhibition and the booth next to us was a thermal camera distributor. However I recall their products to look like camcorders.Regards,Vitor

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 26, 2017, 10:00:26 pm
content: Vitor,I have always been interested in the conversion of the visible image into the electronic domain. As a youngster I was fascinated with CCTV cameras and monitors. My Thermal cameras and X-Ray imaging are just a progression of that fascination. Seeing the unseen and converting it into the electronic/digital domainThermal cameras are kinda 'cool' as you sayFraser

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 26, 2017, 10:18:35 pm
content: Some additional information about my specific camera......The FLIR A series cameras do not have a specific Part Number on the brochures because the Part Number changes with differing configurations and options. That makes it challenging to work out exactly what you have in your hand when looking at an unpowered camera ! My cameras Part Number did not raise any hits on Google and I cannot find it on the FLIR documentation.I may now know why..... my camera varies slightly from the 'standard' brochure spec. My A40 'M' is equipped with a 19 degree FOV lens instead of the normal 24 Degree FOV. The temperature ranges are not the 'standard' ones found in the user manual. My camera has the following ranges:Range 1 -40C to +120CRange 2 0C to +250CRange 3 +150C to +500CRange 2 is an undocumented addition and range 3 is also non standard.The standard camera configuration is :Range 1 -40C to +120CRange 2 0C to +500CRange 2 would likely suffer degradation in thermal resolution with such a broad thermal range. I suspect my camera was configured for optimum temperature coverage whilst maintaining the good thermal resolution.Also note, on these industrial cameras, when they say capable of -40C bottom of range, they mean itThe Camera information page mentions an 'Option Board' is fitted. That may just be the analogue and digital I/O board though as not all cameras have this capability installed.I also forgot to mention that the camera is capable of Firewire TCP/IP and contains a Web Server. The camera can be fully remote controlled by a Windows XP web browser via FirewireSadly Firewire TCP/IP support was dropped after Win XP so I am not sure I can use a Win7 PC with it. Having speed read the user manual, I can see that this is a most versatile thermal imaging cameraI am feeling well chuffed with this purchase. It was a calculated risk that paid off. Today I got luckyFraser

author: Bicurico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 26, 2017, 10:22:03 pm
content: Get a dedicated Windows XP computer with FireWire. The camera is certainly worth it.

author: Chanc3
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 26, 2017, 10:31:28 pm
content: How do you find them?! I thought I was pretty good on keeping my eye on the used camera market, but I'm an amateur compared to you!Sent from my ONE A2003 using Tapatalk

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 26, 2017, 10:44:09 pm
content: Chanc3,I live and breath Thermal imaging ....... I just get lucky and also take some calculated risks now and thenThis risk certainly paid off. It could have been a scrap camera or one that would take many weeks of work to resurrect from the grave. As luck would have it, this camera appears almost new apart from the odd scrape here and there. From the images that were stored on it, I would say that it has been used in some sort of research project but has had very little use if the number of images and dates are anything to go by.She is sat on the floor in front of me at the moment quietly doing her 'thing' with the occasional clunk of the FFC shutter. The period between FFC events is quite long but may be adjusted as needed. The interval period is about 7 minutes at the moment.This camera is obviously very different to the Ex and Exx series as they are intended to be hand held in use. The Axx series are most definitely intended for tripod or fixed mount use. It would be easy to convert one to hand held use but the top mounted keypad would not be best positioned for ease of use. It is a gorgeous little industrial camera though ..... can you tell I like itFraser

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 26, 2017, 10:51:08 pm
content: Bicurico,Yes, exactly what I will be doing. I have many Dell laptops awaiting tasking but only a few have a IEEE1394 port. I shall have to see whether they are suited to FLIR Researcher software or whether i will need to but a more powerful laptop that will run XP and that has the IEEE1394 port. PCMCIA IEEE1394 adapters are also an option if needed. I have previously been using my lovely Dell Latitude X300 laptops for most Firewire work but it may lack the processor power needed for FLIR Researcher. They are a great design but now showing their age in terms of speed etc.My NEC AVIO cameras also use Firewire for their communications so I have plenty of justification for buying a decent used laptop to service them allFraser

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 27, 2017, 12:04:06 am
content: I just heard back from the seller of the camera. He knows nothing about these cameras and this was just found amongst a bulk lot of equipment that he purchased from a wholesale Broker. Looks like the result of a bulk equipment disposal from somewhere. There are 'diamonds' hiding out thereFraser

author: Brumby
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 27, 2017, 03:21:14 pm
content: That camera looks in excellent condition - and, indeed, is an attractive piece of equipment.Congratulations on such a find.Quote from: Bicurico on June 26, 2017, 09:47:17 pmI know this feeling well, but the chances of finding something like this in Australia are remote.Thank youFraserfor the opportunity to live this dream vicariously.

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 27, 2017, 03:47:24 pm
content: Brumby,I do understand. I lived in Darwin NT for three years. Australia is a vast and successful country, but in terms of nice specialist technology being available on the secondary market, it can be a bit of a technology desert !Fraser

author: Bicurico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 27, 2017, 04:24:11 pm
content: Great deal!But before fellow forum members get sad for having missed this opportunity: these deals come at a price, which is:a) Self-education on ALL the products that have been produced, from ALL manufacturersb) Reading all specs and manuals of all brands and modelsc) Following the second hand market for months & years to know at what prices these devices selld) Knowing the common issues they have - what gets normally broken and how to repair ite) Knowing why people sell these devices (for new models with better specs, for new technology, for new measurment directives, etc.)f) Having spare money to take risksAll these points can be applied to any product one may want to collect.I do this for TV/CATV/SAT field meters.If/When I am ready to go for thermal imaging, I will make sure I am as literate on the subject as any salesman and first level support engineer.If you don't, you will hardly find these great deals.Cheers,Vitor

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 27, 2017, 04:44:22 pm
content: Thanks Bicurito.I am not sure whether to reveal how much I paid for this camera. I fear it may come across as bragging which would not be my intention. It was a rare bargain and purely because the seller sold it as just a scientific camera of little interest to him. I paid £300 for it which rates as a bargain in my world but I know such a sum of money is very significant to many so do not wish to suggest it would be a bargain for all on the forum.I too own a good selection of TV/CATV/SAT meters. But I do not collect them. I bought them to use and kept finding more interesting modelsI should list them for you as you may have an interest in some. The Acterna Wavetek SDA4000 series even contain a nice 50MHz to 1GHz spectrum analyser in their rugged and portable format. I also have Promax and UniOhm unitsFraser

author: CatalinaWOW
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 27, 2017, 04:51:23 pm
content: Quote from: Fraser on June 27, 2017, 04:44:22 pmRates as a fantastic bargain to me. You are well repaid for the time and effort you spent looking and evaluating. A very nice piece of kit. While it is always easy to want more, that would satisfy a great many of us as all the camera we would ever need.

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 27, 2017, 05:04:15 pm
content: CatalinaWow,I agree. I am resigned to the fact that I have an addiction to thermal cameras, their use, repair and study of their design. You can only use so many thermal cameras and I have multiple examples of some that I really like. I will need to thin the herd a little as they take up a lot of space and do no one any good in their dry storage boxes in the spare room ! It is like selling my babies though.... not an easy thing to do.I may just select my favourites, plus a spare or two, and rehome the rest.Then I witness someone at the recent Dunstable Radio Rally/Car Boot sale trying to haggle Mike down from £100 to £80 on his fully working FireFLIR FF100 and I think....nah, I cannot be bothered to engage in the selling market if that is what I will face. The good news is that the potential buyer walked away from the FF100 for a moment, to consider his position, and I was then at liberty to buy it from Mike. He knew it was going to a good home that would cherish it as well. He refused to take my offer of the the full asking price, and for that I thanked him. I would not have dreamed to haggle that price down. Mike is a great chap, why insult him ?Fraser

author: Bicurico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 27, 2017, 07:02:43 pm
content: Quote from: Fraser on June 27, 2017, 04:44:22 pmDon't feel bad for having scored a fantastic deal! You deserve it by all means and I enjoy reading about your happiness as I can relate to it. The same probably goes for many fellow forum users.Quote from: Fraser on June 27, 2017, 04:44:22 pmIt's certainly an Unaohm...I will PM you later on about TV field meter.Quote from: Fraser on June 27, 2017, 05:04:15 pmTake my opinion: just stick with them and don't bother to sell them! You won't make any significant money out of it, you certainly still have enough room left and each item brings memories.I don't sell my meters. It's just not worth it. Plus this is not a bit crazier than collecting the equipment in the first place. If you went to sell a few, why not sell them all and buy the BEST thermal camera in the world? Because it wouldn't be the same.I played this mind game: would I exchange all my field meters for the current best Rohde&Schwarz TV Analyzer with all options? I am not sure - probably not. Because my kick is to know all models and brands. What would be the point to only have one device, which almost nobody else has?What you SHOULD do with your collection is to document each model, archive all relevant manuals, technical information, software, repair instructions, etc. Make pictures of the models, show the images they capture and make a website about it. It would be the N#1 thermal image resource!I thought to do that with TV field meter, but I still have too few and too little time. One day, though!Regards,Vitor

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 27, 2017, 11:25:51 pm
content: Thanks for the comments Victor.Fraser

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 27, 2017, 11:32:45 pm
content: I have just downloaded the complete A20/A40 command set for remote control. This camera is certainly versatile. I can control it via RS232 using a simp,e terminal program or can make a dedicated RS232 remote control keypad for it that mimics the top panel keypadThere is, of course the control via FireWire plus official software or via the web server terrace..I am pleased that FLIR decided to make the full command set public. It provides all that I will need for serial remote control.I think I shall program a custom Arduino based remote control keypad just as I intend to do for my FLIR PM series cameras (another project delayed by other commitments !)Fraser

author: sam1275
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 28, 2017, 01:32:28 pm
content: Good purchase!The most unique feature of this camera to me is the auto focus, I'd really like that but many "normal function" for visible camera are not present on most thermal cameras.Maybe next get a optical zoom one and share with us

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 28, 2017, 01:50:13 pm
content: For me, the true autofocus is very nice to have but the other features of the camera also appeal. The fact that it has on board programmable temperature alarm thresholds to detect out of range scene temperatures and provides hardware outputs for such. This is not a feature found on most conventional thermal cameras. The camera can also receive analogue and digital data from external physical sensors for iindustrial applications. There are also analogue level outputs available. Such I/O falls very much into the industrial process monitoring realm as well as fire detection etc. It is a very versatile platform.This camera also fully integrates with the powerful and very capable FLIR Researcher software that can make the most of the data being captured by the camera. Real time analysis of streamed radiometric image data plus 'off line ' analysis of captured images. Such makes a very capable and powerful thermographic tool in the R&D plus scientific realms. None of my other cameras are quite so suited to that level of integration with FLIR Researcher. The Exx series does integrate with it pretty well though.The A40 is a camera very much designed for industry and science. It is what I would commonly call a 'Box Camera'. It is compact, contains the auto focus lens, all required analysis systems and it is remote controllable. I suspect some amateur science lab techs would love to own such a camera.On the optical zoom topic..... I have yet to find a true optical zoom lens at an affordable price. Many military thermal cameras used a twin FOV lens that inserts an extra pair of lenses in the optical path to provide a narrower FOV. A true variable zoom lens is a very expensive device due to the complexity of the design and number of Germanium lenses used within it.The PM series cameras that I have offer variable Digital zoom but with an added feature....... they do not just zoom in on the centre of the microbolometer, they actively interpolate the image as well. This can sometimes make it hard to decide which image was taken with digital zoom and which was taken with a close-up lens ! The interpolation is very well engineered and copes well with the zoom within reasonable limits.I suspect the A40 variable digital zoom will also interpolate the zoomed image to improve its appearance.Fraser

author: CatalinaWOW
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 28, 2017, 02:20:01 pm
content: Fraser, you would love an all reflective optical zoom that I once worked with. Part of a lab setup it also could change zoom ratio extremely rapidly. Needed a crane to move and kW to operate but could do some really interesting stuff. Since its application was superseded by technology decades ago it probably is sitting in a surplus lot somewhere or has been broken up for scrap metal.

author: Chanc3
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 28, 2017, 09:56:01 pm
content: Fraser, I believe you'll have to use the older FLIR Researcher Pro software to connect to the camera via firewire. I think it's from the same generation as our SC640, which we use with firewire to fibre optics to firewire on our 30m mast. Pretty sure I've seen the settings for it on there.Sent from my ONE A2003 using Tapatalk

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 28, 2017, 10:14:34 pm
content: Chanc3,Many thanks for that information.I read the FLIR FAQ's for Firewire cameras and also noted that it is best to use the standard Windows XP supplied Firewire host chipset drivers rather than any vendor specific drivers ! Odd but true.I have several different FLIR image analysis and reporting packages that may work with the A40. I will build a Firewire equipped laptop to test them. From what I can establish even my FLIR TOOLS+ software will work with the A40.I have a sneaky suspicion that the A40 may be electronically similar to the 'P' series cameras.Fraser

author: sam1275
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 01, 2017, 04:58:32 pm
content: Thank you for your reply.I've seen some continuous optical zoom thermal cameras, but they all seems to be with a cooled MWIR sensor, I've also noticed their lens aperture are all small (f4-5 or so).I think maybe the lens aperture can't be as big as fixed FOV ones, otherwise the zoom lens will be too huge/expensive, so smaller aperture need cooled sensor which have higher sensitivity.

author: amexlive
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 10, 2018, 06:17:59 am
content: Hello Friends,I have the same camera Flir A40 with FireWire port. Could you please write me how I can use it via USB or LAN, maybe have adapters FireWire to USB or LAN ...Thnak you in advance!

author: Spirit532
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 10, 2018, 10:14:00 am
content: FireWire is realtime serial, and it physically cannot be converted to USB, Ethernet, or any other packet-based host-driven protocol.

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 10, 2018, 10:47:03 am
content: +1You have to use Firewire to connect this camera to a computer. It will, of course, operate on its own without a computer, using its keypad and provide video out on its BNC port.Firewire to USB converters for AV control,applications have existed but I have read nothing good about them. As has been stated by Spirit532, Firewire is a continuous data stream format that is totally different to USB or Ethernet. The AV world has been looking at ways to use Firewire products with USB for years. The conclusion the AV community came to is to purchase a Firewire PCMCIA or PCI card, depending upon the PC used. It is often cheaper to buy a used laptop with Firewire already present, than to buy any sort of so called Firewire to USB converter. Such converters are basically just an embedded computer that tries to cache the Firewire data and convert it to USB or Ethernet. Modern laptops often do not have a PCMCIA port so are not useable in this scenario. Also note that when using a Firewire card of any sort, FLIR recommend using the Microsoft generic driver rather than the cards included driver as incompatibilities can otherwise occur. Also note that Microsoft ceased TCP-IP support after Win XPFor info, I use a Dell Latitude X300 laptop that is running XP Pro on its M 1.2GHz Based hardware. I use FLIR Researcher 2.10 and ResearchIR 4 Max on that laptop.Fraser

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 10, 2018, 01:32:59 pm
content: If desperate to try a Firewire to USB converter.... I know of only one that was commonly available, namely the Pinnacle Moviebox that is pebble shaped, not the later square shaped model. It could wrap Firewire data in packets that were sent over USB2. The PC has a driver installed that fools software into thinking the data is coming from a Firewire interface rather than a USB port. This may or may not work with FLIR software as I know such can be fussy !The unit it worked for Camcorder DV data transfer, but with very mixed user experiences. It worked on some computers, but not others due to differing USB port chip sets plus driver incompatibilities and it could be hard to get working on more modern laptops. These units sell for silly expensive prices on eBay, so think carefully before spending your money. For the same or less money you can buy a good used i7 laptop from HP that has either an integral IEEE-1394 port, or an Extresscard slot to add one.The Moviebox went obsolete some time ago and Firewire is now considered a legacy interface by many. There is no money in producing such a converter again and the risks of incompatibility make it a poor buy unless very cheap. The Moviebox could be purchased for $100 when released. They are now being sold 'new' on eBay at around $170 due to rarity. Used units sell for around half that price.I cannot recommend the converter route as it carries high risk of failure and makes little economic sense with so many cheap Firewire equipped used laptops around these days. Some people actually had to buy another laptop that was compatible with the Moviebox ! Pure madness when laptops were still available with a IEEE-1394 port built in. That being said, some people bought the Moveiebix for analogue video capture. The DV to USB converter was just an added feature that many did not even use.Fraser

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 10, 2018, 01:48:00 pm
content: There are plenty of reviews and videos on the Pinnacle Moviebox available on YouTube. Do check the AV forums for user experiences though !https://youtu.be/BthebohwsDkFraser

author: amexlive
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 10, 2018, 02:03:45 pm
content: Thank you very much for the super detailed information about FireWire for this thermal camera! I have now one Lenovo T61 and I can use it with PCMCIA to FIREWIRE adapter and the camera work but I want to use it to another PC (Intel NUC i5). I will try with Pinnacle Moviebox if I can find it at good price.

author: rsjsouza
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 10, 2018, 02:30:07 pm
content: Quote from: Fraser on April 10, 2018, 10:47:03 amIf you are in Mac world, you could always use one of these:https://www.apple.com/shop/product/MD464LL/A/apple-thunderbolt-to-firewire-adapter?afid=p219%7CGOUS&cid=AOS-US-KWG-PLA

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 11, 2018, 03:42:35 pm
content: I just took a look at the NUC computers. With regret I think you could hit trouble with using a NUC + Moviebox with the A40.1. The NUC is relatively modern and anything later than a Win XP computer can be a problem with the A40 Firewire communications.2. The Moviebox is known to be less reliable with more modern computers. The NUC seems too modern.3. You lose the A40 Firewire TCP-IP network capability if using an OS later than Win XP. TheA40 contains a web server and this needs TCP-IP connectivity.I have just looked at some very nice laptops that include a Firewire port in their standard spec. Some may be able to run Windows XP. Most were less than £100 and all would likely perform better than the NUC + Movelbix.I am not sure whether the Moviebox could cope with TCP-IP communications.It is now clear why AV enthusiasts tended to ignore the Moviebox if they could buy a relatively cheap Firewire equipped laptop that is an 'all in one' solution.The FLIR A40 was designed in the heyday of Windows XP and IEEE1394 communications. As such you need to consider using hardware and software of that period to ensure ease of use. Do think very carefully before wasting good money on the Moviebox that could easily buy you a very nice condition branded Laptop running an i5 or i7 Processor.Fraser

author: MrSheep
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 03, 2023, 10:22:39 pm
content: Hey Fraser,Were you able to get firewire to work with your A40M? Curious because I have a firewire camera that I would like to use but it still doesn't connect properly.I've tried windows 7 and 10 using the legacy Firewire driver as stated here:https://flir.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/1253/~/firewire-camerasCould you elaborate on the windows XP and the TCP/IP.Thanks

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 04, 2023, 09:47:08 am
content: Hi MrSheep,Yes I have had the A40 and it’s little brother, the A20, working well via FireWire.I used my trusty Dell Latitude X300 running Windows XP SP3 and FLIR Researcher 2.8 to control the camera. It was very simple and I met no problems talking to the camera. I was also able to access the cameras web server without difficulties.Some time ago I read a FLIR article that stated Microsoft had deleted FireWire TCP/IP support from Windows XP with SP1. They stated that this could cause problems communicating with their FireWire cameras. That said, I have since heard that FLIR FireWire cameras work fine with Windows XP right up to SP3.I cannot remember whether I have used the A40 with FLIR ResearchIR 4 Max. That is installed on a non FireWire laptop so maybe not.Try accessing the web server on the A40 to test the communications link and cameras FireWire interface. I use 4 wire FireWire and power the camera from its mains PSU.If you need and drivers etc, I can supply them, but I think FLIR has the A40 driver pack on their web site for download.Fraser

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 04, 2023, 02:16:09 pm
content: Ah, just reading your post again, I am not certain that the FireWire camera that you are trying to connect is an A40.I have experience with other FireWire connected thermal cameras and can say that they are a bit of a nightmare if they do not “just connect”. In my experience the problems are usually caused by not having the correct driver. This was the case with NEC AVIO camera that I was trying to connect to my Dell X300 laptop. I had the official, latest, FireWire driver that was supposed to work with my camera and it worked with other NEC AVIO cameras that I have. Years later a chap wanted to buy the camera and I told him about the FireWire connectivity issue. He sent me an older version of the FireWire driver that he was using with the same model of camera and the Camera immediately connected to the PC and all was well with the FireWire link. The newer NEC AVIO driver was the problem but no older drivers were available to download. I sold the camera to the chap and we both got a good dealBefore I received that replacement driver I bought a CATC (now Teledyne) FireWire Protocol Analyzer to analyze the handshakes between the PC and camera. Sadly that did not help as the camera was behaving like it had a faulty FireWire interface and would not set up a link properly. All the time it was the darned PC driver that was at fault. Device Drivers eh ?