Just got an E30bx.  Have the usual questions. - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: cvanc
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 10, 2018, 06:41:01 pm
content: Hi all-Just took delivery of a very good condition E30bx. I've attached a few photos so you can all see exactly which flavor of camera I have.I intend to use this thread to sort out A) exactly what I have and B) exactly how to alter it. Please, let's start with A.From my perusal of the (nearly infinite!) discussions here, I do not know if I have a 'revised Mk1' or 'Mk2' model. If I understand correctly the rubber doors suggest Mk2, but the manufacture date and keypad suggest Mk1. I obviously have that wrong, it can't be both. But which is it?Thanks very much.

author: cvanc
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 10, 2018, 06:43:16 pm
content: Rubber side cover photos are here.

author: Spirit532
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 10, 2018, 06:51:45 pm
content: Your model is the one without MSX hardware support but with a service menu(accessible via IE at the RNDIS address).Just follow the manual hack instructions and you should be set with an E60. The automatic hack will not work.

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 10, 2018, 08:17:58 pm
content: +1I upgraded an identical E30bx a few months ago for a client.It is the late MK1 model with separate navigation pad buttons and the rubber side covers. This was the final version before FLIR moved to the Mk2 model.Some comments on your specific unit:1. It will be a 2012 production date and should hopefully have the final MK1 firmware already loaded, but check this before the upgrade. Ensure you are on the final firmware version before the upgrade.2. Your unit is the E30bx so it may, or may not contain the wireless connectivity module. Some do, some do not. The unit I upgraded did not have the module fitted. This means no Wi-Fi and no Bluetooth.3. The 'bx' model' does not have temperature range 2 enabled, but it may be available and calibrated ! I understand that Range 2 may be enabled via the Service Menu for which the passwords have been published. I have not tried this though. Access to the service manual is via the USB port using RNDIS. The USB port is easily setup to RNDIS mode using the old "10 second press" of the right navigation button whilst in the camera information menu.4. I chose to enable most of the available configuration options on my E40 and I do not regret it? There are many additional functions available in the configuration filesYou end up with an E60+5. As part of the standard upgrade you will also release the full 3.1MP resolution of the visible light camera.6. In case you are unaware, you gain digital video recording with the upgrade7. Make sure you make multiple backups of your 'virgin' camera as things can go wrong during the upgrade process !8. My client was stunned by the improvement I unlocked in the E30bx. He said it was like receiving a completely new camera of much greater capability and performance. That is actually pretty close to what he received from me. Before I forget, the upgrade also turns off the awful false noise generator. This is set pretty high on the E30 so the improvement is very noticeable.Fraser

author: cvanc
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 10, 2018, 08:44:43 pm
content: Thank you both. Let's continue. Here is all the config info I have found:FLIR E30bxs/n 4902nnnnsoftware version 1.36.23model E30bx_B 1.1...I did not find a callout of firmware version, where do I look for it?Fraser, please see the photo of the serial number sticker in the first post. It shows a 2012 manufacture date, FWIW.**********OK, next step. Let me take a stab at documenting the list of actions I need to take. Once the list makes sense I'm hoping for insight to fill in the details. I will come back and edit the list in this post as needed. Here we go...1- First I need to set up communications between the camera and a PC. From what I've read this involves RNDIS (whatever that is?) and, I presume, something like FileZilla (which I use all the time).2- Once I'm talking to the camera, I need to make a full backup from camera-->PC just in case I make a mistake3- Check camera's contents for specific files and/or specific file revisions?4- Edit config files?5- Add new files from outside?6- Reboot and away we goHow does that look? Am I missing anything? Do I have the sequence correct?Thanks again!

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 10, 2018, 09:05:39 pm
content: Your camera needs the version 2.23 firmware update.Please read the relevant E4 and E40 upgrade threads. The E4 teardown thread post #1 provides direct links to what you need in that huge thread. Everything you require is there. The required firmware update is available direct from the FLIR download page and tools for calculating the configuration file CRC1 are provided in the E4 teardown thread. Mike has done a decent job of indexing the various bits via his first post in the thread.The E40 upgrade thread relates to the later model but contains useful posts.Ensure you are fully up to speed on what you are doing before making changes.The effort of reading the E30 and E40 upgrade posts is well worth the effort and enables you to better understand how to change the configuration files to best meet your personal needs.Enjoy the journey to upgrading the E30bx and releasing its full potential. You will not regret the time spent studying the process and it really is not that difficult on your version of the camera.All the bestFraser

author: cvanc
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 13, 2018, 04:14:01 pm
content: Quote from: Fraser on January 10, 2018, 09:05:39 pmOK, cool. Two things:1- I registered my s/n at flir.com & went looking for the firmware update. They offered this version, is it OK to install?FLIR Exx P/N:490xx (2.26.14) Update Pack2- Before I upgrade the camera I want to do a full backup but I am not understanding how to do that. If this had Ethernet connectivity I'd just FTP into it and pull out a copy, but it doesn't have Ethernet. I am not clear on this "Use IE and RNDIS" approach - is this something like FTP and is there a primer somewhere?Thanks.

author: Spirit532
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 13, 2018, 04:22:18 pm
content: Quote from: cvanc on January 13, 2018, 04:14:01 pm1. You need the 2.23 firmware, not 2.26.2. Make yourself familiar with the hack before blindly attempting it.RNDIS is "Remote Network Driver Interface Specification", and when you turn the mode on(via the menu), your E30 turns into a network adapter, at which point you can FTP into the filesystem, which is a step required for the hack.

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 13, 2018, 04:39:30 pm
content: Interesting development..... So FLIR released an updated firmware for this old series in September 2017 !Me thinks that unusual as they have ignored the earlier Exx series for yearsUnder no circumstances install firmware 2.26 if you are intending to upgrade. It very likely has some nasty surprises inside it.I will upload 2.23 to a site for download later today.Regarding RNDIS mode. This is entered via the use of a hidden menu as detailed in the E4 teardown thread. Go to the menu, navigate to the camera details page and hold the right navigation button down for around 10 seconds. The hidden menu appears. During the upgrade leave the camera in RNDIS mode until you are certain all is well. It enables you to edit the file system even if something goes wrong with the upgrade. Once all is well, use the hidden menu to return the camera to its default port mode (streamed video and mass storage device). Once in RNDIS mode you can see the cameras IP address and use FileZilla to access the camera file system. You need the Log in data as well : FLIR and 3vlig.FraserFraser

author: cvanc
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 13, 2018, 05:35:36 pm
content: Quote from: Spirit532 on January 13, 2018, 04:22:18 pmOh, absolutely. Baby steps. Don't want to mess up my new power tool

author: cvanc
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 13, 2018, 06:07:42 pm
content: Quote from: Fraser on January 13, 2018, 04:39:30 pmOK, I found this bloghttp://andrew.daviel.org/E4-blog.htmlwhich says:A "hidden menu" is described in the forum threads; this is accessible under Settings/Device Settings/Camera Information(*)by pressing and holding the right cursor for some ten seconds. A new menu appears with USB mode, Export information and Version information.USB mode offers a choice of MSD (mass storage device) - the normal setting, UVC (USB video class), RNDIS (Remote Network Driver Interface Specification), or a combination....So if I'm understanding correctly, to make a backup I would do this...1) Connect camera --> PC with USB cable2) Enter RNDIS mode on the camera(*), and3) Then 'somehow' RNDIS gives me an "IP address over USB" that I can navigate with FileZilla?4) Copy everything in the camera to my PC for safety backup...Right?(*) On my camera the keystrokes are different than described above: It actually seems to be Mode/Information/hold down the right cursor button/hidden 'USB Mode' menu appears. I have verified this on my camera, I can get to the hidden menu no problem.

author: Spirit532
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 13, 2018, 06:12:42 pm
content: Yes.Everything is described multiple times in multiple threads.Read them.

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 13, 2018, 06:28:26 pm
content: Things people often get wrong with the upgrade......1. Calculating the CRC1 checksum.Do this part of the process very carefully as additional spaces in the serial number line cause failure. Correctly enter the CRC1 data in the last line of the file. Repeat the whole process from scratch and ensure you get the same CRC1 data. If you do, try the new file in the camera. Any issues, revert back to the original file and analyse your CRC1 production process as something is wrong with it. An extra space or line feed is all it takes to mess things up.2. Do not add files to the camera. You must over write the original and so replace it. Not doing so causes problems. This is why you backup all possible files from the camera, in case of error. Remember to stay in RNDIS mode as this is your lifeline if you lose control of the cameras keypad or screen due to a problem when upgrading.3. Remember to remove the battery after the upgrade as this causes the required 'cold boot' that loads up the new file contents. The camera remembers to stay in RNDIS mode even after a cold boot.4. Be very careful when transferring files using FileZilla. I know you are used to that program but it is easy to place files in the wrong directory and fail in the upgrade.5. If it all goes wrong, panic not. Just use FileZilla to place the original versions of any changed files in the camera and overwrite the upgrade files. In theory you can dump the whole back-up back into the camera but I have never done that. Always check for accidental orphan files that you may have placed in the wrong directory.Note that when copying 'all' the directories and files out of the camera, you will get a load of failed transfers as those files are in use by the system. You do not need those files so worry not and ignore the warnings.Fraser

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 14, 2018, 03:08:31 pm
content: In case anyone needs it, I have uploaded Mk1 Exx firmware 2.23 here:http://www.filedropper.com/flirexxpn490v22314updatepack1Fraser

author: cvanc
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 14, 2018, 11:03:07 pm
content: Thank you both very much for your assistance and expertise.It'll be a couple days before I can get back to this project but I hope to soon report solid communications via RNDIS / safety backup / 2.23 upgrade. Once I get to that point I will check in here.I really appreciate it, gents.

author: Spirit532
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 14, 2018, 11:18:23 pm
content: You're welcome!Be sure to document any peculiarities you encounter, it's always nice to have more information about odd things that happen.

author: 300EVIL
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 15, 2018, 06:24:18 am
content: Quote from: cvanc on January 14, 2018, 11:03:07 pmI recently performed (today) the 2.23 firmware upgrade on my E60 (MK1) and all went well. I am still in the process of applying the rest of the hack for the additional tools and the complete noise removal. (I find it interesting to hear even the E60 has built in noise.)I found this blog very helpful as I recently used it to upgrade my first thermal, the E4.http://fubar.gr/hacking-the-flir-e4/The instructions for using the FTP client are the same for the E4 as it would be for the E30 - E60. I made backups of my original 1.6 firmware and settings and my new 2.23.14 firmware / settings.As for the firmware update. I loaded both update files on a 32GB SD card and placed it in the camera. I did notice the card was not initialized until a hard reboot. After that, the "Update Firmware" did show up in the information menu. I would highly suggest a charged battery and external power plugged in for this update process. The camera gets hot!The whole update really does take close to 30 minutes. Lots of loading and a couple of automatic restarts. Even when you think it is done, just let it sit. It's kinda freaky updating firmware, I'm sure there are some safeties built in but why take a chance of bricking your thermal camera. I had the camera go to thermal image a couple times and thought it was done updating and it began loading another process, just be patient.Please keep us updated on your upgrade process, I will share info on my experiences as well but I want to take it slow and not brick my new toy.AdamBefore Update...Switching to RNDIS mode...Updating Firmware...After the Update...

author: 300EVIL
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 15, 2018, 06:58:46 am
content: NOTE: I did revert back to the original "UVC and MSD" mode and unplugged the USB cable when I was updating the firmware from the SD card. I really don't think this is necessary but I didn't want to take the chance of something weird happening. Still, doesn't hurt to be careful.

author: cvanc
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 31, 2018, 12:24:59 pm
content: Just a small update from my side: I haven't had a lot of time to work on the camera but two thresholds have been passed:1) I got the camera talking to my Win10 laptop via RNDIS, seehttps://www.eevblog.com/forum/thermal-imaging/how-to-set-up-a-rndis-connection-e30bx-to-windows-10-laptop/for the gory details. (Basically I could not get it to work at all, upgraded the camera firmware, and after the upgrade RNDIS communications worked easily)2) And as mentioned I have revved the firmware from 1.36 to 2.23. Many thanks to Fraser for posting the necessary files. The upgrade was routine and took about 20 minutes with a few reboots along the way. The picture quality seems to already be improved - am I imagining that or does it sound plausible?I think I've only a full backup to make and then I can start with the actual hack. Hopefully I'll have time in the next few days to give it a try.Thanks again to all who contribute here! This forum really is a marvel.

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 31, 2018, 01:07:52 pm
content: Regarding the bx cameras with their limited temperature capability....I am told that Temperature Range 2 may be enabled via the service menu. This is accessed using your internet browser plus the cameras IP address and the published passwords of 3vlig and 1235 (EEPROM unlock) Other E30bx owners have commented that the cameras Range 2 contains valid calibration data.I have not investigated this matter further so proceeed at your own risk !Fraser

author: cvanc
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 12, 2018, 10:55:34 pm
content: Hi all-Just a quick note to report I've successfully done a mini-hack - that is, I've increased resolution from 160x120 to 320x240 and turned off the noise generator. I edited FlashFS\system\appcore.d\config.d\conf.cfg to accomplish both tasks.Interestingly, my factory noise setting was 90, is that normal? At zero now it looks so much better!I'll probably leave it alone for a while and do more experimenting in the future. Many thanks for all the discussions here on this, it's really appreciated.

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 13, 2018, 01:48:16 am
content: Cvanc,Yes an injected false noise level of 90mK is used on the E30 cameras. The higher up the Exx range you go, the lower the value of injected false noise. FLIR use this as a tool to offer 'improved' noise levels for the higher priced cameras. Even the E60 has some false noise injected to degrade its performance a little compared to higher specified cameras like the T6xx series.Fraser

author: Spirit532
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 13, 2018, 10:01:46 pm
content: Can also confirm that the Txxx series(namely my T440bx) has the noise generator module, but it is disabled and set to 0 from the factory.

author: Paw85
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 14, 2018, 07:16:40 pm
content: New to the forum and would like to start by thanking everyone in here and especially Fraser for posting the 2.23.14 firmware and providing a lot of information about upgrading the Exx series.Just acquired an used E30bx two days ago and figured to try and provide some information in return from the unit I purchased.Condition was quite good, no scratches or dust on the lens and only minor marks on the outside, sticker on the handle-front a bit damaged, was purchased for £1000.The camera was made 2012, is hardware version 1.1 (and with rubber "doors" for the ports on the sides) and had firmware 1.43.23 installed on it.As it turned out it had Wifi and BT installed, and calibrated Range 2 on it!From the information I had previously found in the forum I thought that it was only the early models with the hard plastic doors that had the Wifi and BT module inside, but it appears that at least some of the ones with the rubber doors does too!And upgrading it to a E60+ worked great too thanks to all the help and information here in the forum, thank you all!

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 14, 2018, 07:52:38 pm
content: Hiya,Can you please confirm how you enabled Range 2 as I heard that it was possible via the service menu, but I have never done that upgrade as my camera was a E40.Fraser

author: Paw85
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 14, 2018, 08:22:16 pm
content: Quote from: Fraser on February 14, 2018, 07:52:38 pmCertainlyPut the imager into RNDIS mode and connect USB to the computer. Connect to (usually)http://192.168.0.2using the internet browser.Go into [Service Menu], login with flir/3vligGo to  -> [System Recalibration] -> [Enable/Disable Cases]Mark the range you wish to enable, 0C-650C and click Submit (Action already at Enable by default),It appears that if the range was calibrated, it should now says (RBF OK) after the range instead of (Disabled)If the range was not calibrated, it should say (No RBF).Then just disconnect USB, shut down the camera, remove battery and reinsert it, and start camera.You should now have -20C-120C and 0C-650C range.Hope it helps!

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 14, 2018, 09:02:18 pm
content: Excellent, thank you. This information will likely be very useful to other camera owners with only range 1 activeFraser

author: cvanc
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 06, 2018, 11:18:11 pm
content: Hi there-I've only connected to my E30bx using FileZilla so your comments have me a bit confused. Are you saying that using a web browser to connect will actually display some camera menusin the web browser? Thanks...Quote from: Paw85 on February 14, 2018, 08:22:16 pm

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 07, 2018, 12:12:46 am
content: Yes. The camera contains its own web service that is accessed using a standard internet we browser by entering the IP address into the URL line. You must be in RNDIS mode to do this, just as when using Filezilla.A FLIR web page will appear in your browser that is coming from your camera and not the internet.Fraser

author: cvanc
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 07, 2018, 02:57:29 am
content: Quote from: Fraser on March 07, 2018, 12:12:46 amHuh, would you look at that! There's all kinds of stuff in there. Thanks guys.I'll look around for a bit (I'm not in 'service mode' so hopefully this is safe), but one question for now: Is there a way on these menus to see if my camera has the WiFi and Bluetooth modules installed? I took a quick perusal and did not see that info.(update a few minutes later): ...And just that easy I now have the 650 degree range too! Thanks so much!

author: Paw85
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 07, 2018, 09:06:26 am
content: Quote from: cvanc on March 07, 2018, 02:57:29 amGlad to hear the instructions worked for you too. However, not certain if you can check there if you got WiFi/BT hardware module inisde, it may say a module and version number of those are loaded, but that may just be related to software and not actual hardware installed I think?

author: bonzoxxx
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 18, 2019, 06:15:02 pm
content: Hi guys, this is my first post, i'm Alex from Italy.This morning, also thanks to this awesome forum, i bought my first thermocam, a flir e30bx mk1 with the hope to start a new activity like thermophotographer. I could also buy a almost brand new e6 for more euros but it was out of my budget.I'll start studying hardAnd, of course, I hope to unlock my e30bx

author: eKretz
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 18, 2019, 07:37:36 pm
content: It is definitely worth taking the time to read the topics yourself to actually understand what you're doing. That way you don't make any mistakes that could potentially brick your camera without realizing what you're doing. I managed to upgrade the thermal resolution on my E40 MK1 within a few hours of starting to read about the subject, then made some further fine tuning changes after reading more. Have fun!

author: bonzoxxx
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 21, 2019, 03:31:44 pm
content: For sure I'll read al lot before unlocking it, it's too expensive.Ok I'm messing with my cam, the version is the one with devided D-Pad, covered cam, model E30bx 0.10, software 1.24.16, code 49001-1701 but, strangely, with the CAM covered, my cam is a bit different from the cvanc's one posted at the beginning of the thread.Could anyone pin me a thread where I can start reading IF my cam can be unlocked and, eventually, how? Thanks a lot.

author: bonzoxxx
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 21, 2019, 07:23:32 pm
content: Ok first step done: understanding that my e30bx is the MK1 version, the older one.next, I need to upgrade it to 2.23.14 firmwareEDIT: apparently I found a copy of 2.23.14 firmware:https://doc.xdevs.com/docs/Flir/Exx/fw/Upgrading, fingers crossed23:11 update: no way to connect using windows 10, I was forced do virtualize a windows 7 pc, now filezilla works perfectly.23:41 update: i'm following this guidehttps://www.eevblog.com/forum/thermal-imaging/flir-e4-thermal-imaging-camera-teardown/msg561266/#msg561266I tried to modify a couple of files seems pretty straight but probably I'll continue tomorrow morning.00:48 update: unlocked01:49 update: I had to roll back changes because, even if my cam was unlocked, I lost the crossair and it was affected by strange behavior. Copying the entire FlashFS folder back solved any issue, I'll modify it asap.Are there any guide opening and drilling holes for camera and flashlight? Or should I go my own?

author: bonzoxxx
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 22, 2019, 10:29:15 pm
content: Ok guys, there are some problems with files I found reading the various threads looking for a way to unlock my cam.I used few files and also I managed to modify some data manually but, restarting the cam, the crossair disappears and there is no way to add a new one, cam and flashlight seem to work, apparently no wifi and bluetooth on board, what would be a nice to have but it's ok.I just want to pimp my resolution and activate the cam, all the other features aren't mandatory for me right now.

author: kradsith
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: March 24, 2019, 07:18:58 pm
content: Got my hands on a E30BX last week.Ran through all the info.Ended up using the link info here to get rolling...https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/flir-e4-thermal-imaging-camera-teardown/msg561266/#msg561266and E30_Hack.zip ... this doubled the resolution and added menu options as well as activated the bluetooth and WIFI.I couldn't find a good link the Frasers files for the procedure... is a difference? and more that is activated with Frasers files?Also wondering about extra palettes and are there any new one that can be added. currently I can see Artic, Gray,Iron, Lava, Rainbow, Rainbow HC... would like to see if added WhiteHot, BlackHot possible.Last bit I have is just on the upgrade itself... only things I did was make sure to have a windows 7 (32bit) machine setup for the drivers. Also make sure you use something like Notepad++ to see those extra CR's and the end of the files. Plain ol' windows notepad caught me on the first try!Thanks for all the help everyone!

author: Vipitis
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 24, 2019, 09:25:20 pm
content: the FLIR "Gray" palette is whitehot.

author: eKretz
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 25, 2019, 07:45:51 pm
content: Yes, check your palette list and see if there is an "invert" option at the bottom. Inverted "gray" will give you black hot. If it's not there you need to enable it in the cfg.