Working with Jenoptik VarioCam HD scored for a song - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: ArsenioDev
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 14, 2023, 02:40:56 pm
content: Finally managed to score one of my grails, a proper science grade camera with a reputable manufacturer.Nailed it via auction hovering when I saw one available and had it at my door for a grand total well under $700It's a beautiful piece of kit, POE and normal power input, GIG-E Vision, GENICAM compliant interface, 30/60hz detector, HDMI out and powered remote controlled focus (with autofocus too!)All up cost included shipping and both the Ethernet and power cables terminated in very nice Lemo connectors.A quick test powering up has unfortunately the OSD in a menu and manual range set, along with no obvious way to control the color map on the main output.I've since written to Jenoptik and obtained not only the full manual but pinouts and an ICD. Still working my way through getting the SDK and control software to match the license I was sent by the contact there.Tinkering with GENICAM compatible control softwares available has allowed me to gain manual control over the focus and temperature range and center level but as of yet no access to autofocus mode control nor NUC/CAL.Last three images are grabbed from the HDMI port and pay the cat tax

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 14, 2023, 03:24:45 pm
content: Sounds excellentI miss the days when I was scouring the auction sites looking for exotic thermal imaging systems. In the past I could pick up a bargain or two along the wayThe Jenoptik cameras are certainly nice qualityand some of the static cameras are also sold under the Fluke Brand. I have someone chasing me for my two Jenoptic 'box' cameras for a specialist application, but I have resisted parting with them to date.As many will know, I ceased actively searching for new thermal camera purchases some time ago as there were higher financial priorities in my life when I got ill and could not work. It has been hard to resist buying some nice cameras along the way, I can tell you. I still greatly regret not buying a 'as new' navy blue cased Bullard Eclipse that was on ebay.de. I should have bought that one as I doubt I will see another any time soon. Such is life. I still buy the odd specialist camera when finances permit but it is a rare event. I still recall the joy of finding a nice thermal camera at a decent price and the fun of testing it upon arrival. The ones that worked were great to 'play' with and that ones that did not gave me the enjoyment of diagnosis and repair. Happy daysI looked at the thermal imaging market recently and was struck by how inexpensive the budget sub QVGA cameras have become. This is thanks to the development work of IRAY-Infiray, Guide-Sensmart and other Chinese microbolometer fabricators who went into fast track development and production during the pandemic. The professional thermal cameras are still expensive new, but used prices have dropped significantly compared to when I was hunting for cameras pre 2017. If I had the spare money now, that I had back then, I would be able to scoop some very nice used thermal cameras in today's marketYour purchase of a nice Jenoptik camera for $700 reflects my understanding of the current used market. Those who just want basic thermal imaging functionality with some measurement capabilities can get a very useable brand new camera for less than $200. Those buyers would likely ignore older, larger, heavier professional cameras despite the higher quality in all respects. It is those of us who appreciate the higher grade of thermal cameras that still keep the used prices where they are, rather than dropping further.I hope you get your software talking to the camera. As I said in an earlier thread I created on buying 'Box' cameras, they often require bespoke software and drivers in order to be configured. The fact that such software may be obsolete or very expensive tends to deter hobbyists from buying them, and rightly so. It is Sooo frustrating to have a very nice thermal camera that works but you cannot control it ! I am in that situation with a IP thermal camera (not a CCTV camera) that I recently bought for a song. It believe it is made by DALI and it is a lovely high resolution unit but it needs to be controlled via Ethernet and I have no details of how to do that for this particular unit. The IP address and login password were removed from the casing so i am in the dark. So frustrating, but a project for another day when I have more time. I think it is ONVIF compatible so that may be a point from which to start.My latest "for fun" purchase is a module that contains a Guide Sensmart TIMO120 core. Only 120 x 90 pixels but I bought it to learn more about the TIMO cores. Total cost including postage was less than £19The TIMO uses the DCMI interface for use with STM32 processors etc so the module I have bought may also include the STM32 board as well as its few output connections are definitely not DCMI. It is due to arrive this weekCan you post a picture of your camera so that I know which model it is. If I know of any other brands that sell it as theirs, it may lead you to alternative control software.All the best with your new camera and I will help, if able.Fraser

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 14, 2023, 03:31:37 pm
content: I just saw that you uploaded some pictures …greatI attach pictures of my mystery IP camera that is also suffering from a lack of control software at the moment !Fraser

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 14, 2023, 03:37:40 pm
content: I have just looked at the fluke cameras and sadly I am wrong. They are not the same. I have definitely seen your camera under a different brand though. Maybe Infratec ?Fraser

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 14, 2023, 03:41:05 pm
content: Confirmed, it is InfraTec who also sell your camera under their branding.https://www.infratec-infrared.com/thermography/camera-series-variocamr-high-definition/Fraser

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 14, 2023, 04:21:50 pm
content: Looking at the Infratec company history, they have been working with Jenoptik for many years. I may have the OEM-Rebrander situation reversed ! It could well be that Infratec make the cameras and Jenoptik place their brand on them.https://www.infratec.co.uk/company/history/Ah, it is a long term partnership situation……https://www.novuslight.com/jenoptik-and-infratec-partner-to-supply-infrared-cameras_N10435.html

author: ArsenioDev
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 14, 2023, 07:32:48 pm
content: Yes, definitely an Infratec/Jenoptik, though I believe Jenoptik is the actual OEM, owing to the design bearing great similarity to other Jenoptik kit I've seen.As for your Dali(?) unit, got internals photos? If so I have methods of getting info on how to talk to em as I happen to have a few Dali units kickin around too.

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 15, 2023, 12:01:38 am
content: Arseniodev,I started a new thread on the "DALI" camera as i do not want to hijack this one.https://www.eevblog.com/forum/thermal-imaging/mystery-thermal-ip-camera-could-be-from-dali-teardown-)/msg4863236/#msg4863236Fraser

author: Vipitis
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 16, 2023, 12:11:15 pm
content: That sounds like a lovely score. Getting HDMI out could make it easy to turn into a portable solution.Can you confirm the specs of it being 1024x768 and up to 240hz?

author: ArsenioDev
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 16, 2023, 02:56:18 pm
content: Quote from: Vipitis on May 16, 2023, 12:11:15 pmI think my usage is primarily not a human-portable system, rather will be using it to track orbital and high power rockets with a turret and in rocket engine test firings as an external area temperature monitor. Plus I have smaller VGA platforms as is.As for resolution, I am not sure as I don't have full access to capabiltiies in the menus

author: ArsenioDev
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 31, 2023, 12:43:48 am
content: Update after a while, I found a properly nice generic GENICAM viewer that actually supports the BGR8 format AND HAS HISTOGRAM CONTROL for the 16bit raw output on the channelStill doesn't have the focus button control working for some reason though.Works fantastically and with minimal fuss.The actual license for it isn't too expensive either, at 210 USD for a receive license that does not have the watermark. Aside from that watermark that moves around, the software is fully featured and can save MP4 video in addition to full bit depth TIFF/BMP sequences for later processing.I did the trouble of getting around the silly email portal thing so give this a shot for any of your GigE/USB3Vision GENICAM generator cameras.https://pleora.my.salesforce.com/sfc/p/#300000000CTL/a/0y000000U5Mf/UujBuWLcXstwywkam2bXkagf0II.HhFULbLCY_v0KNsCat tax attached in addition to a screen of the histogram compensated 16bit and BRG8 format false color frame.

author: ArsenioDev
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 13, 2024, 02:34:51 am
content: Thanks to a kind user I have obtained a copy of IRBIS 3 pro builds 112 and 128, along with a license key that works.I gotta do some digging around but I bet this is the grail here.

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 13, 2024, 04:28:40 am
content: Excellent newsFraser

author: ArsenioDev
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 13, 2024, 02:33:40 pm
content: I'll get around to uploading the software to archive.org tonight, notably without the key though.But hey, if I know anything about this board, there's software goblins who can figure out how to bypass.

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 13, 2024, 04:48:58 pm
content: ThanksI will add it to my software archive as wellFraser

author: ArsenioDev
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 13, 2024, 11:12:38 pm
content: Uploaded to Internet Archive.Weirdly I could never get rel128 to actually launch, which is annoying since it is the one with support for GEV based cameras like mine.Link followshttps://archive.org/details/irbis-3-rel-128-full

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 14, 2024, 09:42:28 pm
content: ArsenioDev,Many thanks for this file set. When you say you could not get 128 to launch, do you mean it would install but not run ? Is that something I can test for you ? I presume it is not a software that wants to "phone home" with the licence and PC host details for validation ?You said you also had release 112, would it be possible to upload that version as well please ?Fraser

author: ArsenioDev
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 14, 2024, 09:43:36 pm
content: Program initiates startup, but hits a license check and does not enter main program.Yeah I can throw 112 up as well later.

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 14, 2024, 10:00:43 pm
content: Interesting.I just loaded Release 128 and I must have used it previously as it installed, but upon running it stated that my Demo period was over and that I should obtain the full version of the softwareFraser

author: ArsenioDev
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 15, 2024, 03:29:58 am
content: Rel 112 linkhttps://archive.org/details/irbis3rel112_professional

author: ArsenioDev
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 09, 2025, 03:12:22 am
content: Necroing this thread to report that I have obtained an eval license of IRBIS 3.1 professional and really am flexing the chops of this hardware.After emailing their support and sales lines across multiple emails and getting no response, I used my day job email and got reply within 12 hours and a 60 day eval license for IRBIS Pro 3.1.Not only does this camera have incredible dynamic range (full 16 bit FPA data) but also the control given is downright incredible.Plus it has focus stacking built in.UI is nice, a bit dated overall.Primary rig, running programs on desktop, non-focus stacked image.Self portrait, very good temperature resolutionTo that point, hand shot where the faint speckling on the skin is my sweat glandsCat Tax![ Specified attachment is not available ]And a focus stacked image (They call it "Eversharp", you define start, stop focus ranges and N images to combine).I will be issuing a RFQ for permanent licenses of the camera software once my trial is up, will have to offload some of my older cores to offset cost of acquisition but this is a major leap in capability that is well worth.

author: defqon
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: January 16, 2025, 08:13:55 am
content: Hy!I wrote you in X (Twitter) please read it