FLIR SC6000 Info - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: MrSheep
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 11, 2023, 02:30:51 pm
content: Hi,I recently picked up a FLIR SC6000. Still getting use to it and reading up on how to use it. But just wanted to start a thread here for all my future adventures with it haha.I was able to play with it and do some sample imaging but there are still things I don't understand like presets.The camera still seems to be in great shape as the Cooler has a cooldown time about 5 minutes 30 seconds.Edit:Useful info if anyone owns these cameras:1. IO Industries Core (Gen 1) works with this camera even tho it is not listed as compatible in the ResearchIR Framegrabber Page:https://flir.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/1658/~/third-party-framegrabber-support-for-flir-researchirYou must use a specific driver. IO Industries newer drivers do not work, ive tried. (Core view will work but ResearchIR will not open up the HSDR pane)When installing ResearchIR 4 you must check the pHSDR option but sometimes it will fail. If it does fail please download the iso and you find the core.exe driver inside the redist folder:https://support.flir.com/SwDownload/app/RssSWDownload.aspx?ID=124012. It looks like HDC lenses should work. FLIR made a conversation kit (they dont stock it I dont think) to convert the 3 tab bayonet to a 4 tab bayonet:https://flir.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/3373/~/converting-3%2F4-tab-lenses-using-the-converter-kitI downloaded the X-series Cad Files and was able to get the STEP file for the mount.Just need to adjust for correct spacing. (Waiting for FLIR to get back to me on possible mechanical drawings of the kit)

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 11, 2023, 06:29:49 pm
content: Just in case of interest, some previous SC6000 related posts……https://www.eevblog.com/forum/thermal-imaging/high-speed-thermal-imaging-cameras-when-60fps-is-just-not-enough-!/https://www.eevblog.com/forum/thermal-imaging/servicing-of-a-cooled-camera/https://www.eevblog.com/forum/thermal-imaging/sc6000sc4000-software/https://www.eevblog.com/forum/thermal-imaging/calibration-via-the-service-menu/https://www.eevblog.com/forum/thermal-imaging/flir-configuration-gui-hidden-manufacturing-mode/

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 11, 2023, 06:45:18 pm
content: Also, in case of interest…. The developmental Grandfather of your SC6000 camera design……..The Amber Radiance 1 …….https://www.eevblog.com/forum/thermal-imaging/the-story-of-a-radiance-1-camera-and-frasers-quest-to-find-information-on-it/A nice big Amber Radiance 1 DIOP lens that will also work on the SC6000 without modificationhttps://www.eevblog.com/forum/thermal-imaging/new-arrivals-amber-raytheon-radiance-1-camera-and-diop-75250mm-dfov-lens/

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 11, 2023, 06:50:35 pm
content: The developmental Father of your SC6000The Indigo Phoenix….https://www.eevblog.com/forum/thermal-imaging/indigo-systemsflir-phoenix-mwir-camera-and-interfacing-with-it/

author: MrSheep
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 12, 2023, 04:22:26 am
content: Thanks for the info Fraser. Have a few questions tho:1) Do you happen to have the Cielo HardSoft-SILABS USB driver? FLIR Customer support couldn't find it. I do have Research IR 4 Max + HSDR and SC6000 BigGUI already.2) Have you ever notice the round disk you see around the edges of the image. It is still there even tho I NUC the camera using the 1 point calibration. (see pics)It kinda disappears after there is enough contrast in the scene. My theory is that it is part of the IR window.3) I'm guessing I can get temperature/radiance by using the calibration procedure using the wizard in ResearchIR. Unless there is already a calibration I dont know of inside BigGUI, would you happen to know where it would be?Btw I love this camera. By far the best camera I have owned. Even beats my T1020 lol

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 12, 2023, 11:27:48 am
content: Yes I can provide the USB driver.The camera is designed to operate with both factory calibration tables and user created calibration tables. The customer states which factory calibrations are required and FLIR provide those at time of delivery. The User may carry out their own bespoke calibrations as and when desired.Were you operating your camera without a lens mounted when you saw the anomaly. If so, such anomalies are to be expected and you are likely imaging the lens mount. There is another possibility but that is bad news and I do not want to cause unnecessary concern. If the camera behaves normally when a lens is fitted, it is working as expected.Fraser

author: MrSheep
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 12, 2023, 02:03:50 pm
content: Ok thanks I will try the USB Driver out. I'll report back to see If it works.When I fit a lens everything seems fine when I point at something. You will barely see it. Only happens if you put your hand directly in front of the lens will you see the corners differ.And yeah I think that makes sense (imaging the lens mount that is). Must be imaging the tabs/ grooves. because it is more apparent on the left than the right.P.S. what is the bad news option? Just want to see if it is that. I will for sure post more pictures to figure this out. But I think the most important part is that the outer ring effect is not permanent and you only see it in very specific instant like covering the lens with ur hand. When looking at my second picture in the post above you can see its pretty much gone.

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 12, 2023, 02:32:25 pm
content: The less pleasant possibility is detachment of the Stirling Cooler cold finger from the Sensor FPA. Such can occur due to rough handling of the camera. The obvious symptom is usually a cooler center spot in the image that gets 'warmer' towards the edges. Loss of physical coupling between the cold finger and the detector FPA means the FPA receives proximity cooling in the Dewar vacuum, so not great. I have seen this in an AGEMA PM570 cooled camera that was dropped. It is evident in a normal thermal scene however, so seems unlikely in your case.Fraser

author: MrSheep
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 12, 2023, 02:51:51 pm
content: Yeah I don't think that is the case either. There is not even a scuff on the camera. And being that it is made out of aluminum, we would definitely notice if there was some sort of dent haha. But thanks for the explanation/insight on the cold finger issue.I was playing around with a IO Industries Core (Gen1) and I got it to work! Was told by a rep that they could only guarantee the IO industries Core 2 would work. Also in the Flir ResearchIR manual only states the 2nd gen one would be compatible. In this video I think he is using a gen 1 due to the configuration of the ports:And ok yeah I will not do that in the future haha. I only really did it with the lens on. Also yup I do have the NUC plate you are talking about. (2 of them actually)

author: MrSheep
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 12, 2023, 02:58:20 pm
content: I find it funny that FLIR just took their product and resprayed the top panel with their logo and put a sticker in place of IO Industries logo on the front panel.This thing also came with the firmware key so I can switch from CameraLink Base or CameraLink Full. (If I ever get a newer camera that requires both ports (full), But I might buy a car first after seeing the price of their newer X6xxx and X8xxx camera lol.)

author: MrSheep
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 12, 2023, 03:17:44 pm
content: Hmm ok USB driver did not work. I downloaded it ok but it quits the installer immediately.I am using windows 10. I actually found these drivers inside the .iso of FLIR ResearchIR. Let me try another machineEdit:Oh I think I know what the issue is. I think I have to be on a 32-bit machine running windows 7 or lower. Do you happen to have x64 usb drivers?

author: hap2001
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 12, 2023, 03:58:55 pm
content: Quote from: Fraser on August 12, 2023, 02:32:25 pmAre you sure? From the info I can get on internet, it's an uncooled model.

author: MrSheep
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 12, 2023, 04:00:32 pm
content: Quote from: hap2001 on August 12, 2023, 03:58:55 pmI think he means 550?

author: ArsenioDev
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 12, 2023, 04:13:03 pm
content: Quote from: MrSheep on August 11, 2023, 02:30:51 pmEdit: Was this that full kit on eBay?

author: MrSheep
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 12, 2023, 04:14:16 pm
content: Quote from: ArsenioDev on August 12, 2023, 04:13:03 pmYes haha. I am still trying to get everything setup in my lab but so far so good.

author: MrSheep
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 12, 2023, 04:27:46 pm
content: Hmm the USB Drivers doesn't work on windows 8.1 VM either.Fraser does this .msi installer work on your PC if so what system do you have. Let me knowThanksedit: I did get it to open by redownloading it but it still just quits after the installer says gathering information

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 12, 2023, 05:53:23 pm
content: MrSheepI have used the SC4000 with a Windows 7 64bit laptop. (HP Elitebook 2170p from 2013). The USB driver works fine with this Windows 7 system. There may be issues trying to use the driver on more modern operating systems as the SC4000/SC6000 camera is a Circa 2008 system. There was only that one USB driver. No driver specifically for 64 bit systems. I also tested the camera on a Windows XP 32 bit laptop (Dell Latitude X300) and it worked fine on that as well.With these cameras it is worth buying a dedicated laptop on eBay to serve its needs. Such older technology laptops are so inexpensive these days. I personally buy ruggedized and Mil-Spec laptops.... a bit more expensive, but built to lastFraser

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 12, 2023, 05:54:52 pm
content: Hap2001,Yes I meant the Agema PM550Fraser

author: MrSheep
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 12, 2023, 05:55:48 pm
content: Yeah I'll try spinning up a windows 7 install on my other machines. I am not sure what benefit having USB would have though.Is there anything that cant be done via Ethernet using BIG GUI? Might just stick with the Ethernet port if that is the case

author: MrSheep
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 12, 2023, 06:02:53 pm
content: Btw im working on getting a 4X Microscope HDC lens to work. Flir does have a conversion kit but the rep says they are out of stock and not restocking:https://flir.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/3373/~/converting-3%2F4-tab-lenses-using-the-converter-kitTrying to get info on cad files so that I can just machine the parts myself.But im surprised I got the image I did. So if I figure out the spacing this can be a really useful lens. Normally these are for the X-series camerasEdit:Oh and if you are wondering what the image is. That is just an Arduino Uno pcb trace haha

author: MrSheep
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 12, 2023, 06:06:19 pm
content: One thing I did wonder was how an F/4 lens would work on a F/2.5 camera (mine). Looking at the images I am getting it is working, I think?Not sure how the whole F stop thing affects everything

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 12, 2023, 09:56:28 pm
content: If the lenses work optically then you just need to create a calibration for them using a BlackBody thermal sourceRegarding what the USB port access can provide vs what is available via the Ethernet port, I cannot remember but you should find the answer in the user manuals.Sorry to hear that FLIR no longer offer the lens mount adapter. I am surprised at this news as 3 lug bayonet mount cameras are still in service. A case of low demand I suppose. FLIR consider the SC4000 and SC6000 to be virtually museum pieces but to us mere mortals they remain excellent bits of kit with plenty of life left in them. FLIR Paris, France is where you will find answers to questions about your SC6000. FLIR USA have no one available with past knowledge or experience of these units. If they say something is not available any more. Ask to be put in contact with FLIR Paris. You will find the Chief Scientific Camera engineer there to be very helpful.Fraser

author: MrSheep
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 12, 2023, 10:02:47 pm
content: Nice yeah, I will look into doing a calibration.Yeah I know. It's not a complicated part either. I might still end up doing a custom mount because I dont want to have to unscrew the mount every time I want to use the lens. rather just have a 4 tab to 3 tab screw on (kind of like the extension rings. Gonna look into a lens support as it is pretty heavy.I will post the step file here in case anyone ever wanted the conversion kit.And ok that is good to know. I will try to ask about the Paris Team. I tried to ask questions about cooler servicing (Just looking ahead in case I ever need it) but the US team told me that the SC4000/SC6000 is obsolete and they have "exhausted all parts and services" For these cameras. Would be a shame if we cant get these serviced because these cameras are pretty much on par with X-series cameras. The newer ones just have more connectivity and faster frame rates. And most of the time we dont really need Full Frame High speed imaging. At least for us we just window it down if we really need the high speed.

author: MrSheep
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 12, 2023, 10:12:14 pm
content: Also here is a link to pricing for some of the HDC 4 tab lenses. They are quiet expensive. That is why it is prob easier to get Janos Lenses as they tend to sell a lot cheaper 2nd hand. Also these aren't motorized so it's basically the same as the Janos.https://www.tester.co.uk/catalogsearch/result/?q=flir+3.0-5.0

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 12, 2023, 10:49:16 pm
content: I agree regarding the lenses. I bought a used, but mint, FLIR/Janos 50mm MWIR lens for $200 last year. I see eBay has used 25mm and 50mm Janos lenses for between $600 and $800 at the moment. I bought some vintage AGA 750/780 series MWIR camera lenses a while ago at only £35 each. They are a threaded mount so perfect for adaption to the SC4000 if I make a 3D printable mount adapter. I ended up with the 40.5, 20.5, 12.5 and 7.5 degree FOV AGA lenses but those FOV’s will be different when adapted for use on the SC4000. I just need the spare time to have a ‘play’ with those lenses and my 3D printer !Fraser

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 12, 2023, 10:55:38 pm
content: I just saw the price of a 200mm lens on that price list ….. over £25.5K inc VAT ! I wonder what my DIOP 75/250 dual FOV motorised lens would cost these days. She is a beauty and compatible with my SC4000. My wife does not see the beauty in such a lens… she just sees a large wooden box sat in our spare room taking up spaceFraser

author: MrSheep
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 12, 2023, 11:01:30 pm
content: Nice definitely a steal haha. Yeah I will keep this thread updated too. Anything 3d printing related ill post the files.And haha yeah those prices are insane but understandable. I guess as it gets more complicated with the lens elements the price follows:I think this was for the older X8000sc's:https://www.flir.com/products/t199057_lens-bb/?vertical=rd+science&segment=solutionsSo im guessing your lens prob could break the 6 figure mark. Reminds me of the RS series (50mm – 250mm) which is $250k:https://www.flir.com/news-center/press-releases/teledyne-flir-introduces-rs6780-long-range-radiometric-infrared-camera/Also as I get setup I'll post more about the camera. I'm leaning more towards the other side in terms of lenses. Gonna do a lot of circuit microscopy.I knew MWIR was good for sensitivity which is needed when doing PCB work, but boy was I surprised when I saw the images you can achieve with a Cooled InSb camera.It is literally night a day even when comparing to a T1020.

author: MrSheep
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 08, 2023, 02:07:40 am
content: Hey @Fraser do you happen to have the SDK for your camera.

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 08, 2023, 10:21:33 am
content: No sadly I do not have an SDK for my Camera. I suspect the SDK was a chargeable option for the camera.Fraser

author: MrSheep
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 08, 2023, 12:41:58 pm
content: Ah ok. Yeah I tried asking for it a while back. And they said it was not available anymore. It's a shame because it is just software. It's not like a physical item they no longer manufacture.

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 08, 2023, 12:59:00 pm
content: I have experienced the same with FLIR. On the one hand they helpfully provide a lot of documentation and software downloads via their support site, yet on the other hand, Customer support will often say that a product is obsolete and support has been withdrawn. They then say that the documentation or software that you are after is no longer held by them. I have a feeling that the documentation and software does exist within the FLIR company but is not on the Customer Support server, so they cannot provide it. With my SC4000 I was told that because it was obsolete FLIR USA could not provide the USB Driver or BIG GUI software. They further stated that they did not have access to a SC4000/6000 at FLIR USA. Technical support reported that none of their staff had worked with the SC4000/6000 so they could not offer any support to me. Thankfully a very helpful person at FLIR USA forwarded my emails to their dedicated scientific camera department located in Paris, France. A very friendly and helpful chief science officer at that department knew my camera model and explained that much of the software and documentation was no longer on FLIR support servers. It was effectively ‘lost’. He kindly searched for the software on some off-line servers and data repositories and came up with all that I needed. This chap went above and beyond his duties to assist me and he even provided his direct email address in case I needed help with the camera.On another occasion I had a licence for a specific version of FLIR Researcher, but not the software disk. I asked FLIR USA for the software and was told it was obsolete and no copy was kept on their support servers. The helpful support officer had no way to obtain the software for me. I wrote to my friend who is a VP at FLIR and asked for his help. He asked the engineering team to look for the software in cupboards and on their internal servers. They found it for meIt was a case of searching servers for a ‘hidden’ copy of the software that cannot be seen or accessed by the customer support team.Fraser

author: MrSheep
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 08, 2023, 01:03:58 pm
content: Wow that is pretty interesting. Guess it is good to save docs/software because you know when they will "delete" the obsolete ones.What version of Researcher do you have. I think version 2.10 was the only one floating out there as of now

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 08, 2023, 01:12:28 pm
content: I have included a list of the software that I own in my Thermal Imaging collection threadhttps://www.eevblog.com/forum/thermal-imaging/frasers-thermal-camera-collection-the-definitive-list-regularly-updated/Fraser

author: IR_Geek
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 08, 2023, 06:57:16 pm
content: Quote from: MrSheep on August 12, 2023, 06:06:19 pmIf memory serves (and depends on lens) you might see a slight 'zooming' effect when you focus. Been a while so it might be the other way around that the 'zooming' occurs ... higher/slower F/# core using lower/faster F/# lens.The lens sets the F/# of the total system so as long as you NUC / calibrate and it doesn't do something weird then you should be good. There are usually some DIOP or Janos F/2.3 lenses that pop up every now and then.Good score for a camera system!

author: IR_Geek
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 08, 2023, 06:59:53 pm
content: Quote from: Fraser on August 12, 2023, 10:55:38 pmAh, those DIOP DFOV systems are work horses. Even better when you got the option with filter wheel.

author: MrSheep
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 08, 2023, 07:02:59 pm
content: Quote from: IR_Geek on September 08, 2023, 06:57:16 pmAh ok that is good to know. Yeah I don't think anything weird is going on. If you see post #19 that is the image I get. So it seems to be working fine. I am able to get a clear image of a Arduino board.https://www.eevblog.com/forum/thermal-imaging/flir-sc6000-info/msg5008270/#msg5008270

author: Wildseyed
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: September 11, 2023, 06:48:08 pm
content: Researcher 2.10 PRO was the last version released.

author: MrSheep
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 15, 2023, 12:09:45 am
content: @Fraser Do you happen to have images taken with the 75-200mm DIOP lens? Interested to see how they look on your SC4000.

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 15, 2023, 09:12:51 am
content: No sadly I have not played with that lens on my SC4000. Other commitments got in the way and I still need to test the two together.

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 15, 2023, 10:39:41 am
content: I will see if I can assemble the DIOP lens and SC4000 in the coming week to capture some images. The challenge is in supporting the large lens so that it does not strain the cameras lens mount. The week ahead looks pretty busy for me so no promises and I have a THV550 to service and that will take priority.Fraser

author: MrSheep
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 15, 2023, 01:42:49 pm
content: Yeah that is understandable, no rush. Just wondering if you had existing images haha. And what seems to be the issue with the THV550?

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 15, 2023, 04:09:33 pm
content: Thread on the AGEMA THV550 is to be found here .......https://www.eevblog.com/forum/thermal-imaging/agema(flir)-thermovision-550-mwir-cooled-camera-teardown-and-repair-by-fraser/

author: MrSheep
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 22, 2023, 03:39:41 pm
content: Just a quick update since it has been a while since I posted. I was able to model an adapter for the 4 tab HDC lens. In the process of printing it and making sure It has the right clearances. I think in the end a 3D printed part will work ok with a strong material like PA12-CF but I think I want to CNC it. So I am modeling it in a way that makes it so that you have to assemble the adapter via a bunch of socket hex bolts. It is prob the only way I can do it since there are some areas that I cant mill with my current CNC machine.

author: MrSheep
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 22, 2023, 03:42:39 pm
content: Also here is a cool snippet of the SC Series being designed and assembled. Wished the camera had more air time haha. Good to know that the top shell slides off and it looks like the Linear Stirling cooler sits on the bottom of the camera.

author: MrSheep
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 29, 2023, 11:15:43 pm
content: Was able to make a mount for my camera. Better than spending $5000 on one from FLIR. Will post more about it later.

author: boywai
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 26, 2024, 09:24:33 am
content: I have also collected it, but it cannot be used due to malfunctions

author: boywai
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 26, 2024, 09:31:34 am
content: I have a DRS 1024x768, but it seems to be unusable because the temperature of the refrigeration unit cannot reach 80k, so its motherboard will not start. I don't know how to repair it, and the movement is network output. I don't have his upper computer

author: boywai
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 26, 2024, 09:33:41 am
content: Sensor