Todays mystery camera by Fraser  - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 14, 2016, 01:42:42 pm
content: This post is just a bit of fun for fellow thermal camera fansI have yet another thermal camera addition to my collectionThis camera is going in to service in a specific role that I have in mind for it. More of that another day though.OK, take a look at the pictures and see what you think about this little camera and what core likely lives inside... manufacturer and technology of sensor will do.Suggestions as to whether it is a commercial or custom product and what it was likely used for.I have the answer to all of the above and will be doing a teardown post soon. I also know exactly what it was used for as it came with paperwork describing such !Lastly, have a guess at what it cost new and what it cost me. I have the original price on the supplied paperwork as well.My hints that may or may not help...The resolution is 160 x 128 (yes it says 160 x 128)The frame rate is >25fpsThe lens provides 40 x 30 Degree FOVThere is no start up splash screen but a small square icon appears in the top left corner just before a certian event occursStart up is instant with no warm up time needed for a TECSo what lives inside ?Fraser

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 14, 2016, 01:44:38 pm
content: More pics

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 14, 2016, 01:46:26 pm
content: More pics

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 14, 2016, 01:48:05 pm
content: More pics

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 14, 2016, 01:49:48 pm
content: More pics

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 14, 2016, 01:51:31 pm
content: And the last set of pictures for nowFinal hint.... it was built in 2006

author: Chanc3
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 14, 2016, 03:39:13 pm
content: It looks like something that was produced for broadcast - that maybe runs of standard camera 12V batteries?Had a brief Google, but couldn't find anything.

author: Chanc3
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 14, 2016, 03:50:00 pm
content: Scratch that, I just found the listing for it!

author: AndyC_772
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 14, 2016, 03:59:22 pm
content: Quote from: Fraser on October 14, 2016, 01:42:42 pmSpiders?

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 14, 2016, 04:03:46 pm
content: @chanc3,Yes, you try finding out anything about the unit itself on the internetThe previous owner had not a clue who made it or for what purpose.The Archos DVR is certainly very nice as wellThankfully it has a screen protector on it and is in great condition.The questions remainWho made it ?Custom or commercial ?For what purpose was it made ?What manufacturers core resides inside ?What did it originally cost ?Who was the intended customer ?No guesses from anyone beyond you Chanc3? Good on ya for commentingFraser

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 14, 2016, 07:50:03 pm
content: OK, time for the answers I suppose.Here are the semi-teardown pictures of the cameraThe housing is very well made by a professional engineering company and not some kitchen table and a lathe job. The front and rear panels are held in place with large internal C clips that were thankfully easy to remove. The front panel did not want to move so I investigated further. Under the label there was a blind 6mm screw hole. Hmm me thinks, a mounting point ? or maybe a fixing point for a puller ? Thinking the latter I gently screwed a stubby 6mm screw into the hole and pulled. The front panel very slowly started to move forwards out of the cylindrical shell.The whole front panel eventually pulled out of the casing and I discovered that the camera id fixed to a thick front panel that has a neoprene waterproof seal around it. The rear panel is similarly designed. Very niceSo what camera resides within ? Well I was wrong, it is not a PhotonIt is a FLIR/Indigo OMEGA. How coincidental that we were so recently discussing the ALPHA and OMEGA cameras in another thread ! I immediately recognised it from the case design, rear connector and the front case design. It even has its In Indigo emblem on the front and a FLIR warranty label on the side. The lens is interesting in that it is a ZnS lens with the rings like on the Inframetrics PM280. This is the high frame rate version of the camera which is good news. She is a bit older than the PHOTON but still not a bad little camera.The internal connector to the camera is designed to come apart so I can access the communications pins. The SnoopIR has a remote control option so it may even have the Pseudo RS232 in pin connected to the rear socket already. I shall have to track down the control software now.Answers to the questions I posed:Who made it ? Focus2000 UKCustom or commercial ? Custom product for Law Enforcement agenciesFor what purpose was it made ? Law Enforcement detection and evidence gatheringWhat manufacturers core resides inside ? FLIR/Indigo OMEGA (Micron)What did it originally cost ? £5KWho was the intended customer ? UK Law EnforcementSo there you go. A very neat little custom thermal camera with a neat core and case. The unit came with an ARCHOS DV700 PVR that is also in excellent condition. All contained in an expensive Peli case.The price I paid ? £132

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 14, 2016, 07:51:36 pm
content: More pics

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 14, 2016, 07:53:13 pm
content: More pics

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 14, 2016, 07:54:48 pm
content: More pics

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 14, 2016, 07:57:06 pm
content: SnoopIR Specification

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 14, 2016, 08:02:50 pm
content: A complete teardown of the OMEGA Camera may be found here:Note that the OMEGA aka A10 was renamed the MICRON by FLIR. The OMEGA is actually smaller than the modern TAU series and thanks to its large 51um pixels it is nice and sensitive..Fraser

author: sam1275
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 14, 2016, 08:04:45 pm
content: I first thought it might be Alpha because the resolution, then I think they may not appear in a newer 2006 product. Long live AlphaModify: Sorry my fault, yours is an Omega lol.