NEC AVIO  Thermal imaging cameras.... anyone else own one ? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 24, 2014, 05:02:03 pm
content: I recently purchased a pair of NEC AVIO thermal imaging cameras from a companies asset liquidation auction.I normally buy FLIR, ISG and ARGUS (E2V) TIC's but these two NEC offerings caught my eye.One is a fixed mount camera (TS7302-W) and the other is a handheld unit (TH7102-W). Both look to be in superb condition with little, if any, serious use as they were demonstration units. These cameras contain a 320x240 pixel 60fps core that was built by BoeingA quality core for sure.The TS7302-W has a dedicated 5" LCD monitor that incorporates a remote control keypad. Communications with the camera are via RS232 and IEE1394 (FireWire). As per usual the remote control software is an optionThe camera is fully controllable via command line 'words' or its physical remote control however. Power for the camera and monitor comes from a run of the mill 12V SMPSU power supply 'brick'. There is no 'on-board' image storage on the camera as it is designed to stream its images over a IEE1394 link to a PC or pass its analogue outputs to frame capture equipment.The handheld TH7102 has a viewfinder but also came with the same monitor/remote control detailed above. It is powered by a Lithium Ion battery that I have already identified as being used by both Hitachi and JVC camcorders so spares are only GBP10 eachThe NEC charger unit is also just a JVC unit rebadged. I love it when manufacturers use common battery formats instead of bespoke designs. The TH7102 may be controlled with RS232 but does not provide an IEE1394 interface. Image storage is on standard CF memory cards, with a 'reader' software free to download for viewing the images.Both cameras output both Composite Video and S-Video, in PAL or NTSC (User selectable). Both have automatic focus and large Germanium OpticsMinimum focus is 30cm but my close up lenses may be fitted using the 58mm lens thread.I must say that the NEC AVIO cameras are very well built, but the handheld camera is not, IMHO, as ergonomic to use as the FLIR PM series. Image quality is excellent and the configuration and fine tuning options in the menu are extensive to say the least.Does anyone else own an NEC AVIO THxxxx or TSxxxx series thermal imaging camera ? If so I would very much like to hear from you, especially if you have any experience with remote control of the camerasNote that the cameras are also available rebadged under the prestigious MIKRON brand as shown in the attached pictures harvested from the internet.I have the original user manual for the TS7302 but no manual for the TH7102. I downloaded the TH7515 manual as it is close enough for my needs. I also have the manual for the TH71-347 Monitor/Remote control unit.Fraser

author: Leight
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: July 25, 2014, 03:38:37 pm
content: Fraser,I would recommend contacting Ian at InSpec Calibration for support (and calibration work if required)?InSpec are now the UK support centre for the AVIO cameras.enquiries@inspec-calibration.co.ukI hope this helps.Leigh

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 25, 2014, 04:02:37 pm
content: Hi Leigh,Thank you. I have already made contact with Ian through a request for assistance to AVIO. Ian is a top notch chapHe was very interested in my request as both of the cameras were from his previous employer (Metrum) who sadly ceased trading recently. He knew each of my cameras from his work on them.http://www.metrum.co.uk/TH7100_Series_Thermal_Imaging_Camera.htmIan provided me with the history of the cameras and I appear to have got myself a couple of bargains.... they are virtually newHe even had the calibration card for my TS7302 from August 2013.....he carried out that calibrationIan was also very helpful in explaining what software is available and he sent me a 60 day demo for the WhiteBlue Thermography software. Sadly WhiteBlue have ceased sales and support of the product. Ian also explained that he had not had first hand experience of using the IEE1394 interface on the TS7302.http://thermography.whiteblue.com/downloads-en.htmlhttp://thermography.whiteblue.com/thermographystudio-en.htmlAs you say, a great person to speak with, but I am very concious that he has a business and, as a hobbyist, I can't offer him paying business, so I do not want to take advantage of his friendly nature by taking his time with lots of questions. I will be in contact with him again to hopefuly make a small purchase though, so I might yet cross his palm with silver.Thanks for your recommendation....well deserved and I believe Ian can offer various calibration services, including for FLIR kit ?Fraser

author: Leight
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: July 29, 2014, 03:36:25 pm
content: Hi Fraser,Glad to hear you are in contact with Ian.Yes, Ian is a good chap and knows the camera range very well. I used to work with him at Metrum, although not on the thermal cameras and we have kept in touch since.All the best with the cameras.Leigh

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 29, 2014, 05:39:55 pm
content: Hi Leigh,So you worked for the same company. I was sad to hear that Metrum had ceased operations. I hope that you have found a new role that interests you.On the topic of the NEC AVIO cameras, unlike FLIR cameras, information on the different models is not that easy to find. Ian very kindly sent me the TH7102 manual as I could not find a PDF for it on line. Also NEC do not provide the RS232 remote control pin-out detail in their manuals (unlike FLIR). I can reverse engineer the pin-out from one of the LCD monitor/remote units thoughI am sad that NEC decided to use a custom Mini Din like 8 pin connector for the S-Video + RS232 port on their TH & TS series cameras. I will have to make an adapter to convert the custom plug to a more common Mini Din 8.I have recently been doing some research on the battery packs and charger units and sent the results to Ian for his interest. I include my comments below in case any other readers are interested in the information.Best WishesFraserBattery and Charger information that I sent to Ian yesterday :==============================================="I have been having fun tracking down power options for my TH7102 camera. Once I worked out that the cameras use a standard battery I started to hunt for chargers , batteries etc. I have purchased four Hitachi/JVC compatible batteries. I also found some chargers from JVC that are the same as the NEC TH71-339 (DE158X) dual battery charger unit. I provide the information on these below:1. Hitachi Li-Ion 7.4V 2000mAh battery VM-BPL-13 Anything compatible will work. The essential features of the batteries are the three small monitoring ports that other similar looking batteries do not have. JVC also use the same battery format but I do not have the battery model numbers yet.2. JVC AA-V80EK dual slot battery charger. This charger is the same as the NEC TH71-339 which is in fact a DE158X. The charger also supplies the 6.3V 1.8A auxiliary power output. Not sure if this can power the NEC cameras though as no mention of such in the manual.3. JVC VU-V856 KIT EK - A high capacity 5600mAh Li-Ion belt pack kit that powers the camera via its external power socket. The kit comes with a AA-V80EK dual slot charger as well but the interconnect cable to the camera needs to ne made or bought.4. Kodak 190-9282 7V @1.8A mains power supply. These power supplies may be used with the handheld camera with just a connector change. I also bought a higher current ADP-15TB 7V @ 2.1A in case extra current is needed.I have purchased four VPL-13 2000mAh batteries at GBP10 each and I bought a couple of the JVC chargers before finding the VU-V856 kits. I bought the suppliers total stock of those ! They are a very neat and light weight 7.2V 5600mAh battery belt complete with battery pouch. Very useful for other projects I have :-) "==================================================

author: mikeselectricstuff
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 29, 2014, 05:46:56 pm
content: Speaking of oddball TICs, was it you that beat me to that Mclaren unit on ebay the other day...?

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 29, 2014, 06:50:27 pm
content: @Mike,Nah, I was bidding on it but came second to a bid of GBP412http://www.mclarenelectronics.com/Products/Product/Thermal%20CameraI was interested in it as it offered a high frame rate of over 100fps. The resolution was marginal at 160x120 and that limited my high bid somewhat.The seller had no software for the camera and it does not emulate a web cam. The OEM software is needed and I am pretty sure it isn't free to download ! I was willing to take a risk on sweet talking the manufacturer of the unit thoughSomeone may have got a decent buy but it could just as easily be an expensive paperweight if the software is unobtainable.I am not supposed to be adding to my collection of thermal cameras, but sometimes I cannot help myself

author: mikeselectricstuff
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 29, 2014, 07:07:36 pm
content: Quote from: Aurora on July 29, 2014, 06:50:27 pmI expect it's a Flir or other core that they've repackaged.

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 29, 2014, 07:13:18 pm
content: The frame rate seemed too high for most COTS TIC cores though. The Tau2 and Quark were possibilities with the Quark looking likely, but the frame rate was way higher than a Quark produces. It could be a FLIR 'special order' spec though. That was what I was gambling on but throwing away money if I was wrong restrained meIn terms of value for money and bangs for your buck, the McLaren is not that great a buy unless you need a 160x120 pixel miniature camera.McLaren with 160x120 @ >100fpsGBP412VsNEC AVIO 320x240 60fps TS7302 Fixed, or TH7102 Mobile (inc Monitor & Remote) forGBP720I know which was a better buy from my stand point......the NEC Avio offerings.Aurora

author: Andrej005
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: January 22, 2016, 01:17:24 am
content: Photo disassembly and repair Mikron TH7515:https://yadi.sk/d/w9MtBABniLWgH

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 22, 2016, 01:19:56 pm
content: Nice pictures.What was wrong with the TH7515 please ?Fraser

author: Andrej005
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: January 22, 2016, 03:02:33 pm
content: I bought at ebee. The seller did not say that the CF account on the disabled.An autopsy revealed the presence of broken connector pins CF and burntinductors. Size 220. In the picture blue square labeled 220.I repair the connector CF. After repair it works.I found instructions on the TN7102. In Russian.

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 22, 2016, 05:23:16 pm
content: Ah, I have seen such damage on digital cameras. Heavy handed insertion of the CF card can bend pins badly. CF is actually a pretty robust standard of connector, but some users are little more than gorillasI will send the 7515 manual to you later. I am currently dismantling my cars dashboard to fix a faulty A/C flap actuator !Fraser

author: Andrej005
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: January 22, 2016, 05:57:58 pm
content: Good!

author: Andrej005
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: January 23, 2016, 07:49:27 am
content: "gorilla", we call these "hands of assholes."

author: Andrej005
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: January 23, 2016, 08:16:01 am
content: There are special clothes!