Raytheon / L-3 Thermal Eye X series repair - new patient for Fraser - X50 - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 01, 2019, 03:35:24 pm
content: I recently purchased a used L-3 X50 thermal scope on eBay. The seller seemed genuine and the unit appeared to be in good condition, unlike some ! The only niggle was that it was not shown working.The unit arrived in its little Pelicase today and initial impressions were good. I opened the battery bay to insert the batteries and my well calibrated nose detected the distinctive smell of fried siliconOh dear, this is not looking good. I tested the unit and it completed the boot test and displays the battery icon in the EVF.There is no FFC flag operation and no thermal image is presented at the EVF. There is also a worrying rattle that sounds distinctly like a SMD floating around in the unit. From the sound it makes, I am expecting to find that a small SMD has desoldered itself as a result of its burn-up. What other damage has been done, and what caused it is currently unknown.As Bones on a Star Trek might say ....... “it’s dead Jim”I have contacted the seller and will see what he wants to do before I look inside the X50.Having looked at the very neat waterproof case design I am expecting it to be a challenge to open it for “surgery”. The case is covered in a rugged rubber that is bonded to the hard plastic beneath. There appears to be a case joint at the point where the two different colours of rubber meet but that join also appears to be bonded in some way to achieve a water tight sealThis is not going to be an easy disassembly if I am to preserve the unit’s good looks.Has anyone on the forum had, or seen, one of these apart ? I would love to hear from you if you haveFraser

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 01, 2019, 05:47:00 pm
content: The seller and I have come to a mutually acceptable agreement and I am receiving a partial refund on the unit. The seller is thankfully a very honourable and friendly chap. It was not easy for him though as there are so many scammers buying on eBay these daysI have written to both L3-Harris and EOTech (L3T) asking if one of their techs can tell me how best to open the casing. They may or may not reply/help but it is always worth asking. My request is non sensitive and relatively simple so they may decide to help.For those interested, the Raytheon/L3 thermal X series scopes were adopted for battlefield use by the US Army. They saw much use in both Afghanistan and Iraq. The NSN military version was called the Raytheon MX-1 and is just a X100 which, I believe, contains a Raytheon 2000AS core (I could be wrong about that though) The next generation of X series scopes were the X50, X150 and X200 models. The X50 has a resolution of 100x80, the X150 is 160x120 and the X200 is 320x240 pixels. Having looked at my particular X50 Lens, I believe it to be fitted with either the 3500AS or 3600AS series cores.That would match the specified pixel size of 30um and frame rate of 30fps. Both of those cores are far more capable than the venerable 2000AS so the X50 is definitely worth my effort to repair it. The 3xxxAS have a USB port for configurationMore when I get inside the unit. It is at times like this I regret selling my Faxitron MX-20 X-Ray machineSuch is life and it did not get enough use.Fraser

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 01, 2019, 06:05:47 pm
content: An article from 2003 commenting on the MX-1/X100 use by the US military.https://www.militaryaerospace.com/communications/article/16709121/optoelectronics-watchFrom that article it would appear that the design dates back to 2001.It is certainly a very neat unitFraser

author: Uho
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 02, 2019, 04:41:28 am
content: Hi! A few years ago I was repairing a similar thermal imager. The screws were under the rubber. Use a small neodymium magnet to search. Rubber heated a little hairdryer. Then took off. It was not exactly such a model. Therefore, first check for the presence of screws with a magnet. A tantalum capacitor burned out in that thermal imager. Perhaps this thermal imager has such a malfunction.

author: Collat3ral
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: August 02, 2019, 07:37:20 am
content: Now I know who bid against meWhen you crack it open, please provide lots of pictures

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 02, 2019, 12:09:51 pm
content: Collat3ral,Oooops, SorryI hate competing against a fellow forum member. I have been after an X100 for some time and the X50 was the first unit I had the opportunity to buy at anything like a reasonable price.On the bright side, I may have saved you a lot of hassle and heart ache as the unit is faulty. The seller is refunding £75 but that is still leaves a potential large loss if the unit is beyond economic repair.Fraser

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 02, 2019, 02:33:44 pm
content: UhoGreat idea to use a small powerful magnet to locate hidden screwsI was lazy before and just X-Ray imaged unit’s.I have seem removable runner ‘skins’ hiding screws on several thermal scopes such as the FLIR HS series and Wuhan Guide scopes. Sadly the X50 is different. Three screws are in plain sight but the case does not show any signs of openingThe rubber ‘skin’ is a proper ABS/Rubber bonded hybrid product that cannot have the rubber separated from the ABS, unlike simpler glued types. I believe the joint between the black and blue coloured rubber is where the unit separates into two sections... front and rear. Investigation of that joint does not fill be with confidence that it has not been bonded in some way to form a watertight seal. I will investigate further. I always try to discover how something disassembles by considering how a manufacturer would logically want to assemble the item for both efficiency and effectiveness. This unit is presumably a serviceable product so a service centre would be expected to open it without destroying the case in the process. Many manufacturers hide screws under ID labels and I shall investigate the one ID label on the rear of the unit in case a screw is hiding there. I would expect 4 screws and only found 3 so a hidden one is likely.As a side note, if a piece of equipment has an FCC ID number due to containing an RF transmitter, I always look at the FCC approval documentation external and internal images before disassembling the unit. Those pictures can be very helpful in identifying case screw positions and also fragile ribbon cable locations that could be torn if appropriate care is nor exercised. For me it is Laptops and Tablets that I most commonly look to the FCC database for help with.Fraser

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 02, 2019, 02:45:25 pm
content: An example of the sort of images on the FCC database that assist me dismantling a unit. In this case, a Getac Rugged laptop.https://fccid.io/QYL305/Internal-Photos/Internal-Photos-1270624Thankfully equipment must display its FCC approval sticker on its case (sometimes hidden under the removable battery though). It is then a simple matter of searching on the FCC ID web site for the approval document set. I have even found schematic diagrams on there that were unlocked to the public in error or the OEM forgot to submit a confidentiality request letter.Fraser

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 02, 2019, 02:56:20 pm
content: Any thermal camera or scope that contains a transmitter should also appear on thecFCC database if it is to be sold in the USA.An example is the Wuhan Guide scope shown here. It can be nice to see what resides inside units before you open them, especially if you are just curious which particular make of part is used in a unit. In this case the Wuhan Guide is equipped with an easily recognised me ULIS microbolometer module.https://fccid.io/2AKU5TA435/Internal-Photos/Internal-Photos-3919789Another Wuhan Guide unit shown disassembled....https://fccid.io/2AKU5510/Internal-Photos/Internal-photos-4084304Fraser

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 02, 2019, 03:29:34 pm
content: Just found a computer image of the EOTech X320 and there does not appear to be a hole for a screw where the ID label is located.EOTech even show an animation of a X320 casing coming together but sadly it looks like a ‘artists impression’ as it bears no resemblance to how the rubber outer protection is mounted. It would appear that both Raytheon and EOTech L3 are shy about what resides within this unit. PitySome advertising blurb contains a disassembled low detail image to show how well a rugged unit is constructed. Sadly not in this case so the actual case join point has yet to be confirmed.Video is here......https://youtu.be/d18V7vspmQwFraser

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 02, 2019, 03:52:14 pm
content: I have found the designers used for the Raytheon X100 projectProbasco designed the neat case.....http://www.probascodesign.com/portfolio/portfolio_x100.htmlSadly nothing useful on the case construction thoughFraser

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 02, 2019, 10:45:15 pm
content: No response from the OEM on how to open the case so I worked it out for myself.As suspected, there was a fourth screw..... hidden under the on/off/brightness control.The case seam was well sealed with an adhesive RTV sealant that put up a good fight..... but lostI attach a teaser picture.Fault ? This camera has been dropped and landed on its ruggedized lens .... some damage has resulted.More when I have timeFraser

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 03, 2019, 12:07:03 am
content: I just positively identified the Raytheon core used in the X50......It uses the excellent Thermal Eye 3620AS core fitted with a 17 Degree HFOV adjustable focus sealed lens assembly Part number : 7070040-2. This is one of the thermal Eye 3600AS series cores that offer a resolution of 160 x 120 pixels and many configuration optionsI just need to see if I can breath life back into this core and then connect it via USB to a PC to see whether its configuration may be changed.I attach the datasheet for the Thermal Eye 3600AS core that is electronically the same as the 3620AS.Fraser

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 03, 2019, 01:01:24 am
content: OK, so what can be configured on the Thermal Eye 3600AS core ?Well, a lot actuallyThis includes setting an E-Zoom sequence in response to a button press (shorting the E-Zoom pin to ground) in a loop sequence. so you can set an E-Zoom sequence of X1, X2 and X4 and the camera will step through that sequence with each button press. The E-Zoom setting has 0.5 increments from X1 up to X11 so it can be set to X1.5. Hmmmm 160 / 1.5 = 106. So could the E-Zoom be being used to limit the X50 resolution to 100 x 80 ? .... well possibly. But how would the camera be configured to auto select X1.5 E-Zoom at boot ? Well the core configuaration has a start E-Zoom setting that is normally set to X1 as you would expect. It may be set to any available Zoom factor up to 11 thoughSo all that would need to be done would be to change the start E-Zoom entry to X1.5 and the core would always start in a resolution of 106 x 80 pixels. That is not 100 x 80 as in the specs but it is close enough for me to think that this is what L-3 have done in the X50. To release the full 160 x 120 pixel resolution of the core I will hopefully just need to set the start E-Zoom entry to X1.The 3600AS core uses USB for its configuration. The older X100 used a simple 3.5mm socket for the video output for an external monitor. The X50, X150, X200, X320 and X640 are equipped with a 4 pin Hirose type connector similar to the 3 pin type found on the FLIR Exx series power input. So what ? you may say. Well the X50, X150 and X200 manuals make no reference to any USB availability on the unit. The X320 and X640 manuals detail USB connectivity via that 4 pin connector and a GUI that enables minor changes to the units configuration. I suspect that my X50 has the same USB capability wired through to that 4 pin socket with video output on one pin, 0V on another and the D+ and D- on the remaining two pins. If this is the case it would mean that the X50 could be reconfigured at will via the 'video port' rather than having to open the unit up or install an additional USB socket in the caseIf the socket is not connected to the USB port on my X50...... it soon will beThere are several useful functions that the core offers via the momentary grounding of certain I/O pins. These are hard coded pin inputs that can have their action set up in the configuration GUI. The X50 does not have any push buttons to select these functions. The later X320 and X640 use a power on/off/ brightness pot with a push button function to drive a multi-press menu. I cannot create that solution but I can add the same push button type control to drive a function pin or I could take a more exotic route to avoid drilling holes in the units case for additional buttons. I could install magnetic reed switches at certain points inside the case and activate them with a magnet. Sound crazy ? well not a great solution if the function needs to be really easily accessed but some functions like enabling temperature measurement mode or changing the selected colour palette would be fine with such a solution. I have seen similar done in specialist sealed equipment where there is a need to provide a system 'RESET' switch or to place the unit into a programming mode that the OEM does not want the user to access. Food for thought, but I am getting ahead of myself. I first need to see if I can get the core working again and whether I can talk to it via USB. Hopefully Raytheon have not locked out the USB port in firmware or somehow locked the configuration to stop people doing what I hop to achieve.Time for bed nowFraser

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 03, 2019, 12:27:16 pm
content: Another day and a little more detail about what I found inside the X50 in terms of damage.As already stated, the unit has suffered a drop event. These are intended to be rugged for military use as that was the intended end user when designed in 2001. Now the original design contained the venerable, but inferior, 2000AS core. This has a different lens and Microbolomter assembly that may have been a more robust fit in the X100/MX-1 case. The X50 uses the more compact 3620AS core and a strange little PLASTIC chassis has been employed to hold the three PCB’s and combined Lens-Microbolometer assembly. The choice of plastic does permit some flex in the chassis during impact if the unit is dropped. In the case of my X50 the chassis was flexed so severely that parts sheared away from it. These parts were involved in securing the lens assembly and rear PCB. Thankfully no serious damage appears to have been done.Whilst carefully disassembling the x50 last night I noted two obvious electronic issues.1. The FFC shutter wires were detached from their tiny connector and will need to be resoldered.2. The Flex cable from the Microbolometer to the electronics package is not seated properly in its socket and appears to have been partially pulled out. It just needs reseating in the clamp socket. I am not discounting that this may have occurred during disassembly though.So the immediate question for me is whether the core shows signs of life once the FFC flag is repaired and the Microbolometer ribbon cable correctly connected. The FFC flag system in the 3620AS core always closes the flag over the Microbolometer when switched off. The flag is a bi-state bi-stable device so is powered into each position. I found the flag closed so it shut down correctly, but if the unit was then dropped and the wires to the flag solenoid detached, the flag cannot open again. This would explain the lack of FFC flag action at power on and the absence of the thermal image when everything else looked OK. The Microbolomter ribbon cable displacement could also have caused the ‘no image or noise’ situation that I witnessed.Fingers crossed that the cores microbolometer and core PCB’s survived the drop event.I will hopefully be able to plastic weld the parts of the chassis that sheared off to return the chassis to service without modifications being required.Fraser

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 03, 2019, 08:12:57 pm
content: The disassembly pictures that I took last night. apologies for the quality as I had to use flash and they were taken 'at speed'. They should provide an insight into the units construction though and I will take better pictures during reassembly.The pictures include detail of the four case securing screw holes, seam sealant, damaged plastic chassis and the failed FFC flag wiring/connector. The Microbolometer connector was also found to be loose, either from manufacture or vibration.Fraser

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 03, 2019, 08:15:19 pm
content: Pictures continued......

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 03, 2019, 08:17:01 pm
content: Pictures continued.......Note C3 on the I/O PCB had been displaced by the movement of Regards microbolometer/lens assembly.

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 03, 2019, 08:18:35 pm
content: Pictures continued.....Of note.... broken FFC flag solenoid connections, dislodged Microbolometer flexible cable in its clamp socket and loose FPC socket mount on Microbolometer.Fraser

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 03, 2019, 08:22:09 pm
content: Pictures continues. Including of the Microbolometer and the severed FFC solenoid connector.....

author: Spirit532
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 04, 2019, 01:28:46 am
content: Very interesting that the chip is directly bonded to a flex - no CSP, no BGA, just traces to silicon. It's almost like it was done using a hotbar, like they do on glass substrate LCDs!

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 04, 2019, 09:25:28 am
content: Spirit532,Yes, Bill W has previously commented on the whole Microbolometer construction technique used by Raytheon that was first seen in the 2000AS core. It appears well ahead of its time and more like what we are now seeing in more modern Microbolometer designs.I will take some better quality pictures of the Microbolometer before I reassemble the unit as it is an interesting design.Fraser

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 04, 2019, 12:43:10 pm
content: I forgot to say...... do not think of opening a Thermal Eye X series thermal scope unless you have a very good reason to do so ! Even with the four case screws, potentiometer nut and adhesive sealant removed, it was very difficult to separate the case halves. In the end, pure strength and brute force pulling the two pieces apart was required.... not a delicate or particularly controlled option, but it did workDO NOT forget to remove the potentiometer securing nut before opening the case. Failure to do so will rip the I/O board out of the front casing half that it lives in ! Damage could result.Fraser

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 05, 2019, 12:51:13 pm
content: An interesting article from L-3 on the a-Si Microbolometer development and production process 👍🙂It dates back to 2011 and a-Si based Microbolometer technology continues to improve.https://www.laserfocusworld.com/detectors-imaging/article/16562932/ir-detectors-amorphoussilicon-bolometers-could-surpass-ir-focalplane-technologiesFraser

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 05, 2019, 01:05:29 pm
content: Another interesting article on the wafer level production process.https://www.researchgate.net/publication/309457654_WAFER-LEVEL_VACUUM_PACKAGING_OF_MICROBOLOMETER-BASED_INFRARED_IMAGERSNote that a ‘Getter’ is present in the design. I had previously read that a Getter was present but in recent conversation with another forum member I began to doubt my understanding of the term ‘Getter’ as I grew up on thermionic valves and the Getter required a volatile activation event incompatible with sensitive miniature electronics in close proximity. I have since researched Getter technology and the types used in sensitive electronics packages tend to be chemical type passive getters that are like a chemical ‘sponge’ that captures contaminants from the vacuum chamber. No flashing or boiling of the Getter required !To me this is fascinating stuff and include it here for others with an interest in the development and miniaturisation of thermal imaging technology.Fraser

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 05, 2019, 11:54:15 pm
content: Tiny update as I have not had time to do much on the X50 today.The MLCC capacitor that was damaged on the I/O PCB is a 1206 size 4.7uF X7R and it sits across the output of a LT1930 boost converter. It is an important component so I have ordered a TDK replacement of the identical specification.The I/O connector on the rear of the X50 appears to be a Hirose part, as I suspected. If I am correct, it is a MQ172X-4SA. The plug is thankfully inexpensive at £1.84 and available from FarnellI ordered three to experiment with. The 4 pins in the connector are, as expected, Video out, Ground, USB D+ and USB D-.I have inspected the connector that serves the FFC solenoid. The two solenoid wires were sheared off in the crimp so quite some force was involved. Thankfully an easy repair though.I have found no other damage on the PCB's so once the new MLCC is fitted and the FFC wires re-terminated, I will test the core. If it is working OK, I will make up a USB cable, test the communications link and see if the GUI can access the core configuration.The Chassis is not too badly damaged and will be a simple repair using solvent based plastic welding.Fraser

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 06, 2019, 08:46:27 pm
content: She LivesThis evening I decided to do a little more work on the X50. I fitted the new C3 (TDK 4.7uF X7R MLCC), re-terminated the FFC flag solenoid wires and reassembled the electronics package for testing.Batteries inserted, power switched on and ....... she livesAt power on I heard the familiar sound of an FFC flag event as the camera began its warm up calibration routine. The EVF was lit and I could see my hand in front of the lensI set up a very quick test scene that included my freshly made coffee with the Amazon Fire TV USB PSU in the background (triangular shape). I attach the first pictures captured of the unit working since I received it. The resolution is still 100 x 80 pixels as I have not accessed the Core via USB yet.I now need to repair the plastic chassis that has several pieces broken away and is cracked in a couple of places as well. That is a job for another day though. I will make up the USB communications cable once the Hirose plugs arrive and see if I can access the core.Happy DaysFraser

author: Bill W
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 07, 2019, 03:10:57 pm
content: Always good when a thermal camera can see hot things....Bill

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 07, 2019, 03:41:54 pm
content: Thanks BillI had wondered whether the Microbolometer had been adversely effected by being dropped but it certainly looks OK. The drop must have been from a relatively low height. The plastic chassis needs some TLC but it will be ready to be refitted soonFraser

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 07, 2019, 07:22:44 pm
content: A couple of pictures of the broken plastic 'chassis' that is about to undergo repair. It appears to be ABS plastic rather than something more exotic.I have used solvent based plastic welding as a repair technique on laptop cases for many years to good effect. If done correctly, the joint is stronger than any glue can achieve. The plastic surfaces melt into each other and the highly volatile solvent dissipates. A similar technique has been used for years in the plumbing industry but the solvent used can be much thicker and mixed with ABS plastic as a filler. I would not recommend plumbing pipe jointing solvent in any area that will be visible after repair.Fraser

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 07, 2019, 07:56:02 pm
content: The first weld is compete and the two largest Chassis parts have been welded back together. I need to leave the chassis overnight for the solvent to dissipate and the plastic to harden. The chassis is being rebuilt on an Engineers straight edge that is also very flat. This will ensure that it 'sets' flat. Once this weld is hardened I can add all the smaller parts in the same session and leave them to harden overnight. If there is one thing I have learned about plastic welding using solvent, it is to be patient and allow time for the solvent to evaporate out of the joint and the molten plastics to harden. After the weld is hard I can tidy any slight plastic 'oozing' from the joint with a scalpel, fine file or fine abrasive paper. In this case (it is an unseen part) that will not be necessary though.Note the area of discolouration to the left of the joint was caused by me being a bit generous with the solvent to ensure a good melt and weld. This chassis is not seen so it is fine to over apply the solvent a little. In a cosmetically important part it is essential to apply a small amount of solvent as it is very thin, like acetone, and flows a long way ! This is one of the challenges when using a solvent to weld plastic.... it is a lot harder than applying a relatively thick hard plastic glue and it will etch any ABS plastic it lands on.I am only showing this process in case any readers are not familiar with plastic welding using solvents.Fraser

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 27, 2019, 07:17:11 pm
content: I now have the Torrey Pines Logic TPL 50-2 2x Teleconverter for my X series thermal scopeThis 2x teleconverter is capable of being used on many different thermal cameras and has just had a suitable adapter mounted on it to suit the X series lens assembly. I hope to create other mounting adapters to suit other cameras in my collection. It was a lucky discovery on eBay and came from the same seller as the X50! The seller never mentioned that he also had this very nice lens.I attach pictures from the auctionFraser (feeling lucky)

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 01, 2019, 10:05:18 pm
content: An exciting update on my X50I have been trying to reconfigure my X50 to release its Thermal Eye 3600AS core's full resolution. As I previously stated, I believed that the X50 had been configured to boot into the 1.5X EZoom mode to artificially reduce its resolution.I had the 2005 engineering GUI for a Thermal Eye 3500AS core and tried this with the X50. I constructed a custom USB cable for the task and accessed the camera via the 4 pin connector in the rear panel. I managed to connect to the X50 and the driver recognised the 3600AS core. The GUI accessed the camera and downloaded its configuration. Sadly the GUI did not offer me any EZoom settings at allI could access other functions and the camera responded to commands from the GUI, such as FFC shutter activation and measurement modes. So I had a working GUI, but I believe it was intended for use with the 3500AS core and so some 3600AS functionality was missing.I had another (later) Thermal Eye core GUI given to me, but sadly could not find it in my archivesLife has been less than great of recent and I obviously did not file it in the right file area or Hard DiskA fellow forum member recently supplied me with the later version of the GUI that supports all Thermal Eye cores up to, and including, the 4500AS. I installed that 2006 GUI on my XP laptop as the L3 GUI does not always like later operating systems.After some issues getting the camera to reliably connect with the laptop I eventually obtained a solid link and ran the GUI. This later GUI is called the integrated version as it is a single utility as opposed to the three separate utilities contained in the 2005 version. The GUI succeeded in downloading the X50 configuration and displayed the all important EZoom menuAs I had suspected, the X50 core was configured to boot straight into the X1.5 EZoom state. This core permits selection of which EZoom settings may be offered to the user and which EZoom was presented after boot.I tested the GUI's ability to reliably control the X50 and found no issues at all. I then changed the startup EZoom setting to X1.0 that would provide the full 160 x 120 pixel thermal image. After saving the new configuration to the X50, I restarted it and waited to see if the EZoom had been reset to X1.0. I was very pleased to see that it hadI had now reconfigured my X50 to the X150 specification. I am also able to reconfigure the X50 via the GUI to provide different colour palettes for an external colour display or activate the measurement functions. There are a lot of features that may be controlled from the GUI. The configuration can be saved to the X50 in order to be persistent, or the GUI live configuration screen permits live changes to be made whilst using the X50 (effectively under GUI control) but changes are not persistent after a restart.Feeling very chuffed with my un-hobbled X50I attach pictures of the GUI plus the pre and post EZoom change image of a coffee cup.Fraser

author: Ultrapurple
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 02, 2019, 03:03:12 pm
content: Excellent news!Now, I wonder how I unlock my 640x480 sensor to the full 45 megapixels the nice man I bought it from mentioned...?

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 02, 2019, 04:12:51 pm
content: Obtaining thermal imaging core engineering configuration information and/or software is not at all easy but I value any that I find greatly. That information is normally only available to companies that intend to use a core in a design and sign the required NDA’s. This is likely why the X50 contained no countermeasures to my changing its configuration settings. I count myself most fortunate to have had the Thermal Eye GUI’s provided by very kind fellow forum members. Without such, I could not have released my X50 from its bonds.My sincerest thanks to those who helped me by providing three different versions of the GUI. You know who you areI can also use the GUI’s to reconfigure the Thermal Eye cores in some of my fire fighting thermal cameras. Some are setup for measurement in Degrees F or have additional features that I can enable to suit my needsThe Thermal Eye 3500AS, 3600AS and 4500AS are very much respected and relatively common cores in many thermal cameras that were based on the ‘kit of parts’ design principle.Fraser

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 02, 2019, 04:38:29 pm
content: A side note.The problems I was having connecting to the core appear to have been due to the three installations of GUI and associated NI VISA driver on my laptop. I removed all of these occurrences from my laptop and installed just the 2006 Integrated GUI along with the provided NI VISA driver. Connecting to the core no longer generates NI VISA driver error reports and failures to recognise the coreFraser

author: Maxim
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: January 04, 2025, 01:30:02 pm
content: Can you please share the 2006 Integrated GUI program and drivers? I want to try to set up my Thermal Eye 3600AS module.