Flir E4 with pc software - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: trevwhite
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 25, 2014, 11:38:37 am
content: Hi, I here that the latest PC software forces you to upgrade the firmware on the E4 otherwise it will not work. Is this a problem with the hacked units? Does this mean you can not use the E4 hacked with the Flir tools?Trev

author: OrBy
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 25, 2014, 04:00:17 pm
content: Quote from: trevwhite on February 25, 2014, 11:38:37 amI ran the auto updater today and it installed 4.0.13330.1003 and connected to my modded E4 with firmware 1.18.7 without issue.Please post version numbers from your camera and software.

author: trevwhite
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 25, 2014, 04:11:28 pm
content: I called a company up about purchasing a camera. They said they have one with 1.19.8? on it but insisted I would not be able to return the unit if it went out without the latest firmware. They said this was FLIRs policy now.They also went on to say that the PC software is really good and would not work unless the camera was updated with the latest firmware version. So I wasn't sure if it was still worth investing in one of these? Has the latest PC software got some new measure in it to stop the old firmware from working? It seems strange but I could not prove anything.The fella on the phone was really funny about it and did not like that I wanted one with the older firmware on it. I asked him to hold on to it for an hour whilst I double checked. When I called back he said he had sold it. He had all my details and could have called me but he didn't....was a bit irritated by it all really.I called another company and they were not really sure how good these cameras are for PCB work. He reckoned the Exx series are a lot better. So I was a bit confused what to do.

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 25, 2014, 05:29:46 pm
content: Sounds just like a cr*p dealer....AVOID !FLIR can advise retailers that THEY will not accept a camera back due to firmware revision. What a Retailer has as a returns policy is their business and not FLIR's. The dealer you spoke with has obviously decided to not accept returns due to firmware version. At least they told you. Many sellers will accept equipment as a return with 'no questions asked' provided the equipment is not used, and is in saleable condition. Be warned, unused condition can mean that you have not broken the FLIR box seal and definitely means that you have not captured images on the camera, as that makes it 'Used' in retail terms. It is unlikely that FLIR will add functionality to the TOOLS application as they still want to sell the slightly more advanced TOOLS+ version for $400 !The statement on FLIR Tools only working with the latest firmware sound like total b*llsh*t as manufacturers actually warn against uneccessary firmware upgrades as it risks bricking a unit and they don't want the hassle of returns. I know FLIR may view the situation differently with the 'upgrade' in the wild, but even so I do not see them making Tools only compatible with the latest 1.21.0 firmware. I have at least two versions of FLIR Tools in my archive so you could still use the older versions anyway.This just sounds like a unfriendly retailer feeding you a story and likley being annoyed about people wanting to buy only older firmware versions. FLIR would likley encourage such an 'attitude'.

author: trevwhite
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 25, 2014, 05:34:33 pm
content: Thanks for the replies, figured as much but good to get confirmation.Has anyone done much measurement of temperature on PCBs with the hacked version?/

author: mikeselectricstuff
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 25, 2014, 05:42:18 pm
content: I wouldn't be surprised if Flir Tools at least gave some incentive to "upgrade" - e.g. more functionality.I also wouldn't be surprised if newer versions refused to talk to hacked cameras.However whether this matters depends a lot on why you bought the camera - for me, I can't see any reason to ever use Flir Tools.

author: kaz911
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 26, 2014, 03:24:17 am
content: Quote from: mikeselectricstuff on February 25, 2014, 05:42:18 pmThe really smart move from Flir (marketing wise) would be to let people with "upgraded" E8's keep their upgrade - even post firmware update. Flir would have a lot of customers for life then .... But just with an extra (marketing) warning "This instrument was not intended for 320x240 and have not been calibrated for that etc. etc.." - Now that they have plugged the hole - it would get them a lot of credit

author: RAWebb
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 01, 2014, 01:28:22 am
content: Just an FYI, Flir Tools is up to 4.1.14052.1001 as of today (28 Feb). Haven't downloaded it yet (big file, slow DSL) but one does wonder what may have changed...

author: tequipment
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 08, 2014, 02:22:37 pm
content: If you call my office, I have a Level I and II certified sales person. No BS. Just answers. Would be good to talk to him.tequipment.netThanksEvan

author: 3roomlab
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 06, 2017, 08:59:50 pm
content: by any chance anybody still have a FLIRtools installer for XP? i cant seem to find it on FLIR's www (tyvm in advance)

author: CustomEngineerer
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 06, 2017, 11:21:21 pm
content: Quote from: 3roomlab on April 06, 2017, 08:59:50 pmIt is on FLIR's www. I believe you have to have created a free account to actually download it, but it is there. Or you could look in the E4 thread on the Thermal Imaging board.https://www.eevblog.com/forum/thermal-imaging/flir-e4-thermal-imaging-camera-teardown/Sorry, I don't remember specifically where in that thread it is, but its definitely in there.