RS232 protocol / software for older thermal imaging modules - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: nidlaX
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 10, 2017, 02:16:38 am
content: Does anyone happen to have documentation or software for the RS232 control protocol for thermal imaging modules made by DIOP, Axsys, or BAE? I am attempting to configure a DIOP branded thermal imaging module from a Cairns Viper TIC. Thanks in advance!

author: Bill W
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 12, 2017, 12:33:16 am
content: Hi,Can you post some pictures ?Might help identify the actual module, as well as this being an era of thermal imaging that is very poorly documented and I'm sure a lot of people would like to see it.I'll dig out a Viper brochure to go with the thread.BAE 200 / 205 modules were RS422, recommended data converterB&B Electronics model: 422LP9TBsignal wiring signal name converterVSP4 (J3)30 VSP_RS422_TX_L\I RD(A)31 VSP_RS422_TX_H\I RD(B)32 VSP_RS422_RX_L\I TX(A)33 VSP_RS422_RX_H\I TX(B)46 Ground GNDregardsBill

author: nidlaX
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 12, 2017, 09:42:58 am
content: Thanks Bill. Here are some low quality images of the thermal imaging core. Unfortunately, I didn't take the time to document the full teardown of the Cairns Viper.Processor board:Microbolometer and board:Lens and shutter are mounted on a support structure:The power supply and processor boards are both mounted to the support bracket behind the sensor:There are some damaged areas on the FPA window, almost reminds me of moldy camera lenses:The sensor PCB is branded DIOP:The microbolometer is a DRS part that shares the same cage ID as the Tamarisk:

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 12, 2017, 11:40:39 am
content: It is a pity that the sensor window has suffered corrosion of its face. This may, or may not be in the FOV. Do not try to polish the corrosion off as that could cause more damage to the AR coating.As Bill has stated, these cameras come from an era when documentation on the cores was deliberately limited under ITAR and Dual use technology regulations, often the OEM would provide the Camera manufacturer with the bare minimum data needed to use the camera in their product. NDA's were often enforced and configuration software, whilst made available to manufacturers was protected under those NDA's and could not be provided to the public.Over the years I have had reason to contact several manufacturers of older thermal cameras and asked them for any technical information that they are willing or able to provide to assist me in restoring one of their old obsolete platforms. The responses I have received are summarised below.....1. No response to enquiry2. Sorry our policy is not to release such data to non official agents.3. Sorry the data is protected under Dual Use Technology regulations4. Sorry the data is protected under an OEM NDA5. Sorry the information was lost during a site relocation6. Sorry the product is obsolete and all documentation was destroyed7. Yes we can provide limited information not covered by a NDA or ITAR8. Yes we can provide all non sensitive or commercial confidential data9. We have no data but we are forwarding your request to the designerAs you can see, obtaining information, even on very old cameras is often met with a polite "cannot help" from the manufacturer. They are constrained by their internal regulations, those of the OEM for modules used, and international regulations governing Dual Use Technology.Is it any wonder that searches of the internet find little information on these early cameras technical aspects or configuration software. No one will have been willing to upload such information, including me, for fear of breaching some regulation or NDA.I have been provided with detailed information on certain thermal cameras on condition I do not share such. I consider it a great favour to have been trusted with that information and would not breach that trust. I understand your need for data but even if I had it, I would likely refer you to my original source so that they retain control over their data.I know this does not help you, but I hope it helps to explain why you are finding it so difficult to find the information and data on the internet.Fraser

author: nidlaX
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 12, 2017, 10:38:08 pm
content: Quote from: Fraser on May 12, 2017, 11:40:39 amThanks for your replay Fraser, it's helpful to hear your insights about the matter. I was hoping an owner or seller of the DIOP / Cairns / Axsys line could send me a copy of the remote control software, but I can see why they might be unable to do so even if they were still in possession of it.

author: Bill W
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 14, 2017, 05:15:49 pm
content: Never had anything to do with these, so no help from me either.However here is the datasheet, not the best quality as it is a 3-page wide glossy thing and I did not do a great job with the overlapping text.http://www.fire-tics.co.uk/others/cairns_viper.pdfInteresting points:Early use of a Lithium battery.Early use of colour.Rotating display.But..........The so called wide field of view is still only 60° horizontal, others would be 50°. Marketing quoted diagonal !'Autofocus' is actually 'fixed' with the depth of field as expected.'Super-Cool' thermal management system, which was either a copper or wax block that you dropped into a bucket of cold waterThis would have been competing against Raytheon BST and tube imagersBill

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 14, 2017, 06:11:33 pm
content: Bell WThanks for the information. I almost bought one of these cameras a while back but was not too sure of the technology it contained.Love the 'Super-Cool' feature. In the same class as cheap air coolers that need you to fill them with ice first !I noted that when Mike tore down the Fire-FLIR, that the unit contained what looked to be some fluid/wax? filled 'heat-sinks' in strategic positions. Presumably intended to absorb thermal energy within the housing to keep the internal temperature under some control. I remember on the Fire House forum several 'arguments' between Thermal Camera company reps regarding the 'New' Microbolometer technology, and whether it could cope with the high ambient temperatures found in a typical fire fighting situation in a building. Much baiting of the Reps ensued. It was claimed by BST advocates that they could put their cameras in a hot oven and suffer no ill effect, whereas a Microbolometer camera would quickly fail due to overheating of the sensor. Oh the fun those Reps had scoring points off of each other. I still read the archives of Fire House as some of the Rep's got carried away in arguments and gave away useful (and normally unavailable) technical information whilst trying to justify their positionModern Fire Fighting Microbolometer based thermal cameras appear to cope fine with the harsh thermal environment in which they must operate.Fraser

author: nidlaX
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 14, 2017, 10:15:19 pm
content: Quote from: Bill W on May 14, 2017, 05:15:49 pmThanks Bill! That explains why there is a nicely machined, removable alloy block that fits in the battery compartment. It contacts the metal support structure / cage of the imaging module via a metal plate.By the way, the reason I mentioned BAE at first is because I see similarities to the SIM 205 from the MSA 4000 with respect to the design of the imaging module power supply and processor PCBs, including footprint and components used. The optics used in that core are also manufactured by DIOP.