User Guide

427-0089-00-12 Version 180 August 2020 39
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Basic Operation and Configuration
The thermal camera, on the other hand, detects energy that
is directly radiated from objects in the scene. Most objects
in typical surroundings are not hot enough to radiate visible
light, but they easily radiate energy in the portion of the
infrared spectrum that the camera can detect, the long wave
infrared (LWIR). Even very cold objects, like ice and snow,
radiate this type of energy.
This is why hot objects such as parts on an engines and
exhaust pipes appear white, while the sky, puddles of water
and other cold objects appear dark (or cool)
1
. Scenes with
familiar objects will be easy to interpret with some
experience. The camera automatically optimizes the image to provide the best contrast in most
conditions, and in some cases the Scene Presets mentioned above and other settings can be used
to further improve the image.
The performance of the camera will likely vary throughout the day. After sunset, objects warmed by
the sun will appear warmest. Early in the morning, many of these objects will appear cooler than
their surroundings, so be sure to look for subtle differences in the scene, as opposed to just hot
targets.
2.6 Maintenance and Troubleshooting Tips
If help is needed during the installation process, contact the local FLIR representative, or visit the
FLIR Support Center at: https://www.flir.com/support/. FLIR Systems, Inc. offers a comprehensive
selection of training courses to help get the best performance and value from the thermal imaging
camera. Find out more at the FLIR training web page: https://www.flir.com/support-center/training/.
Cleaning
Great care should be used with your camera's optics. They are delicate and can be damaged by
improper cleaning. The FC-Series thermal camera lenses and windows are designed for a harsh
outdoor environment and have a coating for durability and anti-reflection, but may require cleaning
occasionally. FLIR Systems, Inc. suggests that you clean the lens when image quality degradation is
noticed or excessive contaminant build-up is seen on the lens.
Note
Rinse the camera housing and optics with low pressure fresh water to remove any salt deposits and
to keep it clean. If the front window of the camera gets water spots, wipe it with a clean soft cotton
cloth dampened with fresh water.
Do not use abrasive materials, such as paper or scrub brushes as this will possibly damage the lens
by scratching it. Only wipe the lens clean when you can visually see contamination on the surface.
1. By default, the camera represents hot objects as white and cold objects as black. The camera can
be set to use the Black Hot polarity setting, which displays hot objects as black and cold objects as
white and is effectively the negative of White Hot polarity. Refer to Toggle Polarity, pg. 26.
Do not disturb or move camera during cleaning. The detection analytics on the FC-Series ID
camera are set and calibrated on the exact position and camera angle. Inadvertent realignment
may require relocation and recalibration of detection regions.