- Introduction
- Features & Development
- Exportation Options
- Accessories
Thermal Imaging for Integrators and OEMs
The FLIR Photon 320 infrared camera core is based on a 320×240 commercially-developed, military-qualified (CDMQ) LWIR thermal imaging camera. FLIR Photon 320s are widely used in handheld firefighting safety instruments, and are the best-selling IR payload camera for small unmanned vehicles, including the Raven-B. Over 25,000 Photon 320 uncooled cameras have been delivered for use by integrators in a wide variety of applications.
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Photon 320 with 100mm Lens
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- Compact and light weight for
easy integration
- 2-second turn-on time for "On-Demand" applications
- Fully integrated design reduces
integration time and expense
- Mature, proven design; complete
imaging module, GUI, and SDK
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- Uncooled VOx Microbolometer
- NTSC & PAL / Digital LVDS
- 320 × 240 (QVGA)
- 2X Digital Zoom, DDE
- 7-24 Volts DC
- 14.25, 19mm, 35mm, 50mm, and 100mm Lens Options
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FLIR Photon 320 Polarity/LUT
The FLIR Photon 320 camera detects and images
the temperature in a given scene. Within the camera, these
temperatures are mapped (mapping is determined by the
AGC algorithm selected) to a range of 0 to 127 values. In a
black and white display mode, this range is converted to
shades of grey with, for example, 0 being totally black and
127 being totally white. The 0 to 127 range sensed is
referenced to a Look-Up Table (LUT) permanently stored in
the camera to convert the scene to a video image. Different
LUTs are available to change the appearance of the
displayed image. The most common selection is either
White Hot (hotter objects appear brighter than cooler
objects in the video display) or Black Hot (hotter objects
appear darker than cooler objects). Since the difference
between these two modes simply reverses the choice of darker or lighter for temperature
extremes, this is sometime referred to as Polarity. Other color LUTs are available as shown
below.
Superior Image Quality
Superior LWIR image quality is achieved using this 320×240 VOx uncooled microbolometer array that can operate without a TEC over a temperature range of -40 to +80 degrees C. Photon 320s are shock-rated to 70 g's and have been field-proven to withstand much greater impacts. Both analog (NTSC or PAL) and 8- or 14-bit digital video formats are enabled, as well as RS-232 control of camera functions, including 2X digital zoom, image polarity, gain/offset, image colorization, etc.
FLIR Photon 320 Lens Options
Along with a lens-lens core version, the FLIR Photon 320 has five lens options: 14.25mm, 19mm, 35mm, 50mm, and 100mm. See the Optics Table tab for detailed lens information. A variety of FLIR Photon 320 infrared camera accessories are available.
Photon 320 Communication & Control
A single interface connector facilitates power in, analog and digital video out, RS-232 communication for command and control of the camera, and external sync. All Photon 320 infrared cameras can operate autonomously: all the user has to do is provide power, get video. The sophisticated on-board signal processing takes care of optimizing the image under any conditions. Download the setup guide below to get a better idea as to how to setup the FLIR Photon 320.
FLIR Photon 320 Setup Guide
The FLIR Photon 320 can be set up in several different configurations to view and/or archive video.
- Standalone Operation: Configured with a breakout cable allowing analog video out, and power input for the power supply.
- Standalone Operation with Accessory Kit: Configured with an interface cable, adapter, I/O module that provides analog video out and a power input for the power supply.
- Accessory Kit and PC for Remote Camera Control via RS-232: Configured with an interface cable, adapter, I/O module that provides camera control via RS-232 with a DB-9 serial cable, analog video out, and a power input for the power supply.
- Accessory Kit, SIPO, and PC with Capture Card: Configured with an interface cable, adapter, I/O module, SIPO module that provides Serial-In/Parallel Out, Camera Control via RS-232 (DB-9 Cable), SIPO digital interface cable, analog video out, and power input for power supply.
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Software & Development
Many common camera controls are brought out in software program called the Photon GUI (graphical user interface), which is available for download. The GUI can be freely downloaded and run without needing a camera to see the various camera commands that are available.
We can also provide an extensive command set for customers that want more control of camera features and functions, and a Photon Software Developer's Kit (SDK) is offered for those customers that want to develop their own custom interface to the camera. In fact, the Photon infrared camera GUI is an example of a control program developed with the Photon SDK.
For more information please contact an ThermalVideo.com representative online, or by calling Toll Free: 1-888-919-2263 / Outside the US: +1-845-343-4077. |
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Exporting the FLIR Photon 320 from the United States
The FLIR Photon 320 cameras operate at a 30 Hz (25 Hz PAL) frame rate. For cameras that will be exported or re-exported outside of the United States, we offer a "slow video" option that exempts the camera from export license requirements. The slow video frame rates are 7.5 Hz for NTSC and 8.3 Hz for PAL. Digital video is generated at 8- or 14-bit resolution at the equivalent analog video frame rate of the camera.
FLIR Photon 320 Export Video Comparison
FLIR Photon 320 Export Video Demo
These and all thermal imaging cameras are export controlled devices and due to U.S. export regulations there are restrictions.
Unless export licensing is applied for and granted 30Hz units can not be exported. After applying for an export license it can take quite a few months to more than a year for the license to be granted if granted at all. If the export license is granted government fees are incurred and need to be paid by the consignee prior to shipping. 7.5Hz versions can be exported without an export license but only to select countries, customers and end users.
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FLIR Photon 320 Full Kit
PN: 421-0021-00
The Photon 320 Accessory Kit provides a convenient way to operate the camera in a standalone fashion.
The Accessory Kit includes:
- AC/DC power supply and line cord
- Input/output (I/O) module
- 6' interface cable
- Wearsaver Adapter
- Rear Cover
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I/O Module
PN: 333-0005-00
The Photon I/O Module is a molded "break-out-box" providing electrical interface to the Photon 320 camera via an 18-pin JAE keyed, female connector... The I/O Module also furnishes connectors for power-in (Switchcraft), video-out (BNC), com port (RS-232, 9-pin D-Sub), and a 15-pin connector for serial LVDS digital data. For customers desiring to access digital data from the Photon camera into a frame grabber, the I/O Module is designed to mate with the serial-in, parallel out (SIPO) module (333-0008-00) for conversion of the serial LVDS data into a parallel digital data signal.
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Ethernet Module
PN: 421-0025-00
This 100/1000 baseT Ethernet Interface module allows for camera control along with real-time streaming uncompressed video data from the Photon 320 via standard ethernet hardware...
Module includes:
- GigE Adapter
- 68-pin to 15-pin interface cable
- Power supply
The Ethernet Module for the Photon provides camera control functions, and converts serial LVDS into real-time streaming uncompressed video data. The Module allows capture of both 8-bit digital data and the full 14-bit digital data. Analog video is also output via separate BNC connector.The Module interfaces into a standard RJ-45 Ethernet network and runs at standard 100 megabit or full gigabit Ethernet speed.
The Ethernet Module includes the Ethernet interface adapter, camera cabling, and power supply. These items obviate the need for several items included in the Photon Accessory Kit, however the Ethernet Module requires the camera to have the wearsaver adapter connector (250-1094-00) and the wearsaver cover (261-1273-00) installed on the Photon 320 camera. These items are available as separate accessories item for the Photon 320 camera, and priced at $75 and $50, respectively.
The Photon control software (GUI) provides Ethernet Module support to allow camera control and video display in a host computer window. The camera control GUI is a free download.
The Photon SDK, a separate optional accessory, also provides camera control functionality. The SDK is $995, the part number for ordering purposes is 110-0102-46.
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Serial-In, Parallel Out (SIPO) Module
PN: 333-0008-00
The serial-in, parallel-out (SIPO) module converts the Photon 320's serial digital data output into a parallel data format for use with a frame grabber... The SIPO mates directly to the I/O module's digital data port, and furnishes a high-density 68-pin connector that can be interfaced to a compatible frame grabber via one of two optional digital data cables.
One frame grabber option is the National Instruments IMAQ PCI-1422 (LVDS) board using digital interface cable part number 308-0013-00. Another frame grabber option is the Bit Flow RoadRunner Model 14-M board using digital interface cable part number 308-0016-00-03. Both of these computer-based frame grabber boards require third-party software not offered or supported.
We can supply camera setup files for both the IMAQ and Bit Flow frame grabber boards, but we do not formally support their use, nor do we claim or guarantee that these setup files will be suitable for any particular use or application.
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EMI Rear Cover
PN: 500-0312-00
The EMI rear cover is an option to the wearsaver cover and wearsaver adapter connector that is furnished as part of the Photon 320 Accessory Kit... With appropriate grounding, cable shielding, and power, this enclosure mitigates radiated EMI emissions to near CE class A performance levels (~0dB margin). The EMI rear cover includes a separate printed circuit card that attaches to the Photon's power board via the 30-pin SAMTEC connector. This board incorporates a 15-pin D-Sub connector that is equivalent to the wearsaver adapter connector. When the EMI cover is used, the 15-pin connector is oriented in a mirror-image fashion from that of the standard wearsaver cover and connector. The EMI cover also furnishes a grounding point. Due to the extra circuit card, the EMI cover adds approximately 1/4" in depth to the Photon 320 camera.
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Tripod Adapter
PN: 261-1357-00
The Photon 320 tripod adapter furnishes a 1/4" x 20 helicoil insert. Two thumb screws are included to attach the tripod adapter to the Photon 320 camera. |
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Wearsaver Adapter
PN: 250-0194-00
The wearsaver adapter converts the 30-pin SAMTEC connector on the Photon 320 power board to a 15-pin D-Sub connector... The pin outs of these connectors are provided in the Photon 320 brochure and Photon 320 User's Guide, both of which can be found on this page.
Typically the wearsaver is used in conjunction with the wearsaver rear cover, which provides mechanical support for the connector as well as jack posts for secure connection when the interface cable or power/video cable is used with the Photon 320 camera.
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Wearsaver Cover
PN: 261-1273-00
This aluminum rear cover encloses the wearsaver adapter and provides jack posts for secure interface cable connection. It is included with the Photon 320 Accessory Kit, or can be purchased as a separate accessory. |
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AC/DC Power Supply
PN: 206-0001-20
This is an approved AC/DC Power Supply for powering Photon cameras. The power supply converts AC voltage in the range of 110-240VAC into 9VDC. The form factor of the power supply is commonly referred to as a "butter stick." |
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Line Cord
PN: 421-0031-00
Standard 6' line cord for the Photon 320 AC/DC power supply. |
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Battery Pack, Rechargeable, 7.2 Volts DC
PN: 421-0008-00
Rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery will power a Photon 320 camera for 6+ hours on a full charge. The battery is furnished with charger (not shown) and a 6-foot cable that interfaces the battery to the I/O module or a power/video cable. The nominal voltage output of the battery is 7.2 VDC. |
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Interface Cable - Photon to I/O Module
10', 6', 3' Lengths Available
PN: 308-0076-00-03
The standard interface cable provided with the Accessory Kit is 6'. There are also 3' and 10' cables available.
All interface cables enable Photon 320... cameras to be connected to the input/output (I/O) module. The cable has a 15-pin D-Sub female at the camera end, and an 18-pin JAE keyed, male connector at the I/O module end. To use interface cables with the Photon 320, the camera must have a wearsaver adapter connector (250-0194-00) and wearsaver rear cover (261-1273-00) installed. These items are furnished as part of the Photon 320 Accessory Kit, or may be purchased as separate accessories.
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Power/Video Cable
10', 6', 3' Lengths Available
PN: 308-0126-00-03
This 10' long optional interface cable connects to the Photon 320 camera and provides connectors for power in and output video (only)... Use of this cable requires that the Photon 320 be equipped with a wearsaver adapter connector and wearsaver rear cover. This cable is typically used in place of the standard interface cable and I/O module when serial control and digital video are not required.
Power/video cables are also available in 3'- and 10'-long versions.
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Digital Interface Cable, SIPO to Bit Flow Road Runner
PN: 308-0016-00-03
The Bit Flow digital interface cable transfers digital data to a Bit Flow Road Runner Model 14-M frame grab board from a Photon camera configured... with an input/output (I/O) module mated to a serial-in, parallel-out (SIPO) module.
The digital data cable attaches between the SIPO and the Road Runner frame grab board. The optional SIPO module (333-0008-00) converts the serial LVDS into a parallel data format compatible with the frame grabber.
The customer must furnish a PC, frame grab board, and third-party data acquisition/processing software. These items are not offered or supported.
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Digital Interface Cable, SIPO to NI IMAQ PCI-1422
PN: 308-0013-00
The National Instruments (NI) digital interface cable transfers digital data to an IMAQ PCI-1422 (LVDS) frame grab board from a Photon... camera configured with an input/output (I/O) module mated to a serial-in, parallel-out (SIPO) module.
The digital data cable attaches between the SIPO and the NI frame grab board. The optional SIPO module (333-0008-00) converts the serial LVDS into a parallel data format compatible with the frame grabber. The customer must furnish a PC, frame grab board, and third-party data acquisition/processing software. These items are not offered or supported by OemCameras.com. We can supply camera setup files for both the IMAQ frame grabber boards, but we do not formally support their use, nor do we claim or guarantee that these setup files will be suitable for any particular use or application.
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4" Blackbody Source for ALC & Supplemental FFC
PN: 285-0029-02
We offer a 4-inch blackbody source for sale to customers that need a low-cost, uniform temperature source when using the Alt Lens Cal software to field-calibrate lens-less Photon...
- The Blackbody requires DC Voltage and has an input range of 0-24VDC
- There are two power input plugs on the side of the blackbody, red is positive voltage, and black is ground.
- The kit includes one power supply that outputs 12VDC and gives an approximate blackbody temperature of 60 °C
Temperature settings can be modified by the customer, depending on the power supply voltage. A voltage-to-approximate-temperature conversion table is provided. Max Voltage 24VDC, Max Current 2.5 ADC
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SDK (Embedded & Windows)
PN: 110-0102-46
The Photon Software Developer's Kit (SDK) is offered as an accessory for customers that want to create a custom control interface to the camera... The SDK enables camera control using one of several programming languages including VB6, VB.net, C#, and C++ (MFC). Code examples are included to help illustrate how some of the camera control functions can be used.
The Photon GUI is an example of an application created using the Photon SDK.
This product is typically delivered directly to an internet location from which the software can be immediately downloaded after payment has been received.
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Alt Lens Calibration (ALC) Software
PN: 110-0102-72
For qualified customers that furnish their own optics for use with Photon cores, we can supply a Windows application program called Alt Lens Cal... This software enables users to perform a supplementary calibration of the camera with a lens. This field-calibration process requires the use of at least one blackbody source (a uniform, controllable temperature reference) that has an area greater than the diameter of the front of the lens.
We also offers a low-cost, 4" blackbody as an accessory, part number 285-0029-02.
The Alt Lens Cal software also requires a customer-furnished PC, which should be dedicated to this task. The calibration routine calculates gain terms on a per-pixel basis with the customer-supplied lens attached to the Photon core, and stores the customer-performed calibration in non-volatile camera memory. The original factory calibration coefficients are first uploaded from the camera and stored into a file on the PC, then the new calibration data is downloaded and stored directly into the camera. Multiple calibration files can be stored on the host computer. The original factory calibration file can be restored if necessary, and the customer can actually build a library of lens calibration files for a Photon camera.
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Pricing and Ordering Information
Available on GSA
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FLIR Photon 320 Models Available
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