User's Manual

. Search for Persons and Objects

The camera is not restricted to locating fires. In many cases, the firefighter will be

using the camera in a search for casualties, to seek out dangerous item s such as

fuel tanks or gas cylinders and also as an aid to navigation through unknown

premises.

. Image Clarity

The sharpness and clarity of the image provided is related to the temperature of

the scene and objects in view. A cold room provides little infrared energy and

less detail is detected than in a warm environment where objects give off

significant energy. In general, the warmer the scene, the more thermal contrast

and hence greater detail in the picture.

. Heat Layers in Closed Spaces

In a major fire, a layer of hot gases may build up in the upper region of the

closed space. Attempting to use the camera in this hot layer will cause the image

to become featureless. By bringing the camera down beneath this layer, the unit

is able to provide the firefighter with a clearer picture of the scene ahead.

. Windows and Polished Surfaces

Glass is not transparent to long wavelength infrared energy and it is not possible

for the operator to use the camera to look through a window. A white window

would indicate that the window itself is relatively warm and may be being

heated by a fire behind it. Just as we see reflections in glass under normal

circumstances, it is possible that the camera can detect infrared reflections in

glass, mirrors and polished or painted surfaces. Care must be taken to ensure

that the image seen is not simply a reflection. Experience will give the operator

added confidence.