JULY 10--BFi OPTiLAS (Evry, France; www.bfioptilas.avnet.com), a pan-European distributor in the imaging and detection market, is offering the ProtectIR 4000M thermal imaging camera from Raytheon Commercial Infrared for marine applications.
The camera is fully weatherized to resist salt corrosion and can withstand shock and vibration in marine environments. By detecting the infrared energy emitted by objects, it helps mariners see effectively at night and under poor weather conditions. The infrared camera suits usage on tugboats, fishing vessels, and other boats that must operate in darkness, fog, or light rain.
"Whether on the ocean or in a coastal inlet, river, or lake, mariners can use thermal imaging cameras to supplement radar and avoid obstacles and aid in
search and rescue missions," says Alex Schneider, business development director at BFi OPTiLAS.
The ProtectIR 4000M camera can operate in temperatures ranging from -40 to +55 degrees Celsius, and all components (platform, camera, hand controller, and all connections) meet water resistant standards determined by the IEC (International Electro technical Commission). Featuring a pan-and-tilt positioning platform operated via a joystick controller, the camera can pan a full 360 degrees, continuously, and has a tilt range of 20 degrees below and 180 degrees above the horizon. For ease of use, the infrared video image can be displayed on any TV monitor, with pan-position feedback displayed in the video signal.
The camera uses a hybrid ferroelectric staring focal plan and array detector, which supplies images of 160 x 120 pixels, detects a person up to 1500 feet away, or finds an 8-foot dingy up to 2400 feet away.
