Thermal imaging cameras have found their way to many vessels. Captains, of both yachts and commercial vessels, have discovered the power of thermal imaging and are using it to their benefit.
Unlike other night vision systems that require low amounts of light to generate an image, thermal imaging requires no light at all. It’s ideal for seeing channel markers, shipping lane traffic, outcroppings of land, bridge pilings, debris, exposed rocks, other vessels and indeed any other hazardous floating object. Other applications include long range threat detection and man-overboard searches.
FLIR MU-Series
It is a powerful, gyro-stabilized multi-sensor, long range, thermal night vision system. The top model, FLIR MU-602CLW features four different payloads in the same system.
A thermal imaging camera with optical zoom with a cooled Indium Antimonide (InSb) detector: It produces crisp thermal images of 640 x 480 pixels on which the smallest of details can be seen and allows for long range detection. An object the size of a small vessel can be detected at a distance of no less than 15,000 m. It comes with a 14 X optical zoom on the thermal image.
A wide field of view thermal imaging camera equipped with an uncooled Vanadium Oxide (VOx) detector: Also, this module provides images of 640 x 480 pixels, ideal for detecting objects at short distance or when docking in port.
A visible color camera: Equipped with a 28 X optical zoom.
A black & white low light camera: Equipped with a 18 X optical zoom. It can be used when at least some moonlight or starlight is present.
By the touch of a button the user can switch between the different cameras.
The FLIR MU-602C comes with a cooled thermal imaging camera and a daylight camera, the FLIR MU-602CL has an additional low light camera.
FLIR MV-Series
The FLIR MV-Series offer a thermal imaging camera equipped with an uncooled vanadium Oxide (VOx) detector producing thermal images of 640 x 480 pixels. It is the more affordable multi-sensor solution. The thermal imaging camera zooms between a 24.5° x 4.1° field of view. The FLIR MV-604C is equipped with a thermal imaging camera and a visible color cameras. The FLIR MV-604CL comes with a black & white low light camera as well.
Key features:
All versions of the FLIR MU- / MV-Series come with a number of useful features:
Pan/tilt: all versions of the MU- / MV-Series can pan 360° continuously and tilt +/- 90°. This provides excellent situational awareness.
Active gyro-stabilization: provides steady imagery, even in rough seas; this is critical for getting the most out of the FLIR MU- / MV-Series long-range imaging capability.
Radar Tracking: allows operators to use the FLIR MU- / MV-Series to identify and track specified radar returns, enhancing vessel safety in low visibility conditions.
Video Tracker: The user can select a given target that can be automatically tracked by the video tracker. Selecting and engaging in tracking mode is easily done by the touch of a button. Once the tracker is engaged, the camera will follow the object as long as it can be seen.
Picture-in Picture mode: With the Picture-in-Picture mode (PIP) two sensors can be displayed on a single display. The user can select which sensor to display as full screen.
Digital detail enhancement (DDE): assures a crisp thermal image even in scenes with extreme temperature dynamics.
The MLS-Series are handheld shock-resistant thermal imaging cameras. They produce a crisp image in the darkest of nights. The MLS-Series will dramatically increase your situational awareness. The MLS-Series can be used on board of all types of vessels.
Yachts, commercial ships, tug and tow boats, work boats, police and law enforcement boats will all benefit from the power of
thermal imaging.
The MLS-Series thermal imaging cameras are excellent tools for navigating in total darkness, securing any shipboard environment, antipiracy and many other maritime applications. Whether you are anchored in port or sailing in the open sea, you will be able to see in total darkness.
Extremely affordable: The MLS-Series are extremely affordable units. From now on, everyone can afford thermal night vision. Price is no longer an issue. There is no longer a need to use a less effective night vision technology.
Different versions available: The MLS-618 is equipped with a thermal detector that produces thermal images of 640 x 480 pixels. Equipped with a 35 mm lens it provides an 18° (H) x 14° (V) field of view. It is equipped with an up to 4X continuous digital zoom. The FLIR MLS-618 can detect a small vessel at a distance of no less than 3.25 kilometers away.
Users that do not need this high image quality can choose for the MLS-317. It is equipped with a thermal detector that produces crisp images of 320 x 240 pixels. Equipped with a 19 mm lens it provides a 17° (H) x 13° (V) field of view. It is equipped with an up to 2X digital zoom. The FLIR MLS-317 can detect a small vessel at a distance of no less than 1.95 kilometers away.
Both versions are equipped with advanced internal camera software that delivers a crisp image without the need for user adjustments.
InstAlertTM feature and Laser Pointer: The unique InstAlert feature colors the hottest parts of the scene red. This makes it extremely easy to spot people in the thermal image. The InstAlert feature is now included on all FLIR Systems handheld thermal imaging cameras that are marketed for maritime applications like the MS-, HM- and BHM-Series. A laser pointer allows the user to see exactly where he is looking with the FLIR MLS-Series.
Extremely portable and rugged: Weighing 340 grams, batteries included, the MLS-Series are extremely compact and extremely light systems. They are ideal for go-anywhere operations, in all circumstances. They are IP67 rated and operate between -20°C and +50°C. Ergonomic and easy-to-use, the MLS-Series are fully controlled with just 4 buttons on top of the unit. Conveniently placed, all buttons are right underneath your fingertips.
Long battery life: The MLS-Series have an operating time of 5 to 7 hours on a single charge. They work on 4 rechargeable long-life Li-ion batteries that come with the camera. The MLS-Series can also run on standard non-rechargeable Alkaline AA batteries.
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