Bullard T4 User Manual - Www.Bullard.Com
Power Button
Figure 3
Figure 4
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Battery Locking Buttons
Use and Operation
Power
To turn on your Bullard T4 Thermal Imager, depress and release the large, red
power button under the LCD display
(Figure 2)
. Upon pressing the power
button the thermal imager will display the Bullard logo and initiate a
calibration sequence. The thermal image will appear within four seconds. To
turn off power, depress and hold the power button for three seconds and
release.
NOTE
You will periodically observe a momentary freeze in the image. This
is normal and is a function of the self calibration shutter. The
shutter will activate every 30 seconds to three minutes, depending
on the environment.
Relative Heat Indicator™ (RHI)
The T4 is equipped with temperature measurement capability. The right side
of the display will show a bar graph or Relative Heat Indicator (RHI). The RHI
will indicate the approximate temperature of the object viewed within the
“crosshairs” shown in the middle of the screen. The accuracy of the indicators
is dependent on numerous factors including the distance from the object
being viewed and its emissivity, which is the object's ability to radiate heat.
Units are calibrated with a preset emissivity corresponding with normal
construction materials. Objects with emissivities that vary greatly from this,
such as metals and shiny objects, will reduce the accuracy of the temperature
indication. Additionally, temperature measurement accuracy decreases as
the distance from the object in the “crosshairs” increases.
NOTE
The RHI provides a quick reference to compare objects of similar
emissivities to serve as a guide to pinpoint intense heat sources.
Due to the inherent issues with accuracy, use this feature with
caution and verify indicated heat levels through traditional means
whenever possible.
Super Red Hot™ Feature
The T4 features Super Red Hot high heat colorization. With the Super Red Hot
feature, heat levels are identified by various color hues. Starting at 500
degrees, heated objects are tinted yellow and gradually transition to orange
and then solid red as heat levels rise. The Super Red Hot feature identifies
specific heat layers alerting firefighters to areas of intense heat. This feature
provides an enhanced visual awareness of the hottest objects in a scene.
Electronic Thermal Throttle™
The T4 incorporates a highly useful and unique feature, the Electronic Thermal
Throttle. The Thermal Throttle is ideal for pinpointing hot spots during
overhaul, searching for overheated electrical equipment, or clarifying objects
in ambient temperature situations. To activate the Thermal Throttle option,
locate the two black buttons on the top of the T4
(Figure 1
). Press the down
button (the button closer to the front of the imager) to activate the Thermal
Throttle. The Electronic Thermal Throttle will automatically sense the hottest
area in the scene and color it blue. Continuing to press the down button (or
holding it down) will further engage the Thermal Throttle and will color more
of the scene blue, eventually coloring even the coolest objects blue.
NOTE
As the throttle engages more of the scene, the blue will become
lighter in hue to help differentiate objects in the scene.
As you cycle through the scene, you'll see the symbol “TT” and a
corresponding number in the bottom left corner of the display. The “TT”
indicates “Thermal Throttle” mode. The number (0-100) is a point of reference
to indicate the level of Thermal Throttle engagement; by itself it has no specific
meaning. To lessen the amount of blue in the scene, press (or hold) the up
button. Alternatively, pressing both buttons simultaneously for one second
will deactivate the Thermal Throttle.
NOTE
The T4 Thermal Imager takes approximately eight seconds to
calibarate from initial startup. During this short startup period, the
Electronic Thermal Throttle or Digital Zoom will not engage.
Digital Zoom Feature
The T4 enables magnification of far away scenes at both 2x and 4x zoom. With
one simple push of the black “z” button, located next to the power button
under the LCD display, the 2x zoom is enabled
(Figure 2)
. A second push of
the button activates the 4x zoom. A third push of the button disables the zoom
function. The Digital Zoom feature also works seamlessly with Electronic
Thermal Throttle and Super Red Hot.
Using the Battery Charger
The battery should be charged in the battery charger using either the AC or
DC adapter provided
(Figure 3)
.To charge a battery, insert it into the charger
so that the metal contacts on the battery are aligned with the metal contacts
in the charger. A red light will illuminate on the charger to indicate that the
battery is charging. When the light on the charger turns to green, the battery
is fully charged. You may leave the battery in the charger indefinitely as the
battery will not overcharge and the charger will initiate a trickle charge to
maintain the battery's charge. For maximum battery life and performance,
you should remove the battery from the charger and discharge it completely
on a monthly basis.
NOTE
If you do not see the red LED illuminate when you place a battery
into the charger, the battery is not charging.
Loading/Unloading the Battery
Loading and unloading the battery on the Bullard T4 is straightforward
(Figure 4)
. To install a battery, slide the battery into the groove on the
bottom of the unit and ensure that the battery is properly seated. To remove
a battery, depress both battery locking buttons simultaneously and slide the
battery out of the unit. Since it can only be loaded one way, the battery is easily
replaced in the dark. Additionally, as with all batteries, your Bullard
rechargeable battery will experience a slow drain of its charge during
storage. The amount of drain varies widely based on storage conditions. For
best performance, charge each of your batteries every two weeks.
NOTE
Fully charged NiMH batteries will provide a run time of more than
three hours. This run time will be less in extreme heat or extreme
cold conditions and/or if the transmitter is in use. To extend the
potential lifespan of your batteries, fully drain and recharge each
battery monthly. To help extend the life of the rechargeable
batteries and prevent unexpected instances of uncharged
batteries, develop a clear formalized plan for maintaining,
charging, and replacing your batteries.
Bullard provides an optional AA Alkaline battery case which can be used as
an alternative to the standard 10 V NiMH rechargeable batteries. The AA
alkaline battery case requires eight AA alkaline batteries. Once the batteries
are installed, the case loads into the unit in the same manner as the standard
NiMH battery. Due to the unique way that alkaline batteries disperse power
to the unit, the LED indicators will report battery levels that are not necessarily
indicative of the battery's actual remaining charge. Fully charged AA Alkaline
batteries will typically operate a Bullard T4 Thermal Imager for two hours. Do
not insert the AA Alkaline battery case into any Bullard battery chargers,
including the Powerhouse.
Zoom Button
Figure 2
WARNING
Do not allow the metal contacts on the label side of the battery to come
in contact with a conductive surface, such as a metal table or another
battery. This can complete the battery circuit and cause the battery to
overheat or melt. Failure to observe this warning may result in
permanent battery damage, property damage and/or serious injury.