Bullard T4N User Manual - Www.Bullard.Com
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Use and operation
tHIS eQUIPMeNt IS SUItaBLe For USe IN CLaSS I, DIVISIoN 2, groUPS C, D or
NoN-HaZarDoUS LoCatIoNS oNLY.
Power
To turn on your Bullard T4N Thermal Imager, depress and release the large, green 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.
Low Sensitivity
To maximize image performance, the T4N utilizes two methods of operation. The standard operation,
referred to as high sensitivity is displayed when the unit is operating in normal or moderate temperature
environments. When the T4N displays hot scenes, typically fire scenes, it will switch to low sensitivity
operation. This operation allows the unit to display a wider range of temperature but at lower sensitivity
within the scene. In this operation, certain details may be harder to distinguish. To alert the user that the unit
is operating at low sensitivity, the T4N will show a Low Sensitivity Indicator on the top left of the display. The
indicator is a green triangle contained in a green box.
over-temperature Warning
In cases where the internal electronics of the T4N exceed operational limits, the unit will display an
Over-Temperature Indicator in the top, center portion of the display. The flashing indicator is a red
thermometer icon contained in a red box.
Pre-Use Checks
Prior to using the T4N, perform the following checks.
• Ensure that there are no signs of product damage, loose screws or components, or missing parts
• Check to see that the unit powers up and displays a functioning image
• Ensure the battery indicates a full charge on the display
• Confirm that the basic features and functions work in accordance with this user manual
If the unit appears to be damaged or is not functioning properly, contact Bullard Customer Service (see
“Service” section toward the end of this user manual).
BaSIC Mode
overview
The T4N always powers up in BASIC Mode. This is a simplified mode intended to provide easy operation
as well as standardization of thermal imaging features and user interface functions with that of other NFPA
1801 compliant thermal imagers. In BASIC Mode, the thermal image will always show a grayscale image.
Cooler objects will appear as black or dark gray. Warmer objects will appear as white or light gray.
operation
Upon power on, the unit will display a grayscale thermal image. The battery indicator on the bottom center
of the display indicates remaining battery life. The battery indicator sections will deplete from left to right as
the battery drains. When only one section in the indicator remains, the T4N has approximately 30 minutes of
battery life remaining. At 5 minutes remaining, the indicator will flash.
Note
The zoom feature, normally activated via the rightmost blue auxiliary button, is inactive in BASIC
mode.
relative Heat Indicator (rHI)
The T4N 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 temperature measurement zone icon, the green square in the middle of the
display. Additionally, a numeric temperature indicator below the RHI bar will display the approximate
temperature in a numeric value. 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 and numeric temperature indicator provide 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.
BaSIC PLUS Mode
operation
To initiate BASIC PLUS Mode, press the black + auxiliary button on the thermal imager. When in BASIC
PLUS Mode, the T4N will show a green “+” sign contained in a green box on the lower left portion of the
display. To deactivate BASIC PLUS Mode and revert to BASIC Mode, press the green power button or cycle
the unit’s power by turning the T4N off and then back on.
relative Heat Indicator (rHI)
See “Relative Heat Indicator” section above.
Note
The plus mode indicator, shown as a green “+” contained in a green box will only display in BASIC
PLUS Mode. No indicator will be present when the T4N is operating in the BASIC Mode.
Super red Hot Feature
While in BASIC PLUS Mode, the T4N 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®
While in BASIC PLUS Mode, The T4N 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 T4N
(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 center left portion 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 T4N Thermal Imager takes approximately eight seconds to calibrate from initial startup. During
this short startup period, the Electronic Thermal Throttle or Digital Zoom will not engage.
Digital Zoom Feature
While in BASIC PLUS Mode, the T4N enables magnification of far
away scenes at both 2x and 4x zoom. With one push of the blue
auxiliary button, the 2x zoom is enabled
(Figure 3)
. A second
push of the button activates the 4x zoom. A third push of the button
disables the zoom function. A “2X” or “4X” will display in blue
corresponding to the zoom level shown on the center left portion of
the display, when the zoom feature is activated. The Digital Zoom
feature also works seamlessly with Electronic Thermal Throttle and
Super Red Hot.
Note
The T4N Thermal Imager takes approximately eight seconds
to calibrate from initial startup. During this short startup
period, the Electronic Thermal Throttle or Digital Zoom will not engage.
WarNINg
eXPLoSIoN HaZarD
- SUBSTITUTION OF COMPONENTS MAY IMPAIR SUITABILITY FOR
CLASS I, DIVISION 2.
Using the Battery Charger
The battery should be charged in the battery charger base using the AC adapter provided.
Before using the AC adaptor, attach the appropriate AC plug insert on to the power pack
transformer and twist to the right to lock it into place. To charge a battery, insert the battery
into the charger base so that the metal contacts on the battery are aligned with the metal
contacts in the charger base (Figure 4). A red light will illuminate on the charger base to
indicate that the battery is charging. When the light on the charger base turns to green, the
battery is fully charged. You may leave the battery in the charger base indefinitely as the
battery will not overcharge and the charger base 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 base and discharge it on a monthly basis.
Power Button
Auxiliary Button
Figure 3
Figure 4