The PathFindIR is a sealed 19mm (36 degree FOV) camera system with limited options and limited accessories, but is available at extremely affordable prices. Photon is an unsealed camera core with more features, more accessories, but is mroe affordable due to it's higher volume manufacturing rate.

PathFindIR has been rigorously tested over thousands of miles before ever going into production. Since inception, tens of thousands have been fielded all over the world in a variety of applications.

The PathFindIR is IP67 rated (with factory system cable), hermetically sealed, and has a high impact optic. It is rated for 70g’s and has an operating temperature range of -40 to +80 degrees C.

Extremely! While the 19mm optic is not replaceable, the optic is designed for high impact and should withstand nearly anything an on or off road environment can bring. The optic also is very small, less than 1” in diameter, making it very easy to hide behind grills and limit the exposure to oncoming debris. The PathFindIR also has an automatic lens heater which activates at 4 degrees C insuring operability in cold climates.

The PathFindIR has an operating temperature range of -40 to +80 degrees C. The built in automatic heater assures that ice will not form on the lens.

The PathFindIR has a power rating of 2W (6W when heater is active).

The PathFindIR requires LIN Bus communication protocol. The command sets that FLIR can provide are based upon serial communications and are limited (2x zoom, polarity, invert, revert, color palettes). The user must obtain a serial to LIN converter (not supplied by FLIR) and use the command sets found in the ICD. Also, FLIR does not currently make any other cables for connection into the remaining pins found on the PathFindIR. The client must make a custom cable set to tap into the communication pins and/or digital pins and connect this to the serial to LIN converter. FLIR cannot support warranty claims resulting from damage caused by an improperly sealed cable. The standard system cable only provides power input and video output.

PathFindIR is a high quality core that is affordable for any OEM wishing to benefit from thermal imaging technologies. Volume discounts are available.

The PathFindIR has a 320x240 Vox detector with 38 micron pitch.

Please visit the PathFindIR website and select “Accessories” to view the latest accessories for the PathFindIR. For aftermarket clients wishing to integrate into their personal factory navigation system we recommend that they visit one of our dealers for information. The PathFindIR has standard video formats, NTSC or PAL options and will work with most LCD monitors.

For OEM’s / OE manufactures or integration companies please contact our FLIR office at 888-747-3547. For aftermarket clients (personal vehicles) please visit our website or call our inside sales department at 877-773-3547 for a list of authorized dealers near you.

The PathFindIR is a thermal imaging camera and must be mounted outside of the vehicle. Most clients mount the unit in the grill (attached to the frame or bumper for stability) as close to the drivers viewing angle. The PathFindIR has two mounting locations on the sides of the enclosure. These tapped holes accept an M4 screw and are self locking heli coils so they will feel tight when you screw in the screws. FLIR offers a Universal bracket for sale which has many tapped holes for mounting assistance.

Yes, this is an option for high volume clients with a nominal NRE fee. Please call FLIR to learn more, 888-747-3547.

Since the PathFindIR has standard video formats (NTSC and PAL, different part numbers) any aftermarket monitor should work which accepts these signals. Mounting of the monitor should be done in a manner in which the monitor does not affect your viewing. Usually the best position is on the dash board to the right of the steering wheel, or, where the factory radio is located. Many aftermarket car stereo’s that accept a backup camera and have a touch screen LCD can be used and installed by your local car stereo / mobile electronics retailer and installation center.

Yes.

The short answer is maybe. Fog, rain, snow, sleet, are tricky environmental situations and depending upon the ambient temperature, humidity, and the object you wish to detect the PathFindIR and other thermal imaging systems may or may not perform. Please see the application note regarding Fog to help you understand the physics behind this variable.

This depends upon how large the object is and what the difference in temperature of the object to the ambient temperature at that time. The road and upcoming turns will be visible for thousands of feet, pedestrians, and animals such as deer usually can be detected 4 times further than with standard headlights. Since the PathFindIR has a 36 degree field of view, it will display not only the road ahead, but, also both sides of the road and well into the ditches where animals tend to graze. Your headlights only show you what is in front at distances about 450 feet. PathFindIR will significantly increase your viewing distance and give you the added wider field of view and therefore increase your reaction time.

Most monitors will provide a hue, brightness, and contrast adjustment. The PathFindIR automatically adjusts the image to give you the best contrast and scene based upon the conditions.

The PathFindIR has a self calibrating flag to assure the sensor is giving you the best possible image. This flag is dropped in front of the sensor every 2 minutes or when the temperature of the camera is changing due to climate change. When this happens the image will freeze for approximately 0.5 seconds.

Yes. BMW utilizes the PathFindIR and integrates it into their factory navigation system.

Active IR systems use infrared light to illuminate the target of interest. The infrared light is bounced back to the camera and interpreted to give you an image. Thermal imaging systems are passive. Thermal imaging cameras only sense differences in heat. These heat signatures (usually black (cold) and white (hot)) are then displayed on a monitor. Since thermal imagers do not see reflected light they are not affected by oncoming headlights, smoke, haze, and dust and can see farther.

Since the lens is hard carbon coated simply using a cloth or even a gas station windshield cleaning tool will work fine. If you want to clean the lens further you can use alcohol and a soft rag.