FAQ
Power & Consumption
What power supply does the camera need?
– 5 V DC (recommended 5.0 – 5.5 V).
What is the current draw?
– 0.3 – 0.4 A, with short peaks up to 0.5 A.
Is there a standby / sleep mode?
– No. The camera is always on when powered.
What power source is recommended for field use?
– A regulated 5 V DC supply able to deliver at least 1 A.
Video Output & Interfaces
What type of video output does the camera provide?
– Analog TV-Out (PAL).
Is the USB port active?
– Not yet; the interface is still under testing.
Can I connect CVBS and USB at the same time?
– No, simultaneously connecting CVBS (analog TV-Out) and USB can damage the camera. Use only one of these interfaces at a time.
Does telemetry travel with the video feed?
– No, only the video signal is transmitted.
When will UART / MSP integration be available?
– Planned for future revisions; timeframe to be announced.
How can I adjust image parameters now?
– Via the manufacturer’s service menu; future updates will enable MSP / UART control.
Optics
What is the field of view (FoV)?
– ≈ 56° horizontal (exact value depends on the lens).
Can I change the lens in the base version?
– No, lens replacement is not supported.
Is custom lens configuration possible?
– Yes, alternative focal lengths are available on request.
Is the video image color or monochrome?
– False-color thermal imaging.
Does the lens fog up?
– It can during rapid temperature changes; use a protective filter or desiccant.
Recording & Compatibility
Does the camera support on-board recording?
– No. Recording is possible only via an external DVR.
Can I connect the camera to a Pixhawk?
– Not directly; future UART / MSP support is under consideration.
Can the camera operate without a “config app”?
– Yes. Video is output via TV-Out immediately after power-up.
Can the autopilot control the camera directly?
– Not yet; MSP control is planned.
Mechanics & Mounting
What is the camera weight?
– 35 g (base version).
What mounting pattern is provided?
– Four M2 side screws (2 – 4 screws used, depending on frame).
Is the camera suitable for quadcopters or fixed-wing UAVs?
– Yes, provided the installation angle and image settings are tuned for the platform.
What should I watch out for when installing on a UAV?
– Rigid mounting, vibration isolation, and lens protection from airflow or precipitation.
Sensor & Environmental Specs
What are the sensor size and type?
– 640 × 512 px, 12 µm, uncooled VoX.
What is the operating temperature range?
– –40 °C … +80 °C.
Is the camera water-resistant?
– Basic sealing only; no official IP rating.
Cables & Pin-out
What is the default cable pin-out?
– TV, VCC, GND, BTN, UART TX / RX, USB (in testing).
What is the default cable length?
– ≈ 15 cm.
Can I order a different cable length?
– Yes, specify the length when ordering.
Service & Updates
Can users update the firmware themselves?
– Firmware updates are available only through the manufacturer’s service center.
Troubleshooting Guide
No image
– Check for 5 V DC (5.0 – 5.5 V) at the power input.
– Verify cable integrity and correct TV-Out pin-out.
– Ensure the monitor / receiver is set to PAL.
Image is noisy or “snowy”
– Use a shorter or higher-quality video cable (≤ 20 cm).
– Ensure full cable shielding.
– If applicable, check your video transmitter (VTX) for interference.
Camera will not power up
– Measure voltage under load; it must not drop below 4.8 V.
– Make sure the power source can supply ≥ 0.5 A without sagging.
Camera keeps rebooting
– Check the power line for voltage drops under load.
– Provide adequate airflow to avoid overheating.
Image too dark / over-exposed / low contrast
– Contact technical support for firmware or exposure adjustment.
Noticeable latency or “slow” video
– Connect the camera directly to a monitor to test.
– Check external DVR or display settings and performance.
Lens fogging
– Insert silica-gel desiccant inside the housing.
– Avoid rapid temperature changes; warm the camera gradually.
Camera running hot
– Operating temperatures up to 60 °C are normal.
– Ensure ventilation openings are not blocked.
DVR shows no video
– Confirm that the DVR supports the PAL format.
– Test with a direct camera-to-monitor connection.
Image unstable, flickering
– Shorten or shield the video cable.
– Inspect the video transmitter / VTX for noise pickup.
Long startup time (> 3 s)
– Verify stable 5 V supply; normal boot time is 2 – 3 s.
Settings not retained after power-off
– Current firmware lacks EEPROM support; settings reset after power loss.
Focus drifts over time (custom lens)
– Check and gently tighten the lens retainer.
Image blurry
– Ensure the lens is clean and free of fog.
– Gently wipe with lint-free microfiber cloth.
