Seek Thermal FirePRO 300

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Summary

1 Introduction

1.1 How to use these instructions

Ensures users read and understand the manual to avoid injury or death, and keep safety information for future reference.

1.2 Intended use and reasonably foreseeable misuse

Product intended as a personal safety aid, not for navigation. Misuse invalidates warranty and can cause serious injury or death.

1.3 Online documentation

User manuals are updated regularly. Latest version available at www.thermal.com/support.

1.4 Other languages

This is the English manual. Manuals in other languages are available upon request.

3 Getting To Know Your FirePRO 300

3.1 Whats included in the box

Lists the items included with the FirePRO 300 thermal imaging camera, such as the camera, dock, cables, and documentation.

3.2 Equipment ratings

Details technical specifications and ratings for the camera, including battery, environmental, altitude, and IP ratings.

3.3 Camera elements

Identifies and describes the various physical buttons and displays on the front and rear views of the camera.

3.4 Screen elements

Explains the different indicators, bars, and readings displayed on the camera's screen during operation.

3.5 Battery status indicator (operational)

Illustrates the battery charge levels and their corresponding visual indicators on the device.

4 Operation and Use

4.1 Charging the device

Provides instructions on how to charge the FirePRO 300 using the charging dock and USB cable.

4.2 Camera modes

Describes the three thermal imaging modes: TI Basic, TI Basic+, and Survey, and their applications.

4.3 Image capture

Explains the process for capturing still images using the Media Capture button and saving them to internal memory.

4.4 Video capture

Details how to record video clips, stop recording, and information on maximum clip length and memory usage.

4.5 Connecting the camera to a computer

Instructs on connecting the camera to a computer via USB for transferring images and videos.

4.6 Updating your camera

Guides users on how to check for and install firmware updates for the camera.

7 Customer and Product support

7.1 Quality Assurance

States that the product development and manufacturing comply with ISO 9001 Standard. Seek Thermal reserves rights for changes.

7.2 Troubleshooting

Provides a checklist of common errors and their solutions for the thermal imager.

8 Legal and Warranty

8.1 Export Compliance

Details US export control regulations applicable to the thermal imagers and user adherence.

8.2 End User License standard conditions

Outlines user responsibilities for security, authorized use, and return of the item at its end of service life.

8.3 Disclaimer

States that specifications are subject to change, and products may be subject to US Export Regulations.

Overview

Usage Features
Getting Started
Camera Modes
Flashlight Functionality
Image and Video Capture
Temperature Unit Change
Screen Elements
Connecting to a Computer
Firmware Updates
Training and Safety
Maintenance Features
Storage
Cleaning
Protection
Decontamination
General Care

The Seek Thermal FirePRO 300 is a dependable thermal imaging camera designed specifically for firefighters, serving as a crucial situational awareness tool. It is intended to be a personal safety aid, providing thermal imaging capabilities to assist users in navigating and assessing environments where visibility may be compromised. However, it is explicitly stated that users should never become wholly dependent on the thermal imager for personal navigation and must always maintain awareness of their location and escape routes. The camera is designed to be efficient and effective in fire service operations worldwide.

Usage Features

The FirePRO 300 offers straightforward operation with several key features to enhance usability in demanding environments.

Getting Started:

Before initial use, the camera requires charging for 3.5 hours using the supplied charging dock, or until the charge screen indicates a full battery. To power on, users simply push the Power button, and the camera will begin imaging within 7 seconds. The camera's front lens should be aimed toward the scene of interest for optimal thermal capture.

Camera Modes:

The device features three distinct thermal imaging modes: TI Basic, TI Basic+, and Survey. To cycle through these modes, users press and hold the Mode/Flashlight button for 3 seconds. The modes cycle in the order of TI Basic, TI Basic+, and Survey. A mode icon indicator will appear in the bottom left of the screen for TI Basic+ and Survey modes, providing visual confirmation of the active setting.

TI Basic and TI Basic+ modes are dedicated firefighting modes, with colorization beginning at 300°F (150°C). TI Basic+ mode offers additional features, which may require supplementary training for full utilization.
Survey mode is optimized for overhaul and size-up applications, with colorization starting at 150°F (65°C). Similar to TI Basic+, Survey mode also includes extra features that may necessitate additional training.

Flashlight Functionality:

A built-in LED flashlight can be turned on or off by a simple press and release of the Mode/Flashlight button.

Image and Video Capture:

The FirePRO 300 allows for both still image and video capture.

Image Capture: To save an image, users press and release the Media Capture button. A white flash on the screen confirms that an image has been saved. The number of images that can be captured depends on the combined total size of videos and images stored. Older images will be deleted on a first-in-first-out basis when memory capacity is reached.
Video Capture: To record a video clip, users press and hold the Media Capture button for 2 seconds. A red RECORD icon will appear in the bottom left of the screen, indicating active recording. To stop recording, press and release the Media Capture button once, and the red icon will disappear, confirming the video clip has been saved. The maximum length for a video clip is 5 minutes, after which the camera will auto-stop and save the file. Similar to images, video files are subject to deletion on a first-in-first-out basis when memory is full, so periodic transfer to a computer is recommended.

Temperature Unit Change:

The temperature units can be switched between Fahrenheit and Celsius by inserting the tip of a pen into a pinhole located between the Power button and the Mode/Flashlight button.

Screen Elements:

The LCD display provides critical information to the user:

Over Temperature Indicator: A visual warning appears if the camera's internal components are close to overheating, prompting the user to move the camera to a cooler location.
Color Reference Temperature Bar: This bar provides a visual guide to the temperature range being displayed.
Battery Status Indicator: Shows the remaining charge, with different icons for >75%, >50%, >25%, and <25% charge (flashing when less than 5 minutes remaining).
Temperature Reticle: Appears in TI Basic+ or Survey mode, indicating the center point for temperature measurement.
Temperature Measurement Reading: Displays the temperature measured at the center reticle location in TI Basic+ or Survey mode.
Mode Icons: Icons for TI Basic+ and Survey mode indicate when these advanced features are enabled, reminding users that additional training may be required.

Connecting to a Computer:

To transfer images and video files, the camera is placed on its charging dock, and the USB cable is connected to a Windows or MAC computer. The FirePRO will appear as a removable drive. Users can then navigate to the DCIM folder on the FIREPRO device, copy and paste files to their desired location on the computer, and finally eject the FirePRO.

Firmware Updates:

Seek Thermal periodically releases firmware updates to improve product performance. Users can check for the latest version at thermal.com/firepro-300. To check the current firmware version, connect the camera to a computer, and the version (e.g., 34.27.X) will be displayed on the USB connect screen under "Firmware Version." If an update is available, download the THERMAL.STR file, drag it onto the FIREPRO device, wait approximately 10 seconds, eject the camera, remove it from the dock, and power it on. After 5 seconds, the camera will begin updating, and a green tick will indicate a successful update. It is crucial that the firmware file name remains in the THERMAL.STR format for the update to succeed.

Training and Safety:

The manual emphasizes the importance of comprehensive training and understanding before using the FirePRO 300 in hazardous situations. It warns against misinterpretation of thermal images, which can lead to serious injury or death. Training should cover the interpretation of thermal images, distinguishing between harmless and hazardous heat sources, and identifying actual heat sources versus reflections. Users are advised to update their training with each new piece of equipment due to potential operational differences between thermal imager brands and models.

Maintenance Features

The FirePRO 300 requires minimal maintenance, but adherence to specific guidelines ensures its longevity and optimal performance.

Storage:

When not in use, the thermal imager should be stored at an average room temperature of 23°C (73°F) and protected from potential physical damage.

Cleaning:

Camera Housing: Use a soft cloth with warm water and a mild detergent to clean the camera housing. Solvents should not be used.
Lens and Flashlight: A commercial lens cleaning solution with more than 30% isopropyl alcohol can be used with a soft cloth. Gently wipe the lens, as it has a delicate anti-reflective coating.
Charging Contacts: The charging contacts should be cleaned periodically to ensure proper charging.

Protection:

Prevent liquids or debris from entering the battery compartment.
Ensure the battery compartment is closed when operating the device in dirty or contaminated environments.
Wipe the lens with a glove or cloth as needed to remove dirt or soot buildup, which can obscure the thermal image.
Regularly wipe the lens to remove accumulated condensation, which can block the thermal image. An approved anti-fog preparation can be used to reduce condensation.

Decontamination:

Before sending the camera for service to a reseller or Seek Thermal, it must be thoroughly cleaned, decontaminated, and disinfected. This includes removing chemical fire extinguishing compounds, radioactivity, biohazardous materials, and residues from chemical fires. Seek Thermal reserves the right to charge for decontamination and disinfection if cameras are shipped to their service department without proper cleaning.

General Care:

Users should avoid covering original product labels, markings, the thermal imager lens, flashlight window, functional buttons, or the display if adding company or department information to the device.