Sierra-Olympia Technologies has unveiled a new line of long-range, continuous zoom thermal cameras based around a state-of-the-art high operating temperature (HOT) mid-wave infrared (MWIR) sensor that provides a variety of significant advantages over traditional cooled MWIR systems.
The new Ventus HOT line is built around an advanced Type II Strained Later Superlattice (T2SL) detector, which operates at significantly warmer temperatures than traditional InSb MWIR detectors. This translates to less strain on the cooling mechanism, faster cool-down times, longer overall cooler life and time between maintenance events and, ultimately, lower overall cost of ownership.
Available in VGA (640 x 512) resolution in 15-300 mm, 35-690 mm and 45-900 mm F4.0 continuous zoom lens models, the Ventus HOT series is designed for system integrators and designers of long-range security and surveillance platforms, such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and other robotic systems. Like many of Sierra-Olympia Technologies’ products, the Ventus HOT is intended for users who design their own enclosures and wiring harnesses to house and protect the sensor and connect it to the outside world.
These three new Ventus HOT models are an addition to the larger Ventus family of cameras from Sierra-Olympia, all of which incorporate zoom optics with cooled MWIR technology. Other variants include the Ventus OGI, a cutting-edge optical gas imaging camera, and the Ventus Micro, a miniaturized 16-180 mm system designed to fit into 150 mm gimbals.
Key specifications of the new Ventus HOT line include:
Resolution: 640 x 512
Sensor: T2SL HOT MWIR
Pitch: 15μm
Framerate: 60 Hz
Optical zoom: 20x
Digital zoom: 4x
Focus: One-touch autofocus, manual
Digital Video Output: HDMI or SDI
IP Video Output: MJPEG or H.264/265 encoded RTP
System Control: Serial or Ethernet
Onboard video storage: Micro SD, 32 GB.
Classification: EAR 6A003.b.4.a
Chris Johnston, President of Sierra-Olympia Technologies, commented: “The Ventus HOT represents the latest evolution of mid-wave infrared technology for long-range applications. We have provided thousands of mid-wave cameras for systems integration and have worked across the industry for many years. Something we’ve learned, perhaps better than any company out there, are the many nuances and complexities of putting mid-wave zoom lenses together with mid-wave censors. Our team and laboratories are equipped with the tools and expertise to tie together all the functions of the lens, power supply, cooler, sensor electronics and video processing to turn a sensor and a lens into a powerful and highly-capable camera system.”
“Out of the box all of our customers get a 25-month warranty. Anecdotally, this HOT MWIR sensor technology and high-durability long-life oversized cooler will easily reach its warranted cooler hours. Generally, 20,000 hours is the rated life. It is the right combination of size, cost, and adaptability of optics that allowed us to create this family of products.”
To find out more about the new Ventus HOT long-range MWIR thermal cameras, please visit the Sierra-Olympia Technologies website, or watch a video on the technology behind the new cameras below.
