Fast Into Action, Easy to Integrate
FLIR Systems announced on 13 April the launch of its latest motion control pan and tilt unit (PTU), the FLIR PTU-5.
Increasingly important characteristics for PTUs, as external sensors and systems continue to proliferate across a wide range of platforms, include low weight (4.7lbs ~2.1 kg), small form factor (6.2×4.9x6in ~158x125x153mm; rated payload 5lbs top mount; 6lbs total side mount) and ease of integration and operation (single top mount or dual side via 4 bolt pattern). The PTU-5 meets high standards in all these areas: it stands only 6in tall when fully integrated and can hold up to 5lbs on its upper bracket. Fully sealed, weatherproofed to IP67, able to be turned on and start tracking targets in just seconds it is a low-cost, flexible and adaptable unit, rugged, portable and easily integrated.
It features a resolution of 0.05˚ at 0.05˚ accuracy with a Tilt Range of +/- 90˚ (side mount only) and a Pan Range of 360˚ continuous pan. Power Consumption (measured at 30 VDC) is at 40W peak, 20W average, and 5W at no motion; and has a host interface of RS-485, Ethernet (TCP/IP or web page), Networking RS-485, and Control Protocols: FLIR ASCII, Binary, Pelco-D. The FLIR PTU-5 can operate at -20˚C to +60˚C.
The electrical design of a pan/tilt system includes the internal connections of the control electronics to the motors and feedback system, as well as the routing of wiring from the base connectors, through slip-rings, and to the payloads.
FLIR Motion Control Systems (MCS) pan-tilt units include an integrated microcontroller providing real-time application communications, motor drive control and encoder and limit switch processing, payload I/O and diagnostics. The E-Series pan-tilt units incorporate a 32-bit microcontroller with expanded capabilities and greatly improved performance in several dimensions. The complete line of FLIR high-performance pan/tilts offers great performance in accuracy, speed, ruggedness, and reliability. All units offer a real-time computer control interface for fast, reliable response in applications such as tracking, scanning and slew-to-cue. E-Series models include built-in Ethernet/Web interfaces for simple integration with networks and IP cameras.
FLIR pan/tilt units are fully programmable to meet any application requirement. Speeds, accelerations, power levels and ranges of motion can all be user programmed for flexible and dynamic operation. E-Series models feature high-resolution digital encoders for fast, reliable absolute positioning. They are modular with support bracketing options for any type of payload(s), including cameras, lasers, antennas and other instruments. Designed for continuous operation in harsh, all-weather environments, and 100% duty cycle to provide years of service without maintenance, they are loaded with advanced capabilities and options, including low-cost inertial stabilisation for applications on-the-move and geo-pointing to easily link pan/tilt pointing with geo-spatial interfaces.
