1. Introduction
This manual provides detailed instructions for the safe and effective operation of your A-BF RX-350 or RX-500 Industrial Infrared Thermal Imager. These devices are designed for accurate temperature detection and thermal analysis in various industrial and commercial applications, including electrical inspections, HVAC systems, floor heating detection, and mechanical maintenance.
The A-BF thermal imagers offer high-definition thermal imaging, fast temperature capture, and advanced features like cold/hot spot tracking and adjustable emissivity to help identify invisible problems quickly and efficiently.
2. Package Contents
Please check the contents of your package upon receipt. If any items are missing or damaged, contact your supplier.
- Thermal Imager (RX-350 or RX-500) x 1
- USB Data Cable x 1
- Charging Adapter x 1
- User Manual x 1
- Carrying Case x 1
- Wrist Strap x 1
3. Product Overview
Familiarize yourself with the components and controls of your thermal imager.
3.1 RX-350 Structure Panel
- Micro USB: For charging and data transfer.
- Infrared Lens: Captures thermal radiation.
- Digital Camera Lens: Captures visible light images.
- LED Light: Provides illumination in dark environments.
- Selection/Enter Key: Confirms selections.
- Power ON/OFF Key: Turns the device on or off.
- Menu Key: Accesses the main menu.
- Navigation Keys (Up, Down, Left, Right): Navigates through menus and options.
- Trigger: Captures images or videos.
- Wrist Strap: For secure handling.
- Camera Screen: Displays thermal and visible light images, menu, and data.
- Battery State: Indicates current battery level.
- Low Temp Point: Displays the lowest temperature in the current view.
- High Temp Point: Displays the highest temperature in the current view.
- Central Temp: Displays the temperature at the center point.
3.2 RX-500 Structure Panel
- Visible Light Camera: Captures standard visual images.
- USB Link / Charging: Micro USB port for power and data.
- Infrared Sensor: Detects infrared radiation.
- Photo Trigger: Activates image capture.
- Anti-skid Grip: Ergonomic design for secure holding.
- Lens Cover: Protects the lenses when not in use.
- Emissivity: Displays the current emissivity setting.
- Central Temp: Shows the temperature at the center of the screen.
- Menu Functions: Accesses various settings and modes.
- Turn On / Off: Power button.
- Option / Direction Keys: For menu navigation.
- Battery State: Indicates battery charge level.
- Low Temp Point: Marks the lowest temperature in the view.
- High Temp Point: Marks the highest temperature in the view.
- Selection Key: Used to select options.
- Return Key: Navigates back in menus.
4. Setup
4.1 Charging the Device
- Locate the Micro USB port on the device (refer to Product Overview).
- Connect the provided USB data cable to the device and the charging adapter.
- Plug the charging adapter into a power outlet.
- The battery indicator on the screen will show charging status. A full charge typically takes 2-3 hours.
4.2 Initial Power On and Language Selection
- Press and hold the Power ON/OFF Key to turn on the device.
- Upon first use, or if the language needs to be changed, navigate to the 'Settings' menu.
- Select 'Language' and choose from English, Chinese, Italian, or German using the navigation keys and Selection/Enter key.
5. Operating Instructions
5.1 Basic Operation
- Power On/Off: Press the Power ON/OFF Key.
- Navigation: Use the Up, Down, Left, and Right navigation keys to move through menus and adjust settings.
- Selection/Enter: Press the Selection/Enter key to confirm an option or enter a submenu.
- Menu: Press the Menu key to access the main menu for various settings.
- Capture: Press the Trigger button to capture a thermal image or start/stop video recording.
5.2 Thermal Imaging Modes and Color Palettes
The device offers multiple thermal imaging modes and color palettes to visualize temperature differences effectively.
- Image Modes: Thermal imaging, Visible light, and Fusion (combining thermal and visible light images).
- Color Palettes: Select from Rainbow, Iron oxide red, Cool, White hot, Black hot, and Visible light camera modes to best suit your inspection needs.
5.3 Emissivity Adjustment
Emissivity is a crucial setting for accurate temperature measurement. It can be adjusted from 0.01 to 1.00 to match the material being inspected. Refer to standard emissivity tables for common materials or adjust as needed for specific surfaces.
5.4 Temperature Measurement and Tracking
The device supports various temperature measurement modes:
- Center Point: Displays the temperature at the center of the screen.
- Hot Spot Tracking: Automatically identifies and tracks the highest temperature point in the view.
- Cold Spot Tracking: Automatically identifies and tracks the lowest temperature point in the view.
5.5 Image and Video Capture
To capture an image or video, aim the thermal imager at the target and press the trigger button. Captured files are saved to the internal 4GB eMMC storage (approximately 3GB user available).
5.6 Data Transfer and Analysis
Connect the thermal imager to a computer using the Micro USB cable to export captured images (JPG) and videos (MP4). The device supports offline analysis using PC software like "IR ImageTools" for further examination of thermal data.
6. Maintenance
6.1 Battery Care
The device uses a dedicated removable rechargeable Lithium Battery (18650). Ensure regular charging to maintain battery health. Avoid fully discharging the battery frequently. If storing for extended periods, charge the battery to approximately 50% and store in a cool, dry place.
6.2 Cleaning
- Device Body: Wipe with a soft, damp cloth. Do not use abrasive cleaners or solvents.
- Lenses: Use a lens cleaning cloth and specialized lens cleaning solution. Avoid touching the lenses with bare hands.
6.3 Storage
Store the thermal imager in its carrying case in a dry environment with a temperature range of -20℃ to +60℃ (-4℉ to +140℉). Keep away from direct sunlight, extreme temperatures, and high humidity.
7. Troubleshooting
If you encounter issues with your thermal imager, please refer to the following common solutions:
- Device not powering on: Ensure the battery is charged. Connect to the charger and try again.
- Screen frozen or unresponsive: Try restarting the device by holding the Power ON/OFF key. If unresponsive, allow the battery to fully discharge and then recharge.
- Inaccurate temperature readings:
- Check and adjust the emissivity setting for the material being measured.
- Ensure the lens is clean and free from obstructions.
- Verify the measurement distance is within the optimal range (0.5-1.2m).
- Cannot transfer files to computer:
- Ensure the USB cable is securely connected to both the device and the computer.
- Try a different USB port or cable.
- Check if the device is recognized by the computer's operating system.
For persistent issues, contact customer support.
8. Specifications
8.1 RX-350 Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Infrared Resolution | 160x120 (19200 Pixels) |
| Visible Light Image Resolution | 0.3 million pixel |
| Temperature Measurement Range | -20℃ ～ +550℃ (-4℉ ～ +1022℉) |
| Measurement Accuracy | (-15℃～+550℃)±2℃ or ±2%；(-20℃～-15℃)±4℃ or ±4% |
| Thermal Sensitivity (NETD) | ≤50mK (0.05℃) |
| Frame Rate | ≤25Hz |
| Display Screen Size | 2.8 inch (240×320) full angle TFT display |
| Field Angle (FOV) | 35°(H) ×27°(V) |
| Shortest Focal Length | 0.15 meters |
| Pixel Size / Image Element Spacing | 12µm |
| Wavelength Coverage | 8µm ~ 14µm |
| Emissivity Setting | Adjustable from 0.01～1.00 |
| Measurable Distance Range | 0m～3m |
| Best Measurable Distance Range | 0.5～1.2m |
| Focus Mode | Free focus |
| Temperature Measurement Mode | Center point/hot and cold spot tracking |
| Color Palettes | Rainbow, Iron, Cool, White hot, Black hot |
| Image Display Mode | Infrared/visible light/dual light fusion |
| Lighting System | LED fill light |
| Device Storage | Built-in 4G eMMC (approx. 3G user available) |
| Storage Image/Video Format | JPG/MP4 |
| Image/Video Export Method | USB connection to computer export |
| Image Analysis Function | Support offline analysis on PC |
| Menu Language | English, Chinese, Italian, German |
| Battery Type | Removable Rechargeable Lithium Battery (18650) |
| Battery Capacity | 2000mAh |
| Working Time | 2～3 hours |
| Power Interface | Micro USB |
| Auto Shutdown Configuration | 5 minutes / 20 minutes / no automatic shutdown |
| Work Temperature | -10℃ ～ +45℃ (-14℉ ～ +122℉) |
| Storage Temperature | -20℃ ～ +60℃ (-4℉ ～ +140℉) |
| Relative Humidity | 10%～85%RH (non-condensing) |
| Product Weight | 375g |
| Product Size | 96mm×72mm×226mm |
| Is Smart Device | No |
| Battery Included | Yes |
| High-concerned chemical | None |
| Power Type | Lithium |
| Style | Handheld |
| Origin | Mainland China |
| Certification | CE |
8.2 RX-500 Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Infrared Detector Type | Vanadium Oxide Uncooled Infrared Focal Plane |
| Infrared Resolution | 256x192 |
| Infrared Response Band | 8 to 14µm |
| Cell Size | 12µm |
| NETD | ≤50mK @25 C.@F/1.1 |
| Lens Focal Length | 3.2mm |
| IFOV | 3.75mrad |
| Field Angle | 56°x42° |
| Focus Mode | Free focus |
| Temperature Measurement Range | -20 to +550℃ (-4℉ to 1022℉) |
| Measurement Accuracy | -15℃ to +550℃ ±2 Cor ±2%; -20℃ to -15℃ ±4℃ |
| Temperature Measurement Resolution | 0.1℃ |
| Temperature Measurement Mode | Center point/hot and cold spot tracking |
| Color Palette | Rainbow, iron oxide red, cold color, black & white, white & black |
| Emissivity Setting | Adjustable from 0.01 to 1.00 |
| Thermal Imaging Frame Rate | ≤25Hz |
| Visible Light Resolution | 640x480 |
| Display Size | 3.2-inch (240x320) |
| Battery Capacity | 2200mAh |
| Work Temperature | -10℃ to +50℃ |
| Product Weight | 389g |
| Product Size | 90mm×105mm×223mm |
9. User Tips
- Understanding Resolution: The RX-350 features an infrared resolution of 160x120 pixels, while the RX-500 offers a higher resolution of 256x192 pixels. Both provide sufficient detail for industrial inspections, but the RX-500 will offer a clearer thermal image.
- Measurement Distance: For optimal accuracy, aim to measure within the best measurable distance range of 0.5 to 1.2 meters. While the device can detect temperatures up to 3 meters (RX-350) or even 40 meters (RX-500, for general detection), precision decreases with distance.
- Thermal Imaging Limitations: Thermal imagers detect surface temperatures and cannot "see through" solid objects like walls. They reveal temperature differences on the surface, which can indicate underlying issues.
- Emissivity Settings: Always adjust the emissivity setting to match the material you are inspecting for the most accurate temperature readings. Different materials emit infrared energy differently.
10. Warranty and Support
A-BF products are manufactured to high-quality standards. For warranty information, technical support, or service inquiries, please refer to the contact details provided with your purchase documentation or visit the official A-BF website. Keep your proof of purchase for warranty claims.
11. Product Demonstration Video
Watch this video for an unboxing and basic operation demonstration of the A-BF RX-300 thermal imager (similar to RX-350/RX-500 models).
