1. Introduction
This manual provides comprehensive instructions for the safe and effective use of your Firecore FI160S Thermal Camera. Please read this manual thoroughly before operating the device and retain it for future reference.
Product Overview
The Firecore FI160S is a high-resolution thermal imager designed for various applications including home inspection, water leak detection, HVAC system analysis, and electrical/mechanical inspections. It features a 320x240 super resolution, 25Hz frame rate, and 32GB internal storage for efficient data capture and analysis.
Image: The Firecore FI160S Thermal Camera, showing its front and back views along with the included USB-C charging cable.
2. Setup
What's in the Box
- Firecore FI160S Infrared Camera (battery included inside camera)
- Type-C USB Cable
- User Manual
Initial Charging
Before first use, fully charge the thermal camera. Connect the supplied Type-C USB cable to the camera's charging port and to a compatible USB power adapter (not included). The initial charge typically takes approximately 2.5 hours. The device supports USB-C Power Delivery (PD) chargers, allowing for quick charging at up to 5V 1.4A (nearly 7W).
Powering On/Off
To power on the device, press and hold the power button until the screen illuminates. The boot-up process takes approximately 20 seconds. To power off, press and hold the power button until the shutdown prompt appears, then confirm.
3. Operating Instructions
Basic Operation and Imaging
The FI160S provides clear and detailed thermal imaging with its 320x240 super resolution and 25Hz high frame rate. This allows for quick and safe diagnosis of electrical and mechanical failures, as well as surveying high-voltage or hazardous targets.
The camera offers accurate temperature measurement within a range of -4°F to 1022°F (-20°C to 550°C). It features 3 customizable alarms (LCD, LED, buzzer) and automatically pinpoints the highest, lowest, and center temperature points, displaying real-time readings for easy detection of hot spots and hidden anomalies.
Image: Display showing real-time point tracking with highest, lowest, and center temperature indicators.
With a thermal sensitivity of <0.06°C/NETD<50 mK, the FI160S can perceive very small temperature differences, aiding in the detection of subtle issues. Emissivity settings are adjustable for accurate readings on various materials and surfaces.
Image Modes
The FI160S offers four distinct image modes to enhance your inspection capabilities:
- Thermal: Displays a pure infrared image.
- Visible Light: Records actual visual images for easy recording and location identification.
- Picture-in-Picture: Places the infrared image in the center of a frame with a visual image around the outside, providing context for better comparison.
- Thermal Mix: Adds visible light details to thermal images in real-time for greater clarity, allowing for instant recognition of problematic heat patterns.
Image: Visual representation of the four image modes (Thermal, Thermal Mix, Visible Light, Picture-in-Picture) and six color palettes.
Image: Comparison of Thermal-Visible Mixed Mode (T-Mix ON) versus Thermal Only (T-Mix OFF), showing enhanced detail with visible light overlay.
Color Palettes
The FI160S offers 6 selectable color palettes to optimize the infrared image contrast for different inspection scenarios and applications:
- Iron
- Rainbow
- White hot
- Black hot
- Lava
- Rainbow HC
Built-In Laser Pointer
The integrated laser pointer assists in precisely locating objects in dark environments for targeted measurements. This is a Class II laser (IEC/EN60825-1/2014) with a power output of ≤1mW.
Image: A user aiming the thermal camera, demonstrating the laser-assisted autofocus feature.
Image Storage and Transfer
The thermal imager is equipped with 32GB of EMMC memory for storing images. To transfer captured images to a computer, connect the camera using the supplied USB cable. The Firecore software (not compatible with iOS) allows for full inspection and analysis of the images on a PC screen. The software enables toggling of screen elements (high, low, center temperature values), changing color palettes post-capture, and performing temperature annotations, area averages, and comparisons. It also features an HD (Super Resolution) button to upscale images to 960x1280 for detailed analysis.
Image: The thermal camera connected to a desktop computer, illustrating the easy transfer and analysis of thermal images using the supporting software.
4. Maintenance
Cleaning the Device
To clean the camera body, use a soft, damp cloth. Do not use abrasive cleaners or solvents. Ensure the lens is kept clean for optimal image quality; use a lens cleaning cloth specifically designed for optics.
Battery Care
To prolong battery life, avoid fully discharging the battery frequently. Charge the device regularly, especially if it will be stored for an extended period. Store the camera in a cool, dry place.
Durability Features
The FI160S is built for demanding environments, featuring a 6.6-feet drop protection and an IP54 rating for dust and splash resistance. It also includes auto shut-off options (5-minute, 10-minute, 30-minute) to conserve battery life during long hours of use.
Image: The thermal camera shown with water droplets and in a drop scenario, highlighting its IP54 rating and 6.6 ft drop protection.
5. Troubleshooting
Common Issues and Solutions
- Poor Viewing Angles on LCD: The LCD screen may exhibit poor viewing angles, particularly when viewed from above. Adjust the camera's position or your viewing angle for optimal clarity.
- Thermal/Visible Image Misalignment: In some instances, the thermal and visible light images may appear misaligned, especially after a factory reset or storage reformatting. Currently, there is no user-adjustable setting to correct this alignment. If this issue significantly impacts functionality, contact customer support.
- PC Software Real-Time Projection Not Working: The real-time screen projection feature in the PC analysis software may not function correctly, potentially causing the program to freeze. If this occurs, end the program via your operating system's task manager. Image analysis features remain functional.
- Inaccurate Temperature Readings: Ensure the emissivity setting is correctly adjusted for the material being measured. Refer to standard emissivity tables for common materials.
6. Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| IR Resolution | 160 x 120 pixels |
| Super Resolution | 320 x 240 pixels |
| Frame Rate | 25 Hz |
| Temperature Measurement Range | -4°F to 1022°F (-20°C to 550°C) |
| Thermal Sensitivity (NETD) | <0.06°C / <50 mK |
| Storage | 32GB EMMC Memory |
| Field of View (FOV) | 40°(H) x 30°(V) |
| Laser Pointer | Class II (IEC/EN60825-1/2014), ≤1mW |
| Drop Protection | 6.6 feet (2 meters) |
| IP Rating | IP54 |
| Auto Shut-off | 5-minute, 10-minute, 30-minute options |
| Dimensions | 9.88 x 5.79 x 3.62 inches |
| Weight | 1.17 Pounds (0.53 kg) |
| Battery Type | 1 Lithium Ion battery (included) |
| Model Number | FI160S-01 |
7. Warranty and Support
Warranty Information
Specific warranty details for the Firecore FI160S Thermal Camera are typically provided with your purchase documentation or on the manufacturer's official website. Please refer to these resources for comprehensive warranty terms and conditions.
Customer Support
For technical assistance, troubleshooting not covered in this manual, or warranty claims, please contact Firecore customer support through their official website or the contact information provided with your product packaging.
8. Applications
The Firecore FI160S Thermal Camera is a versatile tool suitable for a wide range of professional and home applications:
- Building Inspections: Identify insulation deficiencies, drafts, and moisture intrusion.
- Electrical Inspections: Detect overheating components, loose connections, and overloaded circuits.
- HVAC Maintenance: Analyze airflow, identify duct leaks, and assess heating/cooling system performance.
- Water Leak Detection: Locate hidden water leaks behind walls or under floors by identifying temperature anomalies.
- Vehicle Maintenance: Diagnose automotive issues such as engine overheating, brake problems, or exhaust leaks.
- Environmental Research: Monitor temperature distributions in various settings.
Image: Collage showing the wide range of applications for the thermal camera, including building, electrical, insulation, vehicle, HVAC, and environmental inspections.
