1. Product Overview
The Pard USA Bobcat 480 is a compact thermal imaging monocular designed for observation and ranging. It features a 35mm objective lens, 3.5x optical magnification, and 8x digital zoom, providing clear thermal visibility across various distances. The device incorporates a 480x360 thermal sensor with a 12µm pixel pitch and a sensitivity of ≤18mk, allowing for detection of subtle temperature differences. An integrated laser rangefinder (LRF) offers accurate distance measurements up to 1,000 meters (1,094 yards). The vivid 1920x1080 OLED display enhances image brightness, detail, and contrast. Its compact dimensions (1.77 x 2.13 x 6.14 inches) ensure portability and ease of use in diverse conditions.
Key Features:
- 35mm objective lens with 3.5x optical and 8x digital zoom.
- 480x360 thermal sensor with 12µm pixels for enhanced clarity.
- Built-in laser rangefinder (LRF) accurate up to 1,000 meters (1,094 yards).
- NETD ≤18mk sensor for detecting small heat signatures.
- 1920x1080 OLED display for bright and sharp contrast.
- Horizontal Field of View (FOV): 16.5 m @100 m (11.7° diagonal FOV).
- Compact size: 1.77 x 2.13 x 6.14 inches for portability.
2. Components and Controls
Familiarize yourself with the physical components and control buttons of your Bobcat 480 monocular.

Figure 2.1: Main view of the Pard USA Bobcat 480 Thermal Monocular, showcasing its compact design and ergonomic grip.

Figure 2.2: Front view of the monocular, highlighting the 35mm objective lens and integrated laser rangefinder components.

Figure 2.3: Side profile of the monocular, showing the arrangement of the control buttons for power, zoom, menu, and rangefinding.

Figure 2.4: Top-down view illustrating the layout of the control buttons and the eyepiece adjustment dial.
Button Functions:
- Power Button: Press and hold to power on/off.
- Zoom/LRF Button: Short press to activate laser rangefinder. Long press to adjust digital zoom levels.
- Menu Button: Access the main menu for settings and options.
- Mode/Palette Button: Cycle through different thermal color palettes (e.g., White Hot, Black Hot, Red Hot, Color).
- Eyepiece Adjustment: Rotate the dial near the eyepiece to adjust diopter for clear focus.
- USB-C Port: Located at the bottom, used for charging and data transfer. Covered by a protective cap.
- Tripod Mount: Standard 1/4-20 thread for mounting on tripods or other accessories.
3. Setup
3.1 Battery Installation
The Bobcat 480 uses a replaceable 18650 rechargeable battery. To install or replace the battery:
- Locate the battery compartment on the side of the monocular.
- Open the battery compartment cover.
- Insert the 18650 battery according to the polarity indicators (+/-) inside the compartment.
- Close the battery compartment cover securely.
3.2 Charging
To charge the battery:
- Connect the provided USB-C cable to the monocular's USB-C port.
- Connect the other end of the cable to a compatible USB power source (e.g., wall adapter, power bank).
- The device's indicator light will show charging status.
- Alternatively, the 18650 battery can be charged using an external battery charger (included).
4. Operating Instructions
4.1 Power On/Off
- Power On: Press and hold the Power Button for approximately 3 seconds until the display activates.
- Power Off: Press and hold the Power Button for approximately 3 seconds until the display shuts down.
- Standby Mode: The device may enter standby mode automatically when inverted or laid down to conserve battery.
4.2 Basic Operation
- Focus Adjustment: Rotate the eyepiece adjustment dial to achieve a sharp image for your vision.
- Zoom: Use the Zoom/LRF button to cycle through available digital zoom levels.
- Thermal Palettes: Press the Mode/Palette button to switch between different thermal display modes (e.g., White Hot, Black Hot, Red Hot, Color).
- Laser Rangefinder: Short press the Zoom/LRF button to activate the laser rangefinder and measure distances.
5. Maintenance
5.1 Cleaning
- Lenses: Use a soft, lint-free cloth (e.g., microfiber) specifically designed for optics. Gently wipe the lens surfaces to remove dust or smudges. For stubborn dirt, use a small amount of lens cleaning fluid.
- Body: Wipe the monocular's body with a soft, damp cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive materials.
5.2 Storage
- Store the monocular in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
- If storing for extended periods, remove the battery to prevent leakage.
- Keep the lens caps on to protect the objective lens and eyepiece.
6. Troubleshooting
Common Issues and Solutions:
- Device does not power on: Ensure the battery is correctly installed and fully charged. Try replacing the battery.
- Image is blurry: Adjust the eyepiece diopter for your vision. Ensure the objective lens is clean.
- Rangefinder not working: Ensure the target is within the specified range (1,000 meters) and there are no obstructions.
- Poor thermal image quality: Check for extreme environmental conditions (e.g., heavy fog, rain) that might affect thermal performance. Ensure the lens is clean.
7. Specifications
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Brand | Pard |
| Model Name | Bobcat 480 |
| Part Number | BO4-35/LRF |
| Color | Black |
| Product Dimensions | 6.14"L x 2.13"W x 6.14"H |
| Item Weight | 2 Pounds |
| Material | Housing: AL6061 & Composite, Objective lens: All-glass multi-coated lens |
| Objective Lens Diameter | 35 Millimeters |
| Magnification Minimum | 3.5 x |
| Digital Zoom | 8x |
| Night Vision | Yes |
| Field Of View | 16.5 Meters @100m (11.7° diagonal FOV) |
| Thermal Sensor | 480x360, 12µm pixel pitch, NETD ≤18mk |
| Display | 1920x1080 OLED |
| Laser Rangefinder Range | Up to 1,000 meters (1,094 yards) |
| UPC | 850071106008 |
8. Warranty and Support
Warranty Information:
The Pard USA Bobcat 480 Thermal Monocular comes with a warranty as described by Amazon. Please refer to your purchase documentation or Amazon's warranty policies for specific details regarding coverage and duration.
Customer Support:
For any technical assistance, troubleshooting, or warranty claims, please contact Pard customer service or the authorized retailer from whom the product was purchased. You may also visit the official Pard store on Amazon for additional resources and support.
Pard Store on Amazon: Visit the Pard Store





