Quick Set-up Instructions
1. Open the tilt stand and press the TIR Power button.
2. The Mel-TIR will go through a quick self-test and diagnostics routine. All 8 LED’s will flash RED-BLUE-RED-BLUE followed by 4 audible beeps. It is important to hold the Mel-TIR static and still within the environment while it runs through the start-up.
3. The Mel-TIR power LED will flash RED-BLUE once the Instrument completed the start-up routine and it is in the measurement detection operation mode. Close the tilt stand if used as a handheld instrument.
4. Once ON, the Mel-TIR default measurement detection mode is:
a. Instrument will be zero calibrated to the environment ambient temperature
b. The moving average FRAME rate will be set to 2
c. The sound will be ON
Note: Based on field testing and use, this configuration is considered to be the best setting for most investigation applications. Additional detail related to the buttons and FRAME rates are better defined on the next page
Momentary Button Description
1. TEMP ZERO: This button performs a manual Temperature Zero within the environment.
a. Aim Mel-TIR Infrared sensor into the desired temperature regulated location and press the “TEMP ZERO” button. The device will beep 2 times, and then again 5 seconds later to confirm the action. The 5-7 second delay is to allow the operator or a team member to move in or out of the detection field-of-view
2. SOUND ON/OFF: This button will toggle the detection audible sound ON or OFF. Press once to MUTE the Sound, press again to enable the Sound. There are 2 beeps to confirm your action.
3. AUTO ZERO: This button is used to automatically perform a “TEMP ZERO” action every 10-12 seconds. If there are unsettled dynamic temperature variations within the environment, this function will provide an automatic ongoing correction.
a. Press the button to turn ON and you will hear 3 beeps
b. You will then hear a short beep every 10-12 seconds when the device performs an automatic ZERO correction
c. To turn this function OFF, press the “AUTO ZERO” button again. You will hear 2 beeps to confirm your action
4. FRAMES (Pixel Array): The Mel-TIR uses an Infrared Sensor with an 8 X 8 (64) pixel Infrared array. The Frame numbers; 1, 2, 4 pertain to the way in which we measure and average (in software) the individual pixel Infrared signal to get the best stable results over a 60-degree field-of -view. Default FRAME setting is “2.”
Note: Under “Normal” human detection conditions, the detection distance and detection accuracy depend on size of object, distance to the Infrared sensor, variation of object temperature vs the environmental temperature and many other factors. The Mel-TIR provides the average paranormal investigator with an interactive, simple to use Thermal Infrared Gesture recognition tool which uses Thermal Infrared techniques.
Thermal Event Description & Expected Response/Results
1. Event: A cool object or anomaly passes from left to right within the Infrared field of view.
Instrument Response: LED lights will turn Blue and come ON in sequence from left to right.
2. Event: A warm object or anomaly passes from left to right within the Infrared field of view.
Instrument Response: LED lights will turn Red and come ON in sequence from left to right
3. Event: A cool object or anomaly passes from right to left within the Infrared field of view.
Instrument Response: LED lights will turn Blue and come ON in sequence from right to left.
4. Event: A warm object or anomaly passes from right to left within the Infrared field of view.
Instrument Response: LED lights will turn Red and come ON in sequence from right to left.
5. Event: A warm object followed by a cool object/anomaly passes from left to right within the Infrared field of view.
Instrument Response: LED lights will turn Red followed by Blue and come ON in sequence from left to right. If there is a gap between them, the LED's will remain OFF between the Red & Blue space.
6. Event: A cool object followed by a warm object/anomaly passes from left to right within the Infrared field of view.
Instrument Response: LED lights will turn Blue followed by Red and come ON in sequence from left to right. If there is a gap between them, the LED's will remain OFF between the Blue & Red space.
7. Event: A cool object or anomaly passes from right to left within the Infrared field of view.
Instrument Response: LED lights will turn Blue and come ON in sequence from right to left.
8. Event: A warm object or anomaly passes from right to left within the Infrared field of view.
Instrument Response: LED lights will turn Red and come ON in sequence from right to left.
Note: When an object enters the sensor field of view there will be an audible beeping sound. If there are two objects simultaneously, there will be an oscillating hi/low beeping sound. The sound (ON/OFF) is user selectable.
9. Event: You place the Mel-TIR on a table and sit in front of it within the 2-3-meter detection range.
Instrument Response: The LED's will detect the heat energy from your body and turn Red. After a few moments, the device will automatically begin to cancel your Thermal energy until all of the Red LED's turn OFF. In this configuration, the device is now calibrated and read to detect any Thermal change that may occur around your body. Refer to steps 1-8 above to understand results if an event occurs.
10. Event: You stand in front of the Infrared sensor for a few moments and then exit the field-of -view
Instrument Response: The LED’s will detect the heat energy from your body and turn Red. As you exit the field-of-view, the LED’s will turn Blue because it is now detecting the contrasting ambient air temperature. The device will then slowly regulate and all LED’s will turn OFF.
11. Event: You are performing a slow left-right horizontal sweep holding the Mel-TIR in a dark room. You detect a stationary heat source in front of you.
Instrument Response: Since you are sweeping & moving the instrument from left to right, the LED heat source will appear Red on the right and move left through all 8 LED array. You can then continue to make smaller sweep movements until the Red LED or LED’s are centered in the array to isolate the location of the heat source. Be sure not to leave a hot coffee or cold beverage on a table during your investigation.
It is best to experiment with the Mel-TIR to see how it can best be used based on your investigative style. It was designed to enable Spirit gesture interaction using practical Thermal Infrared sensor techniques that have proven to be effective in the detection of Infrared energy. Note that if you walk around an environment that there are many influences that can affect the Infrared sensor. Windows, doors, drafts, heat ducts, radiant heat, air-conditioning just to name a few. So always be aware of these things and try to identify the origin of any Thermal changes that may occur.
· DO NOT: Get the Thermal Infrared sensor wet, scratch the lens or drop the instrument. Clean gently with a non-scratch, lint free cloth. Damage or neglect of the Thermal sensor is not covered under warranty. A damaged sensor may cause malfunction and/or performance degradation. Replacement of an Infrared sensor is $50.