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High-performance
pan and tilt devices for precise real-time pointing of any payload
Go
to PTU D300E
Go
to PTU D300E-EX
Go to PTU D300E-ISM
Go to PTU D100E
Standard
Go to PTU D100E-EX
Go to PTU D100E-ISM
Go to PTU D48E Standard
and PTU D48E-ISM
Go
to How to choose a PTU
Go to Accessories
Go to Flir Motion Control
Systems
Create the optimal solution
with real-time, computer-controlled positioning of virtually any payload
Pan/tilt devices allow aiming of directional sensors and other instruments,
under computer control and each application has different requirements
and so may need a different class of pan/tilt device. These units offer
different angles, views and a wider range of motion not provided by fixed-base
devices. The choice of a PTU can have a big impact on system costs, reliability
and performance and so it is imperative the right unit is chosen. How
to choose a pan/tilt unit -Executive summary
About FLIR PTUs
Strong and precise and with the ability to endure intense conditions,
virtually any payload can be accommodated by one of the FLIR pan/tilt
families and whatever the motion controls needs, FLIR's innovative technology
and years of application experience can help create the optimal solution
for your project. Providing a comprehensive array of high-performance
of pan and tilt devices for real-time, computer-controlled positioning
of almost any payload, FLIR can meet your specific requirements for accurate
control of thermal cameras, video cameras, IP cameras, laser rangefinders
and microwave antennas. All FLIR MCS tracking pan/tilts
offer:
• High precision |
• High duty cycles |
• Real-time computer control with
tracking features |
• Rugged, all-weather designs |
• Compact size, light weight |
• Modular mounting systems |
• High durability and reliability
– proven in 100’s of applications |
• Advanced features like
gyro inertial stabilization, geo-pointing and Ethernet connectivity |
New
E- Series PTUs |
Smarter.
Faster. Expanded |
The E-Series
pan-tilt units incorporate a 32-bit microcontroller with expanded
capabilities and greatly improved performance in several dimensions
and includes: |
• Integrated Ethernet
and Web interfaces |
• Increased command
rates, reduced jitter |
• Advanced microstep
control |
• High-res digital
encoders for closed loop control |
The
E-series can now be optimised for high command rates an low latency
and jitter by integrating the new software developer kit,
PTU-SDK which helps the pan/tilt units provide
an ideal real-time positioning system for antenna and video tracking
applications. |
E-
Series Pan-Tilt models |
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The
PTU-D300E extreme-duty
computer-controlled pan-tilt is designed for precise positioning
of very heavy payloads to 32kgs |
The
PTU-D100E,
(three models) mid-sized computer-controlled pan-tilt,
is designed for a wide range of outdoor fixed and mobile applications.
Payloads of up to 22.5 kgs can be mounted on the sides and/or top
(optional bracketing) |
The PTU-D48E
series (two models) is an
extremely compact, light weight, and rugged model and offers an
off-the-shelf solution for positioning of any type of small sensor
or other payloads up to 7 kgs |
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E-series
new features |
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• User-programmable ranges of motion |
• Reduced calibration movement |
• Improved power protection
circuitry |
• Improved motion control fidelity |
• 32-pin Base Connector for simplified wiring |
• Pelco-D and Nexus protocol
support |
• Streamlined ISM support (no external hardware
required) |
• Streamlined Geo-Pointing support (no external
hardware required) |
• Larger base and taller height
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• A 32-bit microcontroller
with expanded capabilities and greatly improved performance in several
dimensions |
• Desktop and ruggedized joystick
options available |
• Easy migration: FLIR
has taken great care to ensure a smooth a simple path for existing
OEM customers to migrate to the E-Series |
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About the Software Development
Kit for FLIR Motion Control Systems PTUs
Designed to provide the very highest performance control of pan/tilts,
the PTU-SDK provides support of real-time applications such as tracking,
radar slew-to-cue, stabilization,
scanning, and more.
This cross-platform software interface simplifies integration of sophisticated
control applications with FLIR MCS high-performance E-Series pan/ tilt
systems and allows sending and receiving commands from the units to Windows,
Linux and other platforms via serial or Ethernet/IP interfaces. Via a
compact binary command format, the PTU-SDK maximizes a number of commands/second
(over 300) and minimizes latency and jitter. Its protocol is fully framed
and sequenced, with CRC providing robust and reliable communications for
mission-critical applications.
The PTU-SDK is provided as C source code, which can be compiled onto most
any target platform, including Windows and Linux. All pan/tilt commands
are supported, including configuration and control for Inertial Stabilization
Module (ISM) and Geo- Pointing Module (GPM).
Features
and benefits of PTU's SDK |
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• Support for all pan/tilt commands including
ISM, GPM |
• High performance (>300 commands/second) |
• Portable C code interface
with wrappers for C# |
• Same application interface for serial and Ethernet
control |
• Embedded-friendly: small resource footprint |
• Supports multiple pan/tilts
from one application |
• Reduced development time |
• Reduced development risk for custom applications |
• Reliable pan/tilt communications |
• Comprehensive HTML documentation
guides developers through building and using the SDK |
• Desktop and ruggedized joystick
options available |
• Support for compilation
on target platform including Windows (MinGW, Visual Studio 2008),
and Linux (GNU toolchain) |
• High-performance control for tracking,
dynamic accuracy |
How to choose a Pan/tilt
unit
Research is essential before
purchasing
Different applications require deployment
of a wide variety of control and tracking devices which differ widely
in their cost, performance and capacities. The most important specification
when selecting a pan and tilt is the load capacity which should not be
underestimated. If the unit needs to operate in all weather conditions,
consider, also the effect of wind on the load on the pan tilt.
6 key factors to consider before choosing -
Executive summary
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1 |
Accuracy |
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Different applications may have different
accuracy requirements. Pan/tilts should consider both: . |
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a |
Positional accuracy - goes where it's told |
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b |
speed accuracy - goes how fast it's told |
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2 |
Mechanical design - precision
and flexibility |
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The mechanical design of a pan/tilt is
a key driver of the performance in terms of accuracy, durability,
reliability, speed, size, weight and cost. Two elements to
be considered are: |
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a |
The unit's design geometry: |
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b |
Type of Drivetrain: |
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3 |
Electrical system - flexibility
and robustness |
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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 payload. Things
to look for include: |
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a |
Payload cable flex |
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b |
Input Power Flexibility and Protection Circuitry |
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4 |
Control and programmability |
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Efficient pan/ tilts provide digital interfaces
and high-level commands to make control simple and provide advanced
features for speed and position control. It is important to choose
a unit that has a simple and powerful control interface otherwise
significantly more time is spent developing the application to achieve
the desired result. Key things to look for: |
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a |
Multiple control interfaces |
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b |
Web and IP control |
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c |
Programmability |
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d |
Software API: Using an existing and proven API
means lower risk for the project |
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e |
Real-time control |
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5 |
Durability and reliability |
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a |
Durability: Environmental factors can affect
durability (weather, shock and vibration). Look for case study examples
of success rates in applications like yours |
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b |
Reliability: How well does the unit operate
as required without interruption. Do the core design and the manufacturing
quality contribute to reliability? |
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6 |
The manufacturer |
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The manufacturer determines the innovation
and quality of the design, the quality of the manufacturing, and the
service and support. Look for several key factors
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a |
Experience, focus and stability:
Manufacturer experience, longevity and their understanding of customer
needs |
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b |
Comprehensive range of products that balance
cost and size against best possible performance |
Adept Turnkey Pty Ltd are "The Machine Vision and Imaging
Specialists" and distributor of FLIR Motion Control Systems products
in Australia and New Zealand. To find out more about any FLIR Motion
Control Systems machine vision product please call us at Perth (08)
9242 5411 / Sydney (02) 9979 2599 / Melbourne (03) 9384 1775 or contact
us online.
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