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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

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

E-series new features  
• 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
• 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  

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  
• 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
1 Accuracy
  Different applications may have different accuracy requirements. Pan/tilts should consider both: .
  a Positional accuracy - goes where it's told
  b speed accuracy - goes how fast it's told
   
2 Mechanical design - precision and flexibility
  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:
  a The unit's design geometry:
  b Type of Drivetrain:
   
3 Electrical system - flexibility and robustness
  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:
  a Payload cable flex
  b Input Power Flexibility and Protection Circuitry
     
4 Control and programmability
  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:
  a Multiple control interfaces
  b Web and IP control
  c Programmability
  d Software API: Using an existing and proven API means lower risk for the project
  e Real-time control
     
5 Durability and reliability
  a Durability: Environmental factors can affect durability (weather, shock and vibration). Look for case study examples of success rates in applications like yours
  b Reliability: How well does the unit operate as required without interruption. Do the core design and the manufacturing quality contribute to reliability?
     
6 The manufacturer
  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
  a Experience, focus and stability: Manufacturer experience, longevity and their understanding of customer needs
  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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