This page serves as the user manual for the IRIS Infrared Monocular.
SAFETY WARNING:
This product contains rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. Lithium-ion batteries have the potential to be dangerous when abused and can cause fires. It's extremely important to take special care when handling any product containing a lithium-ion battery. Do not drop, damage, expose to water, or otherwise mishandle the lithium-ion battery contained in this device. This is not a waterproof device.
This product contains sensitive electronic sensors. Do not store or use near strong electrostatic, electromagnetic, magnetic, or radioactive fields. This is a static sensitive device.
GENERAL INFORMATION:
The IRIS is a handheld camera which provides night vision functionality via 850nm near-infrared illumination. This is the same wavelength used in many surveillance and home security cameras. The intended purpose of this device, along with the technical and design specifications, exclude it from any definitions outlined in ITAR.
This is not an ITAR device.
FUNCTIONS & MODES:
Similar to the Pilot Pro, the IRIS has three operating modes: photo, video, and playback. The modes can be cycled by pressing the mode button. As the name suggests, photo mode can be used to take pictures. Video mode can be used to record video. Playback mode can be used to view the media files on the internal memory card.
There are only two controls: illuminator brightness and digital zoom. Illuminator brightness intensity ranges from 0 (off) to 7 (maximum). To change the illuminator brightness, simply tap the positive (+) button on and adjust as needed. To engage the digital zoom, simply hold the button down (versus just tapping it).
The IRIS also comes equipped with a reference laser. In certain low contrast environments, such as areas with lots of trees or water, the reference laser can be utilized as a temporary point of reference to more easily bring the image into focus.
In certain scenarios, the reference laser can also be used to approximate the distance of a target. Please note that this is not a range-finding instrument.
To engage this laser, simply tap the same power button used to turn the device on. Please note that the laser diode used in this device is a FDA compliant 1mW unit which emits a beam in the visible part of the light spectrum (635nm). In other words, the laser is not infrared and is visible to everyone (including any wildlife you may be observing).
OPTICAL & ZOOM INFORMATON:
The IRIS contains an optical lens which must be manually focused. To focus the device, simply rotate the focusing dial located on the top of the device. This lens is shaped for a fixed magnification of 3X. This can not be adjusted.
The integrated software allows for additional digital zoom. When in photo or video mode, simply hold the up or down arrow keys to adjust the digital zoom between 1X and 5X. Crosshairs will engage once the digital zoom is activated.
It should be noted that stability and image quality can degrade as the zoom level is increased. It is strongly recommended to utilize the device's tripod port to provide additional stabilization.
CHARGING & MEDIA ACCESS:
There is a small utility port on the underside of the IRIS. Simply remove the rubber plug and the USB Type-C charging port and memory card slot can be accessed.
To access any recorded media, the Micro SD card can be removed and inserted into the included USB/SD Card reader accessory.
USAGE TIPS:
1. When focusing the IRIS, it's important to be mindful of the underslung infrared illuminator. It's easy to accidentally block the illuminator with your hand which will make it difficult to properly focus the device. It's recommended to use the focusing ring from above and not from below.
2. Even though it is not visible, near-infrared light behaves in the same exact way as visible light. Do not engage the IRIS' infrared illuminator at close distances with other humans or animals. It can be harmful to the eyes.
3. Reflective surfaces, such as road signs, can often prove to be a challenge when using infrared monoculars. There is no good solution for this. You must manage the brightness of the illuminator carefully to make sure the reflection does not overwhelm or wash out the image.