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Posted: 10/14/2014 9:57:36 AM EDT
[#1]
Anyone with a computer, internet hookup, and a browser can read all about it yourself right here on FLIR's site and find out all of what I know about it themselves:
FLIR Tau Feature Comparison See the evolution of features in FLIR's Tau LWIR uncooled camera cores. Please note that Tau 2.7 is the only version currently shipping after June 2014 unless a contract for a previous version has already been signed. http://www.flir.com/cvs/cores/view/?id=60983 As is specifically mentioned, the new Tau 2.7 upgrade includes the Active Contrast Enhancement (ACE), Direct Digital Enhancement (DDE) and the Smart Scene Optimization (SSO) as well as other image improvements to the firmware.... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GXShr8QGZoo https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bNbm3z9GcKk https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ND7EBXl4m1U All FLIR Tau2 sold after June 2014 have the 2.7 version firmware upgrade..... |
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Posted: 10/14/2014 10:25:26 AM EDT
[#2]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Anyone with a computer, internet hookup, and a browser can read all about it yourself right here on FLIR's site and find out all of what I know about it themselves: FLIR Tau Feature Comparison See the evolution of features in FLIR's Tau LWIR uncooled camera cores. Please note that Tau 2.7 is the only version currently shipping after June 2014 unless a contract for a previous version has already been signed. http://www.flir.com/cvs/cores/view/?id=60983 As is specifically mentioned, the new Tau 2.7 upgrade includes the Active Contrast Enhancement (ACE), Direct Digital Enhancement (DDE) and the Smart Scene Optimization (SSO) as well as other image improvements to the firmware.... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GXShr8QGZoo https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bNbm3z9GcKk https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ND7EBXl4m1U All FLIR Tau2 sold after June 2014 have the 2.7 version firmware upgrade..... Is this firmware update available for the T-70 as well? How would I go about sending mine in, if that's the case? |
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Posted: 10/14/2014 10:47:33 AM EDT
[#3]
NO, FLIR Government Systems that produces the military hardened thermals is a completely different entity than FLIR Personal Systems that produces the commercial civilian thermals.
There are no downloadable user installed firmware updates on FLIR thermal/NV military instruments. Whatever firmware improvements are made over the design lifetime of the instrument would be made specifically at the FLIR GS factory under restricted controlled military conditions. If your instrument requires a firmware upgrade, you would have to contact them directly about it. |
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Posted: 10/14/2014 10:50:13 AM EDT
[#4]
That's great that the firmware update will be for the LS monocular also. Myself I have no issues with my LS-64 or RS-64 as they are now. Any upgrade from current will be icing on the cake. I am the only one in our hog elimination circle that bought FLIR , I have used all my friends equiptment and I would still buy the FLIR stuff given the chance to do it over. The only thing I would change would be to have bought the 60mm version I originally ordered day 1. I ended up going with the 640 35mm. However, after using a 60mm version, the field of view loss IMO is not a reason to not go with the 60mm lens unless you hunt in a room clearing scenario. For comparison the 60mm unit still has a larger field of view than a typical mid to high powered variable day scope turned down on low power.
ETA: scope comparison
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Posted: 10/14/2014 10:55:18 AM EDT
[#5]
The FLIR Personal Systems Firmware Upgrades also do not work on various other aftermarket manufacturers thermal devices that use OEM FLIR thermal microbolometers in their particular brands products.
The FLIR firmware upgrades only work on genuine FLIR Personal Vision Systems products. |
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Posted: 10/14/2014 11:00:14 AM EDT
[#6]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
That's great that the firmware update will be for the LS monocular also. Myself I have no issues with my LS-64 or RS-64 as they are now. Any upgrade from current will be icing on the cake. I am the only one in our hog elimination circle that bought FLIR , I have used all my friends equiptment and I would still buy the FLIR stuff given the chance to do it over. The only thing I would change would be to have bought the 60mm version I originally ordered day 1. I ended up going with the 640 35mm. However, after using a 60mm version, the field of view loss IMO is not a reason to not go with the 60mm lens unless you hunt in a room clearing scenario. For comparison the 60mm unit still has a larger field of view than a typical mid to high powered variable day scope turned down on low power. ETA: scope comparison I tried the RS64-60mm myself and it was too much for me, charging coyotes and hogs are dangerous and could not be tracked with the larger lens more suited for longer ranges, for my kind of swamp hunting the RS64-35mm is primo. 
I only buy genuine FLIR products myself since I use them virtually every night of every week of every month all year long for years to come. |
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Posted: 10/14/2014 1:06:39 PM EDT
[#7]
If I had the money, I would of gone with the 60mm, I'm discovering that out here there are some chances for fairly long range (300yard +) shots. I'm often using 8x zoom at times on my 35mm.
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Posted: 10/14/2014 4:07:46 PM EDT
[#8]
Quote HistoryQuoted: If I had the money, I would of gone with the 60mm, I'm discovering that out here there are some chances for fairly long range (300yard +) shots. I'm often using 8x zoom at times on my 35mm. ETA: afterthought
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Posted: 10/14/2014 8:02:33 PM EDT
[#9]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I find the same thing, even in open country I am typically run 2x zoom as standard with no FOV issues. My opinion is that if you have opportunity at 100 yards or more 50% of the time go 60mm. When I was using the 60mm 30-40 yards was still plenty of FOV, for my tastes anyway. As I said earlier it still has more FOV then most day scopes on low power. Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: If I had the money, I would of gone with the 60mm, I'm discovering that out here there are some chances for fairly long range (300yard +) shots. I'm often using 8x zoom at times on my 35mm. ETA: afterthought |
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Posted: 10/14/2014 9:11:04 PM EDT
[#10]
a 17pitch core with a 60mm lens is close to 20/20 vision.
I would not go with anything less then 60mm. I ended up with a 75mm and like it. I have handhelds for scanning, with plenty of fov, but don't work worth a darn for visual ID. UN-snap the scope off the rifle and visual ID with the 75mm out to several hundred yards no problem. As you can see flir left a lot of meat on the bone with sub par firmware, now they are starting to compete with what others have been doing with their cores all along. The video of the new firmware has always been possible, just was not done. I am glad to see some better tickling of the keyboards by flir software engineers to improve on images (keep in mind what works in the desert will more then likely not work in humid areas as well). |
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Posted: 10/14/2014 9:27:52 PM EDT
[#11]
Actually, the 0.5X WFOV on the Flir T-70 military thermal scopes is even much much better for what we do all the time, 1.0X is a bust compared to that!
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Posted: 10/14/2014 9:33:36 PM EDT
[#12]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
NO, FLIR Government Systems that produces the military hardened thermals is a completely different entity than FLIR Personal Systems that produces the commercial civilian thermals. There are no downloadable user installed firmware updates on FLIR thermal/NV military instruments. Whatever firmware improvements are made over the design lifetime of the instrument would be made specifically at the FLIR GS factory under restricted controlled military conditions. If your instrument requires a firmware upgrade, you would have to contact them directly about it. I will give FLIR Government Systems a call and find out about it though. Both of my T-70's are Revision 1 firmware and most likely there has been a firmware upgrade since they both have low serial numbers manufactured prior to the TAU 2.7 upgrade in June, 2014, but it would require shipping the instrument back to the GS military production factory. |
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Posted: 10/14/2014 10:21:22 PM EDT
[#13]
The RS64-60mm does work real good on long range sniper shots with a 7mm Rem Mag though.....
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Posted: 10/14/2014 10:38:06 PM EDT
[#14]
Another vote for the RS64-35. Once the first shot breaks you'll appreciate the larger FOV over the 60. It is much the same as using a 4x fixed scope punching paper at 100 yards on a bench rest vs using a red dot to hit targets off hand. The narrow FOV makes a big difference after the 1st careful shot in the real world.
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Posted: 10/15/2014 12:58:36 PM EDT
[#15]
I put together a quick video to show everyone what a target looks like at 5 yards, 50 yards, and 100 yards with the RS64 60mm set on 1x digital zoom.
It really comes down to personal preference, but IMHO I think the 60mm offers more than enough field of view for average night hunting situations. I think a minority of hunters have regular shots under 50 yards, and the average shot is around 75-150 yards at night. I actually took a poll of night shot distances a while back and last time I checked it showed that 84% of hunters average night shots were 50-200 yards, and 16% of hunters average night shots were under 50 yards. Obviously it's not a scientific poll, but I think it holds some truth. Feel free to vote if you want to add your .02. Link to Night Hunting Shot Distances Poll Here is the RS64 60mm FOV demonstration video:  |
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Posted: 10/15/2014 1:32:06 PM EDT
[#16]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Another vote for the RS64-35. Once the first shot breaks you'll appreciate the larger FOV over the 60. It is much the same as using a 4x fixed scope punching paper at 100 yards on a bench rest vs using a red dot to hit targets off hand. The narrow FOV makes a big difference after the 1st careful shot in the real world. ETA: clarification, I feel the long range detection and recognition abilities of the 60mm version outweigh the FOV loss disadvantages at close range. This is why I say the 60mm is a superior real world unit. Withstanding you are not hunting as I said "in a room clearing scenario" in which case the 35mm would be a better option.
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Posted: 10/15/2014 2:55:47 PM EDT
[#17]
If we only had a zoom germanium lens that didn't cost more than a car......
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Posted: 10/15/2014 3:29:01 PM EDT
[#18]
175-225 yards is the maximum I normally shoot at with a 5.56mm in the woods and swamps, more often than not it is 1/2 to 1/4 that distance, the RS64-35mm covers all that quite nicely thank you!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zpH6W8RjyYo |
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Posted: 10/15/2014 5:22:36 PM EDT
[#19]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Actually, the 0.5X WFOV on the Flir T-70 military thermal scopes is even much much better for what we do all the time, 1.0X is a bust compared to that! But you stick a 1.5x optic behind it -- what does that do for FOV? |
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Posted: 10/15/2014 6:11:18 PM EDT
[#20]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
If we only had a zoom germanium lens that didn't cost more than a car...... +1 select the FOV of your choice |
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Posted: 10/15/2014 6:17:21 PM EDT
[#21]
It makes it 0.75X = Sweet!
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Posted: 10/15/2014 7:51:14 PM EDT
[#22]
With the .5x and the variable magnification from day optic that is sweet as well
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Posted: 10/15/2014 8:06:34 PM EDT
[#23]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
With the .5x and the variable magnification from day optic that is sweet as well +1
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Posted: 12/1/2014 8:48:30 PM EDT
[#24]
Skypup - I am curious if you can comment on durability of these units. I see they are shock resistant up to .30 cal and water proof.
What about accidental drops to hard surfaces - i.e. rifle gets pushed off bed of a truck, or other similar "drop" type scenarios. thanks |
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Posted: 12/1/2014 9:10:55 PM EDT
[#25]
Dropping is never a good idea but I have dropped mine off the back of the pickup truck in the carport and watched it bounce on the concrete deck more than once....OUCH!
Also, it appears to take 7mm Rem Mag recoil without a problem although my shoulder sure did suffer!
I certainly don't endorse bouncing it on concrete or using it on a 7mm Rem Mag with handloads, but it did not do any damage so far..... The most sensitive part of the thermal is the lens, germanium does crack and chip, so I would pay more attention to that myself and protect it the best you can. Other than that, they are well built units with a great warranty and service. If you want maximum recoil and shock resistance, a mil-spec hardened FLIR GS thermal instrument like the T-50, T-60, T-70, T-75 meets all mil-spec requirements and is recoil resistant up to .50 Browning BMG: 
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Posted: 12/1/2014 10:07:26 PM EDT
[#26]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Dropping is never a good idea but I have dropped mine off the back of the pickup truck in the carport and watched it bounce on the concrete deck more than once....OUCH!
Also, it appears to take 7mm Rem Mag recoil without a problem although my shoulder sure did suffer!
http://www.phossil.com/thom/Night%20Vision/FLIR%20RS/RS64%20Ruger/RS64%20Ruger.jpg I certainly don't endorse bouncing it on concrete or using it on a 7mm Rem Mag with handloads, but it did not do any damage so far..... The most sensitive part of the thermal is the lens, germanium does crack and chip, so I would pay more attention to that myself and protect it the best you can. Other than that, they are well built units with a great warranty and service. If you want maximum recoil and shock resistance, a mil-spec hardened FLIR GS thermal instrument like the T-50, T-60, T-70, T-75 meets all mil-spec requirements and is recoil resistant up to .50 Browning BMG: http://www.phossil.com/thom/Night%20Vision/FLIR%20T75/308/T-75%20SIG%20716%20Full%20Right%20Side.jpg Including the SCAR "Optic Killer" Heavy. 
Vic |
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Posted: 12/1/2014 10:14:50 PM EDT
[#27]
There will be allot of these FLIR RS scopes under the Christmas tree this year.......
My favorite all around general purpose easy to use is the RS64-35mm. Two wives I know have gotten their husbands each one for Christmas! |
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Posted: 12/2/2014 12:40:53 PM EDT
[#28]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Dropping is never a good idea but I have dropped mine off the back of the pickup truck in the carport and watched it bounce on the concrete deck more than once....OUCH!
Also, it appears to take 7mm Rem Mag recoil without a problem although my shoulder sure did suffer!
http://www.phossil.com/thom/Night%20Vision/FLIR%20RS/RS64%20Ruger/RS64%20Ruger.jpg I certainly don't endorse bouncing it on concrete or using it on a 7mm Rem Mag with handloads, but it did not do any damage so far..... The most sensitive part of the thermal is the lens, germanium does crack and chip, so I would pay more attention to that myself and protect it the best you can. Other than that, they are well built units with a great warranty and service. If you want maximum recoil and shock resistance, a mil-spec hardened FLIR GS thermal instrument like the T-50, T-60, T-70, T-75 meets all mil-spec requirements and is recoil resistant up to .50 Browning BMG: http://www.phossil.com/thom/Night%20Vision/FLIR%20T75/308/T-75%20SIG%20716%20Full%20Right%20Side.jpg Thanks Skypup. I am still making my final decision on getting one of these and wanted to know the durability factor - sorry to hear you dropped yours, but god to see it stand up! I see most Flir products have environment ratings which include typically a 1-2m "drop" as being okay (including the LS which says "Drop Operational after 1 m drop onto concrete" - http://www.flir.com/cs/emea/en/view/?id=57579 ) Just could not find anything on the RS series like this. Is it safe to assume its likely the same? |
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Posted: 12/2/2014 1:10:00 PM EDT
[#29]
The RS case is similar to the the PS/LS series of hand-helds.
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Posted: 12/28/2014 2:12:09 AM EDT
[#30]
What is the deal with the scene presets?
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Posted: 12/28/2014 2:26:49 AM EDT
[#31]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
The Current Pre-sets change the Automatic Gain Control Region Of Interest; for S1, S2 & S3 they have distinct Regions of Interest. The AGC is applied over the Region of Interest, ignoring any heat signatures (like the sky) outside of this area when AGC is calculated. 
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Question, What does the scene presets adjust? When I scroll thru the settings on my RS64 I don't see much if any change in the image. I have it at setting 1 and ignore this function. I for one would love to change this to be user presets that include custom POI for different guns, ammo or with/without a silencer. Pretty please FLIR 
The Scene Presets option allows the user to toggle the camera through a range of three different settings which affect the image brightness and contrast. The current setting (S1, S2, S3) is indicated at the bottom of the image. Use the Zoom In (+) and Zoom Out (-) buttons to find the setting which is preferred for a given situation. The preferred setting will vary, depending on time of day, weather conditions, and so on. In most situations the S1 setting will be preferred, but under certain conditions the other settings may provide an improved image based on user preferences The Current Pre-sets change the Automatic Gain Control Region Of Interest; for S1, S2 & S3 they have distinct Regions of Interest. The AGC is applied over the Region of Interest, ignoring any heat signatures (like the sky) outside of this area when AGC is calculated.
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Posted: 12/29/2014 5:49:53 PM EDT
[#32]
The rs64 60mm. Objective lens is focusable
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Posted: 12/29/2014 7:11:02 PM EDT
[#33]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
The rs64 60mm. Objective lens is focusable Ah Ha! So now ya know!!!! 
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Posted: 12/29/2014 7:15:06 PM EDT
[#34]
I'm not a fan of the auto gain. It still does wierd stuff.
Once I got it focused, I would pan down the street and the scene would switch from detailed to a flat gray. It would do that in all the presets. |
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Posted: 12/29/2014 7:19:21 PM EDT
[#35]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I'm not a fan of the auto gain. It still does wierd stuff. Once I got it focused, I would pan down the street and the scene would switch from detailed to a flat gray. It would do that in all the presets. That's because there is too much cigar smoke in the way! 
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Posted: 12/29/2014 7:46:53 PM EDT
[#36]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
That's because there is too much cigar smoke in the way! Lol. The funny thing is that I was told that the 60mm doesn't have a focusable objective lens. So I have been tryng to figure out why I couldn't see anything. The objective lens is so tight it isn't apparent that it is focusable. I know. It doesn't make much sense. The manual . . Yes, I read it. . Didn't mention the obvious which isn't so obvious. |
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Posted: 12/30/2014 12:29:48 AM EDT
[#37]
I have the RS32 35mm and was wondering how do I tell if I have the latest version of the GUI software or the latest software update?
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Posted: 12/30/2014 12:47:29 AM EDT
[#38]
Download the Graphic User Interface (GUI) and check the serial number, firmware, software, etc on your scope.
Be absolutely certain to allow the USB installer to complete before proceeding with any upgrades, it can take 2-3 minutes and you must wait until the USB installer is completed before proceeding or you will wipe out your firmware. More information is in the README sections of the downloads..... The most recent firmware update for the FLR RS series scopes is here: https://flir.app.box.com/s/zmy968m8zfp9jp5itnr7 The most recent software update to the FLIR RS series scopes is here: https://flir.app.box.com/s/el20k4b56qei4lqqob3z |
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Posted: 12/30/2014 2:19:49 AM EDT
[#39]
If you just want to know what version is on the scope, it is displayed briefly after the power-up splash screen in the upper left corner. Mine shows 01.17.08, the latest. But you should def get the SW linked by skypup installed so you can update the scope when new versions are released. If you don't have 01.17.08, you will want to upgrade, because the latest has finer zeroing clicks and storage for 4 zero setups, and bug fixes.
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Posted: 12/30/2014 10:26:24 AM EDT
[#40]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
If you just want to know what version is on the scope, it is displayed briefly after the power-up splash screen in the upper left corner. Mine shows 01.17.08, the latest. But you should def get the SW linked by skypup installed so you can update the scope when new versions are released. If you don't have 01.17.08, you will want to upgrade, because the latest has finer zeroing clicks and storage for 4 zero setups, and bug fixes. I thought it was three zero set points? |
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Posted: 12/30/2014 10:28:45 AM EDT
[#41]
When you install the GUI software on your computer and hook up your scope to it after the USB install, there is an information page that displays all the pertinent information regarding the current installations, serial number, etc. of your instrument.
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Posted: 12/30/2014 2:25:32 PM EDT
[#42]
I just checked. I have 01.17.08
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Posted: 12/30/2014 4:33:41 PM EDT
[#43]
Quote HistoryQuoted: When you install the GUI software on your computer and hook up your scope to it after the USB install, there is an information page that displays all the pertinent information regarding the current installations, serial number, etc. of your instrument. |
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Posted: 12/30/2014 5:55:57 PM EDT
[#44]
Yes, they are still working on it but most have been on vacation the past few weeks.
When it becomes available, there will be a direct link to FLIR to download it. |
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Posted: 1/1/2015 2:34:34 PM EDT
[#45]
Thanks Sky, I have the latest version, there is nothing else I need to do at this point correct? Is it normal to see the reticle shift slightly when zooming in or out?
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Posted: 1/1/2015 5:18:38 PM EDT
[#46]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Thanks Sky, I have the latest version, there is nothing else I need to do at this point correct? Is it normal to see the reticle shift slightly when zooming in or out? The reticule SHOULD shift when zooming in or out, otherwise something is wrong as every change in magnification changes the POI, which is why the reticule SHOULD shift to reflect the changing POI.... |
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Posted: 1/2/2015 12:17:40 AM EDT
[#47]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
The reticule SHOULD shift when zooming in or out, otherwise something is wrong as every change in magnification changes the POI, which is why the reticule SHOULD shift to reflect the changing POI.... Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Thanks Sky, I have the latest version, there is nothing else I need to do at this point correct? Is it normal to see the reticle shift slightly when zooming in or out? The reticule SHOULD shift when zooming in or out, otherwise something is wrong as every change in magnification changes the POI, which is why the reticule SHOULD shift to reflect the changing POI.... I assumed, just confirming, thanks man. |
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Posted: 1/5/2015 3:32:52 PM EDT
[#48]
If anyone has a 60mm model with an objective lens that is too tight to operate, FLIR will fix it. All 60mm units currently shipping have a more "reasonable" tension on the focus mechanism.
As to reticle shift, the scope is attempting to shift the crosshairs back to the center of the image when zoom is activated. Zero is still maintained at all levels of zoom. |
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Posted: 1/5/2015 4:13:34 PM EDT
[#49]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
If anyone has a 60mm model with an objective lens that is too tight to operate, FLIR will fix it. All 60mm units currently shipping have a more "reasonable" tension on the focus mechanism. As to reticle shift, the scope is attempting to shift the crosshairs back to the center of the image when zoom is activated. Zero is still maintained at all levels of zoom. This is why I thought the objective lens was fixed focus. |
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Posted: 1/5/2015 4:18:24 PM EDT
[#50]
It is stiff, but it does not get knackered any.
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