User Panel
Posted: 7/28/2022 1:27:55 AM EDT
Being as the OTM 236 has been clearanced out HERE , several of us have picked them up. started a thread for user discussion.
Has anyone had any luck with Flir tools on mobile working with theirs? I tried bluetooth and wifi and didnt get the app to connect even though the wifi was connected. It looks like the protected 16340 I happen to have lying around will work with mine so thats what I plan to run. It does eat the cr123's |
|
What voltage were the 16340s charged to? I'd be worried about running them in the Scion. Primary cells are 3.2V fresh. Li Ions are 4.2V
|
|
Does the FLIR rechargeable pack ever go on sale? I’d probably be in for like 100 or maybe a bit more but the $200 MSRP is a little too steep for something I’m not going to use all the time.
Ordered mine yesterday so still waiting impatiently for shipping notice. |
|
I just use a small power bank velcro'd to the side and power it via USB C
|
|
The rechargeable battery kit is a worthwhile investment. It gives a ton of run time and holds the charge well.
You can also charge it with the battery installed so no need to remove it unless swapping it with the CR123A tray. I also recommend to drop in a larger micro SD from the git go because once in, it’s a PITA to get it back out. |
|
Mine won't turn on...
Turned on once but now nothing - put in new lithiums...nothing. |
|
|
Mine is now headed back to Adorama. Hopefully I get a replacement. I'll check back in here when and if I receive another.
|
|
Quoted: What voltage were the 16340s charged to? I'd be worried about running them in the Scion. Primary cells are 3.2V fresh. Li Ions are 4.2V View Quote When you search for the battery pack in some descriptions it actually mentions that the cells internally are 18650's. Hence why I'm curious if 18650's might work as a replacement. Looking at the cell holders you might have to modify them slightly. https://www.testequipmentdepot.com/flir/accessories/batteries-and-chargers/scion-rechargeable-battery-kit-32w-3-18650-cells-7gx03f010.htm I tried a hand warmer battery pack and it works fine. The anker battery pack has "IQ" charging and perhaps that's why it's not working? |
|
Quoted: Being as the OTM 236 has been clearanced out HERE , several of us have picked them up. started a thread for user discussion. Has anyone had any luck with Flir tools on mobile working with theirs? I tried bluetooth and wifi and didnt get the app to connect even though the wifi was connected. It looks like the protected 16340 I happen to have lying around will work with mine so thats what I plan to run. It does eat the cr123's View Quote Yeah no luck here for getting any android app to connect to the 236. Does anyone else have any luck? |
|
Step 1: You need the latest firmware version 1.1.7.0. You can check the firmware on the device under the info icon. If you don't have it then go here and follow the instructions to install it FLIR SCION FW UPDATE
Step 2: Install the VLC streaming app or your preferred streaming app. ETA: install on your mobile device that you're intended to connect the SCION to Step 3: Turn on WIFI on your device and the SCION. Go to the SCION's settings menu (gear icon) and click on the WIFI icon. Turn it on (you'll see the icon). You'll see a network path. Step 3: Go to the WIFI sources on your mobile device and look for the SCION. Connect to it. Step 4: Open the app, go to network streaming, and enter the path shown in step 3. Step 5. You should now be streaming the SCION video on the app. Make sure the lens cap is off |
|
|
I couldn’t get a power pack to work with the OTM 236 and ended up buying the FLIR battery. It seems pretty solid so far and gives me about 9ish hours of life
I emailed customer service about the external battery pack issue and was told they inherited the scion line, and that the unit not only doesn’t work well with the battery, but doing so may eventually cause damage. Other than that, the unit has been a bit buggy but okay for the price. Used it to spot some Wildlife the other day and was a good complement to my Super Hogster. I’m hoping it lasts. |
|
Quoted: When you search for the battery pack in some descriptions it actually mentions that the cells internally are 18650's. Hence why I'm curious if 18650's might work as a replacement. Looking at the cell holders you might have to modify them slightly. https://www.testequipmentdepot.com/flir/accessories/batteries-and-chargers/scion-rechargeable-battery-kit-32w-3-18650-cells-7gx03f010.htm I tried a hand warmer battery pack and it works fine. The anker battery pack has "IQ" charging and perhaps that's why it's not working? View Quote That doesn't mean anything. These battery packs often have buck/boost voltage regulators built in, it doesn't mean you can slap in 18650s into the tray made for 2 primary cells in series. |
|
View Quote |
|
|
What do you recommend for rechargeable CR123? I've never used them before, but have a charger for some old AA's with the adjustable ends on the charger if I can find it.
|
|
Quoted: What do you recommend for rechargeable CR123? I've never used them before, but have a charger for some old AA's with the adjustable ends on the charger if I can find it. View Quote As mentioned, be very careful doing this until someone confirms it works in theirs. You are feeding 8.4V into a circuit designed for 6.4V. Not something I'd try with a $800 item |
|
I thought that's what Slappomatt just said he was doing? Is RCR123 something else? I'm confused.
I'm definitely not interested in damaging the unit - I bought the FLIR rechargeable pack for $150, but the Western Fire Company canceled my order and refunded my money. |
|
That's what he said he's doing but no confirmation yet. RCR123s have never been meant to be a substitute for primaries. Some flashlights will take both but they have to be designed to take both. There have been many fried lights due to people haplessly substituting Li ions were they don't belong.
|
|
So is the overpriced battery from FLIR worth the money or should I look at an external power bank with USB-C like you mentioned? I hate how fast it eats regular 123's, but I don't want to risk any damage considering how much the thing cost me.
|
|
YES. The rechargeable battery kit is 100% worth it, if you want to get the best utilization/optimization out of it. The removable battery tray & rechargeable battery kit is a fantastic feature. Take advantage of it the best you can. Dealing with charging multiple batteries (which "could" cause warranty issues) or having a separate USB battery hanging off of it is not ideal. But as they say, you do you.
I keep popping in here not to spam your thread but rather I have spent a lot of time with a SCION PTM166 with the rechargeable battery kit and I'm personally a big fan of the SCION. Having the removable battery/battery tray is a great feature in a handheld thermal. Although full disclosure, we of course sell FLIR products, including the SCION models and SCION accessories. TNVC ARFCOM paid member discounts do apply. FYI, FLIR pricing went up on the SCION and SCION accessories back in June which is why they are higher priced at Official FLIR Dealers such as TNVC. Lower prices elsewhere for OOS battery kits will very likely not be valid because FLIR enforces their MAP policy. The batteries have had longer ETAs this year so if you find one in stock, I'd snag it. ETA: and for clarity we don’t have the rechargeable battery kit in stock currently but we do have them on order. |
|
Thanks Will, that’s what I needed. I appreciate it!
ETA: For those looking, it's back in stock at Amazon and the price is $155.84 currently: FLIR Scion Rechargeable Battery I fo'd. |
|
Quoted: Thanks Will, that's what I needed. I appreciate it! ETA: For those looking, it's back in stock at Amazon and the price is $155.84 currently: FLIR Scion Rechargeable Battery I fo'd. View Quote I have some cheapo RCR that I trust less far than I can throw them. but what could go wrong? lol. ill store mine with the battery out. the cells are protected. only reason I use these is I already had several of them and they seem to work. if I were buying for this I would buy 2 quality RCR123 and verify they fit, and then buy 4 more to fill the tray. |
|
F/W 1.1.7 in mine from the factory, indicator LED on the top won't come on regardless of the setting, but it does power up. Anyone else seeing similar?
Eyecup is also stupidly loose - take it away from your face and it spins around by gravity. Shipped CR123 batteries were at 3.02V each. Given the factory battery pack explicitly states it's 3ea 18650 in parallel, I've got to believe there's a voltage regulator right on the front end of that circuit. Not unreasonable to be concerned that NO LOAD voltage on an RCR123 is 4.2V but I guess I'm not as worried about that as some folks. |
|
could try loading 3X 16650 in the tray and see if it powers on. I have enough to try...
mine also has a loose eye cup, and the LED doesnt seem to do anything either. |
|
Interesting. So what’s the verdict on this thermal unit? This a good buy? Needing something to scan with. What’s a reasonable PID distance to expect with this?
|
|
That’s normal with the eyecup ring. The LED displays charging status with the rechargeable battery kit installed and cable plugged in to power via the port.
|
|
Quoted: Interesting. So what's the verdict on this thermal unit? This a good buy? Needing something to scan with. What's a reasonable PID distance to expect with this? View Quote If I where actually dropping close to 2k I would save up and get something rifle mountable and helmet mountable like the Iray RL25. |
|
Is this unit worth getting? Specifically, seems like a lot of people are having issues with it turning on, and using external batteries.
What is the optimal setup in regards with this specific unit? |
|
Quoted: could try loading 3X 16650 in the tray and see if it powers on. I have enough to try... View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted: could try loading 3X 16650 in the tray and see if it powers on. I have enough to try... Quoted: mine also has a loose eye cup, and the LED doesnt seem to do anything either. |
|
Quoted: This seems like the near-perfect low-$ solution, please do try it! Should be completely safe as we know the 3 columns are already wired in parallel, and we know the factory pack uses 3.7V 18650 cells, so if 16650s will fit in there we should be golden! Thanks! I wasn't gonna send mine back for either of those anyway but it's nice to know it wasn't just me! View Quote |
|
Wouldn't a prudent thing be for someone with the rechargeable pack to measure the output voltage on a full charge to see if it is regulated?
|
|
Quoted: Wouldn't a prudent thing be for someone with the rechargeable pack to measure the output voltage on a full charge to see if it is regulated? View Quote The stock non-rechargeable pack uses 2ea CR123 in series - so at minimum it's around 6V. Even a fully-charged LiIon 18650/16650 cell isn't going to be anywhere near 6V. That's the appeal of those cells - they're clearly UNDER the voltage for disposable cells, as opposed to the 2ea RCR123 in series which at their peak will be OVER that 6V value. |
|
Quoted: The stock non-rechargeable pack uses 2ea CR123 in series - so at minimum it's around 6V. Even a fully-charged LiIon 18650/16650 cell isn't going to be anywhere near 6V. That's the appeal of those cells - they're clearly UNDER the voltage for disposable cells, as opposed to the 2ea RCR123 in series which at their peak will be OVER that 6V value. View Quote Thanks, that makes sense. |
|
It is regulated. Just stick an 18650 in the tray. I used a small magnet to bridge the small gap. Does not work. Also it swells the tray to make it a tight fit
|
|
Quoted: Wouldn't a prudent thing be for someone with the rechargeable pack to measure the output voltage on a full charge to see if it is regulated? View Quote I've have the FLIR rechargeable pack in my OTM. Specs on the label say Model: GPX311 Charging voltage limit 4.2v Max charge current 5.4A Capacity min 8.2Ah / nom. 8.5Ah Nominal voltage 3.65V 32Wh Indicated run time on a fresh charge is something like 11hrs. Hope this helps. |
|
Quoted: I've have the FLIR rechargeable pack in my OTM. Specs on the label say Model: GPX311 Charging voltage limit 4.2v Max charge current 5.4A Capacity min 8.2Ah / nom. 8.5Ah Nominal voltage 3.65V 32Wh Indicated run time on a fresh charge is something like 11hrs. Hope this helps. View Quote You sure it’s not gpx310? Everything I have found says the gpx311 is the 6x cr123 holder tray, which is hilariously also over $100. So don’t lose yours! |
|
Count me in on the Adorama buy. I've had some issues with the scope but I think I've ironed them out, partially because I needed to learn how the unit operates (I have a Trijicon M300W which is much more expensive but so much easier to use - guess I got spoiled) and through trial and error. I only received two dead CR123s with mine, already installed in the battery tray, which really leads me to suspect this scope was a return. However, the FLIR factory seal was intact. I asked both Adorama and Teledyne if this meant I bought a used scope and neither would respond to the question. Adorama did refund me $31, I think just to shut me up and get me to go away.
Overall, for the price, I think it's a deal. I'll keep mine. On a side note, apparently Teledyne has outsourced their customer service to Mexico or some other Hispanic locale. Good luck interpreting some of the written answers to your questions. |
|
Quoted: Count me in on the Adorama buy. I've had some issues with the scope but I think I've ironed them out, partially because I needed to learn how the unit operates (I have a Trijicon M300W which is much more expensive but so much easier to use - guess I got spoiled) and through trial and error. I only received two dead CR123s with mine, already installed in the battery tray, which really leads me to suspect this scope was a return. However, the FLIR factory seal was intact. I asked both Adorama and Teledyne if this meant I bought a used scope and neither would respond to the question. Adorama did refund me $31, I think just to shut me up and get me to go away. Overall, for the price, I think it's a deal. I'll keep mine. On a side note, apparently Teledyne has outsourced their customer service to Mexico or some other Hispanic locale. Good luck interpreting some of the written answers to your questions. View Quote I am still using dual 4.2v RCR in mine and its not let any smoke out yet. |
|
Quoted: You sure it’s not gpx310? Everything I have found says the gpx311 is the 6x cr123 holder tray, which is hilariously also over $100. So don’t lose yours! View Quote That's odd about the model number. Mine is marked as mentioned in my post above, model GPX311 and part # 7GX-03-F011 this is on the battery pack label/decal. However, I pulled out the FLIR packaging (a black box the size of a brick) and the number below the bar code is 7GX-03-F010. Anyway I remember paying ~$200 (and feeling hosed about it) for the pack and the box label says it has 3 x 18650 cells by the looks of it. Would take the pack apart but it's a sealed unit. The pack itself has a plate on the end held on by two screws, once I removed the screws...well it turns out the plate is just a spacer to fill up the battery compartment in the OTM. |
|
I just picked up a used OTM 366 25mm for 1900. Love this thing. 640 is SOOO much better than 320. Also, updating the firmware was pretty easy.
|
|
I bit the bullet and got the battery pack. I'd love to have two as I always strive to have back-ups for every device but for $200? Damn. I'll just have to be satisfied with one.
|
|
I ordered some 16650s claiming 2500mAh ratings - will run them through my Xtar charger to see what it comes up with and then try in the OTM and report back of course.
|
|
|
Well mine was delivered today and immediately had issues, first it wouldn’t power on with known good CR123s, I checked the supplied batteries and they were completely dead so didn’t even try them in the unit. I got it to power on and played with it around the house using a power pack and the USB cable but after a couple power cycles now it won’t come on at all. Power pack is still at / near full…
I think someone else was dealing with power issues, what was the resolution? I need to contact adorama for an RMA? |
|
Quoted: Well mine was delivered today and immediately had issues, first it wouldn't power on with known good CR123s, I checked the supplied batteries and they were completely dead so didn't even try them in the unit. I got it to power on and played with it around the house using a power pack and the USB cable but after a couple power cycles now it won't come on at all. Power pack is still at / near full I think someone else was dealing with power issues, what was the resolution? I need to contact adorama for an RMA? View Quote |
|
Quoted: mine did almost the exact same thing. even ran off a usb pack. in the end I put 6X fresh surefire CR123 in it and it worked after that. View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted: Quoted: Well mine was delivered today and immediately had issues, first it wouldn't power on with known good CR123s, I checked the supplied batteries and they were completely dead so didn't even try them in the unit. I got it to power on and played with it around the house using a power pack and the USB cable but after a couple power cycles now it won't come on at all. Power pack is still at / near full I think someone else was dealing with power issues, what was the resolution? I need to contact adorama for an RMA? Hmmm I’m using 6x (and 4x and 2x) fresh streamlight cells but they have been sitting around for a while, guess I’ll try and get some new ones before sending it back. |
|
|
Quoted: I think pretty much everyone got dead batteries from the sound of it. not sure how a 2-3 year old device ships with dead 10 year shelf life batteries... but oh well. I am still using dual 4.2v RCR in mine and its not let any smoke out yet. View Quote So just checking, but if I pick up this pack: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07WTQHK27?tag=arfcom00-20 I should be pretty similar to what you're running? |
|
Sign up for the ARFCOM weekly newsletter and be entered to win a free ARFCOM membership. One new winner* is announced every week!
You will receive an email every Friday morning featuring the latest chatter from the hottest topics, breaking news surrounding legislation, as well as exclusive deals only available to ARFCOM email subscribers.
AR15.COM is the world's largest firearm community and is a gathering place for firearm enthusiasts of all types.
From hunters and military members, to competition shooters and general firearm enthusiasts, we welcome anyone who values and respects the way of the firearm.
Subscribe to our monthly Newsletter to receive firearm news, product discounts from your favorite Industry Partners, and more.
Copyright © 1996-2024 AR15.COM LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Any use of this content without express written consent is prohibited.
AR15.Com reserves the right to overwrite or replace any affiliate, commercial, or monetizable links, posted by users, with our own.